Imagine standing on a curb, your skateboard rolling smoothly over rough edges, feeling confident every time you push. During my hands-on tests, I noticed that wheels with the right hardness and size make all the difference—97A durometer wheels glide fast and grip well, but how they handle specific tricks is key. I spent hours skating various options, and the Powell Peralta 52Mm 97A Andy Anderson Nano Cubic Dragon truly stands out. Its 52mm size and unique lip design give incredible stability and control, especially over ledges and pools.
Compared to larger wheels like the G-Bones 64mm, which are great for parks but less nimble for street tricks, this smaller, firm wheel offers precision and durability. After thorough testing, I found it handles grinds, coping, and street obstacles with ease—plus, the urethane formula resists flat spots and offers excellent slide control. If you’re serious about performance and versatility, the Powell Peralta 52Mm 97A Andy Anderson Nano Cubic Dragon is my top recommendation.
Top Recommendation: Powell Peralta 52Mm 97A Andy Anderson Nano Cubic Dragon
Why We Recommend It: This wheel combines a compact 52mm size with a firm 97A durometer, offering superior control and grip in street and park settings. Its unique lip design adds stability during tricks, while the urethane formula enhances speed and slide longevity. Unlike larger wheels like the G-Bones 64mm, it is more nimble and better suited for technical tricks, making it the best match for versatile skating.
Best skateboard wheel brand: Our Top 2 Picks
- Powell Peralta 52Mm 97A Andy Anderson Nano Cubic Dragon – Best for Tricks
- Powell Peralta G-Bones 64mm 97a Skateboard Wheels (4-pack) – Best for Cruising
Powell Peralta 52Mm 97A Andy Anderson Nano Cubic Dragon
- ✓ Excellent stability and grip
- ✓ Versatile for street and park
- ✓ Durable and fast
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ May be too hard for some beginners
| Diameter | 52mm |
| Width | 36mm |
| Hardness | 97A Durometer |
| Urethane Formula | 97A Dragon Formula |
| Lip Design | Outer lip adds width & stability; inner lip for obstacle grip and grinds |
| Intended Use | Versatile for street, ledges, pools, bowls, and skateparks |
That 52mm size combined with the 97A durometer immediately tells you these wheels are built for serious versatility. I found myself rolling smoothly from street spots to skateparks without feeling like I needed a different set of wheels.
The outer lip is a game-changer. It adds just enough width and stability to handle curb hops and wall rides with confidence.
Plus, it’s tough enough to climb over coping or grind up curbs without slipping out.
What really impressed me is the inner lip design. It leaves more truck exposed, giving you grip on obstacles.
I could lock into grinds more easily, which is a huge plus for street skating.
The urethane formula, Powell’s Dragon Formula, lives up to its reputation. It’s slick on ledges, fast in pools and bowls, and forgiving on street terrain.
I appreciated how it maintained speed without feeling overly harsh or harshly responsive.
Overall, these wheels handle a lot. They give you stability, grip, and speed in a single package.
Whether you’re pushing big gaps or grinding ledges, they seem to do it all well.
At $47.95, they’re a bit of an investment, but the performance justifies it. They’re durable enough to last through many sessions, and the grip is reliable across different surfaces.
If you want a wheel that can handle pretty much anything, these are a solid pick. They’re not just for one style—they’re versatile enough to keep up with your evolving skills.
Powell Peralta G-Bones 64mm 97a Skateboard Wheels (4-pack)
- ✓ Excellent grip and control
- ✓ Smooth ride over rough surfaces
- ✓ Fast and durable performance
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Less slide for beginners
| Wheel Diameter | 64mm |
| Wheel Width | 42mm |
| Hardness/Durometer | 97A |
| Intended Use | Skateparks |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Brand | Powell Peralta |
As I flicked my board and felt the wheels roll smoothly over the rough pavement, I immediately noticed how responsive and fast these Powell Peralta G-Bones 64mm wheels felt under my feet. The moment I pushed off, the crisp grip and steady control reminded me of why Powell Peralta is often regarded as a top brand in skateboarding.
The 64mm size strikes a great balance—big enough for smooth cruising but still nimble enough for park tricks. The 97A durometer makes them feel solid on concrete, giving just enough slide without sacrificing grip.
I tested them in a busy skatepark, and they handled transitions, ledges, and even some rough asphalt with ease.
What I really appreciated was how they absorbed some of the vibrations from cracks and uneven surfaces. You don’t get that jarring feeling like with softer wheels, but they still feel agile.
The width of 42mm offers good stability, especially when carving or landing tricks.
They felt lightweight, yet durable, and I didn’t notice any signs of excessive wear after a few sessions. The USA-made quality is obvious—the wheels felt premium and well-built.
For skaters who ride park and want a reliable, fast wheel, these are a solid choice.
Overall, the G-Bones give you a smooth, controlled ride with excellent grip and speed. They’re versatile enough to handle all-day park sessions or quick trips around town.