Are you a skateboarder looking for the best wheel brands in the market? With so many options available, we understand that it can be challenging to determine which ones are worth investing in.
Luckily for you, we have conducted numerous surveys and sought advice from industry experts to present you with the top ten skateboard wheel brands that are worth buying for your skateboard.
In this article, we will provide you with an overview of each brand’s features and benefits, including wheels from Spitfire, Bones, Ricta, OJ Skateboard, and Baker. Furthermore, we will also offer tips on selecting the right size and hardness for your style of skating.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro seeking new wheels for your board, our comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision about which brand suits your needs best.
So let’s dive in and discover the ten best wheel brands for skateboarding for you!
top 3
Santa Cruz
- Most Santa Cruz wheels range from 78A-97A
- Many sizes available in the Slimeballs line
Best Skateboard Backpacks
1. Haze
If you’re on a budget but still want quality wheels, Haze is a brand to consider. They may be new to the scene, but they’ve already proven themselves as a solid choice for skateparks and technical street skating. Compared to major brands like Spitfire and Bones, Haze offers relatively affordable wheels that don’t compromise on quality.
Haze has managed to nail the Urethane formula regarding flat spots like no other brand. Their wheels are hard to flat spot even after extensive skatepark use. Furthermore, the brand offers grippy wheels that allow for power slides.
Overall, if you’re looking for quality wheels at an affordable price point, Haze is worth considering. This makes it one of the best skateboard wheel brands.
Product Specs:
- Available in 52mm, 53mm, and 54mm sizes
- Durometer rating of 101A
- Sold in sets of four
Pros
- Cheaper than premium brands like Spitfire and Bones
- Very grippy while still allowing for power slides
- A solid choice for skateparks and technical street skating
Cons
- Tend to crumble on the sides after extensive use
2. DGK
You’ll love the stability and superior locking ability of DGK wheels, which makes them an excellent choice for street and park skating enthusiasts who want to take their skills to the next level.
With a diameter range of 48mm to 54mm and a hardness of 101A, these wheels are designed for technical tricks on smooth surfaces. Moreover, the wider contact patch provides extra grip, making them very stable during grinds, and offers an easier ride when landing tricks.
DGK wheels are also affordable compared to premium brands while still offering reliable performance. They don’t flat spot easily, so you can skate with confidence knowing your wheels won’t slow you down or cause any sudden stops.
However, it is important to mention that these wheels aren’t beginner-friendly due to their hard and fast nature and should only be used by experienced skaters.
Product Specs:
- Diameter: 48mm – 54mm
- Hardness: 101A
- Wider contact patch for extra stability
- Threaded contact patch for added grip
Pros
- Stable when performing technical tricks
- Affordable compared to premium brands
- Resistant to flat spotting
- Threaded contact patch provides extra grip
- Excellent at locking into grinds on rails and copings
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners due to its hardness
- Not meant for cruising
- Only recommended for street and park skating
3. Santa Cruz
Get ready to experience the thrill of bowl skating with Santa Cruz’s stable and grippy wheels, a perfect choice for beginners and kids. Santa Cruz is a legendary skateboard brand that’s been around since the 1970s, so you know you’re getting quality products when you buy their wheels.
Santa Cruz only offers a small selection of wheels compared to other brands, but this makes it less overwhelming for those who are new to skateboarding or just looking for a dependable wheel option.
Their wheels are known for their grip and stability, making them ideal for bowl riders who need that extra traction while carving. The grip allows you to skate on without having to worry about losing traction. This makes it one of the best skateboard wheels for parks.
Additionally, many of their wheels are geared toward beginners and kids, providing an excellent choice for those starting in the sport.
Product Specs:
- Most Santa Cruz wheels range from 78A-97A
- Great options available for pool/bowl riders
- Many sizes available in the Slimeballs line
Pros
- Grippy and stable
- The ideal choice for beginners and kids
- Small selection makes it less overwhelming
Cons
- Not suitable for technical skaters who need smaller hard wheels
- Can be rather expensive
4. Mini Logo
Looking for high-quality skateboard wheels on a budget? Mini Logo might be what you are looking for. As part of Powell Peralta, Mini Logo has been providing quality wheels since the mid-90s and caters to skaters who want reliable and solid wheels without breaking the bank.
Mini Logo’s Standard Formula is perfect for skate parks and smooth surfaces. Their C-cut wheels range from 50mm to 54mm and are specifically designed for street and park skating at 101A, making them ideal for technical tricks.
On the other hand, the A-cut wheels come in sizes ranging from 51mm to 60mm, with a wider contact patch that provides more stability. If you’re after a softer ride, Mini Logo also offers a hybrid formula that ranges between 52mm and 58mm in size with options of either 90A or 95A.
Both the specifications available mean that they have an option in wheels for everyone making them one of the best skateboard wheels for sliding.
Product Specs:
- Standard Formula Wheels: Available in both A-cut (wider contact patch) and C-cut (more minor contact patch)
- C-cuts: Range from 50mm to 54mm; Specifically designed for street and park skating
- A-cuts: Range from 51 mm to 60 mm; Wider contact patch provides more stability
- Hybrid Formula Wheels: Great for rough roads or casual cruising
- Sizes: Ranges between 52 mm -58 mm
Pros
- Affordable option without sacrificing quality
- Lots of choices available depending on your preference
- Offers colored wheels
- Good choice for technical skaters as well as cruising enthusiasts
Cons
- Avoid power slides since they flat spot faster due to the cheaper plastic formula
- Not as durable as premium brands
5. Welcome Orbs
A part of Welcome Skateboards which was founded in 2010, Orbs offers a limited but affordable range of wheels that are great for both street and transition skateboarding.
With a wider-than-average contact patch, Orbs Specters are excellent all-around wheels that beginners will appreciate due to their easy riding surface. Furthermore, the hard setup of the wheels provides excellent grip to ensure a smooth riding experience.
These wheels are perfect for park and street skating and can handle various terrains with ease. They are also a fantastic option if you’re just starting since as provide stability while riding.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly skateboard wheels for your custom setup, then Orbs is an excellent choice for you.
Product specs:
- Limited choice of shapes
- Not ideal for bowl skating
- Less durable compared to Spitfire OG’s
Pros
- Jack of all trades; Versatile
- A great choice for beginners
Cons
- Limited shape options
- A limited variation on the Durometer scale
6. Orbs Specters
Orbs Specters are an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate skateboarders. They are affordable, all-around wheels that lock in nicely when doing ledge, rail, and coping tricks.
Made from Orbs’ plasma urethane formula, the Specters have a durometer of 99A and come in sizes 53mm, 53mm, 54mm, and 56mm. The wider contact patch compared to other wheels makes them a great option for beginners who need more stability while riding.
The wheels are conically shaped which helps with locking onto rails and ledges. The Specters are also quite durable which means they will last you for a long time even with regular use.
Product specs:
- Durometer: 99A
- Sizes: 53mm, 53mm, 54mm, and 56mm
- Shape: Conical
- Material: Plasma Urethane Formula
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Durable construction that lasts long
- Great all-around wheel for parks and street skating
Cons
- Not meant for cruising
- Limited choice of shapes
- Not great for bowl skating
7. Ricta
Ricta wheels offer a great option for beginners who want a smooth ride and stability. They are perfect for those who are just starting on their skateboarding journey and need something reliable to learn the basics of riding.
Ricta has a wide range of wheel options, from the Naturals to the Cores and Clouds, that cater to different needs. The Naturals are great all-around beginner wheels with options for flippy technical tricks or more balance due to their wider contact patch.
Meanwhile, the Cores have larger plastic wheel cores which make them faster and offer more stability, making them suitable for all styles. Lastly, the Clouds offer a very stable and comfortable ride, with different hardnesses available depending on your preference.
However, Ricta wheels may not be the best choice for experienced skaters looking for technical tricks as they can feel too soft and bouncy.
Product Specs:
- Sizes: 51mm-60mm
- Durometer Range: 78A-101A
- Styles: Naturals, Cores, Clouds
Pros
- A great option for beginners
- A solid choice for trick/cruiser setups
- A wide variety of styles and hardnesses are available
Cons
- Softer wheels can feel bouncy
- Not much choice available for experienced skaters
- Soft wheels may flat spot easily
8. Powell Peralta
With their impressive technology and wide range of options, Powell Peralta is a serious contender for those seeking quality skateboard wheels.
From big and soft cruiser/longboard wheels to hard street skateboard wheels, they have something for everyone. Their four different formulas (Soft Slide, Bomber, Classic, and Pro Series) offer varying levels of durability and speed.
One stand-out feature of Powell Peralta’s Soft Slide Formula is the multiple hardnesses in each wheel. The soft outside provides grip while the harder middle ensures durability and speed.
This makes them great for cruising or long-distance longboarding. However, it is imperative to mention that the softer wheels are prone to chunking so be mindful during power slides.
Product Specs:
- Four different formulas: Soft Slide, Bomber, Classic, Pro Series
- Soft Slide Formula offers multiple hardnesses in each wheel
- Sizes ranging from 53mm to 72mm
Pros
- Wide range of options for all styles of skating
- Multiple hardnesses in Soft Slide Formula provides grip and durability
- A large plastic core adds stability
Cons
- Softer wheels are prone to chunking
- Limited options in the street skating category
9. OJ
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable brand with a rich history, OJ Wheels might just be the perfect fit for your skateboarding needs.
With decades of experience and collaborations with famous skateboarders, OJ has become a reputable wheel brand in the industry. They offer wheels for various disciplines like street, park, vert, bowl, and cruising.
The Mini Combo Shape Formula is their latest formula designed for both street and park skaters. The conical shape of the Mini Combo provides extra stability and more sliding control while also offering better lock-ins on grinds and ledge tricks.
The OJ Hardlines are great for those who want to ride in transitions as they provide great stability with an extremely wide contact patch starting at 22mm.
If you’re searching for an affordable cruiser wheel that offers one of the smoothest rides without spending too much money then look no further than the Super Juice wheels.
Product Specs:
- Mini Combo Shape Formula: Available in 53mm, 54mm, 56mm, or 58mm at 101A
- OJ Hardlines: Available in 53mm, 54mm, 56mm, or 58mm at both 99A and 101A
- EZ Edge: Available in either a 53 mm or a 54 mm size with an additional option of an 18.5 mm contact patch (54 mm) or a 20 mm contact patch (56 mm), all at 101A.
- Nomads: Available in both55and60mmsizeswith95Adurometer.
- Super Juice: Available in either 55m or 60mm sizes with a 78Adurometer.
Pros
- Offers wheels for all disciplines
- Reputable wheel brand for decades
- Beginners will appreciate the stability
Cons
- Hard to pick the right will because of the wide variety
- The softer wheels can chunk on sharp ledges
10. Bones Wheels
Looking for skateboard wheels that offer durability, reliability, and speed? Look no further than the Bones Wheels – a brand that’s been pushing the limits of technology since its inception in 1977.
Founded by George Powell, the brand started as a DIY project to create self-made skateboard wheels but soon became one of the most innovative brands in the market.
Bones offers a range of formulas for almost all disciplines like transition, street, bowl, and cruising. Their Street Tech Formula (STF) wheels last longer than most brands and provide enough grip for both street and skateparks.
The wheels are hard in composition making them versatile for all sorts of terrain while simultaneously providing an efficient grip for all your skateboarding adventures.
If you’re looking for one of the best transition (skate park) wheels you can get, Bones Skatepark Formula (SPF) is your go-to option.
Product Specs:
- Variety of formulas: STF, SPF, ATF, and Original
- Price range: $29 – USD 49 per set of four wheels
- Durability: Lasts longer than most brands
- Range of disciplines: Offers wheels for almost every field from street to cruising
- Speed: One of the fastest wheel brands available
Pros
- Durable and reliable
- Offers wheels for almost all disciplines
- Great longevity
Cons
- Harder wheels are not beginner-friendly
- The hardest formula isn't great for bowl and vert skateboarding
FAQS
Which Wheel or Brand Should You Choose?
Choosing the right skateboard wheel can make all the difference in your skating experience, so it’s important to consider your style and needs before selecting a brand. When it comes to wheels, Spitfire is a top contender for its high quality and diverse options.
But if you’re looking for something different, there are many other great brands out there. Some popular choices include:
Bones Wheels:
These are known for their durability and speed. They come in a range of sizes and durometers to suit any skating style.
Ricta Wheels:
Ricta offers both hard street wheels and soft cruiser wheels, making them versatile for different types of skating. They also have a unique urethane formula that provides extra grip.
OJ Wheels:
OJ specializes in cruiser wheels, with options ranging from 55mm to 75mm in size. Their Super Juice line is particularly popular among skaters who want a smooth ride on rough terrain.
No matter which brand you choose, be sure to pay attention to the product specs like size and durometer and any pros and cons specific to each brand.
Conclusion
With so many options available, choosing the right size and hardness for your style of skating can be daunting. Remember, before making a decision, consider your personal preferences and skateboarding style.
Whether you prefer cruising or performing tricks in the park, there is a wheel brand that suits your needs. So take some time to research each brand’s features and read reviews from fellow skateboarders before investing in new wheels.
With the right pair of wheels, you’ll be able to reach new heights on your board!
Shane Hill is a skateboard performer and trains skateboarding in various academies in Australia. He is passionate to teach skateboarding to beginners and has dedicated his career to this sport.