The wheels of inline skates are just like the wheels of a car. It is very important to choose the right wheels in different application scenarios. Next we explain the wheel size, hardness, and shape of inline skates.
What is inline skates wheels?
The wheels of inline skates are basically composed of 4 parts:
- Polyurethane
- Bearing
- Gasket
- Wheel hub or wheel core
The thickness of all inline wheel is 24mm, and the diameter and hardness of the wheel are usually marked on the wheel, such as 70mm/80A, which means that the diameter of the wheel is 70mm and the hardness is 80A.
After years of development, the types of inline skates have also been divided into many types, such as aggressive skates, fitness skates, inline hockey skates, racing skates, leisure skates and so on. The biggest difference between these shoes is the size and hardness of the wheels.
How to choose the right size of inline skates wheels
According to the size of the wheel, sort out the common application scenarios of inline skates. More specifically, it needs to be determined based on the user's experience.
|
Wheel Size |
Application |
Description |
|
42-72 mm |
Radical skating |
The wheels are very small, which is good for anti-sway |
|
56-69 mm |
Aggressive skating |
Small wheels can provide the speed and maneuverability needed for jumping and stunts |
|
64-80 mm |
Hockey skating |
Provides traction and grip |
|
68-76 mm |
Figure skating |
Mobility and grip |
|
70-80 mm |
Leisure skating |
Common wheels, suitable for beginners |
|
76-90 mm |
Fitness skating |
Suitable for long distance travel |
|
90-110 mm |
Speed skating, marathon skating |
Large tires make the speed faster |
How to choose the right hardness of inline wheels?
What is the inline skates wheel durometer? The wheel durometer describes the hardness of the wheel. The higher the hardness value, the harder the wheel, the longer its service life, but hard wheels will make riding bumps and provide less grip on the skating surface. The smaller the hardness value, the softer the wheel, the better the grip of the soft wheel, and the smoother driving, but the service life is not long.
|
72A (XX-Soft) |
Used by lightweight skaters weighing no more than 150 pounds. These wheels have an exceptionally soft grade and are only suitable for indoor sports fields. |
|
74A (X-Soft) |
Best for players weighing less than 190 pounds on smooth indoor surfaces. Lighter players can also use them for sticky indoor wooden surfaces and still have good durability. |
|
76A（Soft） |
The most common wheels, skaters weighing less than 210 pounds can use 76A wheels on indoor sports fields, and those weighing less than 140 pounds can use them on wooden surfaces and expect good durability and performance. |
|
78-80A (Multi-surface) |
Multi-purpose wheels, they provide enough hardness to be used on cement and wood surfaces. Provide enough grip on smooth indoor surfaces, especially for heavier players in the 190 to 250 lb range. Players in the range of 150 to more than 200 pounds can use these wheels on wooden surfaces with great effect. Players weighing 200 pounds or less can use it on smooth outdoor surfaces and expect good grip and durability |
|
82A (Outdoor) |
82A wheels perform very well on most outdoor surfaces and are universal outdoor wheels for sidewalks and asphalt pavements-especially for skaters under 180 pounds. |
|
84-85A (Outdoor/asphalt) |
84-85A wheels can be used on very rough surfaces and are very suitable for skating on outdoor sidewalks, concrete or asphalt roads. However, it is not recommended for any indoor use, and may not provide sufficient performance on sealed or painted outdoor surfaces. |
|
86-89A |
Suitable for gyms, polished concrete or untreated very slippery indoor wood. |
|
90-93A (Medium-hard) |
Provides normal grip, ideal for polishing concrete or sports fields. |
|
94-96A (Hard) |
Low grip, suitable for sticky floors. |
|
97-103A (Super hard) |
Only suitable for treated and sticky inline skating rink floors and rubberized gym floors. |
The edge shape of the wheel can be roughly divided into 3 categories: thin, round, flat or square.
|
Shape |
Pros & cons |
Hardness |
Application |
|
Thin |
Reduce resistance, but wear fast |
Soft wheels (78A to 82A) |
Fitness skating |
|
Thin |
Poor grip |
83A-87A |
Speed skating |
|
Round |
Responsive |
74A-80A |
Hockey skating |
|
Almost flat or square |
Good stability and long life |
88A-100A |
Radical skating |
How to choose the right inline skates wheels for you?
First of all, you have to think about your real purpose and where to use it.
Then choose the wheel size and hardness, and shape that suits you according to the two tables above.
Really experienced people can choose the most suitable wheel without referring to the above.
Frequently asked questions
Is 85A wheels good for outdoors?
Yes, The wheels of 85A are moderately hard and suitable for outdoor sliding.
Are smaller wheels better for rollerblades?
No, it depends on you. The large wheels are suitable for experienced inline skaters and are faster, while the small wheels roll more slowly and are more suitable for beginners.
Related: Inline skate wheels: life and maintain
Gyroor provide best inline skates for kids & beginners, have any needs, please discover below:
Gyroor W1 - Adjustable inline skates for kids 4-10+ year old
Gyroor W2 - Washable inline skates for kids, 2 ride mode, 4 size adjust for kids, boys, girls.