Skateboard Wheel Hardness Chart: Find the Perfect Wheels for Your Style

What skateboard wheel hardness should I choose?

The right skateboard wheel hardness depends on where you ride, how you skate, and what kind of feel you want underfoot. Harder wheels are fast and responsive on smooth concrete, while a softer wheel delivers a smoother ride on rough roads and uneven pavement.

Wheel hardness works together with wheel size, wheel diameter, and your full setup to determine comfort, control, and confidence.

This guide explains the skateboard wheel hardness chart, how the skateboard wheel durometer works, and how to find the right wheel for your style.

A note on Sector 9 wheel hardness

Sector 9 wheels are designed primarily for cruising, carving, and long-distance riding, which is why most fall in the 78A–80A durometer range. Rather than offering ultra-hard wheels, Sector 9 focuses on wheel diameter, shape, and urethane feel to create smooth, fast-rolling setups that handle real-world pavement. For most riders, adjusting wheel size has a bigger impact on ride feel than chasing harder durometer numbers.

Why Sector 9 prioritizes diameter over hardness

When you’re riding rough roads, longer distances, or carving at speed, wheel diameter has a bigger impact than durometer.

Larger wheels:

• Roll over cracks and debris more easily
• Hold speed longer
• Reduce vibration and fatigue
• That’s why you’ll see Sector 9 wheels offered in sizes like 65mm, 69mm, and 70mm, all within that soft-to-medium hardness range. The softness keeps the ride smooth, while the diameter controls speed and momentum.

This approach is especially effective for:

• Cruisers
• Longboards
• Commuter setups
• Riders who want a smooth, confident ride without chatter

How hardness still matters within the 78A–80A range

Even within a narrow durometer window, there’s still a noticeable difference in feel.

• 78A wheels feel softer and more cushioned, ideal for rough pavement and relaxed cruising
• 80A wheels feel slightly firmer and more responsive, offering better roll speed while still staying comfortable

Pair that with different diameters and shapes, and you get a wide range of ride experiences without needing ultra-hard wheels.

What is skateboard wheel hardness?

Skateboard wheel hardness is measured using wheel durometer, shown as a number followed by “A.”

This number tells you how hard or soft the urethane wheel is.

• Lower numbers = softer wheels
  Softer wheels have more grip, absorb more shock, and create a smoother ride, especially on rough pavement.
• Higher numbers = harder wheels
  Harder wheels roll faster on smooth surfaces and slide more easily, which is why they’re common for street skating and skate parks.

For example:

• A 78A wheel is soft and comfortable for cruising
• A 99A wheel is hard and fast for technical skating

If you remember one thing:

The higher the number, the harder the wheel. The lower the number, the softer the wheel.

Sector 9 Wheel Size vs Hardness Comparison Table

Because most Sector 9 wheels fall in the 78A–80A range, the biggest performance difference comes from wheel diameter, not extreme changes in hardness.

Skateboard wheel hardness chart explained

Soft Wheels (78A–87A)

Best for cruising, longboards, and rough pavement

A softer wheel absorbs vibration and smooths out cracks, making it ideal for relaxed rides and longer distances.

Use cases

• Cruising boardwalks and city streets
• Riding longboards on rough roads
• Skaters who prioritize comfort and flow

Sector 9 product callouts

• 69mm 78a Nineballs – grip + comfort for cruising and long pavement runs

• Nineballs 65mm 78A Wheels – Ideal for longer pushes and rolling over rough pavement with ease

70mm 78a Nineballs – larger urethane wheels that smooth out rough roads

These wheels are commonly found on Sector 9 cruiser boards and longboard skateboard completes because they deliver a consistently smooth ride.

Medium Wheels (88A–95A)

Best for hybrid riding and mixed terrain

This range balances grip and slide, making it a great option if you move between cruising paths and smoother skate spots.

Use cases

• Riders who want one setup for multiple surfaces
• Bigger wheels with a touch more control
• Skaters experimenting with different styles
  
  

Hard Wheels (96A–101A+)

Best for street skating, skate parks, and technical riding

Hard wheels excel on smooth concrete and wood, offering speed, slide, and predictability.

Use cases

• Street skating and flip tricks
• Skate park sessions and vert skating
• A street skater who wants fast response

How wheel hardness works with wheel size

Wheel hardness and wheel diameter go hand in hand.

• Smaller wheels with harder durometer feel quick and technical
• Larger wheels with softer formulas feel stable and forgiving

For example, a smaller wheel like the Nineballs 56mm 101A feels snappy at the skate park, while larger wheels like the Nineballs 65mm 78A roll effortlessly over rough roads.

How wheel shape affects ride feel

Wheel shape plays a big role in how your board reacts.

• Rounded wheels slide more predictably
• Wider contact patches add grip
• A classic shape feels loose and playful

Most Sector 9 cruiser wheels use rounded wheels and wider profiles to improve flow and control.

Will wheel hardness affect wheel bite?

Yes. Softer wheels and larger wheels compress more, which can increase the chance of wheel bite depending on your setup.

Your skateboard trucks, deck width, and skateboard wheel diameter all matter. If you’re riding bigger wheels, pairing them with the right truck height helps maintain control.

Can I swap wheels without changing my whole setup?

Absolutely. Wheels are one of the easiest components to swap.

You can keep the same skateboard trucks and deck and simply rotate wheels depending on how you’re riding:

• Hard wheels for the skate park
• Cruiser wheels for mellow sessions
• A softer setup for rough roads
• That flexibility is one of the best parts of skating.

FAQs about skateboard wheel hardness

What skateboard wheel durometer is best for street skating?

Most street skaters ride 99A–101A for speed and control during flip tricks.

Are softer wheels better for cruising?

Yes. A soft skateboard wheel absorbs vibration and creates a smoother ride.

Do harder wheels last longer?

Hard wheels often resist flat spots better, but durability depends on terrain and riding style.

Should wheel hardness match wheel size?

Not always, but pairing wheel size and hardness correctly improves wheel performance.

Are bigger wheels always better?

No. Bigger wheels roll smoother, while smaller wheels feel quicker and more responsive.

Final thoughts on skateboard wheel hardness

Wheel hardness is about feel, not rules.

Hard wheels deliver speed and precision.
Soft wheels deliver comfort and flow.

The right wheel is the one that makes skating feel easier and more fun. And when your style changes, your wheels can change too.

That freedom is built into skating, and it’s why experimenting with different setups never gets old.