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Skateboarding => Shoes & Gear => Topic started by: onepumpchump on November 14, 2020, 12:54:48 PM
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I've been loyal to Sptifire for years, but the last 2 sets of Formula fours I have purchased (in last month) have flat spotted after 1 or 2 sessions.
I'm not skating any differently either, a few powerslide/slip outs on sugarcanes and they're done.
Wondering if anyone else is experiencing this? Hoping it's a bad bunch... 99 and 101 duro :(
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I was sure mine have been wearing down a little faster than normal but I put it down to skating really weather worn rugged parks on the Oregon coast.
You could be right though. Production did move to Mexico from SF sometime within the last year, right?
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Counterfeits maybe?
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That's why I grabbed loopholes.
I felt my wheels were getting softer batch to batch so I started with shape changes.
Then I went back to ole faithful. The 101a classics.
I think they're old. I know they came from a zoomies I got them 2nd hand from a homie who doesn't like that shape in bowls.
Anyway I'm not sure how long ago spit stopped doing 55s but they are 55s. Or were. Now they are like 50s. Way harder than the last 3 spit wheels I've had which were 99s but
Harder that the bones v2 I got in trade too.
Those offer no but protection from primo so I'm barely riding those.
After trying a few people's wheels that I skate with set ups. I was like I'm grabbing loophole sml or dial tone. It's time to buy smarter.
I live spit but everyone buys spits. That's always going to be around. I want a brand like one of these to take off. Loopholes have the best graphics a killer little team. I saw the launch video on the toa. I'm shitting thinking of the name. He's a south east rider. My brains hurt. Anyway he's the frickin man. He rides or ride for state around 2012?
It would not surprise me if all if those 3 brands use the same formula? The riders are all basically riding or selling the same shapes pretty much.
Also a '97 A wheel is bad idea in my opinion. I bet it's just a batch of 99s that failed a derometer test. I kind of feel like no one's wheel is going to be over 98A anyway if we tested them
I just edited this shit post to frickin death. I can't believe I have college in me brains somewhere.
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I work for a company that makes urethane coatings and I can tell you that our cured coating hardens overtime. It can take up to 6 months for the urethane to stop hardening.
I wonder if they are getting their wheels to market sooner and there is less aging.
Fresher wheels would be softer and more likely to flat spot.
Any chemists or mechanical engineers in the house?
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Interesting. I've had wheels sitting in a box for a long time and always wondered if that was a bad idea.... maybe not after all....
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Thanks all!
I was under the impression that the Urethane was still happening at Ermico, in SF.
I know they are legit, purchased from the same shop, but I'm hoping its a fluke.
I was mostly curious if I was the only one with this issue, I have been able to mix and match the last two sets to get a smooth ride but know it's temporary.
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i got visible seams/joints in a couple of sets of F4's and some OG formula Spits look like they cracked when i put bones swiss bearings in them, all the flaws are in the sidewall and not yet across the riding surface. haven't skated them yet so we'll see. they all came from reputable shops here in the US, also.
both formulas look like they going to do this but are still holding together tight, crazy.
Anybody had this happen? Put bearings in this set of radial slims and when I went today to set them up noticed one of the wheels had split entirely to the core....sent in a note to DLX so let's see. (https://i.ibb.co/cNZDM5d/IMG-20200517-112447.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/PNbTY80/IMG-20200517-112436.jpg)
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Just read that polyurethane ages pretty well. And hardens pretty quick. Doubt they are hiring the shelves prematurely.
Anyway, no flat spot issues for me. My F4s are still great.... just seemed to cone a little quicker... I'm not concerned. Still really want to try the 97s.
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i got visible seams/joints in a couple of sets of F4's and some OG formula Spits look like they cracked when i put bones swiss bearings in them, all the flaws are in the sidewall and not yet across the riding surface. haven't skated them yet so we'll see. they all came from reputable shops here in the US, also.
both formulas look like they going to do this but are still holding together tight, crazy.
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Anybody had this happen? Put bearings in this set of radial slims and when I went today to set them up noticed one of the wheels had split entirely to the core....sent in a note to DLX so let's see. (https://i.ibb.co/cNZDM5d/IMG-20200517-112447.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/PNbTY80/IMG-20200517-112436.jpg)
Exact thing happened to me but it was like ten years ago.
On a set of classics...
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I've been loyal to Sptifire for years, but the last 2 sets of Formula fours I have purchased (in last month) have flat spotted after 1 or 2 sessions.
I'm not skating any differently either, a few powerslide/slip outs on sugarcanes and they're done.
Wondering if anyone else is experiencing this? Hoping it's a bad bunch... 99 and 101 duro :(
Seems like anyone who has any issues and who contacts Deluxe had things sorted for them fairly quickly in the past, so that might be the best option.
On the card, it has the info "If you feel you have purchased a set with a rare defect..." email [email protected]
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The last few sets post covid production issues that I have seen and skated seem to be the same, work the same, might have worn down slightly faster than previous sets, but people have been skating more, so it hasn't seemed like an issue.
No flatspots in any of them I have seen other than the really uncommon slip outs / intentional issues.
That is not to say that it doesn't happen.
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Helps to really break them in at a smooth park if you’re having any trouble with em if you can.. I’ve flat spotted a set of 99s and my friends 101s did at the same sandpapery skatepark both within the last few months
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I'm grabbing loophole sml or dial tone.
It would not surprise me if all if those 3 brands use the same formula? The riders are all basically riding or selling the same shapes pretty much.
Also a '97 A wheel is bad idea in my opinion. I bet it's just a batch of 99s that failed a derometer test. I kind of feel like no one's wheel is going to be over 98A anyway if we tested them.
Bones/spitfire/NFG (loophole) are all in-house pours with proprietary formulas. I've always assumed that's why both F4 and NFG feel different from any other wheel in my opinion.
I think Sml and Dialtone both use creative urethane (although I think I remember reading that sml uses other mfg too), as does most of the industry beyond bones/sf/nfg. Orbs, speedlab, Jivaro, Portland, some Niki red (think they use generator too) , underground, maybe slime balls?, boardy cakes, prize fighter, and a bunch of other brands are all CU too. They're basically the bbs/PS of the wheel world - everyone uses them because they're very good urethane and have a ton of shapes and customization options. They have some really nice shapes too.
As for the 97a it's all preference. If you mostly skate parks or courts then it's probably going to be more of a hindrance than help but if you skate crust or ditches or even just want something to make cruising more comfortable then it might be great. I've got a set of 56mm 97a OJ/creature bloodsucker (hardline shape) that are a godsend this time of year when all the streets on my normal commute are covered in sticks, acorns, and lots of little stop rocks from the storm drains getting clogged with leaves. They crush through it all better than 99a F4 radials but are a little slower and don't slide as well (they do have a nice slide though).
Ive also tried 54mm 96a nikired conicals and mini logo 95a A cuts to try and keep it closer to my usual setups in terms of size and while the Niki red are really good, I have yet to find anything as good as the bloodsuckers. I'll probably pick up the F4 97 next time I order something from a shop that has them just to see what they're like.
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My 99a classics feel a little softer than the 99a radial slims I just had but that could have been the spot I was skating or the difference in shape
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The current spitfires I have now had a made in Mexico and so far they feel fine. The ones I had before them was very off though. Never yellowed like normal spits and sucked for powerslides.
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I'm grabbing loophole sml or dial tone.
It would not surprise me if all if those 3 brands use the same formula? The riders are all basically riding or selling the same shapes pretty much.
Also a '97 A wheel is bad idea in my opinion. I bet it's just a batch of 99s that failed a derometer test. I kind of feel like no one's wheel is going to be over 98A anyway if we tested them.
I think Sml and Dialtone both use creative urethane (although I think I remember reading that sml uses other mfg too), as does most of the industry beyond bones/sf/nfg. Orbs, speedlab, Jivaro, Portland, some Niki red (think they use generator too) , underground, maybe slime balls?, boardy cakes, prize fighter, and a bunch of other brands are all CU too. They're basically the bbs/PS of the wheel world - everyone uses them because they're very good urethane and have a ton of shapes and customization options. They have some really nice shapes too.
People use creative because they will make wheels for anyone and they are affordable, ad they're the most established name. But I've tried many brands who get wheels made there and they all got flatspotted badly in the first day, every time. From OJ to Satori, Jivaro to Momentum (they've long since switched), just plain sub-par wheels. They feel soft, and have zero flat spot resistance. Spitfire Classics feel exactly the same to the point that, for a while, I wondered if they got the classics made at Creative. They look a bit too white though, so probably not.
I get the comparison to BBS since they're the big supplier for wheel manufacturing, but based on quality/performance I'd say their equivalent in the deck manufacturing world is Control.
I've had one good set of Autobahns in the past (a different formula from their standard), but nothing compares to Bones STF's or Spitfire F4's. They're vastly superior to everything else that I've ever tried. I think if Spitfire made the same shape as the Bones V5 I'd try them again, but they don't make a shape I'm really into.
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Probably in the minority here, and also because I've always skated bigheads or classics .. F4s are not for me. Im so used to regular wheels. Riding bigheads again, regular ones
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Here are my Spitfire F4 Tablet 53 mm 99 duro. Put these on new years day 2020. They were fine but in the last 2 or 3 months i've finally noticed several bubbles and there was a weird ripple in my wheel which caused the most unusual flat spot I've ever seen. I bought some Formula 4 101 Duro 54 mm classics for my next batch but I'm a little nervous after this first experience with F4's. If this happens again I will most likely try OJ's.
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I got some conical fulls a few years ago that were potatoes out of the pack but slid so good. last few pairs I've had are whiter and a take a little while longer to break in than I remember but they still feel about the same.
still the only wheels I'll buy. good wheels.
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I've been loyal to Sptifire for years, but the last 2 sets of Formula fours I have purchased (in last month) have flat spotted after 1 or 2 sessions.
I'm not skating any differently either, a few powerslide/slip outs on sugarcanes and they're done.
Wondering if anyone else is experiencing this? Hoping it's a bad bunch... 99 and 101 duro :(
Seems like anyone who has any issues and who contacts Deluxe had things sorted for them fairly quickly in the past, so that might be the best option.
On the card, it has the info "If you feel you have purchased a set with a rare defect..." email [email protected]
Just had a warranty experience with Deluxe and it was extremely easy and they were super cool about the whole process. Great company.
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Here are my Spitfire F4 Tablet 53 mm 99 duro. Put these on new years day 2020. They were fine but in the last 2 or 3 months i've finally noticed several bubbles and there was a weird ripple in my wheel which caused the most unusual flat spot I've ever seen. I bought some Formula 4 101 Duro 54 mm classics for my next batch but I'm a little nervous after this first experience with F4's. If this happens again I will most likely try OJ's.
The sidewall is common on sharp edge ledge or whatever the wheel is up against, even if it is one little bit sticking out that you repeatedly hit when trying similar lines.
The wheel surface should not bubble, but the pic is a bit harder to see what is going on.
You can always send the pics and info to them to see what they say though. No harm in asking.
Email and details posted a short while ago. ^^
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Here are my Spitfire F4 Tablet 53 mm 99 duro. Put these on new years day 2020. They were fine but in the last 2 or 3 months i've finally noticed several bubbles and there was a weird ripple in my wheel which caused the most unusual flat spot I've ever seen. I bought some Formula 4 101 Duro 54 mm classics for my next batch but I'm a little nervous after this first experience with F4's. If this happens again I will most likely try OJ's.
The sidewall is common on sharp edge ledge or whatever the wheel is up against, even if it is one little bit sticking out that you repeatedly hit when trying similar lines.
The wheel surface should not bubble, but the pic is a bit harder to see what is going on.
You can always send the pics and info to them to see what they say though. No harm in asking.
Email and details posted a short while ago. ^^
Yeah I skate primarily ledges so I expected the usual side wall graphic deterioration/rubbing but the amount of gashes was kinda surprising this time and I've only skated spitfires over a decade. I've heard of bubbles in wheels but never have had it happen to me until this batch. I also have never had a flat spot in my life until this batch it well so it was a little uncomfortable and a bummer but I think quality control is not up to par probably across the board for most brands during these times so I'm not gonna cancel culture Spitfire/F4's. I appreciate the heads up tho
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I've heard of bubbles in wheels but never have had it happen to me until this batch.
On the card, it has the info "If you feel you have purchased a set with a rare defect..." email [email protected]
Definitely worth it!
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Probably in the minority here, and also because I've always skated bigheads or classics .. F4s are not for me. Im so used to regular wheels. Riding bigheads again, regular ones
BA skates the regular Classics too.
I recently got a set of 53 Classic F4s and flatspotted them straight away. Nothing too crazy but it's definitely there. They might feel a tad softer than all the F4s I had before but this could just be in my head too.
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I thought my set of 52 FF were pretty crappy. Def not worth the hype and price!
A big chuck on the sidewall felt out, found them to be slippery as well. Def no real difference between these wheel and any other wheel ive had in the past few years.
Sent them an email to see what theyd say. I must say, I have had horrible luck with all Deluxe related products. All crap to me. Used to crack the thunder baseplates back in the day, snapped a Peter Ramondetta Real board ten years ago - the one and only I ever bought (last about 2 hours) and now the spits.
Silly me tho, asked Santa for a pair of 52 classics for Xmas. Hopefully my luck will change with this set.
Someone told me FF is better for park vs street. Im mostly a street guy. Thoughts on this?
Thanks
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I thought my set of 52 FF were pretty crappy. Def not worth the hype and price!
A big chuck on the sidewall felt out, found them to be slippery as well. Def no real difference between these wheel and any other wheel ive had in the past few years.
Sent them an email to see what theyd say. I must say, I have had horrible luck with all Deluxe related products. All crap to me. Used to crack the thunder baseplates back in the day, snapped a Peter Ramondetta Real board ten years ago - the one and only I ever bought (last about 2 hours) and now the spits.
Silly me tho, asked Santa for a pair of 52 classics for Xmas. Hopefully my luck will change with this set.
Someone told me FF is better for park vs street. Im mostly a street guy. Thoughts on this?
Thanks
They definitely sort out issues.
https://www.spitfirewheels.com/guaranteed/
Did you get normal classics, not Formula Four classics?
Some people love them and some people do not, but it is just one of those things. I have seen every brand of product work well and every brand and type of product in pieces / broken / flatspotted or wrecked over the years, so not necessarily the product at fault and not always the rider at fault either.
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Got some 99d F4 Classics recently and they look whiter, feel more slick, and are a ton more slippery. Took em off after slipping out a lot on some smoother local terrain I have ridden for years. My Loopholes feel way more grippy, slide as well on the ledge.
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I just got some F4 Tablets and Conical Fulls. I haven’t long term tested durability obviously, but I wouldn’t pay $45 for these, like some shops are charging now.
At the $31 I paid for each set, if they last a little longer I’ll be happy. In terms of on street feel, I’m not that impressed, and prefer some of my cheaper wheels. I haven’t taken them to the park yet though.
I’m hoping they get better as they break in
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I personally feel F4s get better as they break in. I am about five sessions deep into some Classic wide 99as and they now feel amazing.
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That’s good news. I had high hopes, and don’t wanna count them out from only an hour of skating each.
Some of my cheaper 99a wheels, including spitfire OG formula and Orb Specters, feel a lot more grippy, but less slidey. These 99d F4s definitely feel like park wheels, which was not what I was expecting. Kinda wish I went with the 101d now, or that Spitfire made these shapes in the 97d for more comfort.
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I thought my set of 52 FF were pretty crappy. Def not worth the hype and price!
A big chuck on the sidewall felt out, found them to be slippery as well. Def no real difference between these wheel and any other wheel ive had in the past few years.
Sent them an email to see what theyd say. I must say, I have had horrible luck with all Deluxe related products. All crap to me. Used to crack the thunder baseplates back in the day, snapped a Peter Ramondetta Real board ten years ago - the one and only I ever bought (last about 2 hours) and now the spits.
Silly me tho, asked Santa for a pair of 52 classics for Xmas. Hopefully my luck will change with this set.
Someone told me FF is better for park vs street. Im mostly a street guy. Thoughts on this?
Thanks
They definitely sort out issues.
https://www.spitfirewheels.com/guaranteed/
Did you get normal classics, not Formula Four classics?
Some people love them and some people do not, but it is just one of those things. I have seen every brand of product work well and every brand and type of product in pieces / broken / flatspotted or wrecked over the years, so not necessarily the product at fault and not always the rider at fault either.
Chipped ones are FF classics, and the new ones are 'regular' classics (whiter wheel)
I sent them and email.
Thanks for the tip!
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Chipped ones are FF classics, and the new ones are 'regular' classics (whiter wheel)
I sent them and email.
Thanks for the tip!
The regular formula Spitfires are more grippy once you wear off the tread / lines on the wheels when new, but are more likely to flatspot, especially when bright shiny new, compared to when they are a bit more worn in or aged and I find they last so much better.
That said, I have mostly 99 duro Formula Four on all my boards nowdays and prefer the feeling of them over everything else.
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Bought a set of 97a F4's, one of the wheels was defective (wobbles when spun [I tried different bearings]). DLX sent a replacement set, and two of those were also defective/wobbly. I don't have time to do unpaid quality control. Spitfire is like early Hyundai now; great warranty, but who wants to spend their life in the shop?
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Bought a set of 97a F4's, one of the wheels was defective (wobbles when spun [I tried different bearings]). DLX sent a replacement set, and two of those were also defective/wobbly. I don't have time to do unpaid quality control. Spitfire is like early Hyundai now; great warranty, but who wants to spend their life in the shop?
Let's see a pic/vid - I'm interested to see how wobbly they are.
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had some 99d 56mm conical fulls (august 2020) and they were hella sticky. chalked it up to the sizing. eventually copped some used 99d 58mm radial fulls off depop. them joints are wider but slid better for some reason
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Bought a set of 97a F4's, one of the wheels was defective (wobbles when spun [I tried different bearings]). DLX sent a replacement set, and two of those were also defective/wobbly. I don't have time to do unpaid quality control. Spitfire is like early Hyundai now; great warranty, but who wants to spend their life in the shop?
Damn, that's a crazy experience and I can't say I've had the same experience with the 97 duro F4 wheels I'm running (53mm classic, 54mm classic, and 54mm conical full). It would be a shame if Spitfire let the quality drop because a lot of people consider them to be the best wheel in the game.
I'm wondering if it has something to do with how straight the truck axle is, how the bearings are set, or if someone uses bearing spacers or not.
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All my conical full for the past 6 years chip on the crook side.
The radials the classics and my new of classic have been on point
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I always flat spotted spits and gave up on them years ago. I am digging Ricta 52mm 99's, slide nice and roll good on shitty ground for 52mm.
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I had one set of spitfires f4s that has a wobble to one wheel, contacted them and they had me send them in. They sent two sets of wheels as a replacement, along with a pile of stickers. Haven’t had any issues with the half a dozen or so sets I’ve bought since then. I’m pretty sure I’ll always skate spitfire f4s. I really like the 99As. Sucks to hear anyone has been having issues.
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I've never had issues with f4. Guess I'm just lucky.
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Considering they make a lot, and I am talking 5000+ just arrived here before another four digit delivery earlier this year from what I heard, for Australia alone, I don't think I could even guess but would they have been making more than a million sets of wheels a year at peak before covid issues?
I would think the ratio of bad wheels is so very low compared to all the wheels with no issues out there being skated. That is not including flat spots from user error or other non manufacturing issues (like being run over or dragged by a vehicle) but I think I have had two sets over the years that had warranty issues, in maybe a few hundred in total, probably more.
The older Spitfire wheels did flatspot a lot, but the Formula Four seem to hold up a whole lot better. Sure some still get flatspots (any and every wheel does if they stick long enough on one point), but they are way ahead of what they were before 2013.
Combine that with an excellent warranty and service department, I think they have it pretty well covered, but there are always going to be some issues along the way, maybe more so with what is currently going on.
There is going to be another shortage soon enough, with supply of raw materials now causing production issues too, so that will be interesting to see play out.
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not since year two when they upped the rebound ever so slightly and thus became the best wheel.
those glowy radials felt a little chalky to me at first but that went away.
and there are fakes out there, so please buy from reputable.
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Bought a set of 97a F4's, one of the wheels was defective (wobbles when spun [I tried different bearings]). DLX sent a replacement set, and two of those were also defective/wobbly. I don't have time to do unpaid quality control. Spitfire is like early Hyundai now; great warranty, but who wants to spend their life in the shop?
same here. I just opened my 3rd defective set of classic shapes in a row. Replacement, warranty all good. But I am afraid of opening another set of wheels because I can feel it. The last wheel will be wobbly again.
What's the solution?! Buying two sets of same wheels and sort out the defective ones, keeping the good ones and just return the defective ones. Then getting a new set of wheels because of warranty. Selling that one on eBay, because one of those shitfires are going to be wobbly again?! I honestly can't take it anymore.
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Bought a set of 97a F4's, one of the wheels was defective (wobbles when spun [I tried different bearings]). DLX sent a replacement set, and two of those were also defective/wobbly. I don't have time to do unpaid quality control. Spitfire is like early Hyundai now; great warranty, but who wants to spend their life in the shop?
same here. I just opened my 3rd defective set of classic shapes in a row. Replacement, warranty all good. But I am afraid of opening another set of wheels because I can feel it. The last wheel will be wobbly again.
What's the solution?! Buying two sets of same wheels and sort out the defective ones, keeping the good ones and just return the defective ones. Then getting a new set of wheels because of warranty. Selling that one on eBay, because one of those shitfires are going to be wobbly again?! I honestly can't take it anymore.
Mounted my first F4 set two weeks ago. The bearings were really hard to put and one wheel was wobbly. Had to mount it on the axle and tight the nut quite hard to press the bearings to the bottom in order to have a straight rolling wheel. Not the cleanest method for sure...