Skateboarding is a popular sport and recreational activity that has been around since the 1950s. It involves riding and performing tricks on a skateboard, which consists of a wooden board with four wheels attached to the bottom. While most people are familiar with the basic components of a skateboard, such as the deck and trucks, not many know about the materials used to make one of the most important parts - the wheels. In this blog post, we will explore what skateboard wheels are made of and why these materials are important.
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Before diving into what skateboard wheels are made of, let's first understand their basic structure and function. Skateboard wheels are circular components that attach to the trucks (metal T-shaped pieces) of a skateboard. They are responsible for rolling and providing stability to the board, allowing riders to perform tricks and maneuvers. Skateboard wheels come in various sizes, ranging from 48mm to 75mm in diameter, and can be made with different hardness levels.
The first skateboards were made with metal or clay wheels in the 1950s, which did not provide a smooth ride and were prone to cracking. It wasn't until the 1970s when Frank Nasworthy invented polyurethane wheels that skateboarding really took off. These wheels were smoother, more durable, and provided better traction, making them ideal for skateboarding.
Nowadays, skateboard wheels are primarily made of polyurethane (PU), a type of plastic that is known for its durability and flexibility. PU wheels have a high rebound rate, meaning they can quickly return to their original shape after being compressed or rolled over rough surfaces. This makes them ideal for skateboarding as they can withstand the impact of jumps, flips, and other tricks.
In addition to PU, skateboard wheels can also be made with different additives to enhance their performance. For example, adding carbon fibers or fiberglass can make the wheels stiffer and more durable, while adding metal particles can increase their grip on smooth surfaces.
The materials used in skateboard wheels not only affect their durability but also play a significant role in how they perform. The two main factors that affect wheel performance are size and hardness.
As mentioned before, skateboard wheels come in various sizes, and the size of the wheel can greatly impact its performance. Smaller wheels (48mm - 55mm) are ideal for street skating as they provide better control and stability for performing technical tricks. On the other hand, larger wheels (56mm - 75mm) are better for vert skating and cruising as they have a higher top speed and can roll over rough surfaces more easily.
The hardness of skateboard wheels is measured on the durometer scale, with 100A being the hardest and 73A being the softest. Softer wheels (78A - 87A) are better for cruising as they provide a smoother and more comfortable ride, while harder wheels (97A - 100A) are ideal for street skating and performing tricks as they have better grip and slide less on smooth surfaces.
In conclusion, skateboard wheels play a crucial role in the performance of a skateboard. The materials used to make them, primarily polyurethane, greatly impact their durability and performance. Riders must consider the size and hardness of the wheels to ensure they are suitable for their skating style. Next time you see someone cruising or performing tricks on a skateboard, you'll have a better understanding of what makes their wheels roll. So, get your skateboard with the perfect wheels and hit the streets! Happy skateboarding!