I picked up some AF1 55s and a new board over the weekend and took a comparison photo since no one's posted one yet. Board on the left is AF1 55s on an 8.25 and on the right is classic 44s on an 8.5, both have a 14.25" wheelbase. I measured the classic 44s to be 17.25" axel to axel and the AF1 55s to be 17 9/16". So the longer wheelbase is definitely confirmed.
I pushed around the block a few times so I don't have a full review but these are some of my initial thoughts. They felt looser than I expected while standing on the board stationary at stock tightness. I stood on my friends board last week who had fresh 44 classics and they felt super tight. I skate without the top washer with the bolt flush with the kingpin and I have the same little bit of wobble as I had with my classics. Standing stationary it felt like I would hit wheelbite easier than on the classics, but I didn't notice any significant difference in wheelbite while cruising.
They felt really good pushing around. The turn is definitely there. They feel like Aces for sure. One thing I noticed is that they feel like they have a flat center while going straight. With the classics, it always felt like you were carving on an edge. Like you were always leaning frontside or backside, never just straight. I think this will definitely feel better to set up for ledge or flip tricks while skating street.
The longer wheelbase was noticeable, but it didn't seem to affect the turn too much. They feel very stable and less squirly. The pop did feel a little different but I can't say yet if it's better or worse. I only ollied over a few manhole covers and up a couple curbs. I did a few kickflips too and they felt good, except for the fresh grip.
I'm excited to actually skate these. I don't think anyone should be worried not liking them. I've been skating Aces since 2013ish and don't plan on skating anything else anytime soon.