When buying roller skates, we pay attention to their color, fastening system, and size. However, the secret lies in the details – specifically, the wheels! They are responsible for ensuring a smooth, safe, and completely comfortable ride. The properties of the wheels depend primarily on their degree of flexibility, also known as hardness. What hardness of roller skate wheels is best? This guide will dispel all your doubts.
Fortunately, today's technologies prioritize maximum comfort. Modern inline skates use advanced polyurethane (commonly called rubber), which comes in various hardness grades. This material allows the wheels to perform exceptionally well on surfaces, providing excellent shock absorption and pure skating pleasure.
How to read markings? Inline skate wheel hardness
When you look at a wheel, you usually see a number and the letter "A"—this is the hardness scale. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. The basic division is as follows:
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74A – 80A: soft wheels
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82A – 84A: medium hardness wheels (the most universal)
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86A and more: hard wheels
The hardness of the wheels directly affects two key parameters: traction and vibration absorption. The choice of a specific model depends on where and how you plan to ride.
Adjust the hardness of the wheels to your style
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Soft wheels (below 82A): provide excellent grip and safety on turns and perfectly dampen vibrations on uneven surfaces. Their downside is that they wear out faster and are harder to reach breakneck speeds on. They're an ideal choice for beginners and recreational skaters who are just learning to control their balance and need maximum stability. These models are perfect for any terrain lacking a perfectly smooth surface.
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Medium wheels (82A – 84A): are an excellent solution for both children and adults taking their first steps in the sport. Intermediate roller skaters looking for equipment for regular fitness and conditioning skating will also appreciate them. These wheels combine optimal durability, decent speed, and good shock absorption, offering the most versatile compromise. They are ideal for riding on asphalt and bike paths.
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Hard wheels (above 84A): are extremely durable and fast. They are used by professionals, roller hockey players, and those who enjoy aggressive skating. Their hardness means they do not dampen vibrations well, so riding over bumps can be uncomfortable. This option is designed exclusively for advanced skaters who can perfectly control high speeds and perform jumps or tricks. The ideal surface for them is smooth concrete screeds, ramps in skateparks and impeccable asphalt.
Wheel hardness in children's roller skates - what to choose?
Children's roller skates should be equipped with soft wheels for the first rides. Here's why:
- help in learning stability and provide comfort, which are the most important priorities for the youngest skating enthusiasts,
- are adapted to the small weight of the little ones - unlike hard wheels, which in the case of a light child could easily lose grip and get out of control,
- guarantee a pleasant ride - they effectively prevent situations in which moving on rough asphalt would be simply tiresome and discouraging for the child.
By choosing roller skates for girls or roller skates for boys, it's worth making sure that the wheels are made of polyurethane (PU). Cariboo products use precisely this solution. Combined with the appropriate hardness, it makes your little one more willing to spend time outdoors, because the ride is quiet, smooth, and safe.
Find the perfect roller skate model at Cariboo
At Cariboo, we make sure that every child finds the perfect equipment for themselves. For the youngest, who are just taking their first steps on the asphalt, we have prepared safe 2-in-1 roller skates . The additional wheels serve as a safety feature and help maintain balance, and once your child has mastered the basics, the side wheels can be easily removed.
If you're looking for a comprehensive solution, check out our skates with protectors – at Cariboo, safety and comfort always go hand in hand. Just add a helmet and you're ready to hit the road!
Read also:
When buying roller skates, we pay attention to their color, fastening system, and size. However, the secret lies in the details – specifically, the wheels! They are responsible for ensuring a smooth, safe, and completely comfortable ride. The properties of the wheels depend primarily on their degree of flexibility, also known as hardness. What hardness of roller skate wheels is best? This guide will dispel all your doubts.
Fortunately, today's technologies prioritize maximum comfort. Modern inline skates use advanced polyurethane (commonly called rubber), which comes in various hardness grades. This material allows the wheels to perform exceptionally well on surfaces, providing excellent shock absorption and pure skating pleasure.
How to read markings? Inline skate wheel hardness
When you look at a wheel, you usually see a number and the letter "A"—this is the hardness scale. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. The basic division is as follows:
The hardness of the wheels directly affects two key parameters: traction and vibration absorption. The choice of a specific model depends on where and how you plan to ride.
Adjust the hardness of the wheels to your style
Wheel hardness in children's roller skates - what to choose?
Children's roller skates should be equipped with soft wheels for the first rides. Here's why:
By choosing roller skates for girls or roller skates for boys, it's worth making sure that the wheels are made of polyurethane (PU). Cariboo products use precisely this solution. Combined with the appropriate hardness, it makes your little one more willing to spend time outdoors, because the ride is quiet, smooth, and safe.
Find the perfect roller skate model at Cariboo
At Cariboo, we make sure that every child finds the perfect equipment for themselves. For the youngest, who are just taking their first steps on the asphalt, we have prepared safe 2-in-1 roller skates . The additional wheels serve as a safety feature and help maintain balance, and once your child has mastered the basics, the side wheels can be easily removed.
If you're looking for a comprehensive solution, check out our skates with protectors – at Cariboo, safety and comfort always go hand in hand. Just add a helmet and you're ready to hit the road!
Read also: