When confronted with the wheel display case at your local skate shop, you might be a bit overwhelmed and not sure what shape wheel fits your style of skating. That's why we're here—we grabbed every different shape out of the display case (thanks, Sixes & Sevens!) from best-selling brands Spitfire, Bones, and OJs. Let's break it down:
Spitfire Classics
The most common shape in skateboarding is a medium-width riding surface with rounded sidewalls designed for control in all situations. A 53mm Classic has a 33mm width and a 16mm riding surface. Check the chart in the photo below for more sizes.
OJs Elite Hard Line
Wide road surface and conical cut for increased control. 54mm Hard Lines have a 34mm width and a 23mm riding surface. A lot of riding surface here—great for all-terrain skateboarding.
Bones P5 Sidecuts
Sidecut walls on these shapes are designed for more stability, less drag and longer grinds. These 56mm wheels have 32mm width and 16mm riding surface. Similarly are the V5 Sidecuts in Bones' original formula.
Spitfire Conical Full
Wider version of the conical shape. Wide riding surface with cut-in sidewalls to reduce weight. A solid shape for all terrains. A 53mm Conical Full has a 33.5mm width and a 21.5mm riding surface. Wide body Spits!
Spitfire Radials
A round edge, medium-width riding surface shape. Basically, it would be if Spitfire's Classics and Conicals had a baby. These are great for overall transition riding. A 54mm Radial has a 34mm width and a 20mm riding surface.
Bones V3 Slims
Bones V3 Slims, like these Chris Joslin models, are narrower and lighter weight for faster flick and easier slide-ability. These 54mm wheels have a 30mm width and a 16mm riding surface.
Spitfire Tablets
An OG shape you '90s heads should remember. Straight cut profile, thin riding surface, lightweight, quick and responsive. For the real street skaters. 52mm Tablet has 29mm width and 20mm of riding surface.
Spitfire Lock-Ins
Asymmetrical shape with one side conical and the other side straight "lock-in" cut. Made for locking in on coping and rails. A 53mm Lock-In has a width of 32.5mm and a riding surface of 21.5mm. Also available in a wider "Full" shape. See if your flatbar skills don't improve after you set up a set of these.
Bones V7 Double Locks
Desgined with a tighter profile and a straighter edge for better lock-in stability. These also have added width for more slide control. These 54mms have a 34mm width and a 21.5 riding surface.
OJs Elite Mini Combo Shape
Wide asymmetrical shape cut with a round back and conical front. 54mm have a 36mm width and a 20mm riding surface.
OJs Elite EZ Edge
Slim profile and round edge for superior response. 52mm EZ Edges have a 32mm width and an 18mm riding surface. Nora Vasconcellos' here are 54mm (33mm, 18.5mm).
OJs Elite Nomads
Straight cut shape with a sharp edge for easy lock. 54mm, 30mm width, 19mm riding surface.
Most importantly, when it's time to buy new wheels, support your local skate shop!
