Are bigger wheels on roller blades better?
Mia Kelly
Published Jan 25, 2026
Larger wheels have better roll time, low rolling resistance and can reach top speed in no time. You may have to put more effort initially to get the larger wheels moving, but once they roll, they require less effort to keep moving faster.
Are Bigger wheels better for rollerblading?
A larger wheel will roll faster and longer but will also need more power for each push, and will offer less maneuverability. Skaters who choose an inline skate with a 100mm or higher wheel size will be the skaters doing intense training, skating marathons, or simply skaters into distance skating when they skate.
Are bigger or smaller roller skate wheels better?
Roller Skate Wheels - Height (diameter)
Bigger diameter wheels are generally faster for Speed skating and outdoor surfaces whereas Artistic skating requires smaller diameter wheels for stability and mobility.
How does wheel size affect rollerblades?
Check Wheel Diameter
A smaller diameter provides faster acceleration. A larger diameter, in turn, accelerates slowly. A larger diameter of the skate wheel supports better overall roll time and helps in achieving top speeds. For this reason, long-distance speed skaters prefer larger, taller wheels for a smooth ride.
Are bigger roller skate wheels faster?
Variation of Momentum on Big Inline Skate Wheels
A larger wheel will get you there faster.
28 related questions foundAre 82A wheels good?
82A (Outdoor) – These wheels perform very well on most outdoor surfaces and make a great general-purpose outdoor wheel for sidewalks and asphalt—especially for skaters under 180 lbs. 82As can be used on sealed or painted outdoor surfaces, but they will not perform as well as multi-purpose wheels due to their hardness.
Why do aggressive skates have small wheels?
The diameter of your wheels not only influences the overall height of the skates but also affects other attributes such as acceleration, speed, roll time, stability, and weight. Wheels with a smaller diameter allow fast acceleration and require less effort to move.
Why do my rollerblades have 2 different size wheels?
The reason there are so many different size wheels – 55, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 (and the ones in between with 5s on the end) – is because as you change the size of the wheels they become suited for different types of skating. The biggest difference is speed. Big wheels are faster.
Can you put different size wheels on roller skates?
They can vary in size, hardness, shape, and even hub material. It is important to choose a wheel that is suited to type of skating that you will be doing whether it is indoor, outdoor, artistic, or speed.
Is 80a a soft wheel?
Wheels rated between 80a to 83a are balanced between soft and hard, giving the rider the freedom of control, speed, and grip.
What size wheels are best for outdoor roller skating?
Wider, larger wheels (60mm-70mm) are great for outdoor traction and indoor speed. Smaller wheels (57mm) are needed for artistic or rhythm skating because while slower, they offer greater maneuverability.
What size roller skates should I get?
General sizing information
Most roller skates are going to fit the same as your standard shoe size. So, if you wear a size 8 in your everyday shoes a size 8 in roller skates will fit.
How often should you change your roller skate wheels?
Ideally, you should replace your wheels once every year or every 2 years or so.
Can you put 80mm wheels on a 90mm frame?
If you put 80's on a 90 frame, you will get lower to the ground which will help stability, but the wheel base from front to back is still the same, so turning will not be improved much. You will miss your 90s, 80s are a bit more work.
What kind of roller blades does Cesar use?
By getting those cool roller blades, called LandRollers, that Cesar Millan uses on the show.
Are 80mm wheels fast?
To keep it simple, any wheels sized between 72 to 76 mm are light in weight, easy to maneuver, allow quick stops, and can be easily balanced. For the shortcomings, they are slow, small, and ideal for shorter rolling distance. Bigger wheels between 80mm to 110mm are faster and roll longer.
Why do inline skates have different sized wheels?
Very large wheels are most commonly found on racing skates because larger wheels allow for higher speeds. Smaller wheels on the other hand offer faster acceleration and deceleration, which is why most skates do not utilize the larger wheel sizes mentioned previously.
How tight should my roller skate wheels be?
You should be able to count to 8 before it stops.
If the wheel stops before you get to 8, it's still too tight, and you need to loosen the nut a little more. If the wheel is too loose, it will wobble side-to-side as it spins, and you need to tighten it more.
Are 82a wheels good for indoors?
These wheels are suitable for various fields, both outdoor and indoor. The durable and strong PU allows these wheels to absorb the impact on the surface and roll over most small debris.
How do you know what size rollerblade wheels to get?
Inline Skate Wheel Profiles
- 42-72mm for aggressive skating. ...
- 72-80mm for slalom skating. ...
- 64-80mm for roller hockey skating. ...
- 68-76mm for artistic or figure inline skating. ...
- 70-78mm for general recreational skating. ...
- 76-90mm for serious fitness skating. ...
- 90-110mm for speed and marathon skating.
What makes a good roller blade?
Whether you choose a soft or hard-boot/shell depends on your taste. A soft-boot/shell is typically more comfortable and well-ventilated. A hard-boot/shell is typically more stable and provides more control.
What does 84A mean on wheels?
84A (Outdoor/Asphalt) – This is just about the hardest inline hockey wheel you will find. It is absolutely an outdoor wheel intended specifically for sidewalk concrete or asphalt surfaces. Skaters of any size can use this type of wheel on a blacktop or asphalt surface with favorable results.
Are 78A wheels good for outdoors?
78A (really soft): Super grippy, used almost exclusively outdoors. 84A (soft): Hybrid (indoor/outdoor) wheels are usually 84A. They are great for really slippery floors and can be used outdoors. Often a good choice for your first wheels since they are grippy, affordable and versatile.