Hard Wheels vs Soft Wheels: What's the Difference?
Choosing the right skateboard wheels can completely change how your board feels. Two skateboards might look almost identical, but if one has hard wheels and the other has soft wheels, they'll ride very differently.
If you're buying your first skateboard or thinking about upgrading your setup, understanding the difference between hard and soft wheels will help you choose the right option for the way you skate.
What Makes a Skateboard Wheel Hard or Soft?
The difference comes down to the Durometer, which is the measurement of a wheel's hardness. The higher the Durometer number, the harder the wheel.
Most skateboard wheels fall into two categories:
Soft wheels: Around 78A to 92A
Hard wheels: Around 95A to 101A and above
Although the numbers might seem small, they make a huge difference in how a skateboard rides.
Hard Skateboard Wheels
Hard wheels are the standard choice for street skating, skateparks, and technical tricks. Since they don't compress much when they hit the ground, they roll quickly on smooth surfaces and make it easier to slide.
This is why you'll see most experienced street skaters riding wheels between 99A and 101A.
Pros:
- Faster on smooth concrete
- Easier to Powerslide and revert
- Better for flip tricks
- More responsive during technical skating
- Ideal for skateparks and smooth streets
Cons:
- Rough roads feel much bumpier
- Small cracks and pebbles can slow you down
- Less grip on uneven surfaces
Soft Skateboard Wheels
Soft wheels absorb more vibration because they compress as you ride. That makes them much more comfortable on rough roads, older sidewalks, and uneven pavement.
If your daily skating involves commuting, cruising around town, or simply enjoying long rides, soft wheels are usually the better choice.
Pros:
- Smooth ride on rough surfaces
- Better grip while turning
- More comfortable for longer sessions
- Easier to roll over cracks and small stones
Cons:
- Slower on smooth concrete
- Harder to slide
- Less responsive for technical tricks
Which Wheels Are Better for Beginners?
There isn't one perfect answer because it depends on where you'll be skating.
If you're planning to learn tricks at a skatepark or on smooth pavement, hard wheels are the better option. They'll help you get used to the feel of a traditional street skateboard and make tricks like ollies and pop shuvits easier to learn.
If you'll mostly be skating around your neighborhood, riding to school or work, or cruising through rough streets, soft wheels will give you a much more comfortable experience.
Many beginners actually enjoy skating more with soft wheels because they don't have to fight every crack or rough patch in the road.
Can You Use Hard Wheels for Cruising?
You can, but it probably won't be the most enjoyable ride.
Hard wheels work best on smooth surfaces. Once you take them onto rough roads, you'll notice more vibration and less grip. If your local streets aren't well maintained, soft wheels will feel much more forgiving.
Can You Do Tricks with Soft Wheels?
Yes, but there are some trade offs.
You can still learn the basics like ollies, manuals, and shuvits with soft wheels. However, technical tricks become more difficult because the extra grip makes it harder to slide and the softer material absorbs some of the pop.
For skaters who mainly want to learn street tricks, hard wheels remain the better choice.
Which Should You Buy?
Think about where you'll spend most of your time skating.
Choose hard wheels if you:
- Want to learn tricks
- Skate at parks
- Ride mostly on smooth concrete
- Like a fast, responsive feel
Choose soft wheels if you:
- Cruise more than you do tricks
- Skate on rough roads
- Want a smoother, quieter ride
- Use your skateboard for getting around
If you're buying your first complete skateboard, pay attention to the wheel hardness along with the deck size and trucks. The right setup can make learning much more enjoyable, and it's worth comparing more than just the skateboard price before making a decision. A quality skateboard that matches your riding style will always be a better investment than simply choosing the cheapest option.
Final Thoughts
Hard and soft wheels each have their place, and neither is better in every situation. It all comes down to how and where you skate.
If tricks and skateparks are your priority, hard wheels are the way to go. If comfort, cruising, and rough streets are part of your daily sessions, soft wheels will make every ride more enjoyable.
Choosing the right wheels is one of the easiest ways to improve your experience on a skateboard, whether you're buying your first setup or upgrading to something better.
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