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The Daily Insight

What does 85A mean for rollerblade wheels?

Author

Robert Guerrero

Updated on March 18, 2026

Most recreational indoor skate wheels have a durometer rating of between 88A and 102A because the hardness allows for a fast, smooth ride on most indoor surfaces. Hardness – generally a soft wheel (85A-88A) will grip but won't roll as fast as a harder wheel (94A-98A). Harder wheels won't grip as well as softer ones.

Thereof, what are 85A wheels?

The hardness of roller skate wheels is defined by the durometer, measured using Type A, and thus represented by the “A” rating after a number. Softer wheels (75A – 85A) are generally used for outdoor skating as they will handle bumps, grooves and obstacles better whilst offering better grip on most surfaces.

Likewise, what does 84A mean on wheels? 84A (Outdoor/Asphalt) – This is just about the hardest inline hockey wheel you will find. It is absolutely an outdoor wheel intended specifically for sidewalk concrete or asphalt surfaces. Skaters of any size can use this type of wheel on a blacktop or asphalt surface with favorable results.

Likewise, people ask, what do the numbers on rollerblade wheels mean?

Hardness. Grip, speed and durability are all affected by the hardness of urethane. Typically measured as a Durometer rating, the hardness is displayed on the side of the wheel next to the size. Ratings range from 72A up to 103A; high numbers indicate a harder wheel whereas low numbers represent softer wheels.

What does 78A mean on rollerblade wheels?

Multi-Surface

Related Question Answers

Are 85A wheels hard?

Hardness – generally a soft wheel (85A-88A) will grip but won't roll as fast as a harder wheel (94A-98A). Also, if you're the kind of skater who likes a bit of slide when moving around the pack, then a harder wheel may suit you better.

Are 85A wheels good for asphalt?

They're 85A wheels that are great for outdoors. Hard enough for concrete and blacktop.

Can I put smaller wheels on my inline skates?

Yes. If the wheel size is smaller than the frame is slotted for, you can install them. The effects of having smaller wheels will be subtler, though. Ultimately having a shorter frame is what affects performance the most.

Are 88A wheels soft?

86A - 88A (soft): Super Grippy, great for slippery floors like polished concrete or slippery wood (community centers, gymnasiums). The softest indoor wheels available are between 86A and 88A. 90A - 93A (medium hard): Average Grip.

What wheels are good for street roller skating?

Best Roller Skate Wheels Reviews & Recommendations 2021
  • Best Overall. Sure-Grip Boardwalk Outdoor Wheels.
  • Best Value. VAKA Luminous Light Up Quad Roller Skate Wheels.
  • Best for Powersliding. RollerBones Team Logo 101A Recreational Roller Skate Wheels.
  • Best for Outdoor Use. Atom Poison Savant Skate.
  • Best for Street Skating.

What are the best wheels for roller blades?

Best Sellers in Inline Skate Replacement Wheels
  • #1.
  • AOWISH 4-Pack Inline Skate Wheels Outdoor Asphalt Formula 85A Hockey Roller Blades…
  • Labeda Asphalt Outdoor Inline Hockey Wheels.
  • KSS Outdoor Asphalt Formula 89A Inline Skate X8 Wheels.
  • AOWISH Inline Skate Wheels 85A Outdoor Asphalt Formula Hockey Roller Blades…

Are Impala skates good?

This Impala plate is an awesome midde ground. I feel stable in them but not like I can't move my feet easily. It's wheel base feels good so far and the action of the trucks is nice. The bushings/cushions are nice and soft!

Can I put bigger wheels on my roller skates?

A larger wheel will provide the smooth ride and faster speed that is desirable for fitness and speed skating, however accelerating from a stop to full speed will require more effort on very large wheels. And remember when buying wheels bearings do not come with your new wheels.

What is the hardest rollerblade wheel?

The hardness scale runs from 0 to 100, with 0 being the softest rating and 100 being the hardest. While the rating scale is from 0 to 100, it is not likely you will find a wheel that has a rating softer than 68A. A wheel softer than this is likely to wear down too fast, regardless of its use.

How do I measure my rollerblade wheels?

Use a tape measure or ruler to measure the outside of the wheel's diameter. Dimensions are in millimeters rather than inches. Next, measure the space between the wheels at the closest point. The larger the wheel size, the faster the skate will be.

When should I replace my rollerblade wheels?

The best answer we can provide you is that once your skates become difficult to skate on and they no longer sit flat on the surface it is time to consider replacement. Also, if see a very noticeable angle on your wheels, it is probably time to replace your wheels. this. At this point you do not need to do anything.

How long do inline wheels last?

Anywhere from 1 – 20 years. It totally depends on quality of components, upkeep and maintenance, the type of skating you do, and how often you skate. The wheels may be the first to go, but they can be changed. The key is to clean and maintain your bearings, wheels and other parts to help them last.

Are 72mm wheels good?

42-72mm wheels are suitable for aggressive skating. These wheels are short, wide, and have a rounded profile with a solid core. The smaller wheels serve as anti-rockers.

What is the difference in rollerblade wheel sizes?

A wheel marked as "76mm/78A" will measure 76 millimeters in diameter will have a hardness of 78A. The larger the durometer number, the harder the wheel, and the harder the wheel, the longer it will last – but a hard wheel gives a rough ride and provides less grip on your skating surface.

What does 88A mean on rollerblade wheels?

The higher the hardness is, the harder the wheel. In addition, the harder the wheel, the longer it lasts, but the less it absorbs shock and vibration when skating. Most wheels on the market range from 74A (softest) to 88A (hardest), where the letter A denotes the durometer scale.

What are high rebound wheels?

A high rebound is usually one of the characteristics of expensive quality wheels. Lots of manufacturers call their high rebound wheels SHR urethane.

Can I put wheels on my hockey skates?

Ice hockey skates can be swapped to inline, sure, but there isn't a practical system to do it quickly that doesn't sorta suck. Normally, they're attached with metal rivets. I converted a pair of ice skates to inline once using T-nuts. When winter came around, I put the blades back on with T-nuts.

Are PU wheels soft?

Caster wheels made from polyurethane can be fabricated with a range of hardness, from soft to extremely hard. Depending upon the formulation, polyurethane casters can resist oil, grease and chemicals quite well.

What hardness wheels should I get?

Most range between 75a to 104a. Any wheel in the 78a to 90a range is considered a soft wheel, 90a to 98a is in the middle, 99a+ is referred to as a hard wheel. We recommend choosing hard wheels for skate parks and street skating on ledges, rails, gaps and manual pads.

What are rollerblade wheels made of?

Wheels are nowadays almost universally made of polyurethane (a kind of durable plastic). Most other plastics and rubber either wear down too quickly or have too much rolling resistance. In general, the bigger the wheel, the faster the skate.