If you're shopping for skateboard wheels, you've probably seen numbers such as 78A, 87A, 92A, 99A, or 101A.

These numbers refer to the wheel's durometer, which is a measurement related to the hardness of the polyurethane used to make the wheel.

Understanding a skateboard wheel durometer can help you choose wheels that match the way you ride.

The number alone doesn't tell you everything about a wheel. Wheel diameter, shape, contact patch, and construction also affect performance. However, a durometer is one of the easiest specifications to understand when comparing skateboard wheels.

 

How Does the Durometer Scale Work?

Skateboard wheels are commonly described using the A-scale for polyurethane hardness.

In simple terms, a lower number generally indicates a softer wheel, while a higher number indicates a harder wheel.

For example, a 78A wheel is much softer than a 99A wheel.

Soft wheels generally absorb more vibration from rough surfaces. Harder wheels tend to provide a more direct and responsive feeling on smooth surfaces.

This difference is one of the main reasons skateboarders choose different wheel hardnesses for different types of skating.

 

What Are Soft Skateboard Wheels?

Soft skateboard wheels are designed to provide a smoother ride, especially over rougher surfaces.

Because softer polyurethane can absorb more of the small bumps and vibrations from the ground, soft wheels can feel more comfortable when cruising on rough pavement.

They can also provide more grip on certain surfaces.

This makes softer wheels popular for cruising, transportation, and some long-distance riding setups.

If you frequently skate on rough sidewalks, streets, or uneven pavement, a softer wheel may provide a more comfortable experience than an extremely hard wheel.

 

What Are Hard Skateboard Wheels?

Hard skateboard wheels generally feel faster and more responsive on smooth surfaces.

They are commonly associated with street skating, skateparks, and technical tricks because they can provide a more direct connection between the skateboard and the ground.

Harder wheels can also make slides easier on suitable smooth surfaces.

However, that doesn't mean hard wheels are automatically better. On rough pavement, they can transmit more vibration to the rider and may feel less comfortable than softer wheels.

The best choice depends on where you skate and what you want your skateboard to do.

 

What Are 99A Skateboard Wheels?

99A skateboard wheels are a popular middle-to-hard option used by many street and park skaters.

They provide a balance between responsiveness and some ability to handle less-than-perfect surfaces.

For a beginner who wants one setup for general street skating and occasional park sessions, 99A wheels can be worth considering.

However, wheel hardness is only one part of the equation. Two wheels with the same durometer can feel different because of their shape, size, urethane formula, and contact patch.

 

How Does Wheel Durometer Affect Grip?

Wheel hardness can affect how much the wheels interact with the riding surface.

Softer wheels generally provide more grip, while harder wheels are more likely to slide on smooth surfaces when the conditions are right.

This difference becomes particularly noticeable when comparing cruising wheels with traditional street skateboard wheels.

If you want a stable and grippy feeling while traveling over rough surfaces, softer wheels may be more suitable.

If you want a more responsive setup for tricks and slides, harder wheels may be preferable.

 

How Does Durometer Affect Comfort?

Rough pavement can make a major difference to your riding experience.

Every crack, pebble, and uneven section of pavement can send vibration through the wheels and trucks into the deck.

Softer wheels can absorb more of these small imperfections, which can make cruising more comfortable.

Hard wheels tend to transmit more of the surface texture to the board.

This is why wheel choice should depend on where you normally skate rather than simply choosing the highest or lowest durometer available.

 

How Does Wheel Hardness Affect Speed?

Speed is slightly more complicated than simply saying "hard wheels are faster" or "soft wheels are faster."

On smooth surfaces, hard wheels can roll efficiently and provide a responsive feel. On rough surfaces, softer wheels can maintain smoother contact with the ground and roll over small imperfections more easily.

Wheel diameter also plays an important role. Larger wheels generally maintain momentum differently from smaller wheels.

Your bearings, wheel shape, riding surface, rider weight, and overall skateboard setup can also influence how fast the board feels.

For that reason, skateboard wheel durometer should always be considered together with the rest of the wheel's specifications.

 

Choosing Wheel Durometer for Different Types of Skating

Your riding style is one of the easiest ways to narrow down your options.

For cruising, softer wheels are often popular because they provide a smoother and more comfortable ride over rough pavement.

For street skating, harder wheels are commonly used because they offer a responsive feel for tricks and technical skating.

For skateparks, harder wheels are also common because smooth concrete works well with a responsive wheel.

For a mixed setup, a mid-range durometer can provide a balance between comfort and responsiveness.

These are general guidelines rather than strict rules. Experienced skaters often choose wheels based on personal preference after trying different setups.

 

What Wheel Durometer Should Beginners Choose?

There is no universal durometer that every beginner should use.

Instead, think about where you will spend most of your time skating.

If you mainly cruise around rough streets and sidewalks, softer wheels may make the experience more comfortable.

If you're learning tricks at a skatepark or on smooth concrete, harder wheels may provide the responsive feel you want.

If you want to do a little of everything, a mid-range wheel can be a practical starting point.

As you become more experienced, you can experiment with different durometers and find the combination that suits your riding style.

 

Other Skateboard Wheel Features to Consider

Durometer isn't the only specification that matters.

Wheel diameter affects acceleration, speed, and how easily the wheels roll over obstacles. Smaller wheels can feel responsive, while larger wheels can maintain momentum and handle rough surfaces differently.

Wheel width and contact patch also influence stability and grip.

Wheel shape can change how the wheel interacts with the ground and how easily it releases during slides.

This is why two skateboard wheels with the same 99A rating can still feel noticeably different.

When shopping for skateboard wheels, consider the complete wheel design instead of looking only at the durometer number.

 

Final Thoughts

Understanding skateboard wheel durometer can make choosing wheels much easier.

Softer wheels generally provide more comfort and grip on rough surfaces, while harder wheels tend to offer a more responsive feel on smooth ground. Popular options such as 99A wheels sit toward the harder end of the common skateboard wheel range and are widely associated with street and park skating.

But durometer is only one part of a skateboard wheel's performance.

Consider your riding surface, skating style, wheel diameter, shape, and personal preference before making a choice. Once you understand how these factors work together, you can build a skateboard setup that feels right for the way you actually ride.