Rotten Hearts Guide to Roller Skate Wheels

Not all wheels are created equal, and finding the right ones can make a HUGE difference in your skating experience!

Whether you're cruising outdoors, hitting the rink, playing roller derby, or dropping into the skatepark, we're here to help you find the right wheels for your setup.

Wheel Hardness: What Does Durometer Mean?

Wheel hardness is measured using the A durometer scale. Generally, the lower the number, the softer the wheel. The higher the number, the harder the wheel.

Softer Wheels (78A–85A)

• More grip and shock absorption

• Better for rough pavement and outdoor skating

• Smoother ride over bumps and cracks

• May feel slower or stickier on certain indoor surfaces

Medium Wheels (86A–95A)

• Balance of grip, speed, and maneuverability

• Great for hybrid skating and many indoor surfaces

• Popular for roller derby and recreational skating

• Performance varies depending on the surface

Harder Wheels (96A–103A)

• Less grip and more potential for slide

• Often preferred for smooth indoor floors and skateparks

• Responsive feel for footwork and transitions

• Can feel uncomfortable on rough outdoor surfaces

Choosing Wheel Hardness Based on Your Skating Surface

Your skating surface plays a HUGE role in choosing the right hardness.

Important: These are starting points, not rules! Your weight, skating style, experience, and personal preferences all affect how a wheel performs. Some skaters love extra grip, while others prefer a little slide. What feels perfect to one skater may feel completely different to another.

Wheel Diameter: Does

YES! Wheel diameter affects acceleration, speed, stability, and maneuverability.

Smaller Wheels (Approximately 57–59mm)

• Quicker acceleration

• Easier maneuverability and footwork

• Lower center of gravity

• Popular for roller derby, rhythm skating, and skateparks

Medium Wheels (Approximately 60–62mm)

• Balance of speed, stability, and agility

• Great for recreational skating and roller derby

• Versatile for many skating styles

Larger Wheels (Approximately 63–65mm+)

• Better at maintaining momentum

• Roll more comfortably over small surface imperfections

• Popular for outdoor cruising and distance skating

• May feel less agile for detailed footwork

Wheel Width: Grip vs. Agility

Width affects how much wheel contacts the skating surface.

Narrower Wheels

• Easier lateral movement

• More maneuverable for quick cuts and footwork

• Popular for agile derby skating and dance

Wider Wheels

• More contact area

• Can provide additional stability and traction

• Popular for skaters who prefer a planted feel

Remember, wheel shape, urethane formula, and hardness also influence grip. Wider doesn't automatically mean better!

Indoor, Outdoor, and Hybrid Wheels

Outdoor Wheels

Usually softer, designed to absorb vibrations and provide grip on pavement.

Examples:

• Atom Pulse

• Atom Pulse Lite

• Radar Energy

• Bont Glide

Indoor Wheels

Generally firmer, designed for smooth skating surfaces where speed, control, and maneuverability matter.

Examples:

• Atom Savant

• Radar Halo

• Sure-Grip Zombie

• Bont Ghost Assassin

Hybrid Wheels

Designed to offer versatility across multiple surfaces.

Examples:

• Atom Poison

• Atom Poison Savant

• Sonar Zen

• Crazy Skates BRIGHTS

Hybrid wheels can be a great choice for skaters who don't want to change wheels constantly, but they may not perform as well as specialized wheels on every surface.

Choosing Wheels for Your Skating Style

Roller Derby

Look for a balance of grip, speed, and agility. The ideal hardness depends heavily on your track surface and personal skating style.

Outdoor & Trail Skating

Softer wheels, generally around 78A–85A, help smooth out rough pavement and provide a more comfortable ride.

Rhythm, Jam & Dance Skating

Wheel selection depends on whether you're skating indoors or outdoors. Smaller or narrower wheels can help with intricate footwork, while harder wheels may allow easier pivots and slides on suitable surfaces.

Skatepark Skating

Park wheels are often harder and designed with profiles that help with carving, transitions, and tricks. Wheel hardness and shape should match your park surface and skating goals.

Recreational Rink Skating

A medium-to-hard wheel often works well, but the floor's grip and your comfort level should guide your choice.

How Many Wheels Do I Need?

Quad roller skates use 8 wheels total, four on each skate.

Some wheels are sold individually, some in packs of 4, and others in sets of 8.

Always check the product listing before purchasing!

Do I Need New Bearings?

Not necessarily!

Many roller skate wheels use standard 608 bearings, and you may be able to transfer your existing bearings into your new wheels.

However, worn, damaged, or dirty bearings can affect your roll. If you're upgrading your wheels, it's a great time to inspect and clean your bearings or replace them if needed.

Always confirm bearing compatibility with your wheels and axles.

Still Not Sure Which Wheels Are Right for You?

That's what we're here for!

At Rotten Hearts Skate Shop, we're skaters helping skaters. We know that choosing wheels can be confusing, especially when you're dealing with different surfaces, hardness ratings, and skating styles.

And here's the biggest thing we want you to remember:

The best wheel isn't necessarily the most expensive, the hardest, or the softest. It's the one that works best for YOU.

Need help finding your perfect setup? Reach out to Rotten Hearts Skate Shop, and we'll help you get rolling!

Stay Rotten. Rot and Roll.