Choose roller skate wheels for the surface you use most, then check the size and compatibility of your setup. A wheel that works well on rough pavement can feel quite different on a smooth rink floor or in a concrete bowl.
Use hardness, diameter and width together when comparing wheels. The urethane and hub design also affect the ride, so a single number cannot describe the complete wheel.
Start with where you skate
For outdoor recreation, look at wheels designed for the pavement you use. If you mainly skate in a rink, compare indoor options for that floor. For park skating, consider the surface and the type of skating you do in bowls, on ramps or around street features.
Skaters who regularly move between very different surfaces may find separate wheel sets more useful than trying to make one setup cover everything. For your first set, prioritise the conditions where you practise most.
Understand wheel hardness
Durometer describes hardness. With wheels rated on the A scale, a higher number indicates a harder wheel. Softer compounds generally offer more grip and absorb more surface vibration. Harder compounds generally roll more freely on smooth surfaces. The actual result also depends on the wheel construction and the skating conditions.
These Bont examples show how ratings relate to intended use. They are product comparisons, not universal rules for every brand.
| Wheel | Hardness | Diameter and width | Intended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glide | 78A | 57 mm by 32 mm | Outdoor recreational skating on pavement |
| Street Flow | 89A | 58 mm by 32 mm | Aggressive street skating and rougher park surfaces |
| Park Flow | 99A | 58 mm by 32 mm | Park and vert skating on smooth bowls and ramps |
Our wheel hardness guide introduces the rating system. When comparing models, use the complete specification alongside the number.
Compare diameter and width
Diameter affects the height of your setup and how the wheel rolls. Width and edge profile influence the contact area and how the wheel feels as you change edges. Confirm clearance with your plate, trucks and any park components before changing wheel dimensions.
Measure your current wheels and note what you want to change. For example, you may want a wheel designed to deal with more surface vibration outdoors, or an option intended for a smoother park. Use that need to narrow the range before comparing colour or price.
Outdoor wheels for recreational skating
The Bont Glide is an outdoor wheel rated at 78A, with a 57 mm diameter and 32 mm width. Bont lists asphalt, sidewalks and boardwalks among its intended surfaces.
Check the condition of the route as well as the wheel. A softer wheel cannot make debris, large cracks or an unsuitable skating surface disappear. Choose your practice area with the same care as your equipment.
Wheels for park and aggressive street skating
The Bont Flow range offers Street Flow at 89A and Park Flow at 99A. Both are 58 mm by 32 mm. Street Flow is designed for aggressive street skating and rougher park surfaces; Park Flow is designed for smoother bowls, ramps and vert skating.
Choose between them according to your surface and skating style. An 89A street and park wheel serves a different purpose from the 78A Glide outdoor recreational wheel.
Indoor rink and roller derby wheels
For rink or derby skating, compare wheels intended for that discipline and the floor where you train. Grip requirements can change between venues. Ask a coach or experienced skater at your rink about the surface, then compare the relevant indoor wheels or roller derby wheels.
Avoid selecting a hardness from a chart alone. Your current setup and experience on that floor are useful starting points for a comparison.
Check bearings and the quantity supplied
Glide and Flow wheels use standard 608-size bearing seats. Match the bearing bore to your axles as well as its outer diameter to the wheel. Mini bearing setups may need a compatible adapter. See our roller skate bearing guide before reusing an existing set.
A conventional pair of quad skates needs eight wheels. Check the selected pack quantity and whether bearings are included before ordering.
Choose your next set
Write down your main surface, skating style, current wheel dimensions and bearing size. Compare wheels designed for those conditions, check clearance and pack contents, then choose the setup you want to try. Browse Bont roller skate wheels to compare current specifications.