Here’s a dumb question: what size wheels, beginner on transition?
I skate 52s on most setups, but I mainly skate ‘street’ (‘skating street’ sounds a lot fucking cooler than ‘I drive to a secluded parking lot with several boards and whimper while I try to land slow moving flip tricks from 25 years ago).
Jumping hurts the old body, even tiny jumps. I know ramps and bowls are not pain free by any means, but I’m trying to ride as long as possible, and I see old people doing it, I’m old, why not.
Blah blah blah: any wheel recommendations for scary concrete bowls? The local park is gnarly.
If you’re just learning transition, stay away from Bones SPF. They’re dangerously fast and not that grippy, so you will definitely eat shit more than necessary.
If you’re ok with green wheels, Speedlab Bombshells would be my recommendation. They’re 57mm and 99a, and a really nice balance between speed and grip. I rode them when I was learning to ride really big transition.
If green wheels are a no go, maybe go for some 99a OJ elites. They make a 58mm 99a in the hardline shape.
I ride Spitfire 58mm 99a OG Classics right now. They’re grippier than SPF, but I wouldn’t recommend them until you’re more comfortable skating transition.
Bottom line if you’re just learning, go with a 99a in the 56-58mm range from a respectable wheel brand. Also make sure you have some good bearings, a new set of reds at the very least. Get some Swiss 6 if you can afford them.