Everything about wheel rebound

 

 

Short answer

Wheel rebound is essential for evaluating inline skate wheel quality. It impacts speed, comfort, and durability—learn how to test it.

Long answer

When selecting inline skate wheels, wheel rebound is a critical factor that skaters often overlook. This property measures how well a wheel bounces back to its original shape after being compressed. A higher rebound results in faster, smoother rolling and better overall performance. Let’s explore what wheel rebound is, why it’s crucial, and how to test it.

What is wheel rebound?

Wheel rebound refers to the ability of a wheel to regain its shape after being compressed by body weight or ground impact. Wheels with high rebound recover quickly, maintaining their round shape and improving rolling efficiency. In contrast, low-rebound wheels stay deformed longer, reducing speed and responsiveness.

Rebound can be tested by dropping a wheel from a fixed height to see how high it bounces. Unfortunately, manufacturers rarely include rebound ratings, but it’s one of the most important factors when evaluating wheel quality.

Why is wheel rebound important?

Speed

High-rebound wheels are faster because they retain their round shape under pressure, minimizing energy loss. Low-rebound wheels, however, compress more and don’t recover as quickly, which slows you down. Choosing wheels with optimal wheel rebound ensures a smoother, faster ride.

Comfort

Wheels with low rebound absorb vibrations better, acting as shock absorbers on rough surfaces. While they’re more comfortable, they sacrifice speed. High-rebound wheels prioritize speed but transmit more vibrations, making them less comfortable on uneven roads.

Durability

High-rebound wheels last longer because they withstand continuous pressure without permanent deformation. Low-rebound wheels wear out faster, especially under heavy use, making rebound a key consideration when choosing inline skate wheels.

How to test wheel rebound

Testing wheel rebound at home is straightforward:

  1. Drop test: Drop a wheel from a fixed height and measure how high it bounces back.
  2. Spin and throw: Roll the wheel off your hand while dropping it to simulate real skating conditions.
  3. Compare brands: Testing multiple wheels can help identify which ones have the best wheel rebound.

In our tests, metal core wheels like Undercover Apex and Rollerblade Hydrogen consistently demonstrated high rebound, while entry-level wheels like Impala and Seba had noticeably lower rebound.

Which wheels have the best rebound?

High-rebound wheels

  • Undercover Apex: Known for excellent performance and durability.
  • Rollerblade Hydrogen: Combines speed and comfort with outstanding rebound.
  • Icon wheels: A newer brand with competitive wheel rebound quality.

Low-rebound wheels

  • Impala wheels: Affordable but less efficient for speed.
  • Seba E3 wheels: Basic wheels with limited wheel rebound properties.

Special cases

  • Grind wheels (antirockers): These wheels prioritize sliding over speed, so they typically have low wheel rebound but excel in aggressive skating.

Summary: Benefits of high and low rebound

High-rebound wheels:

  • Faster rolling.
  • Greater durability.
  • Ideal for speed and performance-focused skating.

Low-rebound wheels:

  • More comfortable on rough surfaces.
  • Better shock absorption.
  • Suitable for beginners or specific uses like sliding.

Final thoughts

When choosing inline skate wheels, wheel rebound is a crucial factor that significantly impacts speed, comfort, and durability. Prioritize high-rebound wheels if speed and longevity are your goals. For a smoother, more comfortable ride, low-rebound wheels might be a better fit.

Still unsure? Visit This Is Soul Skateshop in Amsterdam to test wheel rebound in person, or check out our YouTube channel for more tips and insights.

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