95-97a wheels

[MysticalTypeExperience]

IMO, 95-97a is the immaculate duro for do it all/ATV wheels. Most of the stuff I skate is on the crusty side, and I just always love pushing around on a smooth whip.

What are you riding? What trucks/decks are you pairing them with?

Currently debating between these 4 for my next set:

-OJ Elite Nomads 57mm 95a (white) W: 31mm Patch: 20.7mm

-Slime Balls Vomit Mini II 56mm 97a (white) Width: 37mm Patch: 21.5mm

-Spitfire Formula 4 Conical Full 56mm 97a (natural/teal graphic) (USA) Width: 36mm Patch: 25mm / 54mm W: 34 P: 22

-Speedlab Nomads 56mm 97a Patch: 23mm (natural) (USA)

[Ray C. Usery]

They're the Cantstandya of wheels for me. No crunch no fun

[Roisto]

97A Formula Four Conical Fulls are the truth! Such good wheels. Bit slow on smooth concrete but for everything else they’re awesome. Only had 54 mm so far as the bigger sizes were impossible to find in Finland. Got a set of 56 mm ones recently from my local shop. Gonna put those on after the winter when the indoor season is over. Would love to get the 58 mm ones but no such luck yet.

[palelight]

NFG crust wheels scratched that itch for me. Being in Canada, anything not a park is crust or salt damage. They're a little more forgiving and let me devote a little less attention to possibly eating shit on a push. 54mm vee cuts on Lurpiv 8.5" (recent switch from Indy standard 149's).

Before the NFG's I was on Keyframes for shitty spots, which were/are great, but limited on account of wheelbite being insta-death. Briefly tried the 97 Slimeballs but really couldn't tell much difference from 99's. NFG's I can actually have a sketch landing and do speed checks/reverts while still plowing through crud.

[MysticalTypeExperience]

97A Formula Four Conical Fulls are the truth! Such good wheels. Bit slow on smooth concrete but for everything else they’re awesome. Only had 54 mm so far as the bigger sizes were impossible to find in Finland. Got a set of 56 mm ones recently from my local shop. Gonna put those on after the winter when the indoor season is over. Would love to get the 58 mm ones but no such luck yet.

The jump in width and contact patch from 54 to 56 to 58 is insane! Wish I could see them all in wheel life for comparison sake.

SIZE   WIDTH   RIDING SURFACE
52   32.5   21
53   33.5   21.5
54   34   22
56   36   25
58   37   27.3

[MysticalTypeExperience]

NFG crust wheels scratched that itch for me. Being in Canada, anything not a park is crust or salt damage. They're a little more forgiving and let me devote a little less attention to possibly eating shit on a push. 54mm vee cuts on Lurpiv 8.5" (recent switch from Indy standard 149's).

Before the NFG's I was on Keyframes for shitty spots, which were/are great, but limited on account of wheelbite being insta-death. Briefly tried the 97 Slimeballs but really couldn't tell much difference from 99's. NFG's I can actually have a sketch landing and do speed checks/reverts while still plowing through crud.

Dude these look fucking dope. Not a big fan of wheel graphics in general but their single printed minimal graphics are way better than the colorful ugly shit we always see.

[Mbrimson88]

The Spitfires, NFG variations and OJs are about the best options, as you have already.


A couple of others which are often used on big wide Ace or Indy trucks with 1/8 to 1/4" risers, but might be too big for most:

OJ Natas 58mm 95 duro in a medium classic overall shape

OJ Teamriders 61mm 97 duro big square wheels that just last forever and roll fast over everything without getting too sticky or slippery

Slimeballs 60mm 97 duro perfect for crusty places and roll over everything

OJ Elites 60mm 95 duro so a bit more grip than the 97s but still great big fast wheels



There are a few other brands that just don't feel half as good for speed and performance, but still hold up ok, such as Mini Logo wheels, but I think all the other good options are near impossible to get nowdays, like my old 95 and 97 duro Spitfires in 57mm classic shapes.

I have seen a few other wheels in that range that I was surprised at too, but cannot think what they were right now - maybe something from Creative that ended up as shop brand wheels but held up really well.

[Chavo]

Spitfire Classics Formula 4 56mm 97a: I wish they scaled up a bit more as they're dwarfed on Indy 159s and Lucero OG Bars 9"+ deck, but non-cruiser wheels in that size/durometer are scarce.

OJ Slimeball 97a 60mm vomit reissues with the original formula: Should have trusted my instincts and picked up several sets before they discontinued them (current ones use a different formula). These are the wheels I grew up on, so I instinctually know the slide at any speed.

Speedlab 98a 56mm: Got these years ago. Probably best wheels I've ever owned. Somehow they feel way lighter than any other similarly sized wheel.

[sammyz]

I’ve been riding slimball 53mm for a while and loved them.

Recently went to spitfire f4 97 54mm classics, not sure if its just new wheel honeymoon (if there is a thing) but i this is the wheel for me. I’m riding street…no transition really, and whether at park or street spots they role really well and nice and cushy for my old knees!

[Ol Nick]

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NFG crust wheels scratched that itch for me. Being in Canada, anything not a park is crust or salt damage. They're a little more forgiving and let me devote a little less attention to possibly eating shit on a push. 54mm vee cuts on Lurpiv 8.5" (recent switch from Indy standard 149's).

Before the NFG's I was on Keyframes for shitty spots, which were/are great, but limited on account of wheelbite being insta-death. Briefly tried the 97 Slimeballs but really couldn't tell much difference from 99's. NFG's I can actually have a sketch landing and do speed checks/reverts while still plowing through crud.

[close]

Dude these look fucking dope. Not a big fan of wheel graphics in general but their single printed minimal graphics are way better than the colorful ugly shit we always see.

Unless they changed something, those graphics will be gone pretty quickly. Half of mine rubbed off by the time the wheels were on the trucks.

[manysnakes]

Spitfire 97a Conical Fulls. Started at 54mm, were down to 52mm pretty quickly. Skated them side by side with Loopholes today, and Spitfire definitely wins when it comes to a crusty parking garage.

[Roisto]

NFG crust wheels scratched that itch for me. Being in Canada, anything not a park is crust or salt damage. They're a little more forgiving and let me devote a little less attention to possibly eating shit on a push. 54mm vee cuts on Lurpiv 8.5" (recent switch from Indy standard 149's).

Before the NFG's I was on Keyframes for shitty spots, which were/are great, but limited on account of wheelbite being insta-death. Briefly tried the 97 Slimeballs but really couldn't tell much difference from 99's. NFG's I can actually have a sketch landing and do speed checks/reverts while still plowing through crud.

Anyone know where to get these in Europe? I’ve been riding strictly Formula Fours for years but I’d be willing to give these a shot.

[palelight]

Expand Quote

NFG crust wheels scratched that itch for me. Being in Canada, anything not a park is crust or salt damage. They're a little more forgiving and let me devote a little less attention to possibly eating shit on a push. 54mm vee cuts on Lurpiv 8.5" (recent switch from Indy standard 149's).

Before the NFG's I was on Keyframes for shitty spots, which were/are great, but limited on account of wheelbite being insta-death. Briefly tried the 97 Slimeballs but really couldn't tell much difference from 99's. NFG's I can actually have a sketch landing and do speed checks/reverts while still plowing through crud.

[close]

Anyone know where to get these in Europe? I’ve been riding strictly Formula Fours for years but I’d be willing to give these a shot.

I was only ever able to find their standard wheels at online shops here in Canada, had to order the crust's directly from NFG in California. No idea if they have Euro distribution. Hope you can find some.

[radcunt]

I’ve been riding 60mm slime ball vomit 97as and I’m loving it. Huge screech when sliding but eats up the shit car park slappy spot. Then the F4 97as rip too.

Gonna put some 95a Mini Cubics on my Krooked Beamer too

[Roisto]

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NFG crust wheels scratched that itch for me. Being in Canada, anything not a park is crust or salt damage. They're a little more forgiving and let me devote a little less attention to possibly eating shit on a push. 54mm vee cuts on Lurpiv 8.5" (recent switch from Indy standard 149's).

Before the NFG's I was on Keyframes for shitty spots, which were/are great, but limited on account of wheelbite being insta-death. Briefly tried the 97 Slimeballs but really couldn't tell much difference from 99's. NFG's I can actually have a sketch landing and do speed checks/reverts while still plowing through crud.

[close]

Anyone know where to get these in Europe? I’ve been riding strictly Formula Fours for years but I’d be willing to give these a shot.

[close]

I was only ever able to find their standard wheels at online shops here in Canada, had to order the crust's directly from NFG in California. No idea if they have Euro distribution. Hope you can find some.

I haven’t come across them anywhere and they don’t ship to Finland either so it’s not looking very promising unfortunately.

[MysticalTypeExperience]

Expand Quote

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NFG crust wheels scratched that itch for me. Being in Canada, anything not a park is crust or salt damage. They're a little more forgiving and let me devote a little less attention to possibly eating shit on a push. 54mm vee cuts on Lurpiv 8.5" (recent switch from Indy standard 149's).

Before the NFG's I was on Keyframes for shitty spots, which were/are great, but limited on account of wheelbite being insta-death. Briefly tried the 97 Slimeballs but really couldn't tell much difference from 99's. NFG's I can actually have a sketch landing and do speed checks/reverts while still plowing through crud.

[close]

Dude these look fucking dope. Not a big fan of wheel graphics in general but their single printed minimal graphics are way better than the colorful ugly shit we always see.

[close]

Unless they changed something, those graphics will be gone pretty quickly. Half of mine rubbed off by the time the wheels were on the trucks.

Well that's fine too, I wish companies would release blank wheels for aesthetics, and it would save them money at the same time.

Of course no one does that, because branding and shit.

[palelight]

Expand Quote

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NFG crust wheels scratched that itch for me. Being in Canada, anything not a park is crust or salt damage. They're a little more forgiving and let me devote a little less attention to possibly eating shit on a push. 54mm vee cuts on Lurpiv 8.5" (recent switch from Indy standard 149's).

Before the NFG's I was on Keyframes for shitty spots, which were/are great, but limited on account of wheelbite being insta-death. Briefly tried the 97 Slimeballs but really couldn't tell much difference from 99's. NFG's I can actually have a sketch landing and do speed checks/reverts while still plowing through crud.

[close]

Anyone know where to get these in Europe? I’ve been riding strictly Formula Fours for years but I’d be willing to give these a shot.

[close]

I was only ever able to find their standard wheels at online shops here in Canada, had to order the crust's directly from NFG in California. No idea if they have Euro distribution. Hope you can find some.

[close]

I haven’t come across them anywhere and they don’t ship to Finland either so it’s not looking very promising unfortunately.

Shit, now that you mention it, I forgot I had to have them shipped to a US pickup point before I could get them as they don't ship direct to Canada either. My bad.

[beandemon]

I’ve had good luck with Oj’s and Speedlab. I’m grabbing some nfg crust formula and looking for some bigger 97 spits.

Dunno if it’s kosher to mention, and sorry to be that guy, but I’ve got some 53-54 Spits and Slime Balls on offer over in the classifieds.

[Mbrimson88]

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NFG crust wheels scratched that itch for me. Being in Canada, anything not a park is crust or salt damage. They're a little more forgiving and let me devote a little less attention to possibly eating shit on a push. 54mm vee cuts on Lurpiv 8.5" (recent switch from Indy standard 149's).

Before the NFG's I was on Keyframes for shitty spots, which were/are great, but limited on account of wheelbite being insta-death. Briefly tried the 97 Slimeballs but really couldn't tell much difference from 99's. NFG's I can actually have a sketch landing and do speed checks/reverts while still plowing through crud.

[close]

Dude these look fucking dope. Not a big fan of wheel graphics in general but their single printed minimal graphics are way better than the colorful ugly shit we always see.

[close]

Unless they changed something, those graphics will be gone pretty quickly. Half of mine rubbed off by the time the wheels were on the trucks.

[close]

Well that's fine too, I wish companies would release blank wheels for aesthetics, and it would save them money at the same time.

Of course no one does that, because branding and shit.

Some companies have done it over the years, but then it is a lot easier to "claim" these wheels are a top big brand, as per quite a few ebay and ali express listings that all say Spitfire or Bones wheels when they are just generic wheels from China, so clearly not Bones or Spitfire.

Spitfire did some, called lil smokies which were a small price point Formula Four wheel during the pandemic, but a lot of shops just upped the price on them to normal prices anyway.

The team riders often get unbranded wheels to try out, but even then more often than not they do a generic single colour graphic on them just to show some branding.

[90sDamiano]

Those little smokies were so good

[Mantracker]

I want a 9.5 big boy setup with some 58's or 60's

I've never had bigger than 53mm

I want to skate parks and anything in front of me in the street, so a mix from crust to super smooth 'crete

Are 95's good or do I have to go to soft cruiser wheels?

[MysticalTypeExperience]

I'm skating 57mm 95a OJ nomads right now and they can handle quite a bit of crust.

[Mbrimson88]

I want a 9.5 big boy setup with some 58's or 60's

I've never had bigger than 53mm

I want to skate parks and anything in front of me in the street, so a mix from crust to super smooth 'crete

Are 95's good or do I have to go to soft cruiser wheels?

It often depends on the brand, which can feel significantly different between two that have the same size and durometer but overall something a little softer but not too soft will still skate like a normal board without it feeling like a cruiser.

If you want to have the cruiser feeling, then some other wheels more in the 60mm 90 duro range work best for everything, or even lower duro if looking at something like Ricta Clouds - those things fly over everything, even in the 78 duro wheels, which was surprising to me.

The only thing is those sort of wheels just don't perform like normal wheels, eg minimal slide and stick on coping / edges a lot more if you are doing 50-50s or nose / tail slides in a skatepark, then the 95 duro wheels will still work more like normal wheels, eg OJs or Slimeballs.

[alonelikeastone]

I love 95 and 97.
 that's all then.

[Mantracker]

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I want a 9.5 big boy setup with some 58's or 60's

I've never had bigger than 53mm

I want to skate parks and anything in front of me in the street, so a mix from crust to super smooth 'crete

Are 95's good or do I have to go to soft cruiser wheels?

[close]

It often depends on the brand, which can feel significantly different between two that have the same size and durometer but overall something a little softer but not too soft will still skate like a normal board without it feeling like a cruiser.

If you want to have the cruiser feeling, then some other wheels more in the 60mm 90 duro range work best for everything, or even lower duro if looking at something like Ricta Clouds - those things fly over everything, even in the 78 duro wheels, which was surprising to me.

The only thing is those sort of wheels just don't perform like normal wheels, eg minimal slide and stick on coping / edges a lot more if you are doing 50-50s or nose / tail slides in a skatepark, then the 95 duro wheels will still work more like normal wheels, eg OJs or Slimeballs.

This is great, thank you! I think 95 is exactly where I want to be. Ive heard OJs are awesome so I’ll probably go with those

[Cthunderw]

97a 56mm Spitfire Classics are IMO the best, I liked them much more than the 97a 54mm Conicals and 56mm 86a Acids.

I had them with 148 hollow lights on a 8.5 Pylon (steep) and it was an awesome skate to the sesh setup.

[Ol Nick]

So I’ve been on a set of F4 97a conical full which are amazing but I just set up a board with some NFG 95a 60mm in hopes that they’d work as a harder cruiser wheel. I couldn’t be happier. They’re super smooth on crust but are way lighter than I expected so they do not feel like I’m riding a big, soft wheel at all when I pop the board.

I know not all crust is equal but I HIGHLY recommend giving their 95a formula a shot.

[chinotto]

Anyone tried ricta crystal cores 95a? I just bought nomads but still wondering if those rictas are any good. I have clouds 78a and I like them a lot. I also have ricta 99a speedrings and those are lame compared to spitfire f4.

[white guy in a durag]

Casting another vote for the 60mm 97a slime balls. Nothing beats the feeling of seeing pebbles and other debris fly out of your way.

[manysnakes]

I skated some NFG 95a wheels back-to-back with my Spitfire 97a on a crusty, asphalt slappy spot, and there's no question in my mind that the Spits are a faster wheel with equivalent grip and comfort