Skaters are evenly divided between roller skating and skateboarding. Technically, they both function similarly. So, thinking of interchanging parts, such as wheels, isn’t so astonishing. Rather you may ask can you use skateboard wheels on roller skates. Many would say yes, some argue that it’s silly! Let’s take a look at what I’ve learned from my experience, and what you can do and what not.
Can You Use Skateboard Wheels On Roller Skates?
Let’s state the obvious first, Yes, sometimes you can use skateboard wheels on Roller skates, but why would you? You can find very good skateboards under 100 bucks that come with heavy wheels! Well, if you have a set of torn wheels, and you have a set of roller skate wheels, you may want to use it. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Skateboard and rollerblade wheels have the same materials and bearings. Also, they have slightly similar core spacing, diameter, and shape, and the fact that they both use 8mm bearings. Skateboard wheels would work well on roller skates.
On the other hand, the large wheel size might occasionally increase the weight of roller skates, affecting your skating performance. So, if skateboard wheels’ diameter range is between 55 and 65 mm, you can use it safely.
How Can You Know If Skateboard Wheels Will Fit Your Roller Skates?
Though there are no exact measurements, if you know the width of the skateboard wheel, you may calculate in advance to determine if it will fit on your standard roller skate trucks. Skateboard wheels are often equipped with 8mm axles to the truck.
Traditional or all come almost the same. On the flip side, professional inline roller skates consist of 4 wheels. Only, Quads are similar to skateboards as they have 4 wheels in a 2-2 combination. So, determination is relatively not easy. But if the width of the wheels is around 30-33mm and matches with the plate, you can surely use them.
What Are Differences Between Skateboard Wheels and RollerBlade Wheels?
The configuration of skateboard and rollerblade wheels is the primary distinction. On one side of a skateboard wheel, an axle connects two wheels. Rollerblades, on the other hand, feature a single wheel per axle that all align in a straight line.
The main differences are the wheel form and size. Take one wheel from each, and you’ll notice that the roller skates wheel is somewhat taller and thinner than the skateboard wheels. When it comes to the shape or lip of the wheels, skateboards have square lips, while rollerblades have round lips.
Another difference between these two types of Wheels is their diameter range. Skateboard wheels have a basic diameter of 80mm to 110mm, whereas roller skates have 72mm to 80mm.
Rollerblade wheels are also at an angle to the ground, as opposed to skateboard wheels, which are supported by a truck to hold them flat on the ground.
What Type of Wheels Are Best for Roller Skating?
We must understand a set of factors to select the best type of wheels for roller skates. The grip of the roller skate wheels is the essential feature among them.
So, if we determine the best type considering the hardness, The softer wheels are best for outdoor surfaces or slippery indoor surfaces as they provide more grip, while the harder wheels are best for indoor use on sticky floors as they offer less grip.
Usually, the durometer scale of roller skates is measured in a 78A-103A scale, also known as A Scale. The soft wheels have the lower numbers between 78A-87a, and the hard wheels have the higher number 90A-103A. Here is a chart based on the hardness of wheels in durometer scale and the best suitable surface for rollers skates –
| Durometer Scale grade | Grip level | Best for |
| 78A – 84A | Super most | Beginners, smooth rides, cruising, hills, and rough surfaces, slippery indoor surfaces. |
| 85A – 95A | Most grip | street skating, rough surfaces, polished concrete, and sports court.
|
| 96A- 99A | Average | Smooth surfaces such as Skate parks, beginners skating streets, pools, ramps. |
| 100A- 103A | Hard wheels, less grip | Roller rink floors, rubberized gym floors, sticky surfaces, indoor surfaces. (For experts) |
| 83B- 84B | Extremely hard and Least grip | Advanced Skaters, aggressive skating, and jamming. |
Additionally, by the diameter of wheels, 45mm is best for artistic, and freestyle skating, 57-58mm is best for jamming and speeding, 62mm for jamming, and 65-70mm for long outdoor track.
In summary, for beginners, 78A-87A, 55-58mm square lips wheels are best for all types of roller skates. And for the Experts, Any type of roller skate wheels and bearings, especially the hard wheels, are best.
Conclusion
So, what are your thoughts now? Can you use skateboard wheels on roller skates? I’m hoping for excellent response. So, if you think your skateboard is old, don’t throw it away. It’s possible that the wheels can be used for your roller skates. Also, remember, Skaters must carefully choose their wheels to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
