The Best Skateboard Wheels for Rough Roads

Skateboard wheels are not all created equal. Some are better for riding rough roads whereas others are better for cruising and tricks, powerslides, or concrete parks.

So what are the best skateboard wheels for rough roads? If you plan to skateboard on rough roads, you need softer wheels. This doesn’t mean the wheels literally feel soft, it just means they absorb impact more and are better for street skating and grip. The harder the wheels are, the better they are for tricks and concrete skateparks.

Still looking for more information about the best skateboard wheels for rough roads? There are a lot of options out there and it can be a little overwhelming to decide which to try.



Best Skateboard Wheels for Rough Roads

If you’re looking for a skateboard that has the power and wheels for riding the roughest of roads, the MotoTec 1600W Dirt Electric Skateboard with Dual Motor is the skateboard for you!

Here are some of the pros and cons of this particular skateboard with the best wheels for rough roads.

Pros

  • 2 motors, one of each rear wheel
  • Control and grip on any surface
  • Wireless, handheld remote with variable throttle
  • Goes 18-22 miles per hour
  • Water resistant

Cons

  • Heavy – weighs about 70lbs
  • Not as maneuverable as traditional skateboards
  • Short battery life (depending on speed)
  • Remote is a little flimsy

A lot of people like this skateboard for rough roads and terrain and leave very positive reviews. It’s proven to be a lot of fun and even works great on the beach! On the downside, there are a few design flaws (such as not turning easily), but many people state that they still really enjoy it and use it all the time.

CHECK OUT THE MOTOTEC ELECTRIC SKATEBOARD

What are Skateboard Wheels Made Out Of?

Skateboard wheels are made from polyurethane. The reason they are made of polyurethane is that polyurethane so high-density that they are almost flat spot resistant.

Early skateboard wheels were actually made out of steel which meant a very rough ride and almost no grip.

In the 1960s, started being made out of clay but it wasn’t much of an improvement with similar bumpy results.

Urethane skateboard wheels were discovered in the 1970s and provided a much smoother ride than steel or clay wheels.

Skateboard wheel hardness is measured in something called durometer. Most skateboard wheels range between 75a and 100a with the lower the number being softer and the higher number being harder.

What Do the Numbers on Skateboard Wheels Mean?

One of the numbers on skateboard wheels show the wheel diameter in millimeters. The other set of numbers show the softness or hardness.

If you’re unsure about which skateboard wheels you should get for the type of skating you want to do, here is a helpful guide that will explain.

Wheel Diameter Meanings

The diameter of your skateboard wheels is going to determine how fast your skateboard will go.

Smaller numbers indicate smaller wheels and slower speeds. Larger numbers indicate larger wheels and faster speeds.

53mm

These are small, slower wheels that are stable for trick riding and smaller riders, street skating, skate parks, and bowls.


54-59mm

This is the average skateboard wheel size for beginners and bigger riders on street, skate parks, bowls, and vert ramps.


60mm+

Great specialty riders on longboards, old-school boards, downhill, and dirt boards. Great wheels for speed and rough surfaces.


Durometer Number Meanings

The durometer number indicates how hard or soft your skateboard wheels are. This also will help you determine what kind of skating you can do; rough terrain, tricks, skate parks, etc.

The durometer scale goes from 1 to 100 with the lower the number being soft and the high the number being hard. The average skateboard durometer is 99a. There is also a “b” scale that that measures 20 points lower for harder wheels.

78a to 87a

Soft wheel great for rough surfaces where you need a lot of grip to easily roll over cracks and pebbles.


88a to 95a

Slightly harder and faster with a little less grip. Good for street, rough surfaces, and some trick riding.


96a to 99a

Nice speed and grip makes it a more universal wheel. Great option for beginners who enjoy street skating, skate parks, ramps, pools, and other smooth surfaces.


101a+

Hardest and fastest wheel with the least amount of grip. Ineffective on slick and rough surfaces. These are considered pro wheels and are not recommended for beginners.


Are Rubber Skateboard Wheels Good?

Cheap rubber skateboard wheels are not a good idea! While they are much less expensive to purchase, they rip up very easily and will not last long. The wheels are perhaps the most important part of skateboarding, so you want something that is made of a quality material.

If you’re looking at getting new skateboard wheels, stay away from rubber wheels and stick with a urethane-based product.

More of the Best Skateboard Wheels for Rough Roads

There are a lot of really great options out there for skateboard wheels that work great on rough roads.

Here are some other highly reviewed skateboard wheels that you should consider.

Ricta Clouds Skateboard Wheels

In my research for the softest and best skateboard wheels for rough roads, I ran across these Ricta Clouds SkateBoard Wheels with a 78A softness. They are very highly rated on Amazon and reasonably priced with the market.

  • Smooth-rolling and fast 78A soft urethane
  • Solid, 78D core.
  • Modern-shaped and not heavy or bulky
  • Perfect for filming and just cruising
  • Standard bearings fit these wheels

Shark Wheel California Rolls Skateboard Wheels

These skateboard wheels (which have appeard on Shark Tank and The Discovery Channel) are a unique design that are perfect for rough roads and terrain.

  • Great on rough terrain
  • Creates less friction
  • Gives more traction
  • More grip and slide control
  • Lasts longer
  • Get more speed
  • 60mm Diameter
  • 78A durometer

Sector 9 Top Shelf Nine Ball 65Mm 78A

These are an old school style wheel that many people have highly reviewed. They are great for rough roads and have proven to perform well.

  • 78A Top Shelf Urethane
  • Top Shelf Urethane provides added control with a time tested formula
  • Center-set core
  • 38mm contact patch