Spitfire formula four

[Xen]

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I'm looking to get a set of the 97D F4's before I do could I just get confirmation on them not fucking with power slides or slide tricks? I alternate between the 99 and 101 depending on what i'm feeling at the time of purchase. I've been skating some crustier spots lately though and while I haven't had issues my 101 conical fulls i'm curious about the 97's. (I realize they've been talked about a bunch but was wondering if any of you guys had regrets with them)

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Spend most of my time on the 99s, no regrets with the 97s - they still break into slides without problem, they just don't slide AS far.

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Damn, not I'm really excited to try my 97a Classics in 54mm. I wish they did a Radial Slim version.

You didn't expect them to slide as far/just like the 99s did you? I've been riding all three over the past month and got to say, anywhere I'd ride the 99s, the 97s do just fine. Sure they grip a bit more and like stated above you are going to slide, just not as far (unless you go faster .

[Sundaynuggets]

I'm looking to get a set of the 97D F4's before I do could I just get confirmation on them not fucking with power slides or slide tricks? I alternate between the 99 and 101 depending on what i'm feeling at the time of purchase. I've been skating some crustier spots lately though and while I haven't had issues my 101 conical fulls i'm curious about the 97's. (I realize they've been talked about a bunch but was wondering if any of you guys had regrets with them)

They slide fine for me for power slides and noseblunts. While they don’t slide as far as F4 99a, they slide better (more consistent slide and easier to break into and maintain the slide) than any other 99/101 wheel I’ve tried outside of F4 and STF’s.

[Paperclip20]

Thanks for all the quick responses guys. I'm still a few weeks off setting up new wheels so I'll have to do some thinking but I'm leaning towards trying the 97's now

[coyote2425]

Just put on my first F4s a few weeks ago (54mm conical fulls). Coming off a pair of softer 56mm OJ Keyframes, I'm super impressed. I can actually powerslide again and can't believe all the shit I can still roll over without getting tossed.

Never looking back.

[superleftswipebby]

is it me or are the recent batches of 99’s stickier than usual?

[fakiefs180]

is it me or are the recent batches of 99’s stickier than usual?

I also felt that way on my 54mm classics a few weeks ago.
But after the 3rd session and a few powerslides everything felt as usual to me.

[munchbox]

I just mashed around the neighborhood. Too dark to photograph afterwards but here's the before earlier.

It's so nice to be on a 99a 58mm wheel with a large contact patch again. I can flip it just fine but I've yet to try crooks sure I'll be all right. I put my swiss bearings in that are broke in so nicely. Three of my reds had locked up in the V2s. Massive difference

Positive

what wheelbase are you running cast plates with? thinking about switching it up on a 14wb

[FrozenIndustries]

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I don’t know if I’m trippin or not, but do the 97A’s seem like they get harder over time? I’ve been on the same set since they released the 97s (like 9 months ago) and they don’t feel as soft compared to when they were brand new. They kinda feel like 99s now when I skate down my street.

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I actually noticed this with the non-F4 OG Classics. I had a set (53mm/99a) that I bought last year and have noticed that they feel more like 101a's now. Even when trying to pull the bearings out, they felt a lot more stiff and resistant than when I first set them up.

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Urethane, or good urethane will harden over time, which is why I love older wheels, as they last longer and are much less likely to have issues the way brand new straight out of the packet wheels do sometimes.


It would be interesting to put on some new 99s and see if there was still a difference between those and the older 97s, or even any other older 99s if you still have them.


With regard to seating bearings, older wheels are a pain to get bearings in and out of, but a bit of lube or something rubbed round the inside of the wheel makes it a lot easier, or for getting bearings out, drip to the edge of the bearing and wheel join and pry at it a bit and it will usually come out a lot more easily.

Not a perfect test by any means, but I set up some 2 year old 60mm 99 F4 classics. Skated them back to back with some new-ish (2 months old) 55 tablets (same duro) on the same setup.

Older 99s (60 classics) feel harder. Also noticeably more difficult to slide. Shape plays a part perhaps, but it was interesting to try.

[Banned from the room]

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I just mashed around the neighborhood. Too dark to photograph afterwards but here's the before earlier.

It's so nice to be on a 99a 58mm wheel with a large contact patch again. I can flip it just fine but I've yet to try crooks sure I'll be all right. I put my swiss bearings in that are broke in so nicely. Three of my reds had locked up in the V2s. Massive difference

Positive

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what wheelbase are you running cast plates with? thinking about switching it up on a 14wb

I'm on a 14 (m1 orchard)  My other board with the vhollow is on a K shape (traffic orchard). I definitely prefer the m1 deck.  K shape works out too.

[Xen]

is it me or are the recent batches of 99’s stickier than usual?

My 99a classics felt fine (real rough shitty terrain smooth curbs); thinking about getting 99a tablets since there are no thin 97a F4s (and I want a thin wheel).

[Sativa Lung]

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is it me or are the recent batches of 99’s stickier than usual?

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My 99a classics felt fine (real rough shitty terrain smooth curbs); thinking about getting 99a tablets since there are no thin 97a F4s (and I want a thin wheel).

Tablets might not be what you want. I wouldn't really classify them as "thin", at least not compared to like autobahn or crupie or satori or those kind of really skinny jawns. Tablets and classics are pretty close to the same width and unless you wear them waaayyyyy down the contact patch on the classics is probably a bit smaller. Reference photo - 53mm classic in hand, 53mm tablet on board.

[mj23]

Update after a few weeks of fully skating the 97a conicals: they’ve had a couple small chunks come out and one very minor flat spot. Definitely happened much faster to inflict that kind of damage than the various 99s that have previously been my main wheels. But they still slide really nicely and they still ride great over filth.

[babywantsbluevelvet]

Update after a few weeks of fully skating the 97a conicals: they’ve had a couple small chunks come out and one very minor flat spot. Definitely happened much faster to inflict that kind of damage than the various 99s that have previously been my main wheels. But they still slide really nicely and they still ride great over filth.

Chiming in to say I’ve had a similar experience with little divots along the side walls from slappies that never happened with 99s. Still my favorite wheel I’ve had since this place dosed me with the madness a couple years ago. I’ll take the tiny gouges over slipping out on transition or vibrating my feet to numbness.

[Cthunderw]

I have both a set of 97a 56mm classics and 97a 54mm conicals. I gotta say that I prefer the classics to the conicals, but one of the problems I think I'm having with the conicals is that they are newer and haven't had time to harden up like the classics, but I've recently found both to be just a bit too sticky and soft on days when it's warmer than about 20ºC.

[camel filters]

Hopefully this means a restock in non slim radials.

[Sundaynuggets]

I have both a set of 97a 56mm classics and 97a 54mm conicals. I gotta say that I prefer the classics to the conicals, but one of the problems I think I'm having with the conicals is that they are newer and haven't had time to harden up like the classics, but I've recently found both to be just a bit too sticky and soft on days when it's warmer than about 20ºC.

Same with preferring the classics to conical. The classics seem to slide better and more consistently for me

[pops]

Hopefully this means a restock in non slim radials.

I hope that too since I never had a chace to skate the regular radials. I would love to try those after all the conical shaped wheels I've skated for years.

[moonordie]

I had those Kader radials last year I believe, hated them.
They just felt off.

[Mbrimson88]

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Hopefully this means a restock in non slim radials.

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I hope that too since I never had a chace to skate the regular radials. I would love to try those after all the conical shaped wheels I've skated for years.

They had some of the normal 52mm 99 duro Radials in the lastest drops to some stores but they were less common than some others, probably selling quickly.

https://www.spitfirewheels.com/


There are also the "Skate like a girl" series, all 99 duro Radial with blue 53mm, pink 54mm and white (natural) 56mm which are a bit more common, but if you are not into coloured wheels or don't want 56mm then you are stuck.

https://www.spitfirewheels.com/spring21/sf-sp21-dr1-d2-04.jpg


If you are into black wheels, then the other ones out in 99 are 52, 53 and 54mm "Trippy swirl" but again, maybe not your thing / limited market for black wheels.

https://www.spitfirewheels.com/spring21/04-sf-sp21-drop2-del1-trippy.jpg


I still have some 54mm regulars in both 99 and 101 and they are a good mix of classic and the wider profile, still slightly rounded edge even being worn down a mm or so but good surface area.

Wheels like the OG Classics have been a bit more common and preferred by pros / others who didn't quite want the Conical full but still wanted a wide surface but medium profile wheel, so they are a good one to try as well.

[pops]

I had those Kader radials last year I believe, hated them.
They just felt off.

Would like to hear more about those. I usually ride 52-54mm wheels in 99 duro and conical fulls have treated me well. Radials seem to be exactly as wide but less contact surface.

[moonordie]

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I had those Kader radials last year I believe, hated them.
They just felt off.

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Would like to hear more about those. I usually ride 52-54mm wheels in 99 duro and conical fulls have treated me well. Radials seem to be exactly as wide but less contact surface.

I guess radials kinda = classic full no?

[BugleBites]

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I had those Kader radials last year I believe, hated them.
They just felt off.

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Would like to hear more about those. I usually ride 52-54mm wheels in 99 duro and conical fulls have treated me well. Radials seem to be exactly as wide but less contact surface.

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I guess radials kinda = classic full no?

Nah. Completely different shape. Radials are closer to the conical.

[GardenSkater77]

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I had those Kader radials last year I believe, hated them.
They just felt off.

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Would like to hear more about those. I usually ride 52-54mm wheels in 99 duro and conical fulls have treated me well. Radials seem to be exactly as wide but less contact surface.

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I guess radials kinda = classic full no?

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Nah. Completely different shape. Radials are closer to the conical.

I have both Radial and Classic and they ride fairly similarly. They slappy and slide the same. The Radial is like a classic skated down 2 mm. I have never tried a conical or tablet because I don’t like the feeling of locking in. Also, I would imagine a rounded edge allows one to break into a slide easier.

[goodatmeth]

I set up my first set of spitfire wheels a few days ago, F4 99 Tablets 53mm.
I'm seriously amazed. Have been riding stf(83b, v3) and spf(84b, p5) before and the tablets are so much smoother but still slide perfectly.
So far I'm sold

[listentoaheartbeat]

I have both a set of 97a 56mm classics and 97a 54mm conicals. I gotta say that I prefer the classics to the conicals, but one of the problems I think I'm having with the conicals is that they are newer and haven't had time to harden up like the classics, but I've recently found both to be just a bit too sticky and soft on days when it's warmer than about 20ºC.

I was kinda bummed out that I had just started riding a new set of F4 99A Tablets when 97A hit the European market. As it's getting warmer outside the 99As are definitely sticking to the ground more. I think anything softer would be too sticky for me during the summer. Might get 97As for the next winter, however.

I set up my first set of spitfire wheels a few days ago, F4 99 Tablets 53mm.
I'm seriously amazed. Have been riding stf(83b, v3) and spf(84b, p5) before and the tablets are so much smoother but still slide perfectly.
So far I'm sold

Did the same switch beginning of the year and never looked back. More control on any terrain with just the right amount of slide in most situations. Never really believed in wheel differences until I started riding SPFs, and now after some heavy skating with the F4s I am even more impressed with them. Should have gotten OG Classics or Conical Fulls though, just gut feeling but something tells me I'd prefer a wider wheel than the Tablets.

[gsosa]

Aight gods Im stuck in a decision. Im rocking the Tablets right now and they are getting really worn down. I fucking love these love the lock-in for transition skating and love the fact that the slide is so controlled. Was wondering is there much of a difference between the Tablets and the Radial and Conical Full shapes? Was just seeing some really cool options in those two shapes that are tempting me to change.

[sketchyrider]

I set up my first set of spitfire wheels a few days ago, F4 99 Tablets 53mm.
I'm seriously amazed. Have been riding stf(83b, v3) and spf(84b, p5) before and the tablets are so much smoother but still slide perfectly.
So far I'm sold

i made the switch too, at least for now. i had tried a bunch of wheels in the bones lineup, and was firmly in the bones camp.

f4's have a great balance of speed and forgiveness/shock absorption, as well as slide vs grip. bones might be a little faster and more durable though.

also i've posted about it a bunch of times but i hate how bones makes you choose between street and park formula. like yeah i know you can ride both in either but still.

[El Freegano]

Hi, there! I read great reviews of the F4 here. I've never tried it before but now my shop got some wheels. The options are kind of limited and i am in between tablets 52 99 and classics 54 99. I skate only street and don't know what would be best. They also have conicals full 52 but in the 101. Can you give any suggestions what would feel better on the asphalt and would last longer? Greetings!

[Mbrimson88]

Aight gods Im stuck in a decision. Im rocking the Tablets right now and they are getting really worn down. I fucking love these love the lock-in for transition skating and love the fact that the slide is so controlled. Was wondering is there much of a difference between the Tablets and the Radial and Conical Full shapes? Was just seeing some really cool options in those two shapes that are tempting me to change.

Hi, there! I read great reviews of the F4 here. I've never tried it before but now my shop got some wheels. The options are kind of limited and i am in between tablets 52 99 and classics 54 99. I skate only street and don't know what would be best. They also have conicals full 52 but in the 101. Can you give any suggestions what would feel better on the asphalt and would last longer? Greetings!

Tablets are a very skinny wheel with a very sharp edge, so will lock in more and have a lot more truck contact.

Conical full are a very wide wheel, so less truck width between wheels, with a slightly rounded edge but still lock in.

Radials are a medium width wheel, so pretty much in between the first two, with a wide surface area but still a moderately rounded edge, so about the medium ground.


Just for comparison, Classics are a medium width wheel across the widest point around the bearing seat, with a very rounded edge and minimal surface contact.

Some people say rounder wheels are easier to slide, flip and wear more evenly, but others I know prefer the wider profiles and sharper edges to lock in on rails and ledges more than anything else.


With regard to 99 or 101, I feel like 99s are always a more well balanced and an all rounder for duro than 101, especially if you are going to skate rougher surfaces, vs 101 on smoother faster surfaces.


@El Freegano I would be taking the 54mm classic 99s as they are a bit bigger so will last longer and skate more easily on rough roads, but that is just me.


The choice is yours...

[El Freegano]

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Aight gods Im stuck in a decision. Im rocking the Tablets right now and they are getting really worn down. I fucking love these love the lock-in for transition skating and love the fact that the slide is so controlled. Was wondering is there much of a difference between the Tablets and the Radial and Conical Full shapes? Was just seeing some really cool options in those two shapes that are tempting me to change.

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Hi, there! I read great reviews of the F4 here. I've never tried it before but now my shop got some wheels. The options are kind of limited and i am in between tablets 52 99 and classics 54 99. I skate only street and don't know what would be best. They also have conicals full 52 but in the 101. Can you give any suggestions what would feel better on the asphalt and would last longer? Greetings!

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Tablets are a very skinny wheel with a very sharp edge, so will lock in more and have a lot more truck contact.

Conical full are a very wide wheel, so less truck width between wheels, with a slightly rounded edge but still lock in.

Radials are a medium width wheel, so pretty much in between the first two, with a wide surface area but still a moderately rounded edge, so about the medium ground.


Just for comparison, Classics are a medium width wheel across the widest point around the bearing seat, with a very rounded edge and minimal surface contact.

Some people say rounder wheels are easier to slide, flip and wear more evenly, but others I know prefer the wider profiles and sharper edges to lock in on rails and ledges more than anything else.


With regard to 99 or 101, I feel like 99s are always a more well balanced and an all rounder for duro than 101, especially if you are going to skate rougher surfaces, vs 101 on smoother faster surfaces.


@El Freegano I would be taking the 54mm classic 99s as they are a bit bigger so will last longer and skate more easily on rough roads, but that is just me.


The choice is yours...

Thanx for the good info. I am getting the classics. First i thought they are gonna bi big for me,  coz i prefert 52 diameter, but F4 are pricey wheels so it is better riding them longer. Greetings!