These components are polyurethane wheels used on skateboards and other types of skates. The “99a” designation refers to the durometer scale, which measures the hardness of a material. In this case, “99a” indicates a relatively hard wheel formulation. For example, a skateboarder might select these wheels for street skating or skate park use where a balance of speed and grip is desired.
The degree of hardness provides advantages for specific skating styles. Harder wheels offer increased speed and slide capability on smooth surfaces, which is beneficial for performing tricks and navigating certain terrains. The selection of wheel hardness has historical context, evolving alongside skateboarding itself as skaters experimented with different materials and densities to optimize performance for varied conditions and riding preferences.
Understanding the characteristics of these wheels is fundamental to selecting the appropriate equipment for a specific skateboarding or skating application. Factors such as terrain, intended use, and the rider’s skill level influence the optimal durometer. The subsequent sections will explore these considerations in greater detail.
Tips on Utilizing High-Durometer Skateboard Wheels
The following tips provide guidance on maximizing the performance and lifespan of harder skateboard wheels, typically around 99a durometer.
Tip 1: Match Wheel Hardness to Terrain: Employ harder wheels primarily on smooth surfaces like skateparks, polished concrete, or asphalt. Using these wheels on rough terrain diminishes speed and reduces the rider’s control due to increased vibration.
Tip 2: Consider Rider Skill Level: Harder wheels require a degree of experience and control. Novice skaters may find them less forgiving than softer wheels, which offer greater grip. A skilled skater can better utilize the slide characteristics of these wheels.
Tip 3: Optimize Bearing Maintenance: Due to their higher rolling efficiency, these wheels require well-maintained bearings. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the bearings will ensure optimal speed and reduce wear on both the wheels and bearings.
Tip 4: Rotation for Even Wear: Regularly rotate the wheels to ensure even wear. This extends the lifespan and maintains consistent performance by preventing coning (uneven wear on one side of the wheel).
Tip 5: Monitor for Flat Spots: Harder wheels are more susceptible to flat spots resulting from sliding. Check the wheels regularly for flat spots, and avoid prolonged sliding on abrasive surfaces.
Tip 6: Consider Wheel Diameter: The diameter of the wheel also influences performance. Larger diameters maintain speed more effectively, while smaller diameters offer quicker acceleration. Choose a diameter that complements the wheel hardness and intended riding style.
Tip 7: Match Hardware: Employ suitable trucks and bearings that complement the performance characteristics. This ensures the board operates with proper alignment and maximizes the benefit.
Implementing these tips facilitates optimal performance and maximizes the lifespan of harder skateboard wheels. Careful consideration of these factors enhances the overall skating experience.
The next section of this article will discuss common misconceptions associated with skateboard wheels.
1. Hardness
Hardness is a key characteristic defining the performance profile of a skateboard wheel. Within the context of wheels identified by the “99a” designation, hardness assumes a pivotal role in dictating factors such as speed, grip, and slide characteristics. The “99a” rating on the durometer scale indicates a specific degree of hardness, which directly influences the wheel’s interaction with various skating surfaces.
- Rolling Resistance and Speed
A harder wheel, like those rated 99a, exhibits lower rolling resistance on smooth surfaces. This translates into increased rolling speed and momentum. For example, a skater utilizing 99a wheels on a smooth concrete skatepark will experience significantly greater velocity compared to using softer wheels on the same surface. The diminished deformation of the harder wheel minimizes energy loss, thereby maximizing speed.
- Grip and Surface Adhesion
Increased hardness generally correlates with reduced grip. A 99a wheel possesses less surface area contact and less deformation capacity when encountering irregularities. This can lead to reduced adhesion, particularly on uneven or rough surfaces. For instance, on a textured asphalt road, a 99a wheel may exhibit increased slippage and reduced control compared to a softer wheel with a higher grip coefficient.
- Slide Characteristics and Control
The reduced grip offered by a 99a wheel facilitates controlled sliding. This is a crucial characteristic for performing certain skateboarding maneuvers. For example, executing a controlled powerslide or performing technical tricks often requires the ability to break traction predictably. Harder wheels enable this functionality, allowing skilled skaters to manipulate slide behavior more effectively.
- Durability and Wear Resistance
Higher durometer wheels generally exhibit greater resistance to abrasion and wear. The dense composition of a 99a wheel makes it less susceptible to deformation and material loss due to prolonged contact with rough surfaces. This extends the lifespan of the wheel, making it suitable for aggressive skating styles that involve frequent sliding and impacts.
The interaction between hardness, as defined by the “99a” rating, and these performance facets emphasizes the trade-offs inherent in skateboard wheel selection. While 99a wheels provide benefits in terms of speed, slide control, and durability, they also present challenges related to grip and surface compatibility. This necessitates careful consideration of skating style and environment to optimize wheel selection.
2. Durability
Durability represents a critical performance parameter of skate wheels, especially in the context of wheels rated “99a.” The ability to withstand wear, abrasion, and impact directly correlates with the wheel’s lifespan and its capacity to maintain performance characteristics over time.
- Material Composition and Wear Resistance
The polyurethane formulation significantly influences wheel durability. Higher-quality polyurethane compounds, even within the 99a durometer range, exhibit increased resistance to abrasion from asphalt, concrete, and other common skating surfaces. For instance, a wheel formulated with a high-rebound polyurethane will maintain its shape and rolling efficiency longer than a wheel using a less resilient compound.
- Hardness and Impact Resistance
While the 99a durometer indicates hardness, it also affects impact resistance. Harder wheels are less prone to deformation from impacts, such as landing tricks or navigating rough terrain. However, extreme impacts can still cause chipping or cracking, especially in lower-quality wheels. Therefore, material selection and manufacturing processes are paramount in ensuring impact resistance within the 99a category.
- Bearing Seat Integrity
The integrity of the bearing seat, where the bearings are pressed into the wheel, is vital for long-term durability. Repeated stress and impacts can deform the bearing seat, leading to bearing wobble and reduced rolling efficiency. Properly manufactured 99a wheels with reinforced bearing seats can mitigate this issue and extend wheel life.
- Environmental Factors and Degradation
Exposure to environmental factors like ultraviolet radiation, extreme temperatures, and chemicals can degrade the polyurethane compound over time, impacting wheel durability. Storing skateboards in cool, dry environments and avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals helps to prolong the lifespan of 99a wheels.
In summary, the durability of 99a wheels is a complex function of material composition, hardness, manufacturing quality, and environmental exposure. Selecting wheels from reputable manufacturers using high-quality polyurethane formulations, coupled with proper maintenance practices, will maximize wheel lifespan and sustain performance over extended periods. The interplay between these factors dictates the overall value and long-term utility of 99a rated skate wheels.
3. Slide Control
The relationship between slide control and these wheels is significant. The 99a durometer rating indicates a high degree of hardness, a characteristic that fundamentally alters the wheel’s interaction with the riding surface. Harder wheels reduce friction, facilitating sliding maneuvers. Consider a skateboarder attempting a powerslide; a 99a wheel, due to its minimal grip, allows the board to break traction more easily than a softer wheel. This controlled loss of grip is essential for executing the maneuver effectively. Without this degree of hardness, controlled sliding becomes more difficult and less predictable.
Conversely, this reduction in grip necessitates a higher skill level. The ease with which these wheels initiate a slide demands precise weight distribution and a nuanced understanding of balance. A novice skater might find these wheels unforgiving, as unintentional slides can lead to loss of control and potential injury. However, experienced skaters leverage this slide characteristic for complex tricks and maneuvers. The practical application of this understanding involves selecting wheels that match the skater’s skill and the intended riding environment. A smooth skatepark, for example, is conducive to using wheels designed for sliding. This allows for precise control of the board’s trajectory and enhances the skater’s ability to perform advanced techniques.
In summary, wheels designated with a 99a durometer rating inherently offer reduced grip, thereby promoting slide control. This is a key benefit for skilled skaters seeking to execute sliding maneuvers. However, the trade-off is a greater demand for control and precision. Careful consideration of skater ability and the riding surface is crucial to effectively harness the benefits and mitigate the challenges associated with slide-oriented wheel characteristics. Understanding this relationship is essential for optimizing skateboard performance and ensuring rider safety.
4. Surface Suitability
The performance of wheels hinges critically on the compatibility between the wheel durometer and the riding surface. Wheels, owing to their hardness, exhibit optimal performance on smooth, even surfaces. The reduced surface friction enables higher speeds and predictable slide characteristics. Concrete skateparks and smooth asphalt typically constitute appropriate environments for these wheels. Conversely, rough or uneven surfaces compromise the functionality of 99a wheels. The limited grip inherent in the harder durometer results in diminished control and increased vibration on irregular terrain. As an example, attempting to skate with these wheels on a cracked sidewalk or a gravel path would significantly degrade performance and potentially endanger the rider.
The effect of surface suitability on wheel longevity also warrants consideration. Abrasive surfaces accelerate wear on all skateboard wheels, but the harder composition of 99a wheels can, paradoxically, make them more susceptible to flat spots when subjected to abrupt stops or prolonged slides on rough concrete. Proper selection of skating environments can mitigate this effect. Regularly inspecting wheels for damage and rotating them can further extend their lifespan. Moreover, understanding the interplay between surface type, riding style, and wheel characteristics facilitates informed decision-making regarding the choice of skateboard components. A street skater who frequently encounters varied surfaces might prioritize a softer wheel with greater grip, while a park skater who primarily rides smooth concrete would benefit from the speed and slide characteristics of 99a wheels.
In summary, selecting the appropriate riding surface is crucial for realizing the full potential of wheels. While these harder wheels excel on smooth, even surfaces, their performance degrades significantly on rough or uneven terrain. The practical significance of this understanding lies in optimizing both rider experience and wheel longevity. Matching the wheel durometer to the intended skating environment enhances control, speed, and overall enjoyment while minimizing the risk of damage or injury.
5. Rolling Speed
The primary attribute of a 99a skate wheel is its capacity for achieving high rolling speed. This characteristic arises from the material’s hardness, which minimizes deformation upon contact with the skating surface. Lower deformation equates to reduced energy loss through hysteresis, thereby maximizing forward momentum. As an illustration, a skater traversing a level surface will experience a sustained velocity with these wheels due to the minimal resistance encountered. This is particularly advantageous in environments such as skateparks and smooth concrete surfaces where momentum preservation is critical for executing tricks and maintaining flow.
The correlation between wheel hardness and rolling speed is not, however, without caveats. While increased hardness minimizes rolling resistance, it also reduces grip. This necessitates a higher level of skill to maintain control, particularly at elevated speeds. Furthermore, surface conditions play a significant role; rough or uneven surfaces negate the speed benefits as vibration and increased friction counteract the wheel’s inherent properties. In a practical scenario, a skater transitioning from a smooth skatepark to a rough asphalt road will observe a substantial reduction in rolling speed, irrespective of the wheel’s durometer. This illustrates the importance of selecting appropriate skating environments to fully leverage the speed potential of these components.
In summary, the link between rolling speed and a 99a wheel is direct and consequential, stemming from the wheel’s inherent hardness and its interaction with the skating surface. While these wheels offer enhanced velocity, the benefits are contingent upon suitable surface conditions and the skater’s ability to manage the associated reduction in grip. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is essential for optimizing performance and ensuring a safe and controlled skating experience. Therefore, selection should be based on skill level, terrain conditions and personal skating style.
6. Abrasion Resistance
Abrasion resistance is a critical factor governing the lifespan and performance consistency of 99a skate wheels. This attribute reflects the wheel’s capacity to withstand wear from contact with various surfaces, directly influencing its rolling efficiency and grip characteristics over time.
- Polyurethane Formulation
The specific polyurethane compound used in manufacturing 99a wheels significantly affects abrasion resistance. High-rebound polyurethanes, for example, demonstrate superior resistance to wear compared to standard formulations. Wheels constructed with these advanced materials maintain their shape and durometer rating for a longer duration, even under aggressive use conditions. The choice of polyurethane, therefore, becomes a primary determinant of wheel durability.
- Hardness and Wear Rate
While 99a indicates a high degree of hardness, it does not guarantee complete immunity to abrasion. Harder wheels, in general, exhibit slower wear rates on smooth surfaces compared to softer wheels. However, on abrasive surfaces, the impact forces can lead to micro-fractures and material loss. The ideal scenario involves a balance between hardness for performance and a polyurethane formulation designed to mitigate wear under stress.
- Surface Texture Interaction
The texture of the skating surface plays a pivotal role in abrasion. Rough surfaces, such as aged asphalt or coarse concrete, accelerate wheel wear significantly. The microscopic irregularities act as cutting edges, gradually removing material from the wheel’s surface. Conversely, smooth surfaces, like polished concrete in skateparks, minimize abrasion and extend wheel life. Understanding the surface interaction is crucial for predicting wheel longevity.
- Riding Style and Abrasion Patterns
Specific skating styles contribute to distinct abrasion patterns. For instance, frequent sliding maneuvers, such as powerslides, induce localized wear, often resulting in flat spots. Aggressive street skating, involving impacts and frequent contact with rough surfaces, leads to more uniform wear across the entire wheel surface. Analyzing these patterns informs maintenance practices and allows skaters to optimize wheel rotation to maximize lifespan.
The interplay between these elements dictates the overall abrasion resistance of 99a skate wheels. Selecting wheels with advanced polyurethane formulations, considering the typical skating environment, and adapting riding techniques can collectively enhance wheel durability and ensure consistent performance over time. Abrasion resistance directly influences the cost-effectiveness and usability of these skateboard components.
Frequently Asked Questions About 99a Skate Wheels
The following questions address common inquiries regarding the characteristics and applications of skateboard wheels designated as 99a on the durometer scale. These answers aim to provide clear, concise information for informed decision-making.
Question 1: What distinguishes these wheels from wheels with lower durometer ratings?
The primary distinction lies in hardness. Wheels rated 99a are significantly harder than those with lower durometer ratings. This hardness translates to increased rolling speed on smooth surfaces, reduced grip, and enhanced slide capabilities. Lower durometer wheels offer greater grip and shock absorption, but sacrifice speed and slide potential.
Question 2: Are these wheels suitable for all skateboarding disciplines?
No. These wheels are best suited for skateboarding disciplines that prioritize speed and controlled sliding, such as street skating and skate park riding on smooth concrete. They are less suitable for cruising on rough surfaces or longboarding, where grip and shock absorption are paramount.
Question 3: How does wheel size interact with the performance characteristics of these wheels?
Wheel diameter influences acceleration and top speed. Smaller diameter wheels accelerate more quickly, while larger diameter wheels maintain speed more effectively. Skaters typically select wheel diameters based on personal preference and the specific terrain they intend to navigate, in conjunction with the durometer rating.
Question 4: What are the common indicators of wear and tear on these wheels?
Common indicators of wear include coning (uneven wear), flat spots (localized areas of wear resulting from sliding), and a reduction in wheel diameter. Regular inspection of the wheels is recommended to identify these issues and address them through rotation or replacement.
Question 5: How does bearing quality impact the performance of these wheels?
Bearing quality is critical. High-quality bearings reduce friction and enhance rolling efficiency, maximizing the speed potential. Conversely, worn or improperly maintained bearings can impede performance and increase wear on both the wheels and bearings. Regular bearing maintenance is essential.
Question 6: Do these wheels require specific maintenance procedures?
While no unique maintenance procedures are required, regular rotation is advisable to promote even wear. Cleaning the wheels periodically to remove debris can also enhance performance. Storing the skateboard in a cool, dry environment minimizes degradation of the polyurethane compound.
In summation, the performance of these wheels depends on several interacting factors, including durometer, wheel size, bearing quality, and maintenance practices. Informed selection and diligent maintenance ensure optimal performance and longevity.
The following section will provide a comparison against other popular skateboard wheels.
Conclusion
The preceding analysis has systematically explored the attributes and applications of 99a skate wheels. The hardness rating, surface suitability, abrasion resistance, and sliding properties have been examined in detail, revealing the inherent trade-offs associated with this specific wheel type. Selection of these wheels necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the skater’s skill level, the intended riding environment, and the desired performance characteristics.
The judicious application of this knowledge will empower skaters to optimize their equipment choices, maximizing performance and mitigating potential risks. Further research and experimentation will undoubtedly yield additional insights into the complex interplay between wheel properties and skating dynamics. The continued pursuit of such understanding is essential for advancing the sport and ensuring skater safety.
