Choosing the Right Roller Hockey Wheels for Concrete Rink Surfaces
If you’re playing roller hockey on a concrete surface—whether it’s an outdoor rink or an indoor space without a sport court—your wheel setup is key to playing safely and effectively. Here’s what you need to know to get the right grip, speed, and durability on concrete.
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1. Wheel Hardness (Durometer Rating)
• For concrete, use hard wheels: 82A–85A durometer is ideal.
• Soft wheels (74A–80A) are designed for smooth sport court or tile and will:
• Wear down quickly on rough concrete.
• Feel sluggish or sticky.
• Be more prone to chunking or tearing.
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2. Mixed Setups – Soft in Front, Hard in Back
• Some players in other roller hockey leagues that also play on concrete run hybrid setups:
• Two softer wheels (78A–80A) in the front for grip and quick cuts.
• Two harder wheels (82A–85A) in the back for durability and speed.
• This can help balance grip and glide, but we do not recommend using all soft wheels on concrete — they won’t last and could impact performance negatively.
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3. Wheel Size (Diameter)
• Most adult players use 76mm–80mm wheels.
• Hi-Lo setup: 76mm in front, 80mm in the back (boosts agility and acceleration).
• Flat setup: All 80mm (provides balance and top-end speed).
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4. Wheel Profile (Shape)
• Look for rounded profile wheels — they give better grip and control on rougher concrete.
• Avoid flat or narrow wheels, which can slide or chatter on hard surfaces.
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5. Goalies – What They Should Use
• Goalies also need durable wheels for lateral movement and grip.
• Use goalie-specific outdoor wheels or 82A–85A hardness wheels that are:
• Smaller in diameter (usually 59mm–68mm).
• Made with thicker treads for stability in the crease.
• Top goalie wheels for concrete include:
• Revision Asphalt Mini Goalie
• Labeda Gripper Goalie Outdoor
• Or cut-down standard outdoor wheels if needed
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6. Recommended Brands for Concrete Play
• Revision Asphalt
• Labeda Gripper Asphalt
• Konixx Catalyst2
• Rink Rat Trickster XXX
• Hi-Lo Outdoor Court Wheels
Last but not least — don’t forget your bearings!
Every wheel needs a set of bearings to spin properly, and they’re just as important as the wheels themselves. You can find bearing packs that include everything you need to get started:
Most bearing packs include:
- 16 bearings (2 per wheel)
- 8 spacers (for proper wheel alignment)
- Bearing lubricant or oil (optional but helpful)
It’s also smart to carry a multi-tool in your bag in case you need to tighten axles, swap wheels, or replace a worn bearing mid-game.
Pro tip: Keep your bearings clean. Dirt and dust from concrete rinks can clog them up fast. One easy trick is to carry a small paint brush in your gear bag to brush off debris from tight spots around your bearings and axles. A quick clean after each game goes a long way in keeping your setup smooth and fast.
By choosing the right wheel combo, you’ll improve performance, reduce wear and tear, and keep your gear working longer — especially on unforgiving concrete surfaces.
