Considering the height of your trucks when choosing skateboard wheels is essential for ensuring a smooth and safe riding experience. Here are the key factors to understand:
Wheelbite and Compatibility Between Wheels and Trucks: "Wheelbite" is one of the main issues that can arise when wheels and trucks are not properly matched in terms of height. Wheelbite occurs when the wheels touch the board during a turn or landing, causing an abrupt and unpleasant stop. This can lead to falls and accidents, endangering both the rider's safety and the integrity of the skateboard.
Risks of Using Incompatible Wheels: If the wheels are too large relative to the truck height, there’s a higher chance they will touch the deck during maneuvers. Conversely, if the wheels are too small, you may not fully utilize the skateboard's suspension system and capabilities.
Increasing Truck Height with Riser Pads: It’s important to note that truck height can also be adjusted using riser pads. Riser Pads are plastic inserts placed between the truck baseplate and the board. This option allows you to adjust the truck height to fit your preferences and needs, enabling the use of medium-sized wheels even with initially low trucks.
Matching Truck Height to Wheel Size: Truck height is typically divided into three categories: low, mid, and high. Each category has a specific height range that affects which wheel sizes are suitable:
Low Trucks: The height range is generally between 46 and 49 mm. These trucks are designed for smaller wheels, usually up to 53 mm in diameter.
Mid Trucks: The height range is usually between 50 and 53 mm. These trucks can accommodate medium-sized wheels, up to approximately 56 mm in diameter.
High Trucks: The height range is between 53.5 and 58 mm. These trucks allow the use of larger wheels, up to 60 mm in diameter.
Careful Selection for Optimal Performance: Choosing wheels and trucks that are compatible in terms of height is crucial for ensuring a smooth ride, reducing the risk of wheelbite, and enhancing your skateboard's maneuverability. When purchasing new wheels, it’s essential to consider the height of your existing or planned trucks to ensure proper pairing and safe riding. Remember, you can also adjust truck height with riser pads to match your preferences and use medium-sized wheels with initially low trucks.
Use the "Wheel Diameter" filter to select skateboard wheels with the diameter that best fits your needs.