To make your skateboard roll better, focus primarily on optimizing your wheels and bearings, combined with regular maintenance and proper technique. These components are crucial for speed, smoothness, and overall ride quality.
Key Components for Optimal Roll
Wheels: Size and Hardness Matter Most
Your wheels are the primary point of contact with the ground, directly impacting how well your skateboard rolls. Both their diameter and durometer (hardness) play significant roles.
Wheel Diameter
- Larger-diameter wheels (typically 54mm and up) are ideal if you want to skate faster and maintain momentum. They cover more ground per rotation, making them excellent for cruising, commuting, or park skating where speed is desired.
- Smaller wheels (50-53mm) are lighter and accelerate quicker, making them favored for technical street skating, flips, and tricks, but they won't maintain speed as well.
Wheel Hardness (Durometer)
Wheel hardness, measured on the A-scale (e.g., 78A to 101A), affects grip, shock absorption, and speed.
| Durometer Range | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 78A to 87A | Softer, grippier, absorbs vibrations well | Cruising, longboarding, rough surfaces, commuting |
| 88A to 95A | Medium-soft, good balance of grip and speed | All-around street and park skating, transition |
| 96A to 101A+ | Harder, faster on smooth surfaces, less grip | Smooth skateparks, street tricks, power slides |
For a better roll, especially on smooth surfaces, consider harder wheels. If you're encountering rough terrain, softer wheels will provide a smoother, more controlled ride by absorbing imperfections.
Bearings: The Heart of the Roll
Bearings are small, circular components inserted into your wheels that allow them to spin freely. High-quality and well-maintained bearings are essential for a smooth, fast roll.
- Quality: While ABEC ratings are often cited, they primarily measure precision. Look for bearings from reputable brands known for durability and smooth performance rather than solely relying on a high ABEC number. Ceramics can offer superior roll and durability but come at a higher cost.
- Cleanliness: Dirt, dust, and grime are the biggest enemies of smooth-rolling bearings. Regularly clean your bearings to remove accumulated debris.
- How to Clean Bearings:
- Remove wheels and bearings from the trucks.
- Carefully pop off the bearing shields.
- Soak bearings in a non-corrosive solvent (like rubbing alcohol or citrus cleaner).
- Gently agitate to dislodge dirt.
- Allow them to thoroughly air dry.
- Apply 1-2 drops of skateboard-specific bearing lubricant to each bearing.
- Replace shields and reinstall.
- How to Clean Bearings:
- Lubrication: Proper lubrication reduces friction, allowing your bearings to spin faster and last longer. Use a skateboard-specific bearing lubricant; avoid thick oils or greases that can attract dirt. Learn more about skateboard bearing maintenance here.
Spacers and Speed Washers: Small Parts, Big Impact
Often overlooked, these small components significantly enhance your roll:
- Bearing Spacers: These cylindrical pieces fit between your two bearings inside each wheel. They keep your bearings perfectly aligned and prevent them from being crushed when you tighten your axle nuts, ensuring a free and even roll.
- Speed Washers: Placed on either side of the bearings on the axle, speed washers reduce friction between the bearing and the hanger/axle nut. This allows the bearings to spin more freely without rubbing against the metal of the trucks.
Trucks and Bushings: Stability and Turn
While not directly influencing roll speed, well-maintained trucks and appropriate bushings contribute to overall ride quality and stability, which indirectly aids in maintaining momentum. Ensure your trucks are not overly loose or tight for your preference, and replace worn-out bushings.
Regular Maintenance for Lasting Performance
Consistent care ensures your skateboard always performs at its best.
- Check Axle Nuts: Ensure they are tight enough to keep your wheels on, but not so tight that they impede the wheel's spin. There should be no side-to-side play in the wheel.
- Inspect Bushings: Worn bushings can affect stability and turning, making the ride feel less controlled. Replace them as needed.
- Clean Grip Tape: While not directly related to roll, clean grip tape provides better foot security, which helps with pushing and maintaining balance.
- Routine Check-Up: Periodically inspect all components for wear, cracks, or damage.
By focusing on these areas – especially optimizing your wheels and bearings, and committing to regular maintenance – you'll significantly improve how your skateboard rolls, leading to a faster, smoother, and more enjoyable ride.
