Is 97a really that big of a difference than 99a?
I understand it varies between brands as well. Been thinking of trying out Dogtown wheels.
The big wheels from both OJ 95 and 97 and Powell 97 that I have are (what I would consider just the right amount) more grippy than others, but still roll hard and fast over everything, which is why so many people enjoy them on boards with more size and weight, mainly but not limited to old school shapes and sizes. They still slide, but they don't usually slip out. They also have a decent amount of give on more harsh surfaces, eg crusty old skatepark or rougher bitumen roads.
These ones I am referring to usually come in 60+ mm sizes, so there is also that to think about too, being much bigger, they had a lot more rolling potential than smaller wheels.
I am yet to try the Spitfire F4 97s, but lots of people on here say they like them. I do still have a lot of the old softer Spitfires in both 95 and 97 and they are amazing wheels, most of those in about 56 to 57mm, some now down to 50mm and have lasted really well.
There are also 97s from Speedlab, the Danforth nomads in 57mm 97 duro (not to be confused with OJ nomads in 95), both of which are fun and good wheels.
Dogtown seems like a good brand, not skimping on quality, so those wheels should be a good compound too. Some others I had from them a long time ago were amazing.