A Guide to Choosing and Caring for 92A Roller Skate Wheels

An Introduction to 92A Roller Skate Wheels

Roller skating has seen a huge resurgence in popularity over the past few years. What was once seen as a hobby for kids in the 70s and 80s has now become a trendy activity loved by millennials. Roller discos are popping up in most major cities, adults are lacing up their skates and cruising along beachside boardwalks, and there's even roller skating yoga classes! No matter if you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, having the right skate setup is crucial for an enjoyable skating experience. One of the most important parts of your skates is the wheels, and 92A durometer wheels have become a top choice for many skaters.

What Does 92A Mean?

The 92A refers to the hardness rating of the polyurethane material used to make the wheels. The hardness is measured on the A scale created by the Plastic Hardness Scales Corporation. The scale ranges from 0A to 100A, with lower numbers being softer and higher numbers being harder. 92A hits the sweet spot of not being too hard or too soft. Wheels that are too soft can lack speed and wear down more quickly. Wheels that are too hard don't grip the skating surface well and can cause vibrations.

Benefits of 92A Wheels

There are several key benefits that make 92A an ideal durometer for roller skate wheels:

• Versatility - 92A wheels work well for both indoor and outdoor skating. They transition smoothly between rough outdoor surfaces and slick indoor floors.
• Grip - The medium hardness gives enough grip to stick to the skating surface without jarring vibrations.
• Speed - 92A wheels strike the right balance of hardness for speed. They roll fast without sacrificing too much grip.
• Durability - The polyurethane material is durable enough to withstand outdoor skating while still providing a smooth roll.
• Comfort - 92A gives a cushioned feel that works well for dancing and artistic skating. The wheels absorb impacts for a comfortable stride.

Whether you're into jam skating, rhythm skating, or skating outdoors, 92A is a one-size-fits-all hardness that works for most skaters. The wheels give you enough slide and grip for versatile skating.

Choosing the Best 92A Wheels

Once you've decided on 92A as your hardness of choice, there are still a few factors to consider when selecting the best wheels for your skates:

Wheel Size

Wheel sizes generally range from 57mm to 70mm. Smaller wheels are more agile while larger wheels pick up speed easily. 57-62mm is best for jam skating and rhythm skating which require more agility. 65-70mm is ideal for distance skating outdoors where you want higher speeds with less pushing off.

Wheel Profile

Wheel profile refers to the shape of the wheel. There are several standard profiles:

• Rounded - Completely rounded with an even contact patch. Rounded wheels are versatile general purpose wheels.
• Tapered - Wide in the back and taper towards the front. Tapered wheels are good for speed and stability.
• Barrel - Wider in the middle and taper towards the edges. Barrel wheels provide more grip and control.
• Conical - Widest at the front and tapers towards the back. Conical gives maneuverability and slide.

Consider what style of skating you'll be doing and choose a profile to match. Rounded and conical profiles pair well with jam skating while tapered and barrel work for rhythm and outdoor skating.

Wheel Durometer

While you've already chosen 92A as the hardness, some brands will fine tune the durometer to be slightly harder or softer while still staying in the 92A range. This affects the precise grip, slide, and roll so opt for the tuning that matches your skate style.

Brand

Popular and trusted wheel brands for 92A include Radar Energy, Atom Pulse, Rollerbones Team, and Moxi Gummy. Each brand tweaks factors like the urethane formula so do some research to choose a brand that fits your preferences.

Caring for Your 92A Wheels

The proper care and maintenance of your wheels will keep them rolling smoothly for many skate sessions. Here are some tips for caring for 92A wheels:

• Rotate - Rotating your wheels helps distribute wear evenly so they continue rolling true. Rotate every few sessions.
• Clean - Dirt and debris on the wheels can cause vibrations. Wipe down with water and remove any rocks or pebbles stuck in the tread.
• Store - Don't store skates sitting directly on the wheels long term as it can flatten spots. Hang skates or stuff with paper.
• Lubricate - Lubricating with a little bit of skate bearing oil keeps the wheels rolling fast.
• Replace - When wheels become too worn down or develop flat spots, it's time to replace them with fresh new wheels.

With proper care and cleaning, 92A wheels can retain their signature smooth roll for a long time. Rotate between multiple sets if you skate frequently to maximize each wheel's lifespan.

Stylish 92A Wheel Options

One of the fun perks of roller skating is customizing your setup with wheels to match your style. 92A wheels come in a rainbow of colors and patterns. Here are some top picks for stylish 92A wheels:

• Moxi Gummy Wheels - Available in bright shades like taffy pink, poppy red, and juicy lime.
• Radar Energy Wheels - Choices include shimmery holographic and multi-color sparkle wheels.
• Rollerbones Team Wheels -basic colors as well as unique shades like blackout, gold glitter, and neon green.
• Sure Grip Fame Wheels - Transparent purple, red, and blue wheels that glow under the skate rink blacklights.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding 92A wheels that express your personal flair. Many brands also let you customize your own wheel color combinations.

Conclusion

92A wheels offer skaters the ideal blend of speed, grip, and smoothness. Their versatility supports diverse skating styles from jam skating to outdoor trail skating. Choosing the size, profile, and brand that aligns with your preferences elevates your skating. With proper care and cleaning, 92A wheels stand the test of time. And their wide range of colors lets you add your own sense of style. For these reasons, 92A remains the top choice for skaters looking to enhance their setup with high-performance wheels.

FAQs

What's the difference between indoor and outdoor wheels?

Indoor wheels are usually harder (96A-101A) for grip on slick floors. Outdoor wheels are softer (78A-92A) to absorb rough terrain. 92A works well for both surfaces.

How often should I rotate my wheels?

Rotate after every 5-10 hours of skating to distribute wear evenly. Wheels wear faster in the back so rotation extends their life.

What tools do I need to change my wheels?

You'll need a skate tool, often T-shaped, to loosen the axle nuts. Optional extras are bearing press and toe stops to lift the skate.

Should I go bigger or smaller for outdoor wheels?

Go bigger - 65mm or larger outdoor wheels maintain speed well. Smaller wheels under 60mm require more pushing.

Do softer outdoor wheels make it harder to do tricks?

Yes, tricks require more grip so opt for harder wheels in the 95A-98A range if doing a lot of jams, jumps, etc.