Can you use skateboard wheels on roller skates? (Adapting Your Ride)

If you’re an avid roller skater and skateboard enthusiast, you’ve probably wondered: can I use skateboard wheels on my roller skates?

Many people assume that the answer is surely no – after all, aren’t the two sports completely different?

But as it turns out, there’s a lot more to this inquiry than meets the eye.

In this guide, we’re diving deep into what type of wheels are best for each activity and how you can customize your gear for optimal performance.

Whether you’re just learning or a seasoned pro looking to perfect your technique, read on to find out if switching from roller skate wheels to skateboard ones might be in your future.

Can you use skateboard wheels on roller skates?

Yes, you can use skateboard wheels on roller skates.

This is easier and much cheaper than purchasing wheels specifically designed for roller skates.

While other factors such as size and axle dimensions should be considered before making the switch, experienced skaters may find that skateboard wheels offer a superior ride due to their faster acceleration and improved grip on slick surfaces.

However, the durability of these wheels often falls short compared to the more expensive, specialized models traditionally used on roller skates.

Difference between skateboard wheels and roller skate wheels:

There are some key differences between these two types of wheeled sports that can make a huge difference in how you perform on either type of wheeled vehicle. Let’s break down the main differences for each type of wheel. 

Skateboard Wheels

Skateboard wheels are typically made from polyurethane and come in varying sizes, usually ranging from 50-60mm in diameter.

They also have different levels of hardness, measured by durometer ratings (A-scale). The higher the durometer number, the harder the wheel is.

Most skateboards feature a soft urethane which helps with grip and shock absorption when skating on surfaces like concrete or asphalt.

This softer compound also provides more grip than harder wheels, making it easier to perform tricks such as slides or grinds on objects like rails or ledges.

Roller Skates Wheels

Roller skate wheels are made from polyurethane as well but they tend to be much smaller than skateboard wheels; usually ranging from 39-51mm in diameter depending on the style of rink skates you have (traditional quad skates versus inline skates).

Roller skate wheels usually come with harder durometer ratings than their counterparts because they need to be able to handle smooth surfaces like wood floors at rinks or rollerblading parks.

A harder wheel will provide more speed but less grip so it is important to find a balance between speed and grip when purchasing roller skates.

How do you put skateboard wheels on roller skates?

✔ Step 1: Remove the existing roller skate wheels.

✔ Step 2: Make sure that the axle size of your new skateboard wheels is compatible with your roller skates.

✔ Step 3: Once you have confirmed that the new wheels are appropriate for your skates, remove the bearings from the old wheels and install them into the new skateboard wheels.

✔ Step 4: Next, insert the new skateboard wheels into the axles on your roller skates. Make sure they are secured tightly and that the bearings are properly aligned with the axle.

✔ Step 5: Finally, test out your new setup to make sure that everything is working properly before you hit the rink or street.

What are the benefits of using skateboard wheels on roller skates?

Creating your pair of roller skates can be a fun and creative endeavor. With the right combination of skateboard wheels and bearings, you can customize your skates to best suit your particular skating style.

Durability –

Skateboard wheels are designed to handle lots of activity and wear and tear, making them much more durable than traditional roller skate wheels. This means that skateboard wheels can last longer than regular roller skate wheels and provide you with better performance over time. 

Speed –

Skateboard wheels provide a much smoother ride than traditional roller skate wheels, making it easier for you to gain speed quickly. They also provide better grip and stability when cornering, which makes them perfect for outdoor skating on rough surfaces such as asphalt or concrete. 

Comfort –

Skateboard wheels are wider than regular roller skate wheels, providing more cushioning on the pavement and reducing vibration while skating. This makes them much more comfortable to use and helps reduce fatigue over long distances. 

Safety –

The extra cushioning provided by skateboard wheels reduces the risk of injury in case of falls or collisions when skating outdoors. They also provide better control and stability during turns, making it less likely that you will lose balance or slip while skating fast around corners.  

Style –

With a variety of colors and designs available, skateboard wheels can be used to give your old pair of roller skates an updated look without sacrificing performance or comfort.

Are skateboard wheels better than roller skate wheels?

Skateboard and roller skate wheels both have their pros and cons, meaning neither one is necessarily better than the other.

Skateboard wheels tend to be smaller and more lightweight than roller skate wheels, making them easier for riders to maneuver but also more susceptible to wear and tear.

Roller skate wheels are much harder and therefore more durable, but they can also be slower than skateboard wheels.

Skateboard wheels also tend to provide more grip than roller skate wheels, making them better for tricks and slides.

But experienced skaters may find that skateboard wheels offer a superior ride due to their faster acceleration and improved grip on slick surfaces.

Conclusion

The answer to the question is yes, you can use skateboard wheels on roller skates.

Though it might be unconventional, some people prefer the look and feel of skateboard wheels on traditional roller skates, and this customization is totally possible.

For those looking to give their skates a unique style and feel, changing the wheels is a great way to stand out in a crowd.

Skateboard wheels are typically softer, therefore offering more grip and stability when compared to traditional roller skate wheels, but also have increased wear and tear as time goes on.

So whether you’re looking for something different or just want more grip from your skates – skateboard wheels could be the perfect choice for you.