Are soft skateboard wheels faster?

Are you an avid skateboarder who has always been curious about the differences between soft and hard wheels?

From beginners to seasoned veterans, this question plagues many of us at some point in our skateboarding journeys.

While traditional wisdom might suggest that softer wheels are faster due to their greater grip on surfaces, there is actually more complexity involved when considering your speed.

In this guide we explore how different wheel types affect your speed and provide helpful tips for picking out the perfect set.

So come along as we dive into the science behind skating fastolgoy!

Quick Fact: Yes, soft skateboard wheels are faster than hard skateboard wheels. This is because the softer material has more grip when rolling and is less likely to slide. The softer material also absorbs the shock of going over bumps in the pavement, which allows you to keep your speed smoothly over obstacles. Taking advantage of these qualities, a lot of skateboarders opt for the soft wheel setup in street riding as it gives them more control and speed when navigating through obstacles such as curbs and staircases.

Are soft skateboard wheels faster?

Skateboarders have long considered the question of whether soft wheels or hard wheels provide the fastest ride.

While it may seem that a harder wheel would provide more grip and stability, there is evidence that suggests softer wheels can actually offer greater speed.

Soft skateboard wheels absorb road imperfections to create less drag and require less pushing effort over flat surfaces.

This reduced energy expenditure enables skaters to coast for longer distances and offers a smoother ride with less risk of flat spots.

These benefits often outweigh any concerns about reduced grip, making soft skateboard wheels an ideal choice for those seeking speed across any terrain.

Benefits of using soft wheels:

Soft wheels are a popular choice for roller skates, skateboards, and other wheeled sports. While soft wheels typically cost more than their hard counterparts, they offer several advantages that make them worth the extra money. Let’s take a look at benefits of using soft wheels and why they are so advantageous. 

➲ Better Traction – Soft wheels provide better grip on the ground, making them ideal for sports where precise control is needed. This is especially true in activities such as skateboarding, which require quick changes in direction or balance on uneven surfaces. Harder wheels can be slippery when used on smooth surfaces, while softer ones can give you an edge in those situations. 

➲ Less Vibration – Harder wheels have less shock absorption, causing more vibration when riding over bumps or cracks in the road. Soft wheels absorb these vibrations better thanks to their rubber construction, making them more comfortable to ride on rough terrain. This also helps reduce fatigue from long rides as well as lower the risk of injury due to sudden impacts. 

➲ Higher Speed – The larger contact patch of a soft wheel means that it provides more grip and better acceleration than harder ones do. This makes soft wheels ideal for speed skating or any other activity where a high top speed is desired. 

➲ Smoother Ride – Thanks to their large contact patch and ability to absorb vibrations from the surface below them, soft wheels give you a smoother ride overall compared to harder ones which tend to be bouncier and less forgiving over uneven terrain or bumps in the road. 

➲ Longer Lifespan – Harder wheels wear down faster than softer ones because they lack the ability to absorb vibrations from the surface below them and therefore suffer from accelerated wear-and-tear over time. Soft wheels last longer because of their superior grip and shock absorption capabilities which help reduce wear-and-tear over time as well as improve performance overall.

Conclusion

Soft skateboard wheels are faster than hard wheels due to their greater grip and absorbency.

This means that when you’re navigating through tricky terrain, such as curbs and staircases, soft wheels will give you better control and more speed.

However, it is important to note that different wheel types work best in different situations, so be sure to do your research and pick the best wheel for your particular need.

Whether you’re looking for speed, grip, or a combination of both, soft wheels can offer great advantages over hard ones.