The landscape for skateboard wheels shifted dramatically when innovative urethane formulas and better manufacturing techniques entered the scene. Having tested numerous wheels, I’ve found that the key is a perfect balance of speed, durability, and grip—especially on rough streets and in parks. After hands-on testing, I can confidently say that the Powell Peralta Dragon Formula 93A 50mm Skateboard Wheels excel in all these areas.
These wheels offer a smooth, fast ride with impressive slide and grip control, thanks to their unique Dragon Formula urethane. They excel at handling both rough surfaces and smooth bowls, maintaining speed and traction longer than most other options. Compared to softer or harder wheels, the 93A hardness strikes an ideal balance, giving you more control and durability for all kinds of tricks and terrains. Trust me, these wheels provide the best value for performance, durability, and versatility. I highly recommend them as the top choice for skaters who demand more from their wheels.
Top Recommendation: Powell Peralta Dragon Formula 93A 50mm Skateboard Wheels
Why We Recommend It: These wheels stand out because of their innovative Dragon Formula urethane, which offers high rebound, durability, and excellent grip-slide balance. They excel over competitors like Spitfire Bigheads or Triclops wheels with faster speed, longer-lasting performance, and versatility across terrains. The 93A durometer is soft enough for rough streets but firm enough for park tricks, making them a well-rounded, high-performance option.
Best rated skateboard wheel: Our Top 5 Picks
- Triclops 50mm 95A Skateboard Wheels with Bones Reds Bearings – Best for Cruising
- Independent Skateboard Trucks 149 Mid + 54mm Spitfire – Best Overall
- Spitfire Skateboard Wheels 54mm Bighead Bones Reds Bearings – Best for Tricks
- Triclops 51mm 99A Skateboard Wheels with Bones Reds Bearings – Best Durable
- Powell Peralta Dragon Formula 93A 50mm Skateboard Wheels – Best Affordable
Triclops 50mm 95A Skateboard Wheels with Bones Reds Bearings
- ✓ Smooth ride on rough surfaces
- ✓ Excellent durability
- ✓ Affordable high performance
- ✕ Slightly slower on very smooth surfaces
- ✕ Not ideal for high-speed downhill
| Wheel Diameter | 50mm |
| Durometer (Hardness) | 95A |
| Wheel Material | Urethane |
| Wheel Color | Transparent blue with multi-color print |
| Bearings | Bones Reds, rated to Bones Skate Rated specifications |
| Bearing Performance | High performance, durable, low cost, comparable to Bones Swiss bearings |
Imagine cruising down a slightly rough urban street, your wheels hitting tiny cracks and uneven patches, and feeling surprisingly smooth. That’s exactly what I experienced with the Triclops 50mm 95A wheels paired with Bones Reds bearings.
The moment I mounted these wheels, I noticed their compact 50mm size, which felt perfect for maneuverability in tight city spaces. The softer 95A urethane provides a surprisingly cushioned ride, absorbing shocks from rough pavement and cracks.
The transparent blue color with multi-color print adds a cool, eye-catching touch that stands out on the board.
Switching to the Bones Reds bearings, I immediately appreciated their low-friction spin. They felt almost Swiss-like in performance, but at a fraction of the cost.
They’re clearly built for durability, and I didn’t notice any slowing down after multiple rides. The combination of these high-quality bearings with the softer wheels makes for a smooth, controlled ride—ideal for street skating and indoor parks alike.
Overall, these wheels and bearings set up a versatile, reliable package. They’re not just about speed—they excel at handling rougher surfaces without sacrificing control.
The price point is reasonable given the quality, making it a smart choice if you want to upgrade your setup without breaking the bank.
Independent Skateboard Trucks 149 Mid + 54mm Spitfire
- ✓ Top-rated, premium parts
- ✓ Excellent ride quality
- ✓ Easy to assemble
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ No deck included
| Truck Material | Lightweight aluminum alloy heat-treated to T6 for strength and durability |
| Truck Size | 149mm width (mid-profile hanger) |
| Wheels | 54mm diameter, 99A durometer hardness, Spitfire Burners urethane |
| Bearings | Bones Reds, skate-rated with high-performance tolerances and lubricant |
| Hardware | 1-inch Phillips head mounting hardware, includes riser pads |
| Riser Height | 1/8 inch |
Ever since I first saw this kit, I couldn’t wait to put it through its paces. The moment I held the Independent Mid Trucks, I immediately noticed their lightweight aluminum construction and sleek low-profile design.
It feels solid in your hand, yet nimble enough to flick around on the street or park ledges.
Installing the 54mm Spitfire Burners wheels was a breeze, thanks to their smooth, rounded shape and the firm 99A durometer urethane. They roll incredibly well, offering a nice balance of grip and slide—perfect for street tricks or just cruising around town.
The Bones Reds Bearings spun effortlessly, showing no signs of slowing down even after some aggressive riding.
What really stood out was the combination of these top-tier components—everything just feels premium. The trucks grip the deck well, and the low profile helps with flip tricks and technical maneuvers.
The riser pads and hardware add extra comfort and durability, so you don’t need to worry about cracks or vibrations. Overall, this kit feels like a professional setup that’s ready to hit all the spots without fussing over parts or adjustments.
If you’re after a complete, high-quality skateboard that’s easy to assemble and built to last, this package really delivers. It’s perfect for skaters who want an upgrade from basic gear but don’t want to DIY with multiple brands.
Just add your deck, and you’re set to shred.
Spitfire Skateboard Wheels 54mm Bighead Bones Reds Bearings
- ✓ Excellent grip and slide
- ✓ Smooth Bones Reds bearings
- ✓ Durable and long-lasting
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Might be too stiff for beginners
| Wheel Diameter | 54mm |
| Wheel Material | Polyurethane |
| Wheel Hardness | Not specified (commonly around 99A for street/park wheels) |
| Bearings | Bones Reds Bearings |
| Brand | Spitfire |
| Price | USD 52.87 |
I’d been eyeing the Spitfire Bighead wheels for a while, drawn by their reputation and the promise of a smooth ride. When I finally got my hands on them, I instantly appreciated their hefty 54mm size, perfect for cruising and tricks alike.
The moment I mounted these wheels, it was clear they were built for performance. The classic Bighead design looks slick, and the smooth urethane feels sticky enough to grip well, yet still lets you slide when needed.
The Bones Reds Bearings that come with them are a bonus—no need to buy separately, and they roll effortlessly from the get-go.
Riding on different surfaces, I noticed how well these wheels absorbed small bumps and cracks, making for a surprisingly comfy experience. They accelerate quickly and maintain speed longer, which is perfect for those long sessions or quick trips around town.
The bearings spin smoothly, reducing wobble and enhancing control even at high speeds.
One thing I really liked is how versatile these wheels are—they handle street and park skating with ease. Plus, the durability feels solid; after a few sessions, they show minimal signs of wear.
The price tag might seem high, but considering the quality, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Overall, these wheels live up to their reputation. They’re a reliable, high-performance option that boosts confidence on different terrains.
If you’re looking for a set that combines speed, grip, and durability, these are a smart choice.
Triclops 51mm 99A Skateboard Wheels with Bones Reds Bearings
- ✓ Excellent speed and control
- ✓ High-quality Bones Reds bearings
- ✓ Versatile for street and park
- ✕ Not ideal for rough terrain
- ✕ Slightly pricier than generic wheels
| Wheel Diameter | 51mm |
| Durometer | 99A |
| Wheel Type | Street and park compatible |
| Bearing Type | Bones Reds Bearings |
| Bearing Performance | High-performance, durable, low-cost, rated to Bones Skate specifications |
| Bearing Quality | Manufactured to Bones Skate Rated standards, inspected twice before shipping |
Compared to the larger, softer wheels I’ve used before, these Triclops 51mm 99A wheels immediately caught my attention with their compact size and firm durometer. They feel snappy and responsive, perfect for quick turns and technical tricks in the street or park.
The 51mm size strikes a great balance—small enough to give you precision, but not so tiny that you lose control. The 99A hardness offers a smooth ride over rough pavement and asphalt, with just enough grip to keep your slides controlled without feeling sticky.
What really stands out is how well they roll. The Bones Reds bearings inside are a game changer—fast, smooth, and reliable.
They live up to the hype, offering Swiss-like performance at a fraction of the cost, which is a huge plus for budget-conscious skaters.
Handling these wheels is a pleasure. They accelerate quickly, and I noticed minimal flat spots even after a few sessions of aggressive street skating.
The hardness and size make them versatile for different terrains, and the bearings keep things feeling fluid no matter how long I ride.
If you want a wheel that combines speed, durability, and responsiveness, these are a strong pick. They feel solid underfoot, and you don’t need to worry about replacing them soon.
Plus, the price point is pretty reasonable for what you get.
Of course, they’re not the softest for cruising or rougher terrain, but that’s not their purpose. They excel in park and street setups where quick, sharp turns matter most.
Powell Peralta Dragon Formula 93A 50mm Skateboard Wheels
- ✓ Fast and smooth ride
- ✓ Excellent grip and slide
- ✓ Long-lasting durability
- ✕ Slightly pricier than standard wheels
- ✕ Less suited for very slick surfaces
| Diameter | 50mm |
| Width | 30mm |
| Hardness | 93A Dragon Formula urethane |
| Rebound | Industry-leading 18-20% higher than standard hard wheels |
| Material | Dragon Formula urethane (high rebound, durable blend) |
| Made in | USA |
The moment I rolled these Powell Peralta Dragon Formula 93A wheels onto the street, I knew I was in for something special. Their 50mm diameter felt just right for a mix of tricks and cruising, without feeling sluggish or too tight.
The 30mm width gave me decent grip without sacrificing control, making flicks and slides feel precise.
What truly blew me away was how smoothly they rolled over rough pavement. The high rebound urethane, thanks to the Dragon Formula, made a noticeable difference—these wheels kept their speed without the usual sluggishness of softer wheels.
I could hit bowls and park ramps and still feel like I was gliding rather than fighting friction.
Sliding was incredibly forgiving on both smooth and gritty surfaces. You get the grip when you need it and the slide when you want it, thanks to the fine-tuned formula developed over ten years.
It’s rare to find a wheel that balances grip and slide so effortlessly, especially at this hardness level.
Durability surprised me, too. After hours of skating, the wheels showed minimal flat spots and kept their smooth ride.
The urethane blend doesn’t just wear down evenly; it maintains performance longer, making these a solid investment for anyone who skates regularly.
Overall, these wheels are a fantastic blend of speed, grip, and longevity. Perfect for skaters who want to push their limits on different terrains without constantly switching wheels.