Decoding MM Size: Inline Hockey Skates Wheels Explained

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Written By Mark

A seasoned inline hockey player with over a decade of experience, Mark has competed at the amateur level and has a wealth of knowledge to share.

What does the mm size mean on inline hockey skates wheels?

This question has left many novice and even seasoned skaters scratching their heads. It’s not just a random number, folks.

The mm size, or millimeter size, of your skate wheels can significantly impact your performance on the rink. It determines how fast you go, how smoothly you glide, and how quickly you can pivot in those high-pressure game moments.

Ready to unravel what does the mm size mean on inline hockey skates wheels?

Understanding Inline Skate Wheels

The world of inline skating is diverse and thrilling, with different disciplines requiring specific types of inline skate wheels.

Determining the wheel size or diameter in millimeters (mm) is a key factor to consider when selecting inline hockey skates.

This measurement plays a significant role in determining how your inline hockey skates will perform.

Anatomy of an Inline Skate Wheel

To fully grasp what mm sizes mean on inline hockey skates wheels, we first need to understand their construction.

Made primarily from polyurethane for durability and grip, these rollerblade wheels are more than just circles attached to your boots.

Bearings & Gaskets: The Heartbeat Of Your Skates

In essence, bearings nestled within gaskets form the heartbeat that keeps you rolling smoothly across surfaces.

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Decoding Wheel Hardness in Inline Skating

The hardness or durometer of inline skate wheels is a critical factor that impacts their performance.

Understanding the Concept of Wheel Durometer

A wheel’s durometer measures its hardness, which directly influences grip and durability.

This scale ranges from 0A (softest) to 100A (hardest), with most inline skates using wheels between 78A-92A for various skating disciplines.

The Impact on Grip and Rolling Resistance

Durometer affects how much an inline wheel grips the surface it rolls over, also known as traction or adhesion. It further plays into rolling resistance – softer wheels have more while harder ones less due to reduced friction against surfaces. 

Grip Considerations Based on Surfaces
  • If you’re primarily skating indoors where floors are smooth, opt for softer indoor wheels around the lower end of this range because they provide better grip.
  • In contrast, outdoor environments like asphalt streets require hard outdoor roller hockey wheels at higher durometers since these resist wear & tear effectively.
  • Mixed-use scenarios may necessitate medium-hardness multi-surface inline hockey skates’ options providing adequate balance between both extremes.

Softer vs Harder Wheels: A Comparison

  1. A soft wheel provides excellent shock absorption making them ideal for rough terrains but tends to wear out faster.
  2. In comparison, a hard wheel lasts longer owing to its increased durability though might compromise somewhat on comfort by transmitting vibrations up through your legs during rides especially across uneven ground.

Making an Informed Choice – Your Guide to Choosing Inline Skate Wheels

Choosing the right inline skate wheels is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your performance in various inline skating disciplines. Whether you’re into aggressive skating, speed skating or recreational skates, understanding wheel sizes and hardness is essential.

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Selecting the Right Wheel Size

The mm size on inline hockey skates wheels represents their diameter. Larger diameters (bigger wheels) are typically used for speed skates due to their ability to cover more ground per rotation.

In contrast, smaller diameters (smaller wheels) offer better maneuverability and control which makes them ideal for aggressive skaters performing tricks and jumps.

Picking Suitable Wheel Hardness

Besides wheel size, another important factor to consider when choosing rollerblade wheels is hardness or durometer. Softer wheels provide excellent grip but wear out faster while harder ones last longer but may compromise on grip depending on surface conditions.

To make an informed choice between soft wheels and hard ones it is necessary considering factors like terrain type where you’ll be using your inline hockey skates most often as well as personal preference towards either higher speeds or greater stability during turns.

Finding Optimal Rollerblade Wheel Profiles

Different rollerblade wheel profiles, such as square-edged versus rounded edges also affect rolling resistance & overall handling of fitness skates under different circumstances.

Avoid common mistakes by doing thorough research before making any purchases; this includes reading product reviews from experienced inline Skaters who have tested these products extensively over time.

Remember: The perfect set of roller hockey wheels doesn’t just depend on brand reputation alone – they should match perfectly with both individual requirements & preferences too.

FAQs in Relation to What Does the Mm Size Mean on Inline Hockey Skates Wheels

What does mm mean in skates?

The ‘mm’ on inline skates refers to the diameter of the wheels, measured in millimeters. It impacts speed and maneuverability.

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What does wheel mm mean?

‘Wheel mm’ denotes the size or diameter of a skate wheel. Larger numbers indicate bigger wheels that offer more speed but less control.

What do the numbers mean on inline skate wheels?

The first number represents wheel diameter (in millimeters), affecting speed and control. The second number signifies hardness or durometer, influencing grip and durability.

What does 82A mean?

’82A’ is a measure of wheel hardness or durometer. An 82A rating indicates medium-soft wheels suitable for smooth surfaces with good grip but moderate wear resistance.

Conclusion

In inline hockey, understanding your equipment is crucial for enhancing performance. One key aspect to understand about inline skates is the wheel size or diameter, often measured in millimeters (mm). But what does the mm size mean on inline hockey skates wheels?

The ‘mm’ refers to the wheel’s diameter – from one edge directly across to the other. Wheel sizes typically range from 47mm up to 125mm in different types of skates such as speed skates, aggressive skates and recreational skates.

Larger wheels are usually found on fitness and speed skating models because they provide higher speeds due to less rolling resistance. Bigger wheels also cover more ground per rotation which makes them ideal for experienced inline skaters looking for fast-paced action.

On the other hand, smaller wheels offer greater control and maneuverability making them perfect for freestyle or aggressive inline skating disciplines where quick turns and tricks are common. Beginner players often use them since they lower a skate’s center of gravity providing increased stability.

Apart from size, another important factor affecting an inline skate wheel’s performance is its hardness or durometer. Softer wheels have better grip but wear out faster while harder ones last longer but may lack grip especially on indoor surfaces.

Understanding your wheel size, hardness and configuration can greatly improve your inline hockey experience whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your skills to another level.

We hope this information has been helpful in understanding what does the mm size mean on inline hockey skates wheels? Feel free to explore more about World Inline Hockey for additional insights into this thrilling sport!