Every roller skate wheel is different. They can vary in size, hardness, shape, and even hub material. It is important to choose a wheel that is suited to type of skating that you will be doing whether it is indoor, outdoor, artistic, or speed.
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Size
The diameter or height of a skate wheel is measure in millimeters (mm). Smaller wheels provide maneuverability needed for aggressive skating, artistic skating, roller dancing, and roller hockey, while wheels on the larger side will provide a smoother ride and faster speed than the smaller wheel. Larger wheels are typically used for fitness and speed skating.
- The typical size of an indoor quad skate wheel is 62mm in diameter by 35 to 44mm in width. The width of a wheel corresponds to the speed that you want to travel.
- A typical outdoor wheel is anywhere from 60-70mm in diameter and 32-42mm in width. The varying sizes helps to give the wheel more surface area in order to make the skate more stable when skating outside and encountering different terrains.
- A typical artistic skate wheel is 55-65mmin diameter by 30-31mm in width. The smaller width allows for the wheels to be easily maneuvered. Freestyle singles skaters typically use smaller wheels compared to figure skaters and dance skaters who tend to use wheels on the larger side.
- A typical speed wheel for quad skating is 62mm in diameter by 40mm in width. Quad skate wheels for indoor speed roller skating in general are wider than other quad skate wheels.
The hardness of a skate is also called its Durometer. These phrases are often used interchangeably, so hopefully you won’t be too confused when you come across them. The hardness of a wheel is measured on the A-scale, ranging from as soft as 74A up to 105A, which is the hardest you will likely find. Wheel Durometer will affect its durability, shock absorption, and ability to grip on an indoor or outdoor skating surface.
- Indoor skate wheel Durometers are typically suggested as follows:
- 97A for standard surfaces
- 95A for slippery surfaces
- 92A for extra slippery surfaces
The wheels that are used by artistic skaters are also the wheels that are most often used by indoor recreational skaters. (See Artistic Skating below)
- Outdoor wheels will usually have a hardness range from 78A to 85A
- Artistic skaters tend to use very hard wheels typically ranging from 97A to 103A.
- Speed wheels are typically on the harder side ranging from 95A to 98A.
Profile is often used to describe the shape of a skate. Wheels that are designed for fitness and speed skating are narrower with a round or pointed skating surface. This shape of skate is the best for fitness and speed skating because it provides the most maneuverability for turning tight corners and provides the most speed.
In today’s marketplace skate wheel hubs are typically made from durable nylons or aluminum material. The hub serves as housing for the wheel’s bearings and is the central support for the wheel. The larger the hub, the lighter the wheel becomes and the less urethane is used to complete the final diameter of the wheel.
I am looking for a shorter quad roller skate wheel (55mm diameter) with a wide width (40mm width).
Chris,
As there are a lot of different variations of wheel sizes and styles we cannot meet the need of all consumers with our stocked items. We can however special order and have delivered any item from a company which we sell. We currently don’t have any wheels with the diameter you’re looking for but give us a call at (888) 271-7500 and we can order you some wheels from one of the great brands we carry that will meet your criteria.
Do some shopping around before hand and have a model ready and we will take care of the rest. Take a look at the link below for the brands we currently have in wheels.
http://www.rollerskates.net/wheels/c1000003873/?sort_direction=6
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
I am looking for a larger size mens quad skate, size 16W, for indoors /outdoors. How and where can I special order it?
Jeffery Lee,
We have available for order the Pacer Super X and Super X Bones Roller Skates in a men’s size 16. These are going to offer a standard men’s width but will break in around your specific foot shape. We can also special order skates from the brand we carry; check out the websites of the brands we carry and see if anything catches your eye. If you wish to special order a pair of skates simply give us a call at 888-271-7500 and we will be happy to help you.
Here’s a list of brands we carry; I don’t think I missed any J
Chicago
Dominion
Labeda
Pacer
RC
Riedel
Rock
Rollerderby
Sonic
SureGrip
Please let me know if you have any further comments or questions.
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
trying to buy some quad skate wheels for my husband. I was told that bones are a good brand. he typically skates in an in-door rink and likes doing turns and tricks. his current wheels however roll very slowly and require a lot of energy to really make them move fast. If he tries to trio skate to Jame's Brown's I Need Some Money, he is exhausted (and he's pretty fit). Will Bones wheels be appropriate, if so, what size and hardness? How do I know what size wheels his skates take or are the wheel hubs on his skates all a standard size?Or, are his current wheels probably ok but his bearings the problem? If I order new wheels, must I order new bearings for the wheels too and is there a particular kind of bearing?
I am just getting back into skating and just want a good, reasonably priced roller skate for skating at the rink with the kids. I am sick of renting their awful skates.
Hello,
I would suggest something like the Chicago Starter Rhythm roller skates or the Chicago CRS 800 Precision Artistic roller skates. Both of these are good quality skates that give great support and are comfortable to skate in. Perfect for replacing those rental rollers in style and comfort.
Lisa