🚀 Ultimate Guide to Fingerboard Wheels: Types, Materials, and Buying Tips (2025)

1. What Are Fingerboard Wheels?

Fingerboard wheels are mini skateboard wheels designed for fingerboards. Just like real skateboards, the choice of wheels affects speed, control, and terrain adaptability.

2. Types of Fingerboard Wheels

Wheel Type	Description	Best For
Street / New Street	Narrow, lightweight	Flip tricks, technical skating
Cruiser / Shaped	Wider, taller	Speed, bowl riding
Bowl	Ultra-wide, high grip	Transitions, smooth riding
Slim Bowl	Mid-range hybrid	Mix of tricks and flow

3. Fingerboard Wheel Materials

A. Urethane

Most popular for realism.
Soft, grippy, and mimics real skateboard feel.
Durometers from 60D to 100D.

B. Plastic

Common in beginner setups.
Hard, durable, low-cost.
Minimal grip and no squeak.

Pros: Cheap, long-lasting
Cons: Less realistic feel, harder to control during slides

C. Ceramic

Rare and premium.
Ultra-smooth and durable.
Often combined with ceramic bearings for elite setups.

Pros: Smoother rolls, high-end feel
Cons: Expensive, harder to find, fragile if dropped

4. Wheel Hardness (Durometer)

The durometer scale (measured in D) rates wheel hardness.

Durometer	Feel	Best Use
60–70D	Soft, grippy	Smooth squeaks, slides
71–85D	Balanced	General all-around performance
86–100D	Hard	Fast, less grip, great for outdoor parks

5. Bearings & Bearing Locks

ABEC‑9 Bearings: Industry standard for smooth, fast rolls.
Bearing Locks: Keep bearings fixed in place to prevent wheel loss.

6. How to Choose the Right Wheels for You

Your Style	Best Match
Flip Tricks	Plastic or urethane, new street
Cruising	Urethane, cruiser shape
Transition/Bowl	Urethane, bowl/slim bowl
Elite Setup	Ceramic with bearing lock technology

7. Pros & Cons of Wheel Materials

Material	Pros	Cons
Urethane	Real feel, grip, squeak	Can wear faster
Plastic	Cheap, durable	Less control, no squeak
Ceramic	Premium feel, smooth	Fragile, costly

8. Top Fingerboard Wheel Brands

Piro – Known for high-end urethane wheels.
Teak Tuning – Affordable and varied durometer options.
Dynamic – High-performance street and bowl wheels.

Explore options at Bland Pro Shop.

9. Care & Maintenance

Clean with a soft cloth regularly.
Avoid soaking bearings.
Re-tighten axles to prevent wobbling.
Check bearing locks before each session.

10. Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using plastic wheels on slick indoor ramps
❌ Buying ultra-hard wheels for street tricking
❌ Forgetting to secure bearing locks
❌ Over-tightening—limits wheel spin

11. FAQs

Q1: What wheels are best for beginners?
Urethane wheels in the 70–80D range offer great balance and grip.

Q2: Do plastic wheels make noise?
No, only soft urethane wheels squeak during slides.

Q3: Are ceramic fingerboard wheels worth it?
For elite riders, yes—they offer unmatched smoothness and speed.

Q4: How often should I clean my fingerboard wheels?
Wipe down after heavy use or monthly, depending on environment.

Q5: What’s the most realistic wheel material?
Urethane, due to its grip, rebound, and soft feel.

Q6: Can I mix different wheel types on one fingerboard?
Technically yes, but it can cause balance issues.

12. Conclusion: Choose What Fits Your Fingerboarding Journey

Whether you're a beginner looking for affordable plastic wheels or a seasoned rider eyeing ceramic precision, understanding your needs is key. Urethane remains the most versatile and popular, but all materials have their place.

Everything You Need To Know About Fingerboard Wheels