Old-school reissue wheels all look similar until you roll them. The real choice for curbcurrent wheels bearings is how much grip you want versus how easily you want to slide, and whether you want a smaller 60mm wheel for quicker acceleration or a larger 61-64mm wheel for more roll speed. Hardness (the A number) decides that feel more than color or graphic.
This comparison keeps it simple: two softer Powell Peralta Rat Bones at 85A and 90A, and two harder 97A options from Powell Peralta and Hosoi Skates. All four are sold as new sets of four wheels, with listed prices from $39.95 to $48.95.
Quick Take
- For grippy cruising and rough surfaces: Powell Peralta Rat Bones 60mm 85A (Black) gives the softest ride in this group.
- For balanced grip and slide: Powell Peralta Rat Bones 60mm 90A (Green) sits in the middle with the same 60mm x 44mm shape.
- For hard-wheel slide and speed: Powell Peralta G BONES 64mm 97a BLACK and Hosoi Skates Christian Hosoi ROCKETS 61mm 97a WHITE both offer 97A hardness, with size as the tiebreaker.
- On price: Three Powell Peralta sets share the same $39.95 listed price, while the Hosoi Rockets list at $48.95.
Listed Price Comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Powell Peralta Rat Bones Skateboard Wheels Old School Re-Issue Green 60mm 90A | USD 39.95 | |
| Powell Peralta Rat Bones Skateboard Wheels Old School Re-Issue Black 60mm 85A | USD 39.95 | |
| Powell Peralta G BONES Skateboard Wheels 64mm 97a BLACK | USD 39.95 | |
| Hosoi Skates Christian Hosoi ROCKETS Skateboard Wheels 61mm 97a WHITE | USD 48.95 |
The listed price spread is $39.95 to $48.95, a $9.00 difference from lowest to highest.
Decision Matrix
| If you want... | Choose this | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Softest, most forgiving ride on rough pavement | Powell Peralta Rat Bones Black 60mm 85A | 85A is the lowest hardness here, built for grip and vibration absorption at 60mm |
| All-around old-school feel with grip + slide | Powell Peralta Rat Bones Green 60mm 90A | 90A balances grip and slide in the same 60mm x 44mm shape |
| Largest diameter for more roll and momentum | Powell Peralta G BONES 64mm 97a BLACK | 64mm is the tallest wheel in the group with hard 97A |
| Hard 97A in a slightly smaller, classic reissue shape | Hosoi Skates Christian Hosoi ROCKETS 61mm 97a WHITE | 61mm 97A with Hosoi Rockets model identity |
| Lowest listed price | Any of the three Powell Peralta sets | All three list at USD 39.95 |
Product Notes
Powell Peralta Rat Bones Skateboard Wheels Old School Re-Issue Green 60mm 90A
This set measures 60mm x 44mm with 90A hardness and comes in Green as a Rat Bones reissue. The description highlights a balance of grip and slide, which matches what 90A typically delivers - enough give to stick on smoother concrete but still able to break loose for powerslides. At USD 39.95 it shares the lowest listed price in this comparison. A good reason to choose it is the middle-ground hardness if you split time between cruising, carving, and old-school tricks. A limitation is the 60mm diameter, which will not roll as fast or carry speed like the 64mm G Bones on longer pushes.
Powell Peralta Rat Bones Skateboard Wheels Old School Re-Issue Black 60mm 85A
Identical in size to its green counterpart at 60mm x 44mm, this Black Rat Bones set uses a softer 85A hardness and also lists at USD 39.95. That softer durometer favors grip and comfort on rough asphalt, sidewalks, and crusty parks where harder wheels chatter. Pick this one if you prioritize a smoother, quieter roll and more traction for commuting or filming on imperfect ground. The trade-off is that 85A will feel slower to slide and may wear faster on abrasive surfaces compared to the 97A options, so controlled slides take more effort.
Powell Peralta G BONES Skateboard Wheels 64mm 97a BLACK
The G BONES stand apart with a 64mm diameter and 97a hardness in BLACK, sold as a set of four brand new in shrink. The larger size adds roll speed and helps maintain momentum over cracks, while 97a is firmly in hard-wheel territory for easy sliding and speed in bowls and on smooth concrete. At USD 39.95 it matches the lowest listed price despite being the biggest wheel here. Choose it if you want maximum coverage and a hard, fast feel. Its limitation is that 64mm can feel taller and may require risers or looser trucks depending on your setup, and 97a will transmit more vibration on rough streets.
Hosoi Skates Christian Hosoi ROCKETS Skateboard Wheels 61mm 97a WHITE
This WHITE reissue from Hosoi Skates is the Christian Hosoi ROCKETS model at 61mm 97a, also sold as a set of four brand new in shrink. Like the G Bones it offers hard 97a for slide and speed, but in a slightly smaller 61mm package that keeps the ride a bit lower and quicker to accelerate. The listed price is USD 48.95, which is $9.00 above the three Powell Peralta sets. A clear reason to choose it is the Hosoi Rockets identity and the 61mm 97a combination if you want hard-wheel performance without going to 64mm. The limitation is the higher listed price for similar hardness to the G Bones.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
For daily cruising and rough streets: Go with the Powell Peralta Rat Bones Black 60mm 85A. The 85A hardness and 60mm x 44mm shape prioritize grip and comfort, and the USD 39.95 listed price keeps it at the low end of this group.
For a balanced old-school setup: The Powell Peralta Rat Bones Green 60mm 90A is the versatile middle. You get the same proven 60mm shape with a bit more slide than 85A and more grip than 97A.
For bowl, park, and slide-focused skating: Choose between the two 97A wheels. Pick the Powell Peralta G BONES 64mm 97a BLACK if you want the tallest, fastest-rolling option at USD 39.95. Pick the Hosoi Skates Christian Hosoi ROCKETS 61mm 97a WHITE if you prefer a 61mm hard wheel with the Hosoi Rockets model heritage and are comfortable with the USD 48.95 listed price.
If you are unsure, start from hardness: 85A for comfort, 90A for balance, 97A for slide. Then let diameter decide your speed and ride height.
