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Fingerboard Wheels

Fingerboard wheels play a crucial role in how the board performs, much like on a full-sized skateboard. They affect the smoothness, control, and responsiveness of the fingerboard when performing tricks. Here’s a breakdown of different types of fingerboard wheels:

1. Material

  • Plastic: Early fingerboard wheels were made from plastic, which is durable but less grippy and smooth compared to modern materials. They can be noisier and offer less realism.
  • Urethane: Today, many high-quality fingerboard wheels are made from urethane, the same material used in real skateboard wheels. Urethane provides better grip, a smoother ride, and more realistic feel when performing tricks.

2. Size

Fingerboard wheels are typically sized based on the board's width, but they come in various diameters to suit different preferences:

  • Smaller wheels (around 4.0–4.5 mm): These wheels are often used for technical tricks, as they allow for quicker response and less friction. They are great for street-style fingerboarding.
  • Larger wheels (5.0–6.0 mm): These provide more stability and smoother rolling over obstacles like ramps, making them better for vert or park-style fingerboarding.

3. Shape

  • Square-edged wheels: These have sharp, defined edges that are great for street-style fingerboarding. They provide better grip and control when doing technical slides or grinds.
  • Round-edged wheels: These wheels are slightly more forgiving, making them great for smooth transitions and carving. They are often used in fingerboard setups meant for vert or transition-style fingerboarding.

4. Core (Hub)

  • Some high-end fingerboard wheels feature a core or hub, which is the central part of the wheel. The core can be made from different materials, such as plastic or aluminum. These cores provide extra durability and help prevent the wheel from deforming under pressure.
  • Dual-core wheels feature two layers: one layer of urethane for smoothness and a stiffer core for durability. This gives the best of both worlds for performance.

5. Texture

  • Some fingerboard wheels come with different textures or treads to improve grip, making them more suited for street or technical fingerboarding. These wheels can have smooth, slick surfaces for better slides, or grippier surfaces for more traction on certain obstacles.

6. Bearings

  • Some high-end wheels come with ball bearings, like real skateboard wheels, allowing for smoother, longer rolls. However, most fingerboard wheels today don’t feature traditional bearings; instead, they rely on a simple axle system for smooth spinning. Bearings are more commonly found in more collectible or professional-grade wheels.