Roller Derby Wheels Guide
If you are wondering which wheels to choose the perfect quad wheels for your roller derby style and level, follow these tips.
Height
The most common wheel height for roller derby wheels is-
- 62mm (tall)
- 59mm (short)
The 3mm change can make a big difference.
The tall ones may prove –
- better for speed and long distance since you need less effort into keeping a fast roll with the bigger wheel
- better if you need to pass your '27 laps in 5 minutes' test
- less stable since they are higher off the ground
- trickier stop-start action
The shorter wheels are –
- easier stop-start because you can accelerate faster
- more stable, being closer to the ground
- shorter wheels mean you have to work harder on your '27 laps in 5 minutes' test
Thickness
Derby wheels come in two common widths –
- 44mm (wide)
- 38mm (narrow)
If you are entry level, get tall and wide roller derby skates. They will ensure more stability and roll. As you progress, you can move to narrower ones.
Wider wheels mean –
- wider base and more stability
- ideal for learning
- less agility
- as you progress, you may start clipping wheels with other skaters
Narrower wheels mean –
- lighter wheels
- more agility
- less likelihood of wheel clipping
- harder to learn to skate with these due to less stability
Wheel Hub
The hub of the wheel is like the spine of your wheel.The hub can determine your roll depending on the shape, style and strength.There are generally 2 hub styles – alloy and nylon.
Alloy hubs –
- stronger and you roll faster
- aesthetically, they look like mags on your wheels
- heavier and may add extra weight to your ride
- good choice if you weigh over 220 pounds or skate aggressively
- more expensive
Nylon hubs –
- lighter
- cheaper
- allow you to take bearings in and out more easily
- flex in the hub when you land a jump, especially if you weigh over 220 pounds or skate aggressively
Hardness
You may have noticed the numbers on roller skate wheels. The number on the wheel followed by an Aindicates the hardness of the wheel. It may range from 78A to 101A.
Lower numbers mean softer and grippier wheel, while the higher numbers indicate harder wheels with more slide.
To determine which wheel suits which surface, check –
- the floors are you skating on (floorboards, concrete, sports court)
- the surfaces (grippy or slidey)
- your body weight (the lighter you are, the grippier wheel you need)
- your personal skating preference
- your roller derby position
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