Roller Skate Wheels / Quad Skate Wheels

Characteristics of Roller Skate Wheels

Quad wheels, also referred to as roller skate wheels, are broader and offer a greater contact area compared to inline skate wheels, enhancing balance for skaters. Each roller skate wheel is unique, differing in size, hardness, and shape. The wheel's diameter or height is measured in millimetres (mm), typically ranging from 55mm to 65mm. The hardness of a skate wheel, known as its durometer, is gauged on the A-scale, ranging from 74A (very soft) to 105A (very hard).

Choosing the Right Size for Roller Skate Wheels

The choice of quad skate wheels should align with your skating style, categorised into Indoor Skating and Outdoor Skating.

For indoor roller skating, wheels are generally small to medium-sized, enabling better control and manoeuvrability within the rink. Rhythm skaters often opt for wheels measuring 62mm in diameter and 35 to 44mm in width. Figure skaters select wheels ranging from 55-65mm in diameter and 30-31mm in width. For outdoor roller skating, larger wheels with a rounded surface are preferred for enhanced stability, typically measuring 55-65mm in diameter and about 40mm in width.

Hardness of Roller Skate Wheels: Indoor & Outdoor

In indoor settings, rhythm and figure skaters might favour very hard wheels for better speed on smooth surfaces, generally falling between 97A and 103A on the hardness scale. Fitness quad skaters taking on outdoor terrains usually opt for softer wheels, as these work as shock absorbers across varying surfaces. Such wheels typically have a hardness of 78A to 85A. For speed skating, the wheels are harder than those used for fitness skating to ensure a quicker roll on smooth urban pathways, with hardness ranging from 95A to 98A.