Skateboard wheels have a significant impact on the overall setup of your board and the terrain that you’ll be best equipped to ride. They come in various sizes and different materials to ensure that you are well prepared for your terrain of choice. If you aren’t well equipped for your desired terrain, you’ll be more prone to falling or injuries.
If you’re looking to ride your board on a rough road, the wheels you might use at a skatepark or on a ramp will likely not suffice. These areas are often smooth and easier to navigate, so you should opt for wheels that offer more mobility and speed. If you’re looking to skate on a rough road, you will notice that it is much more comfortable to choose the correct wheels early on.
Check out our top 5 best skateboard wheels for rough roads so you are prepared to take on rougher terrain safely and comfortably.
Top 5 Best Skateboard Wheels For Rough Roads
1. Shark Wheel 60mm 78a Skateboard Cruising Wheels, California Roll, Set of 4 Wheels
Shark Wheels are one of the few brands that are designed and manufactured in California and with the highest quality materials. The wheels are made of high-rebound polyurethane, which offers durability and control.
Whenever you want to slide your board, these wheels will allow you to do so with more control and less risk than with other models. They include an antilock function, so you can transition in and out of sliding easily.
Unlike many wheels that simply barrel right over any small rocks or debris in your path, the curved shape of the Shark Wheels 78a moves small objects out of the way, offering a smooth and effortless ride.
The Shark Wheels 78a come in a variety of colors, including blue, clear with blue, clear with pink, clear with yellow, orange, purple, green, and more. Many skaters prefer to customize all sides of their skateboards, from the wheels to the grip tape.
The all-terrain technology of Shark Wheels 78a makes them suitable for rough roads, while still offering enough maneuverability and control to take them to the park or ramp.
While the Shark Wheels 78a are undoubtedly some of the best rough road wheels on the market, some were disappointed that the bearings are not included.
Overall, as long as you are prepared to invest in a set of good quality wheels, the durability of the Shark Wheels 78a will not disappoint you, both in the short and the long term.
Pros
- Unique wave design moves debris out of the way
- Offers traction without sacrificing speed
- Awarded internationally for being the best wheels for rough roads
Cons
- Does not come with bearings as advertised
2. FREEDARE Skateboard Wheels 60mm 83a with Bearings and Spacers Cruiser Wheels (Pack of 4)
If you’re looking for quality wheels that don’t break the bank and come equipped with bearings and spacers, you should consider the FREEDARE Skateboard Wheels 60mm.
These wheels are designed for rough road riding and are suitable for asphalt or concrete. They are available in black, red, green, blue, or a pack of each color.
The FREEDARE wheels are built with polyurethane to offer shock absorption and smooth riding on any terrain. While they may lack the mobility desired for park skating, these wheels are reliable, affordable, and ideal for rough road skating.
If you are new to rough road skating, you may consider giving the FREEDARE Skateboard Wheels 60mm a risk-free shot, which also offers a 6-month warranty.
While pre-installed bearings can offer convenience and are ideal for beginners, if you’re already used to rough road riding, you may want to consider a set that does not come pre-installed with bearings.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Preinstalled bearings and spacers
- Polyurethane material offers shock absorption
Cons
- It may not be fast enough for experienced riders
3. LOSENKA 52mm Skateboard Wheels with ABEC-9 Bearings and Spacers Cruiser Wheels (Pack of 4)
The LOSENKA 52mm Skateboard Wheels offer mobility and speed at an affordable price point. If you’re searching for wheels that are equipped for rough roads such as asphalt but still suitable for primarily park use, you should consider these wheels, which offer a unique graphic design in both black and white.
While they may not absorb shock as well as other models on this list, the LOSENKA wheels offer a happy medium if you’re primarily a park skater who wants to be able to skate on both asphalt or rougher terrain.
The LOSENKA 52mm Skateboard Wheels are suitable for entry-level skaters and come equipped with a convenient and easy-to-use set of bearings and spacers. More experienced skaters may be dissatisfied with the quality of the bearings, so they should consider a higher quality set of bearings and customize their setup.
All skaters have their preferences when it comes to bearings. It may be worth trying the set that comes with the LOSENKA 52mm Skateboard Wheels and swapping for other models when necessary.
Pros
- Suitable for park skating or rough roads
- Affordable price point
- Comes with bearings and spacers
Cons
- Experienced skaters may be disappointed with the quality of this set, especially the bearings
4. FREEDARE 58mm Skateboard Wheels 82a + ABEC-7 Bearing Steel and Spacers Cruiser Wheels (Pack of 4)
If you’re searching for a set of wheels that offer the freedom and mobility of street skating while still offering maneuverability for tricks, you might consider the FREEDARE 58mm Skateboard Wheels. They come at an affordable price point and are well-equipped for both rough terrain and tricks.
The FREEDARE 58mm wheels come in black, red, orange, and pink so you can customize your board in many different ways. They also come with a set of bearings and spacers so you can set up your board easily and conveniently spending a lot of money.
These wheels make downhill skating accessible and safer by offering grip and traction without significantly sacrificing speed. If you’re looking for wheels that offer a smooth ride on all terrains, these are a great option for beginners and seasoned riders alike.
Some users have found the bearings quite unreliable. At this price point, this is not unusual. When purchasing these wheels, you may want to use a different set of bearings, or wait until the current set wears out.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Smooth riding on rough terrain
- Users are generally satisfied with the speed
Cons
- Bearings will eventually need to be replaced
5. Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Bighead with Bones Reds Bearings
Spitfire is known for being a reputable brand of skate gear that continuously offers high-quality products. While the Spitfire Skateboard Wheels may not be priced as low as some of the other options on this list, know that you will be investing in one of the best skate brands on the market.
Spitfire manufactures 100% urethane wheels known for durability and shock absorption, offering the perfect control balance and smooth riding.
Given the higher price point, Spitfire tends to attract more seasoned skaters who are willing to invest in their skate gear. While it is worth noting that all skate gear will eventually need to be replaced as it wears out, investing in a higher quality product such as the Spitfire Wheels will offer the highest level of durability and reliability on the market.
If you’ve ever used an electric skateboard, high-quality wheels such as Spitfire Skateboard wheels will make the transition to manual skateboarding much easier.
By purchasing Spitfire Skateboard Wheels, you are guaranteed a smooth and comfortable ride on rough roads. The wheels also feature an iconic Spitfire logo design in both red and black. Some did note that the design wears off with use.
Pros
- Reliability and peace of mind of purchasing a well-known brand
- 100% urethane wheels
- Excellent traction and slide control
Cons
- Design wears off with use
FAQ: Top 5 Best Skateboard Wheels For Rough Roads
What Should I Look for in Skateboard Wheels for Rough Roads?
Skateboard wheels for rough roads should be made of quality materials, such as polyurethane or urethane.
They should be within 78-88a durometers to offer a suitable level of shock absorption. Plus, they should be between 54-60mm in size. Larger wheels offer better balance and control for rough road skating.
Are Hard Wheels Suitable for Rough Road Skating?
Hard wheels are faster, more durable, and also more suitable for skateparks, though they provide less traction and grip than soft wheels. It’s up to you to determine if you prefer the speed and durability of hard wheels over the shock absorption and traction of softer ones.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to bring your skateboard out of the park and are searching for the best skateboard wheels for rough roads, we are confident that one of the options on this list will meet your standards.
Whether you’re searching for an affordable pair of wheels for a beginner, or you’re an experienced skater looking to invest in the highest quality wheels on the market, you can refer to this list to determine what model is best for you.
