When pushing the boundaries of electric skateboarding, we quickly realised that traditional skate bearings and 8mm axles were a significant weak point.
Our SR125 wheels are designed for high performance and can place enormous loads on standard skate bearings, which simply weren't up to the task. Despite using the best available bearings and extensive testing, we found ourselves constantly replacing them as our rides grew more intense.
The logical step was to consider larger diameter bearings. However, this brought its own set of challenges. The existing Kegel system, a standard in the industry, couldn't accommodate the larger bearings we needed. This meant that sticking with the Kegel system would force us to compromise on bearing size, a limitation we weren't willing to accept.
In the electric skateboarding industry, most brands continue to rely on 8mm axles with the Kegel system, or in some cases, 10mm axles paired with thinner, weaker bearings. Many have recognised the need for a 10mm axle as standard to support larger bearings and stronger axles, but few have been willing to take the leap.
After much deliberation we decided to abandon the Kegel system for the Radium SR125 wheels and move over to the 10mm standard on the Mach One – enter the Radium Core mounting system.
Our design features 12 pins and 4 threaded holes, allowing for gear drives to interface with pins similarly to the Kegel system. But the real game-changer is that the wheel pulley can now be directly bolted to the Radium Core hub. This eliminates the need for a pulley support bearing, resulting in a lighter pulley with fewer moving parts and reduced wear over time.
Moreover, the strength of 10mm axles opens up new possibilities. These stronger axles allow for the possible use of lightweight titanium, further reducing the board's overall weight without compromising durability. When developing the Mach One – a street-focused board – we prioritised flexibility in wheel choices. Standard Kegel wheels can still be used on the Mach One with 10x22 bearings, while 10mm axles enable compatibility with 10x28 mountainboard hubs for pneumatic wheels. This provides a broader range of options, significantly extending bearing life and simplifying the wheel core system.
The Mach One embodies our commitment to innovation, pushing past the limitations of the analog past to create a more robust, versatile, and future-proof electric skateboard. By introducing the Radium Core system, we've redefined what’s possible in powered skateboarding, offering riders a smoother, more reliable experience with a design that's purpose-built for the demands of modern riding.
The first wheel to use Radium Core is the SR125, available in September.
https://radium-performance.com/collections/all-available-products/products/sr125-wheels
