Spitfire formula four

[BeachChicken]

The biggest reason these wheels are popular is that there finally is a middle ground between a cruiser wheel and a normal 99/101 hard wheel. For years we had micro-differences in the harder compounds or cruiser wheels that sucked for lots of tricks, slides, etc. People are having fun dialing in their own preferences for what they like and where they skate.

[Mbrimson88]

The biggest reason these wheels are popular is that there finally is a middle ground between a cruiser wheel and a normal 99/101 hard wheel. For years we had micro-differences in the harder compounds or cruiser wheels that sucked for lots of tricks, slides, etc. People are having fun dialing in their own preferences for what they like and where they skate.

Yeah that is definitely a plus - the other 80 duro cruiser type wheels just don't perform that well besides going fast and rolling over almost anything, but I could skate the 93 duro wheels and still slide here and there, make things easier to get in and out of if I did skate them on some obstacles and they also work well on slippery ramps (which is why a lot of people I know have them), so as you said, that makes them add up to a number of benefits over the really soft and the really hard wheels.

  I think the biggest reason for the popularity is old skaters. I'm almost 50 and I LOVE the 93's. I can just ride them so much longer without discomfort. I haven't skated a harder wheel in a minute and rarely miss them but I do really want to try the new 97 formula. Was actually thinking about ordering some but it seems that most places are sold out.

I think I prefer the reformulated 97s over the 93s for most of the "other" surfaces I skate, but they are way closer to a harder wheel that has a little more bounce and slide, than the 93 duro option which is a softer wheel that still slides, if that makes sense.

Finding some could also depend on the wheel size and shape, more so than anything else - guess I got a handful of the Pedro 55 mm  Radial shape first, just to see and then also have the Radial Full shapes in the new formula in 54 and 56 mm, but that's all I have seen here so far.  I tend to ride wheels between 54 to 56 from new, so that worked really well for me.

[Sedition]

The biggest reason these wheels are popular is that there finally is a middle ground between a cruiser wheel and a normal 99/101 hard wheel. For years we had micro-differences in the harder compounds or cruiser wheels that sucked for lots of tricks, slides, etc. People are having fun dialing in their own preferences for what they like and where they skate.

I actually kind of miss the 95a Spitfire “Soft D’s” that were out circa….2017/18???

[Ok]

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The biggest reason these wheels are popular is that there finally is a middle ground between a cruiser wheel and a normal 99/101 hard wheel. For years we had micro-differences in the harder compounds or cruiser wheels that sucked for lots of tricks, slides, etc. People are having fun dialing in their own preferences for what they like and where they skate.

[close]

I actually kind of miss the 95a Spitfire “Soft D’s” that were out circa….2017/18???

if i was skating more, and living in an urban area, i’d really really consider running some type of 93 spitfire/dragons in say a 55mm, and then pop and swap to 53 classics 99 once i got to the spot. kooky? i am nothing if not.

speaking of older wheels, i remember quite the fondness for the mike anderson sfws. had them in a 53 and loved them. a lot.

[big_kev_215]

I recently got some 101a F4 conicals.  Kind of liking the stark difference from skating the 97s for the past six months or so.  Feel super fast and they slide insanely well.  We’ll see how long this infatuation lasts. 

[Mbrimson88]

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The biggest reason these wheels are popular is that there finally is a middle ground between a cruiser wheel and a normal 99/101 hard wheel. For years we had micro-differences in the harder compounds or cruiser wheels that sucked for lots of tricks, slides, etc. People are having fun dialing in their own preferences for what they like and where they skate.

[close]

I actually kind of miss the 95a Spitfire “Soft D’s” that were out circa….2017/18???

Still got a few sets of both 95 and 92 duro options, but yeah they are slow, when compared to most other wheels.  Still roll fine, but everything is a bit of a struggle when compared to the newer formulas which seem to roll way faster over the same surfaces.

[Osage]

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  I think the biggest reason for the popularity is old skaters. I'm almost 50 and I LOVE the 93's. I can just ride them so much longer without discomfort. I haven't skated a harder wheel in a minute and rarely miss them but I do really want to try the new 97 formula. Was actually thinking about ordering some but it seems that most places are sold out.

[close]

I think I prefer the reformulated 97s over the 93s for most of the "other" surfaces I skate, but they are way closer to a harder wheel that has a little more bounce and slide, than the 93 duro option which is a softer wheel that still slides, if that makes sense.

Finding some could also depend on the wheel size and shape, more so than anything else - guess I got a handful of the Pedro 55 mm  Radial shape first, just to see and then also have the Radial Full shapes in the new formula in 54 and 56 mm, but that's all I have seen here so far.  I tend to ride wheels between 54 to 56 from new, so that worked really well for me.

   Yeah, I want to try the 56mm 97's in Radial Full when I can find them.

[Troubadour26]

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The biggest reason these wheels are popular is that there finally is a middle ground between a cruiser wheel and a normal 99/101 hard wheel. For years we had micro-differences in the harder compounds or cruiser wheels that sucked for lots of tricks, slides, etc. People are having fun dialing in their own preferences for what they like and where they skate.

[close]

I actually kind of miss the 95a Spitfire “Soft D’s” that were out circa….2017/18???

[close]

if i was skating more, and living in an urban area, i’d really really consider running some type of 93 spitfire/dragons in say a 55mm, and then pop and swap to 53 classics 99 once i got to the spot. kooky? i am nothing if not.

speaking of older wheels, i remember quite the fondness for the mike anderson sfws. had them in a 53 and loved them. a lot.

I had those SFWs and loved them too. I think I got my set signed by DEATH haha. The black proto-punk band from Detroit. Not the metal band.

[nopopnostyle]

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  I think the biggest reason for the popularity is old skaters. I'm almost 50 and I LOVE the 93's. I can just ride them so much longer without discomfort. I haven't skated a harder wheel in a minute and rarely miss them but I do really want to try the new 97 formula. Was actually thinking about ordering some but it seems that most places are sold out.

[close]

I think I prefer the reformulated 97s over the 93s for most of the "other" surfaces I skate, but they are way closer to a harder wheel that has a little more bounce and slide, than the 93 duro option which is a softer wheel that still slides, if that makes sense.

Finding some could also depend on the wheel size and shape, more so than anything else - guess I got a handful of the Pedro 55 mm  Radial shape first, just to see and then also have the Radial Full shapes in the new formula in 54 and 56 mm, but that's all I have seen here so far.  I tend to ride wheels between 54 to 56 from new, so that worked really well for me.

[close]

   Yeah, I want to try the 56mm 97's in Radial Full when I can find them.

Same here. But I don’t know if it will happen. There still seems to be too much dead stock of the old 97‘s.
I imported a set of the Delfinos and really enjoyed them. I just took em off cause I didn’t want to get too used to em and not be able to get replacements afterwards.

[rikki]

I think the main problem with the transition from the old 97 formula to the new formula is that peeps are starting to be better and better aware of the existence of the new formula wheels, which unfortunately does not equal availability.

That is, folks would buy the new formula but cannot, because shops still carry a shit ton of the old formula wheels and don't want to invest in the new ones as much before they sell enough of the old stock. I mean, who wants write-offs for their business unless absolutely necessary?

A bit of a stagnant pressure cooker on a minor scale, but something's gotta happen. Probably not a huge gamble to predict that we'll see a lot of the old formula 97s on discount in the near future.

[roba]

Probably not a huge gamble to predict that we'll see a lot of the old formula 97s on discount in the near future.

[Mbrimson88]

.

The funny thing is I haven't seen a single one of the old formula on sale / clearance anywhere.

Seen plenty of other specific pro / special graphic wheels on clearance, even in what I would call the "most preferred shapes and sizes" which was pretty random and after letting people know about them, they sold out fast, but none of the softer duro wheels I have seen have been on anything other than full price, or at most, on the shopwide % off sales when they are on.


I even asked about the excess stock of them as soon as I heard the new reformulated 97s were coming out, but there was no easy answer.


For some of you guys looking for them, I am guessing you are not in USA and more likely in EU or other places?

Some people had hit up DLX directly to ask about specific product in the past, with fairly good results and info for the local distributor and then to get them into their local shop of choice, but I get it where some people seem like they have to order specifically from elsewhere to get the things they want, cause they sell out in local shops or never actually make it into the specific country to start with.

[rawbertson.]

Maybe this belongs in unpopular opinion thread….

Imo
If you want the old 97a formula; just get the new 93a. You will have a similar experience with grip on power slide but get a much nicer time in a nose slide

If you want 99a, just get the new 97a. It feels exactly the same for grip on the pavement but I would say more consistent but similar feeling slide to 99a on noseslide. But also absorbs crust a lot better than the 99a and feels faster.

So imo the old formulas, besides 101a, are kinda obsolete

[Big Brother]

[BeachChicken]

Maybe this belongs in unpopular opinion thread….

Imo
If you want the old 97a formula; just get the new 93a. You will have a similar experience with grip on power slide but get a much nicer time in a nose slide

If you want 99a, just get the new 97a. It feels exactly the same for grip on the pavement but I would say more consistent but similar feeling slide to 99a on noseslide. But also absorbs crust a lot better than the 99a and feels faster.

So imo the old formulas, besides 101a, are kinda obsolete

IDK I feel the 97a was sorta pointless for me. It was oddly quiet/didn't chirp, wasn't much faster than a 93 nor much smoother than 99, just wasn't much there to convince me I really needed em. I'd go one way or the other.

I also still think my set was a mislabeled old set since this is a unique experience it seems.

[tuesday]

Has anyone ever seen 99a 52mm Radials available anywhere? Website says they are in the line-up, but in my part of the world I always see only the 54mm and 56mm versions.

[Too Frank To Fred]

Maybe this belongs in unpopular opinion thread….

Imo
If you want the old 97a formula; just get the new 93a. You will have a similar experience with grip on power slide but get a much nicer time in a nose slide

If you want 99a, just get the new 97a. It feels exactly the same for grip on the pavement but I would say more consistent but similar feeling slide to 99a on noseslide. But also absorbs crust a lot better than the 99a and feels faster.

So imo the old formulas, besides 101a, are kinda obsolete

Respectfully disagree. Choice is a wonderful thing. In a fit of madness and over-consumption, I am currently rotating between 93s, new 97s, 99s and 101s. there's enough of a difference to warrant the existence of them all. However, for me I only need the 99s and 93s for what I do. Will be off loading my 97s and 101s very soon.

[Mbrimson88]

Has anyone ever seen 99a 52mm Radials available anywhere? Website says they are in the line-up, but in my part of the world I always see only the 54mm and 56mm versions.

Yes I have had a few come through my hands, but I have to admit I haven't seen many recently.

When just doing a simple search, there are some out there, but not as many as I might have thought, maybe more 53, 54 and 56 mm sizes around here at least, than 52 mm.

There are 9 or more at TGM as per their ebay listing, but that doesn't help a whole lot if you are not in USA.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/394408375165

[tuesday]

Thanks @Mbrimson88 !

[144p]

Maybe this belongs in unpopular opinion thread….

Imo
If you want the old 97a formula; just get the new 93a. You will have a similar experience with grip on power slide but get a much nicer time in a nose slide

If you want 99a, just get the new 97a. It feels exactly the same for grip on the pavement but I would say more consistent but similar feeling slide to 99a on noseslide. But also absorbs crust a lot better than the 99a and feels faster.

So imo the old formulas, besides 101a, are kinda obsolete

93 is too slick on some surfaces and if there is any moisture they become deadly.
After many months of switching back and forth I prefer the old 97 formula, hope to see more someday.

[Ok]

Expand Quote

Maybe this belongs in unpopular opinion thread….

Imo
If you want the old 97a formula; just get the new 93a. You will have a similar experience with grip on power slide but get a much nicer time in a nose slide

If you want 99a, just get the new 97a. It feels exactly the same for grip on the pavement but I would say more consistent but similar feeling slide to 99a on noseslide. But also absorbs crust a lot better than the 99a and feels faster.

So imo the old formulas, besides 101a, are kinda obsolete

[close]

93 is too slick on some surfaces and if there is any moisture they become deadly.
After many months of switching back and forth I prefer the old 97 formula, hope to see more someday.

interesting. you and fleek. also where you both skate obviously really informs that. i’m in a very rain beaten old pavement area, so i’ve tried a few formulas. i got old 97s in 56 classics. wasn’t blown away. also, i fucking hate big wheels (not entirely true, it’s very love/hate. i can get very excited/noststalgic for big wheel ee3 play). if i’m into a big wheel thing, it’s for the freakiness of it. when a setup is in that 53 range, looks correct (for 8-8.5 deck trucks).
anyways, sounds like i need to revisit my old 97s.

[Spacecase]

Maybe this belongs in unpopular opinion thread….

Imo
If you want the old 97a formula; just get the new 93a. You will have a similar experience with grip on power slide but get a much nicer time in a nose slide

If you want 99a, just get the new 97a. It feels exactly the same for grip on the pavement but I would say more consistent but similar feeling slide to 99a on noseslide. But also absorbs crust a lot better than the 99a and feels faster.

So imo the old formulas, besides 101a, are kinda obsolete

I find the new 93s and 97s wear way faster and chunk out a lot more than the 99s or 101s do. F4 99s are still the GOAT IMO. A wider or bigger wheel takes care of any crusty spots I might encounter.

[texasplant]

Always been keen on the idea of the classic shape because of slappies and grinds to fakie on coping but have never been able to make them work because of the narrow contact patch would make me slip out a bunch. Would trying these in the 93 for skateparks/curbs solve this issue without feeling too soft at smooth parks? Tried the bigger radial shape at parks before but was a little bit too much grip for my likings.

[Too Frank To Fred]

Always been keen on the idea of the classic shape because of slappies and grinds to fakie on coping but have never been able to make them work because of the narrow contact patch would make me slip out a bunch. Would trying these in the 93 for skateparks/curbs solve this issue without feeling too soft at smooth parks? Tried the bigger radial shape at parks before but was a little bit too much grip for my likings.

I suspect the 93s will feel and work better with a wider contact patch. Radials are a nice compromise. I've been on 56mm 93a Radials and they kept speed surprisingly well at Burnside where I usually ride 58mm 99s...

[Mbrimson88]

Always been keen on the idea of the classic shape because of slappies and grinds to fakie on coping but have never been able to make them work because of the narrow contact patch would make me slip out a bunch. Would trying these in the 93 for skateparks/curbs solve this issue without feeling too soft at smooth parks? Tried the bigger radial shape at parks before but was a little bit too much grip for my likings.

What shape are you currently on / what is on your last setup pre injury - Conical Full wheels?

I saw you had said 58 mm in the other thread.  If they are worn down anywhere near 56 mm or less, then that is pretty much Classic Full / down around 54 mm or less, then almost Radial shape anyway.

I also set up a set of the 56 mm Radial 93 duro wheels when we first got them - someone liked them so much I didn't even get more than one full session on them, before selling them on, but I was thinking of setting up the 54 mm Radial 93 duro wheels more than anything, just for the size, shape - 54 mm x 34 mm is a pretty good all rounder for my liking, especially with rounded side walls.

A few others, including the guy who got my wheels, all ride them on smooth parks / vert ramps / mini ramps, etc - some fresh new concrete, some metal, some wood, skatelite and whatever else.  Overall they say they are great, after they got a little wear and the people got used to how they feel.

The new Pedro 55 mm 97 duro in the new formula also skate really well.  Plenty still in stock around AU as well, just in case that would be a good option - pretty much all shapes and sizes currently around here really. 

Too many options maybe?

[back smith]

The 93s feel slow and sticky on the super smooth concrete flat at my local park but on the slightly rougher transition and ramps of the park they are great so it evens out.

[rawbertson.]

I think I realized i just want it to be really slippery like almost always. powerslide, noseslide, and feeble grinds can cause a lot of drag on the wheel. i dont want to have to mega wax the spot just for the wheel's sake. and if i cant powerslide i have to adjust the way i skate flat.

i think i also realized the extremes are not it for me either though. 93a feels too slow for me at parks and 101a is too slippery on a QP.

i have been riding old 97a, 60mm radial full, and 99a classic 55mm a lot lately, while these wheels have been really really good for me, they havent been 100% perfect. 60mm radial feels really really shitty on feeble grinds, like almost impossible, and 55mm classic feels slow and honestly not as reliable on powerslides + noseslides id say. i do feel like it sticks sometimes. the slide seems better / more predictable on the new 97a to me across all terrains, but i have only had a few sessions on them.

I think I will hang on to these old 97 though, I Had a feeling they would be sought after and thats why i got the biggest one possible so it would last too. i think a classic shape would have been way more practical though. these may end up being "classic fulls" at some point 

[texasplant]

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Always been keen on the idea of the classic shape because of slappies and grinds to fakie on coping but have never been able to make them work because of the narrow contact patch would make me slip out a bunch. Would trying these in the 93 for skateparks/curbs solve this issue without feeling too soft at smooth parks? Tried the bigger radial shape at parks before but was a little bit too much grip for my likings.

[close]

What shape are you currently on / what is on your last setup pre injury - Conical Full wheels?

I saw you had said 58 mm in the other thread.  If they are worn down anywhere near 56 mm or less, then that is pretty much Classic Full / down around 54 mm or less, then almost Radial shape anyway.

I also set up a set of the 56 mm Radial 93 duro wheels when we first got them - someone liked them so much I didn't even get more than one full session on them, before selling them on, but I was thinking of setting up the 54 mm Radial 93 duro wheels more than anything, just for the size, shape - 54 mm x 34 mm is a pretty good all rounder for my liking, especially with rounded side walls.

A few others, including the guy who got my wheels, all ride them on smooth parks / vert ramps / mini ramps, etc - some fresh new concrete, some metal, some wood, skatelite and whatever else.  Overall they say they are great, after they got a little wear and the people got used to how they feel.

The new Pedro 55 mm 97 duro in the new formula also skate really well.  Plenty still in stock around AU as well, just in case that would be a good option - pretty much all shapes and sizes currently around here really. 

Too many options maybe?

Either 58 radial full or 56 conical full depending on the mood. I liked the radials but wasn’t right for my use case at the time - 99% concrete transition.

Bouncing back from injury I will be skating a little lower and slower, maybe even actually trying to skate ledges for once. Classic shape is enticing for slappies and crooks mainly. I know the 99s are just too icy for me and don’t let me feel grounded enough.

97 classics are definitely something I’ve considered, there’s a few sets of the old formula that I could pick up. Haven’t tried 97s since they came out and they were conical fulls.

Does anyone know what pros (or anyone really) are skating the 93s besides Reynolds?

[rawbertson.]

i have seen tons of pros skate 93a. i can think of a few specific examples:

 Ryuhei Kitazume from Tightbooth told me he only wants to skate that wheel from now on (i noticed they sent him 99 in his last box though lol) he also mentioned the fact they are so quiet is very good for skating in Tokyo because you dont want to get kicekd out and they dont hear the skateboards as much now when you are arriving to the spot etc.


I read on here that PEter Hewitt loves skating the 93s at burnside which kinda makes sense because you probably want grip on that park as its really covered in paint and shit, but its also super super crusty.

ive seen tons of clips of Chris Athans and other GX1000 riders using them. I havent asked thme specifically, but you can just tell from the clip the wheels are so much quieter in the newer videos compared to the old ones.

[Too Frank To Fred]

i have seen tons of pros skate 93a. i can think of a few specific examples:

 


I read on here that Peter Hewitt loves skating the 93s at burnside which kinda makes sense because you probably want grip on that park as its really covered in paint and shit, but its also super super crusty.

Hewitt I think has been using them at WA St... which looks like a park where you need a fast wheel. Emile Laurent has been using them at Burnside and says he's been hauling... according to shop owner...