Step 1: Consider the hardness of the wheels that fit the surface you play roller skates?
The hardness of roller skates determines which surface suits them. If you choose to play outdoors, the soft wheel 78A-89A will work best. The soft wheel is lighter when it comes to pebbles on the surface. This wheel can also be used well indoors.
Soft wheel is also suitable for slippery surfaces, it is also very suitable.
The hard wheel has a lower grip so it is suitable for indoor roller skates. Also, because it does not have low grip, this type of wheel can reach higher speeds. This wheel is also used for roller skating art in the home.
This is a useful chart to help you choose the right wheel level of hardness depending on your rollerblading purpose:
78A-80A: These are ultra-soft real wheels that should be used for outdoor skating on asphalt and concrete roads or on slippery indoor surfaces.
84A-85A: This is considered a hybrid wheel, which can be used for indoor or outdoor roller skating. These wheels are relatively soft, it is usually for beginners as they have the ability to give you better control.
86A-89A: These are very soft wheels, which are used for indoor skating, gymnasiums that have polished wooden floors, or stilts.
90A-93A: This wheel is medium-hard, suitable for medium overhangs such as polished concrete floors, or floors.
94A-96A: These are really hard wheels. It is very suitable for stickier floors.
97A-103A: These super wheels are only suitable for handling and sticky rubber flooring. It's really only for those who have real experience, because it's so hard to slip, and it's only for sliding targets on sticky surfaces in the home.
Step 2: Wheel diameter affects your speed, stability and overall weight
The diameter determines the height of the wheel, the overall height of the skates and the diameter in millimeters (mm).
Acceleration
Small diameter wheels usually allow faster acceleration because it helps you move with less effort. Wheels of larger diameter will accelerate slower because you have to make more effort to move.
Max speed
A large diameter wheel can attain a maximum speed slower than a smaller diameter wheel. A larger diameter needs more effort to start moving, but once it has been rolling, then you do not have much effort to keep it moving. This is also the type of wheel that is used outdoors.
Speed Acceleration
The smaller diameter wheels will be faster, but you will have to make more efforts to keep the rolls at that speed. Wheels of larger diameter will be slower, but you will need less effort to keep it rolling at that speed.
Stabilization
Wheels of smaller diameter will be more stable than larger diameter wheels. Because the distance between you and the ground is lower.
Wheel weight
The weight of the smaller diameter wheel will be greater than the weight of the larger diameter wheel.
Below is a description of the wheel diameter and specific purpose of use for each type:
- 45mm: used for Art, free
- 57mm-58mm: used for Derby, Speed, Jam, Art
- 59mm-62mm: used for Derby, Speed, Jam
- 65mm-70mm: used for outdoor speed, long speed
Step 3: The core of the wheel affects the overall way that the wheel rolls
The core of the wheel usually has three main types: Hollow, Nylon and Aluminum.
Nylon core
This type of wheel is lightweight, less rigid and cheaper. This type of wheel usually comes with a glow. They are softer and slower as the core does not keep the wheels round.
Aluminum core
Aluminum core is the strongest and hardest core material. It is also the heaviest and most expensive of the three core types. The wheels have aluminum core that allows the wheels to roll longer. It also allows you to slide more easily.
Hollow core
This is a kind of core wheel between nylon and aluminum. It is quite lightweight, it is much lighter than aluminum core and has no limitations as a nylon core. This is a good wheel type and it can give you the acceleration as you want and also get you a long roll.
Step 4: The weight of the slider affects the speed
Your body weight has a huge effect on how your wheels will react and perform. If you weigh over 200 lbs, this weight will add extra pressure to your wheel and make it stick to the surface. That means you should choose a harder wheel. Here a wheel with aluminum core will be best for you
If your weight is less than 100 lbs, this weight will not cause much pressure on the surface. That means you can choose the type of nylon or hybrid aluminum wheels to get the best effect.
If your weight is between 100-200 lbs, then you should use the recommended hardness wheel for the surface you want to slip. You can also choose any of the three core types.
Step 5. Cost
A good set of wheels will cost an average of $ 80. However, there are wheels that cost up to $ 150. It all depends on how you intend to use the wheel and how important the wheel is for you