Wheels, need grip...whats the best kind?

[KODZILLA]

Hey all,

I'm a converted hockey player who's playing roller for the first time this season. I experienced major issues with slipping out on the floor (cement), and need some thoughts on new wheels to try. Anyone??? They were fine on Sportcourt, but this league runs on cement.

Thanks.

[almostheroes]

During warm weather use a 84 a wheel when it gets really hot drop down to a 80 a wheel ,unless you are full of speed and quick turns then drop to a 76 a. I use to sell CYKO wheels , I did look at the factory wheels and was impressed, trying to see what Rink Rat outdoor wheels are like but can't seem to find any. Good Luck

[123456]

Is it smooth finished or painted concrete or just regular rough cement? Is it indoor or outdoor in the sun? How much do you wiegh? All of these have a bearing on which whell hardness to pick. My boys have skated on all of these so answer these and I can tell you which ones worked the best for them.

[KODZILLA]

Smooth finished concrete (regular rink with the ice out for the summer) and is obviously indoors. I weigh about 190 pounds and like to work at high speed with fast exceleration and sharp turns.

[KODZILLA]

I was told the Rink Rat Hornets are pretty awesome for grip on the smooth finished concrete, but the surface is all indoors so heat isn't a factor. I do like to work at top speed out there and agility is key to my game. Why would a 76a be better than an 80? I was told the hard the wheel the better the grip...or is there a point where it's to hard for that type of surface?

[Brooklynite10]

Softer the wheel the better the grip, but they tear easier. Can't give you any advise about concrete though, I only play on sportcourt

[123456]

Rink rat pro hornets cost but you will get better grip and stop sliding 76 durometer or 78. Higher the number harder the wheel. I remember 7 years ago some of my younger ones went to a rink that had just opened for tourneies and they had smooth concrete. Talk about a nightmare for them they all were skating with there legs wide apart just to stay up. The locals evidently were used to it (I think they even waxed it) I made a fast trip to the local grocery store and bought a giant bottle of hairspray. Talk about a change in performance but also a hard cleaning job when we got home. Sorry to digress just remembering some fun times with the really young ones that were so much fun.

[almostheroes]

Sounds like you need to just to try some 76a durometer wheels the 84 a durometer will allow you to slip on cutting your turns fast. We have a rec league that skates outdoors on ashphalt , some of the skaters actually drop down to a 74a.