How much do skateboard wheels cost? (Spinning the Costs)

It’s safe to say that skateboarding is one of the most popular recreational activities out there.

Whether you’re an experienced shredder or just starting out, understanding skateboard wheels and their associated costs can help you make a more informed purchase decision.

Skateboard wheel prices can vary tremendously depending on factors such as wheel size, quality, flat spot resistance, and level of grip.

In this guide, we’ll go in-depth into the different types of skateboard wheels available on the market and give a clear breakdown of cost so you know what to expect when it comes to your wheel upgrade.

Quick Guide: Skateboard wheels can range significantly in cost, depending on their construction and intended use. Your basic single wheel can cost anywhere from approximately $20 to $50. However, if you are looking for a pair of wheels, you might be looking at prices upwards of $100.

The different types of skateboard wheels and what each is best for

The cost of skateboard wheels differs based on the brand, size and quality. On average, a set of four typically costs anywhere between $20 to $50. Here’s an estimated cost comparison for various wheel sizes:

Keep in mind that these prices are just rough estimates, and the actual cost can be higher or

The type of wheels you use on your skateboard can make a big difference in how your skateboard performs. Different wheel types are designed for different surfaces and purposes, so it’s important to know what each type is used for and which type is best for you.

Street Wheels:

Street wheels are the most common type of wheel that skaters use.

They range from soft to hard, with softer wheels providing better grip on rough surfaces while harder wheels provide more speed.

Street wheels also come in various sizes, with wider wheels providing more stability and smaller wheels providing more maneuverability.

Most street skateboards have between 50mm-60mm diameter wheels with a durometer (hardness scale) rating between 78a-90a.

These types of skateboard wheels are best suited for street skating, park skating, and tricks.

Cruiser Wheels:

Cruiser wheels are bigger than street wheels, ranging anywhere from 65mm-75mm in diameter with durometer ratings between 78a-85a.

Bigger cruiser decks often require larger cruiser wheels to keep the board stable and rolling smoothly over rougher surfaces like sand or gravel.

Cruiser boards are designed for fast cruising and tricks on flat ground, so these are great if you’re looking to ride around town or at the beach without having to worry about obstacles getting in your way.

Longboarding Wheels:

Longboarding is an offshoot of traditional skateboarding that has grown tremendously in popularity over the past few years.

Longboards usually feature larger decks (41”+), so they require larger than average wheel sizes to stay stable and move quickly over uneven terrain like dirt roads or grassy hillsides.

Longboarding wheel sizes typically range from 70mm-100mm in diameter with durometer ratings between 75a-80a, depending on how much control you want versus how much speed and grip you need on various terrains.

Factors That Determine the Cost of Skateboard Wheels

the most essential pieces of equipment are skateboard wheels, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. But what factors determine how much skateboard wheels cost? Let’s break down the different elements that can affect the price of your skateboard wheels. 

Material Used to Make Skateboard Wheels 

The material used to make the wheel affects its cost. The two main materials used are polyurethane and resin.

Polyurethane is a durable material that provides good grip and shock absorption—which makes it ideal for stunt skating and downhill boarding.

Resin wheels provide less grip than polyurethane, but they tend to last longer as they don’t wear down as quickly as other materials do.

Generally speaking, resin wheels are more expensive than polyurethane ones because they last longer and require less maintenance over time.

Size of Skateboard Wheels 

The size of skateboard wheels also affects their cost; larger wheels are usually more expensive than smaller ones because their production requires more materials and labour.

Larger size also means greater weight which adds extra stress on your deck when turning or rolling over obstacles, so it’s important to choose a wheel size that suits your riding style and needs.

Smaller wheel sizes offer more control while larger wheel sizes provide faster acceleration due to their increased surface area.

Ultimately, you should weigh up both pros and cons when deciding on wheel size—as this will affect both feel and cost.

Durometer Rating (Hardness)  

The durometer rating indicates how hard or soft a wheel is and this too affects its cost.

Harder skateboard wheels tend to offer better speed as well as increased durability since they don’t wear out as fast as softer wheels do.

Softer skateboard wheels offer more grip due to their increased flexibility which provides better traction at high speeds or when performing tricks such as slides or grinds–but these too will wear down faster than harder ones due to their higher degree of flexibility.

In general, softer wheels tend to be more affordable than harder ones because they require less material in production costs–so you can opt for cheaper options without sacrificing performance too much if you know what kind of skating you plan on doing with them.

Tips for choosing the right skateboard wheels for your needs

There are a few factors that come into play when choosing skateboard wheels, including size, hardness, and design. Here are 5 tips to help you choose the right skateboard wheels for your needs. 

Wheel Size Matters:

The size of your skateboard wheel is an important factor in how fast your board will move and how well it performs tricks in the park or on the street. Generally speaking, smaller wheels (50-53mm) provide more control but less speed, while larger wheels (54-59mm) offer more speed with less maneuverability. In general, most people opt for a wheel size between 53-55mm. 

Harder Wheels = Faster Wheels:

Another key factor in choosing skateboard wheels is the hardness of the urethane material used to make them. The higher a wheel’s durometer rating (measured from 0-100), the harder it is and therefore faster it will roll on flat surfaces like pavement. Soft wheels (80a) provide better grip on rough surfaces like sidewalks and have more give when performing tricks; hard wheels (101a) can reach higher speeds but offer less grip on rougher terrain. Most riders opt for an average durometer rating between 85a – 99a.  

Choose Your Lips Wisely:

The “lip” of a wheel refers to its outer edge where it comes into contact with pavement when rolling. A narrow lip allows for greater control at higher speeds, while wider lips are better suited for slow speed riding and cruising around town since they provide more stability as you turn corners or take sharp turns at slower speeds. Narrow lips also wear down faster than wide lips so you may want to consider that when making your purchase decision as well!  

Know Your Bearing Type:

The bearing type also affects performance; ABEC bearings are fast but don’t last as long as ceramic bearings which cost more but last longer due to their superior construction materials and design features such as precision-machined raceways, non-contact seals and low friction synthetic lubricants all designed to increase longevity and reduce friction during skating sessions..  

Consider Your Skating Style:

Ultimately, what it comes down to is what type of skating style do you prefer? Are you mostly into cruising around town? Or do you prefer doing tricks in parks or halfpipes? Do some research online about what kind of bearing type works best for your type of skating style and then look for a wheel that fits those criteria –– this should help narrow down your choices considerably.

Final Verdict

Overall, depending on the type of skateboard wheel you choose, your cost can range widely.

There are a variety of different wheels made from synthetic and natural rubber that will last for many years with proper maintenance and upkeep.

What matters most is that you choose a wheel that matches your skating style and fits within your budget.

Make sure to read reviews, ask questions, and try different wheels out before settling on one –– this will ensure you get the best wheels for the job.