The two most important factors to consider when choosing the right SmoothStar are the deck size and wheel size. The deck size is determined by a rider's height, while the wheel size is determined by an individual's weight, just like with surfing. You can learn more about this on our Choosing Your SmoothStar page.
SmoothStar has perfected the technology, designing 5 wheel sizes to accommodate different surfer weights. For example, a child aged 3 to 8 years does not have the same weight to put into their turns as an adult. We have therefore designed wheels specifically for lighter riders as well as heavier adults with more weight and power.
Just like your everyday surf fin, wheel size is an essential part of simulating common surf turns. The perfect wheel size provides enough hold through a committed rail turn and the ability to slide the tail when and if required. The relationship between 'hold and release' is a fundamental, core aspect of SmoothStar’s revolutionary surf simulation design.
For example, to power through a top turn, you need confidence in your board holding through your turn and not sliding out. On the contrary, when you are committed to a close-out manoeuvre on a wave, you want the ability to drift or slide the tail across the close-out section of the wave.
The surface that you are using your SmoothStar on can dictate what wheel size would be most suitable. The rougher the terrain, the more hold you will need. Therefore, a wider wheel is more suitable. Just like surfers with fins, most SmoothStar riders have a set of multiple wheel sizes to choose from. This provides them with optimal performance regardless of terrain.
Since 2020, we have further refined the functionality of our complete boards. Some models have smaller wheels on the front than the back which increases the looseness. The back wheels remain larger to give more drive and hold. The idea was first developed with top #5 world surfer and teamrider Filipe Toledo who wanted the critical turning but with more drive and hold. The feature has now become standard in many complete models.
Bigger wheels offer more hold. The larger the surface area of the wheel width, the more resistance and hold the wheels will have driving in and out of turns. If you are looking to perfect more rail-to-rail technique, carves or sweeping turns, you might want to try a larger wheel on your SmoothStar. This is why most of our boards have bigger wheels on the back trucks.
Smaller wheels offer more slide and responsive feel. The smaller the wheels, the less resistance and hold they will have, resulting in more slide from your SmoothStar. This can be likened to a fin release in surfing. If you are looking to master tighter radius turns and snaps, especially on ramps or sloped surfaces, you might want to experiment with using smaller wheels on your SmoothStar.
