Introducing: Our new wheel trial process!

Have you been considering a harder wheel? A softer wheel? Current wheels not cutting it anymore? Been eyeing up a fancy split duro setup? 

For some time now, we have had an in-store wheel library, which we have also taken to events for skaters to test. We are testing a new process that we think will help eliminate the expensive guesswork involved in buying derby wheels.

Here's the new wheel trial process: pay in advance for the full cost of the wheels (and bearings, if required), then skate at least one - two full practices at your regular venue. If you’re happy with the wheels, there's no need to follow up with us. If the wheels aren't quite right, they can be returned for a full refund or exchanged for a different set of trial wheels. Over time, we anticipate building up a selection of economically priced, gently used wheels that we can make available to skaters for purchase.

“What is a durometer, anyway?” 

The term durometer (or ‘duro’) refers to the hardness of a wheel, and is measured in numbers (e.g., 95A). 

A lower number indicates a softer wheel, while a higher number indicates a firmer one. Most wheels fall on a spectrum between 78A(softest) and 103A(hardest). 

The durometer of a wheel is important to consider depending on the discipline of skating you follow, and the surfaces you intend to skate on. It’s quite common for skaters to have a couple sets of wheels on hand, and swap them out depending on where they will be skating. 

Outdoor wheels often fall in a range of 78A-85A. The softer material offers better shock absorption and a smoother roll on uneven or bumpy surfaces. Some very soft wheels, particularly the larger ones, can roll over small debris or allow you to tackle sidewalk cracks with ease. Outdoor wheels also feature rounded edges, which provides better maneuverability on uneven surfaces. 

However, wearing outdoor wheels on smooth, hard surfaces (indoor rinks, polished concrete, smooth skate parks) can considerably slow you down and feel a bit ‘sticky’. They can also make footwork or particular stops more difficult on these surfaces. If your wheels judder or bump a lot when you’re trying to do certain stops, it can indicate your wheels are a bit too soft for the ground you’re skating on. 

Hybrid wheels aim to bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor wheels and offer the benefits of both. Most hybrid wheels will fall somewhere between the 82A-85A range, with some skatepark-tailored options going up to 88A. A hybrid wheel can be used on a wide range of surfaces, offering the convenience of not having to switch your wheels as often for different occasions.

Although they offer more flexibility, a hybrid wheel can underperform in some instances. For example, they do not tolerate bumpy surfaces as easily as a 78A wheel and can be more challenging on varied surfaces if you aren’t an experienced skater. Additionally, they can still have the slowing/sticking effect, particularly if they’re a lower durometer, on harder surfaces. 

Indoor wheels have a wide range of durometers, since not all hard surfaces are built equal. Most indoor wheels fall somewhere between 88A-103A. The harder material of indoor wheels offers a faster roll, and an easier slide, without the sticking issues of a softer wheel. Most indoor wheels feature a squared off edge in comparison to the sloped edges of softer wheels. This hard edge allows skaters more grip, allowing for maximum pushing power. This is especially beneficial for derby skaters and artistic skaters, who require a wheel that allows for a lot of agility (and speed, but this is more applicable to derby skaters - jammers in particular).

An indoor wheel on smooth, hard surfaces is unrivalled in its performance when compared to a softer wheel, but when worn outdoors or on uneven surfaces, they lack the shock absorption of a lower durometer wheel, and can quickly become damaged by debris. 

Other terms to note: 

• “Split durometer”: This refers to a setup wherein a skater will opt for two different durometer wheels on their skates. Skaters will opt for a layout like this to get the benefits from both wheels, resulting in a better combination of grip and speed. There are multiple layouts that can be done with a split durometer, each offering different benefits. 

• Profile: The shape and width of a wheel. This can refer to how narrow or wide a specific wheel is, or it references the shape (how rounded or squared a wheel’s edges are). 

Our top recommendations for each category: 

Outdoor;

• Radar Energy wheels

• Available in three sizes: 57mm, 62mm, 65mm. 78A. $104.70-$117.70. 

• Some of the best outdoor wheels you can get your hands on! The larger sizes in particular can tackle some seriously bumpy or uneven terrain. 

• Crazy Skates Wheel Candy wheels, $59/4pk. 78A, 65x35mm. 

• These outdoor wheels are large, robust, and a great option for beginners and experienced skaters alike. The large profile of these wheels make them really good for tackling uneven or bumpy terrain. 

• Sure-Grip Oasis wheels, $70/8pk. 82A, 57x32mm. 

• At 82A, these wheels are also suitable as a casual hybrid wheel. The Oasis wheels are an excellent option for upgrading the stock wheels on beginner skates (particularly Impalas or Gallaz), due to their narrow profile, which allows them to fit on many different axle widths. 

Hybrid;

• Bont Glow wheels, $74/4pk. 85A, 62x35mm. 

• Not only are these spiffy light-up wheels super cute and perfect for roller discos, they’re one of our favorite hybrid wheels. 

• Staff notes: Kit uses these as her default wheels on her recreational skates, and swears by them! 

• Sure-Grip Aerobic wheels, $119/8pk. 85A, 61x39mm. 

• These wheels can tackle a vast number of surfaces with ease! 

• Staff notes: These are my go-to outdoor wheels. Even though they’re 85A, I find them very forgiving on a variety of surfaces, even bumpy or unpredictable ones. They performed for me wonderfully at last years’ Pride Parade on Courtenay Place’s somewhat derelict paving :) - Astrid

• Sure-Grip Oasis wheels, $70/8pk. 82A, 57x32mm. 

• The Oasis wheels are an excellent option for upgrading the stock wheels on beginner skates (particularly Impalas or Gallaz), due to their narrow profile, which allows them to fit on many different axle widths. 

• (Artistic/Jam skating) Radar Crush Wheels, $124.90/4pk. 84A, 88A available. 48x31mm.

• These are a unique wheel, being the first hybrid artistic wheels on the market. Perfect for practicing your moves outdoors!

Indoor; 

Derby: 

• Crazy Skates Control Wheels, $55/4pk. Available in 3 duros: 90A, 93A, 96A, and two widths (59mm, 62mm)

• These are excellent derby wheels at a very attractive price point! We haven’t been able to source anything that matches the quality at this price point. These are a great alternative to the pricier Radar Halo wheels, and are also manufactured in the U.S.

• Staff notes: These are my favorite indoor wheels! I use the 90A/59mm for my prerequisite derby classes. They provide excellent grip for footwork and stops, and I can build up speed on these very easily. The floor I use these on most is the sport court (hard plastic tiles) at the Kilbirnie Rec Centre. - Astrid

• Bont Ballistic wheels, $100/8pk. 92A, 60x40mm.

• A great, lightweight mid-level derby wheel. A popular choice among many derby skaters at multiple levels. 

• Radar Halo wheels, $153/4pk. 59x38mm. Available in duros 84A-103A. 

• A very popular choice among derby players. The wide range of durometers available make these a great option for configuring split-duro setups. The Radar Halo wheels also feature a unique ‘H’-shaped hub, leaving less polyurethane on the outer edges of the wheels, offering increased grip and control.