🏒 How to Choose the Best Inline Hockey Wheels
Choosing the right wheels for your inline hockey skates can make a huge difference in your performance.
In this DOUSSOUX Hockey guide, you’ll learn how to choose the ideal wheel size, hardness, and type based on your play style and the surface you skate on.
⚙️ Key Factors When Choosing Inline Hockey Wheels
🔸 Wheel Size
The size of your inline hockey wheels directly affects your speed, stability, and maneuverability.
Wheels typically range from 59 mm (goalies) to 80 mm, with 80 mm being the most common for senior players.
In Hi-Lo setups (used by Bauer and Mission), the front wheels are smaller for better control, while the rear wheels are larger to increase speed.
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Sr (sizes 6.0–12.0): 2 × 80 mm wheels + 2 × 76 mm wheels per skate
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Jr (sizes 3.0–5.5): 2 × 72 mm wheels + 2 × 68 mm wheels per skate
🔸 Playing Surface
🏟️ Indoor Wheels (72A–80A)
Designed for surfaces like SportCourt, plastic, or wood floors, they provide excellent grip and control.
They should not be used outdoors, as they wear down quickly and lose performance.
🚧 Outdoor Wheels (82A–85A)
Harder and more durable, perfect for asphalt, concrete, or rough outdoor rinks.
However, they offer less traction on smooth indoor surfaces and may leave marks.
⚖️ Hybrid / Multi-Surface Wheels (~78A)
These wheels aim to balance grip and durability.
They’re great for players who alternate between indoor and outdoor surfaces, though outdoor use will reduce their grip indoors.
🔸 Player Weight and Play Style
A player’s weight and skating style have a major impact on the ideal wheel hardness.
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Lighter players (< 155 lbs / 70 kg): softer wheels for more grip.
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Heavier players (> 175 lbs / 80 kg): harder wheels to avoid deformation and increase durability.
| Player Weight | Surface Type | Recommended Hardness |
|---|---|---|
| < 155 lbs (70 kg) | Indoor | 72A – 76A |
| 155–185 lbs (70–85 kg) | Indoor / Hybrid | 76A – 78A |
| > 185 lbs (85 kg) | Outdoor | 82A – 85A |
🧭 Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Your Wheels
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Identify the surface you play on most (indoor or outdoor).
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Consider your weight and playing style – more technical or power-based.
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Check your skate setup (Hi-Lo or even).
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Select the right hardness using the chart above.
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Compare materials and cores (high-quality PU, reinforced core, etc.).
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Choose a trusted brand.
DOUSSOUX wheels stand out for their performance, grip, and long-lasting quality in professional competition.
👉 We recommend our lines:
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B21 Wheels – Maximum grip and control for indoor play.
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ST Wheels – Greater resistance and durability for outdoor or mixed surfaces.
🔧 Maintenance Tips
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Rotate your wheels every 3–5 sessions to prevent uneven wear.
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Clean your bearings regularly with isopropyl alcohol and lubricate them properly.
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Store your skates in a dry place and avoid direct sunlight.
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Replace your wheels when you notice reduced grip or irregular shapes.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Inline Hockey Wheels
What hardness is best for indoor play?
Softer wheels (74A–76A) provide better traction on smooth indoor surfaces.
Can I use outdoor wheels indoors?
You can, but you’ll lose grip and risk damaging the rink. It’s best to use surface-specific wheels.
How often should I change my wheels?
It depends on how often you skate. If you train several times per week, replacing them every 2–3 months is ideal.
What’s the difference between soft and hard wheels?
Soft wheels provide better grip, while hard wheels are faster and more durable.
🏁 Conclusion
Choosing the right inline hockey wheels is key to getting the best performance on the rink.
Take into account your size, hardness, surface, and playing style.
At DOUSSOUX Hockey, we combine experience and innovation to design wheels made by players, for players.
👉 Explore our full collection of inline hockey wheels and find the perfect match for your game.
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