When I started this journey, creating the ideal high-grip wheel was one of my biggest challenges. Traditional wheels just didn’t deliver the level of traction I envisioned.
I spent months experimenting with materials, surface patterns, and contact width, aiming to provide a secure connection to the road while allowing riders to carve smoothly.
Check out Hollow Wheels Performance V3!
Equipment & Materials
To enhance the grip of my longboard wheels, I utilized:
- 3D Printer
- PLA Filament
- 3D Modeling Program
- Vernier Caliper
- Cast Urethane
My Iterative Process
The process that I repeated numerous times
1. I started with my 3D modeling software to design a wheel that matches my preferred size, grip, and comfort levels. This base model is where you can adjust dimensions and shape to enhance grip.
2. I designed a two-part mold that would hold the structure of my wheel and allow for urethane casting. Precision here ensures easier casting and better results.
3. I poured urethane into my mold, using a durometer of 80A or softer for an ideal balance of durability and comfort.
4. Once cured, I popped the wheels out of the mold and ran all kinds of tests. I evaluated the grip, comfort, and durability. I adjusted the model when needed, and kept iterating until I was happy with the performance.
Grip Testing with Hollow Wheels
In our most recent testing, we evaluated multiple versions of our Hollow Wheel prototypes on a skid pad track. This setup allows us to push the wheels to their limit by riding in a circular path, testing how well they handle under consistent, high-friction conditions. Equipped with a timing system down to the thousandths of a second, this precise test environment helps us gather critical data on each prototype’s performance.
We had six different prototypes to test, each with unique material compositions and structural adjustments. This data will guide the development of our final versions of Hollow Wheels Pro and Comfort, fine-tuning the design for both grip and control.
Insights from the Field: Test Rider Impressions
Aaron, our test rider for the day, went through each prototype to get a feel for how each version handles. Here’s what he observed:
- Wheel A: Aaron noted that this version felt the smoothest, but it struggled to "catch" after sliding, making it less predictable for intense riding.
- Wheel B: This was Aaron's favorite, offering a predictable slide and consistent grip throughout the ride. It “catches” well during slides, giving the rider better control.
- Wheel C: This prototype felt more solid and provided more grip than Wheel A, though it was still outperformed by Wheel B.
- Wheel D and E: These wheels were less favored, as they didn’t grip as well in slides, and the feel was less predictable.
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Prototyping, Testing, and Feedback
Creating this level of grip took more than just ideas; it required hands-on testing and plenty of trial and error. I started with multiple prototypes, tweaking the wheel compound and tread pattern each time. With a 3D printer, I could produce and test different designs without the costly process of full-scale tooling. This made it possible to test wheel performance across a range of surfaces—wet, dry, gravel, and smooth pavement.
In our lab, we use a specialized rig to simulate thousands of miles of wear. This lets us see how each prototype holds up over time and understand how different materials respond to various stress factors. By doing this, I could identify and fix weak points, allowing us to keep refining the design.
Hollow Wheel V3: Redefining Grip
For Hollow Wheel V3, I developed a custom compound to get the ideal blend of grip and durability. It’s tough to resist chunking and maintain performance after countless miles. This compound, along with a wide 65mm contact patch and our hollow-core structure, allows the wheels to adapt to different terrains while staying smooth and stable.
After studying V3 prototypes through extensive skid pad testing and finite element analysis (FEA), we made major changes in V3 that redefine grip and control. Here’s how:
Internal Structure Change
- V2: Hollow core design with suboptimal load distribution.
- V3: Redesigned for better load distribution, maintaining low weight and high performance.
New Material Selection
- V2: Solid material struggled with harsh terrain.
- V3: High flexural modulus material improves road contact and grip on uneven surfaces.
Fine-Tuning Negative Camber
- V2: Higher camber reduced road contact.
- V3: Reduced to 0.5 degrees, ensuring full road contact.
Hollow Wheel V3’s high-grip feature has been years in the making, shaped by countless tests, prototypes, and feedback from real riders.
🚨 Super Early Bird Special: Hollow Wheels V3 Pre-Order Launch! 🚨
Momentum Boards is thrilled to announce the official launch of the Hollow Wheels Performance V3! These revolutionary wheels offer unmatched grip, comfort, and adjustability, perfect for longboards and electric skateboards.
🛹 What You’ll Get:
- Set of 4 Hollow Wheels V3
- Super Early Bird Price: Only $104.99 USD (Regular: $139.99)
- Priority Shipping for the first 50 units starting after January 3rd
Why Pre-Order Now?
✅ Lowest Price Ever—save big before the price goes up!
✅ Limited Time Offer—only the first 50 orders qualify for this deal.
Don’t miss out on this exclusive early bird special. Once these 50 units are gone, the price goes up.
🎯 Order now and ride the future of skateboarding with Momentum Boards!
For me, achieving this level of grip and comfort is one of the most rewarding parts of this project. With Hollow Wheel V3, I’m thrilled to deliver a wheel that doesn’t just meet the needs of electric skateboarders but exceeds them.
Happy riding, and stay tuned for more updates on Hollow Wheels!