Choosing the right quad roller skate wheels: size, hardness, profile, and use

Wheels are probably the most underestimated element of a quad roller skate setup. It's easy to change boots or plates, but it's the wheels that truly determine how the skate grips, slides, turns, and absorbs irregularities in the ground.

Whether you're into roller derby, skate park, dance, or just cruising, here's how to navigate the three essential criteria: size, hardness, and profile.

The three criteria to know

1. Size (diameter)

The diameter of a quad wheel is measured in millimeters and typically ranges from 47 mm to 70 mm.

• Small diameter (47-59 mm): lower center of gravity, quick acceleration, increased maneuverability. Ideal for frequent changes of direction.
• Large diameter (62-70 mm and +): better inertia, higher cruising speed, more comfort on uneven ground, but slower acceleration and turns.

In addition, there's the width of the wheel (often between 30 and 44 mm): the wider a wheel is, the larger the contact surface with the ground, which provides stability and grip, at the expense of agility.

2. Hardness (durometer)

Hardness is measured on the Shore A scale and is displayed as a number followed by the letter "A" (78A, 88A, 96A...).

• The lower the number, the softer the wheel: it grips more and absorbs shocks better, but rolls slower.
• The higher the number, the harder the wheel: it slides more, rolls faster, but grips less and transmits more ground vibrations.

General guidelines:

• 78A-84A: very soft, almost exclusively used outdoors
• 85A-91A: versatile, good indoor/outdoor compromise
• 92A-98A: firm, very common indoors (rink, skating rink)
• 99A-103A: almost no grip, reserved for very sticky surfaces or specific practices

The choice also depends on your body type: a heavier skater will naturally benefit from more grip and can therefore opt for a harder wheel than what the average recommends.

3. Profile

The profile refers to the shape of the wheel's edge, viewed from the side:

• Flat profile: larger contact surface, better grip and power transfer, more stability. Very commonly used in derby.

• Round profile: less contact surface, more maneuverability, slides more easily when skidding or sliding. Popular in skate parks.

• Hybrid profile: a compromise between the two, quite common on versatile wheels.

Wheels by practice

Roller derby

Derby requires sudden stops, quick changes of direction, and a lot of contact with other skaters. Therefore, a good compromise between grip and speed is sought.

• Size: diameter around 57-62 mm, width around 38 mm (the most common format), some heavier skaters or those seeking more stability opt for 44 mm.
• Hardness: between 86A and 99A, to be adjusted according to the track surface (the slipperier the surface, the lower the hardness to regain grip).
• Profile: flat or hybrid, for stability and power transfer in turns and blocks.

Derby wheels available on the site: https://burdysquadshop.com/collections/roues-1?filter.p.tag=Roller+Derby&sort_by=best-selling&grid=default

Skate park

In the park, you have to contend with ramps, slides, grinds, and concrete or wooden surfaces, often rough.

• Size: rather small to medium, 54-60 mm, for maneuverability and responsiveness in tricks.
• Hardness: firmer, between 95A and 101A, to slide well on concrete/wood and limit excessive grip.
• Profile: slightly rounded, which reduces "wheel bite" (sudden wheel grip) during slides and grinds.

Park wheels available on the site: https://burdysquadshop.com/collections/roues-1?filter.p.tag=Skate+park&sort_by=best-selling&grid=default

Roller dance (jam skating)

Dance prioritizes fluidity, pivots, and technical movements on smooth surfaces (hardwood, skating rink).

• Size: small, often between 47 and 59 mm, to facilitate pivots and precise footwork.
• Hardness: high for indoor practice, between 96A and 103A, to limit grip and allow for smooth slides and rotations. Outdoors, a lower hardness can be chosen, between 85A and 88A.
• Profile: rather rounded or hybrid, for maneuverability in tricks.

Dance wheels available on the site: https://burdysquadshop.com/collections/roues-1?filter.p.tag=Roller+dance&sort_by=best-selling&grid=default

Cruising / recreational

For outdoor skating on sidewalks, bike paths, or roads, comfort and shock absorption are paramount.

• Size: medium to large, 58-65 mm, to better handle small bumps and pebbles and maintain speed.
• Hardness: soft, between 78A and 85A, to absorb shocks and compensate for the lower grip of asphalt compared to an indoor surface.
• Profile: rounded, for more comfort and forgiveness on uneven ground.

Cruising wheels available on the site: https://burdysquadshop.com/collections/roues-1?filter.p.tag=Loisirs&filter.p.tag=Roues+molles&sort_by=best-selling&grid=default

Summary table

Some practical tips

• The surface takes precedence over theory. These guidelines are starting points: the exact nature of the ground (waxed parquet, raw concrete, asphalt, synthetic rink) greatly influences the actual grip. Don't hesitate to ask local practitioners for advice, especially in derby where each track has its specificities.
• Skater's weight matters. A heavier body type naturally generates more grip; it's common to opt for a hardness one step above the recommended average.
• Also consider the core (hub). A flexible plastic core absorbs more shock but absorbs some energy; an aluminum or rigid core transmits power better but is less comfortable.
• Check compatibility with your plates. Not all plates accept all diameters: check the available clearance before investing in larger wheels.
• Two sets of wheels are a useful luxury. Many practitioners keep a firm "indoor" set and a soft "outdoor" set to adapt without changing skates.

In summary, there is no universal wheel: the right choice depends primarily on your practice, the surface you skate on, and your own body type. Don't hesitate to try several configurations before settling on your ideal setup.

And if in doubt, don't hesitate to contact me, I'll be happy to help you choose your wheels 😊