Spitfire formula four

[listentoaheartbeat]

damn, Spitfire got no love for the small wheel skaters, 51mm is the smallest they've got and that's a one-model rollover from last catalog. Don't they know curb skating is hot right now?

Lil Smokies are F4 and are available in 48-50 mm.

[braksabbath]

After testing on a set of factory second NFG’s, the next time I need new wheels I’m just going to get conical fulls in the right diameter and shave the edges down with an angle grinder

[Frank and Fred]

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damn, Spitfire got no love for the small wheel skaters, 51mm is the smallest they've got and that's a one-model rollover from last catalog. Don't they know curb skating is hot right now?

[close]

What’s the advantage of a smaller wheel for curb skating? I’ve been skating a lot more curbs lately and started wanting to go down to 52mm (coming from a 54-55). Not sure why I’m wanting to go smaller, just instinctively I guess.

Less wheel usually means more hanger.

[Richard Skidder]

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damn, Spitfire got no love for the small wheel skaters, 51mm is the smallest they've got and that's a one-model rollover from last catalog. Don't they know curb skating is hot right now?

[close]

What’s the advantage of a smaller wheel for curb skating? I’ve been skating a lot more curbs lately and started wanting to go down to 52mm (coming from a 54-55). Not sure why I’m wanting to go smaller, just instinctively I guess.

[close]

Less wheel usually means more hanger.

Makes sense. Gets into the meat of the hanger better too I assume.

[FuzzGNU]

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damn, Spitfire got no love for the small wheel skaters, 51mm is the smallest they've got and that's a one-model rollover from last catalog. Don't they know curb skating is hot right now?

[close]

What’s the advantage of a smaller wheel for curb skating? I’ve been skating a lot more curbs lately and started wanting to go down to 52mm (coming from a 54-55). Not sure why I’m wanting to go smaller, just instinctively I guess.

[close]

Less wheel usually means more hanger.

There are skinny wheels with large diameters, and vice versa. I'm guessing this person prefers small diameter to get in and out of locks easier? Maybe for more sorta "curb dancing" type skating where you are going between different grind locks? Who knows...

[kneebone]

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damn, Spitfire got no love for the small wheel skaters, 51mm is the smallest they've got and that's a one-model rollover from last catalog. Don't they know curb skating is hot right now?

[close]

Lil Smokies are F4 and are available in 48-50 mm.

these are long gone anywhere in the US tho

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damn, Spitfire got no love for the small wheel skaters, 51mm is the smallest they've got and that's a one-model rollover from last catalog. Don't they know curb skating is hot right now?

[close]

What’s the advantage of a smaller wheel for curb skating? I’ve been skating a lot more curbs lately and started wanting to go down to 52mm (coming from a 54-55). Not sure why I’m wanting to go smaller, just instinctively I guess.

[close]

Less wheel usually means more hanger.

[close]

There are skinny wheels with large diameters, and vice versa. I'm guessing this person prefers small diameter to get in and out of locks easier? Maybe for more sorta "curb dancing" type skating where you are going between different grind locks? Who knows...

I don't know about any actual functional advantage of small wheels and curb skating, I was just referring to the concept of small wheels being the predominant style when curb skating was also at it's peak in the early-mid-90s.  I personally prefer small wheels because they limit the weight on my otherwise oversized/overweight setup (8.75/159s) and if i'm just skating curbs I'm not really looking for maximum speed.  Edit: and yeah, I love a noseslide/nosegrind combo so I guess smaller wheels help with that 

[beandemon]

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damn, Spitfire got no love for the small wheel skaters, 51mm is the smallest they've got and that's a one-model rollover from last catalog. Don't they know curb skating is hot right now?

[close]

What’s the advantage of a smaller wheel for curb skating? I’ve been skating a lot more curbs lately and started wanting to go down to 52mm (coming from a 54-55). Not sure why I’m wanting to go smaller, just instinctively I guess.

[close]

Less wheel usually means more hanger.

[close]

There are skinny wheels with large diameters, and vice versa. I'm guessing this person prefers small diameter to get in and out of locks easier? Maybe for more sorta "curb dancing" type skating where you are going between different grind locks? Who knows...

Easy curb shuffle has been my understanding. Maybe more clearance for board/tail/nose slides on lower curbs too? 

[Xen]

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damn, Spitfire got no love for the small wheel skaters, 51mm is the smallest they've got and that's a one-model rollover from last catalog. Don't they know curb skating is hot right now?

[close]

What’s the advantage of a smaller wheel for curb skating? I’ve been skating a lot more curbs lately and started wanting to go down to 52mm (coming from a 54-55). Not sure why I’m wanting to go smaller, just instinctively I guess.

[close]

Less wheel usually means more hanger.

[close]

There are skinny wheels with large diameters, and vice versa. I'm guessing this person prefers small diameter to get in and out of locks easier? Maybe for more sorta "curb dancing" type skating where you are going between different grind locks? Who knows...

[close]

Easy curb shuffle has been my understanding. Maybe more clearance for board/tail/nose slides on lower curbs too? 

I find it much easier to say, go from a front 5-0 - pivot- to switch ng with a smaller 'classic' shape; something like a tablet is much harder. It's a trade off tho, small classics slip the fuck out a ton, round wheel, round curb/coping but they're easier to get up and on; bigger round wheels aren't as bad as the larger diameter means a larger sidewall.

[Mbrimson88]

After testing on a set of factory second NFG’s, the next time I need new wheels I’m just going to get conical fulls in the right diameter and shave the edges down with an angle grinder

Yes!!!

Once you get the hang of it, the process is super easy and you can "round off" any wheel to make them easier to get in and out of things, especially older wheels that have sharper edges.

Conical Full wheels from new have quite a good side edge on them, but once worn down a few mm, I take the angle grinder to them and make them a lot more rounded, while still keeping a wide surface area, which is a win win.

[FuzzGNU]

Alright. Radial Fulls F4 56mm 99a.

After skating them for a couple weeks now, I'm realizing they are just a bit too bulky and heavy. I think the wheel would fill a better niche if they were 97a instead of 99a. As it is, its a huge bulky wheel that still struggles with crusty streets, which is my main gripe. Not quite the ATV wheels I was hoping for.

I thought the pure massiveness would help overcome its hardness on crusty streets, but I was wrong. The streets my F4 97a and STF 99a can handle, these things can't. Its more a complaint about F4 99a (and my neighborhood) than anything, but I just wanted to give a heads up. Its just frustrating how often I find myself walking board in hand because they can't handle the streets my other wheels can.

I do love the confidence they give me for riding up/over things. They've done a great job in regards to cracks, riding up curbs, and skating weirdly shaped shit... any "obstacles" aside from bumpy streets. It feels like I've got monster truck wheels at times which definitely instills confidence to just go for shit.

They're really nice on smooth terrain. I think my favorite thing about them is I'm rarely afraid of them slipping out, but they still have a controllable slide for practical purposes. I feel confident they won't slip out on me while hill bombing, yet they're not too grippy to revert and speed check.

Not a bad wheel at all but compared to the excitement I had, I'm feeling a bit let down. On top of this, one of the wheels has a bit of a lateral wobble, which I've heard other people complain about with this batch. Maybe the bearing holes aren't sized properly or something, I'm not sure. I've also had a couple chunks come out of the wheel just from pebbles, which I didn't know happened to 99a+ wheels? One of them is a small/medium chunk that is fairly deep on the riding surface. Definitely the biggest chunk I've had in a wheel. Not even my softer F4 97a Conical Full ever chunked like this.

+ Can skate confidently due to shape and riding patch width. Feels like monster truck wheels in a good way
+ Good grip but still slide
+/- These things are massive, definitely the largest street wheel I've skated (or seen in person)
+/- Can extend the width of your trucks by a bit if you throw on an extra washer or two on the inside of the wheels.
- Bulky and heavy
- Despite size, aren't going to handle shitty streets very well
- QC issues and chunking?

8/10. I'd probably rate them higher if I wasn't living somewhere with such shitty streets. Good wheel, but they are definitely wider and heavier than Conical Fulls. Keep in mind these are not only wider, but also have a convex side slightly adding weight rather than a concave conical cut side slightly reducing weight. The radial shape has many benefits, but its worth keeping in mind that slight weight difference since we're talking about a wheel that is so wide and tall.

I have my eyes on some OG Classics next time around. I'm going to push my luck with wheelbite and try the 58mm. Definitely seems like it will be a more manageable wheel shape without the diminishing returns of bulk and weight that a Radial wheel gives you.

[big_kev_215]

Alright. Radial Fulls F4 56mm 99a.

After skating them for a couple weeks now, I'm realizing they are just a bit too bulky and heavy. I think the wheel would fill a better niche if they were 97a instead of 99a. As it is, its a huge bulky wheel that still struggles with crusty streets, which is my main gripe. Not quite the ATV wheels I was hoping for.

I thought the pure massiveness would help overcome its hardness on crusty streets, but I was wrong. The streets my F4 97a and STF 99a can handle, these things can't. Its more a complaint about F4 99a (and my neighborhood) than anything, but I just wanted to give a heads up. Its just frustrating how often I find myself walking board in hand because they can't handle the streets my other wheels can.

I do love the confidence they give me for riding up/over things. They've done a great job in regards to cracks, riding up curbs, and skating weirdly shaped shit... any "obstacles" aside from bumpy streets. It feels like I've got monster truck wheels at times which definitely instills confidence to just go for shit.

They're really nice on smooth terrain. I think my favorite thing about them is I'm rarely afraid of them slipping out, but they still have a controllable slide for practical purposes. I feel confident they won't slip out on me while hill bombing, yet they're not too grippy to revert and speed check.

Not a bad wheel at all but compared to the excitement I had, I'm feeling a bit let down. On top of this, one of the wheels has a bit of a lateral wobble, which I've heard other people complain about with this batch. Maybe the bearing holes aren't sized properly or something, I'm not sure. I've also had a couple chunks come out of the wheel just from pebbles, which I didn't know happened to 99a+ wheels? One of them is a small/medium chunk that is fairly deep on the riding surface. Definitely the biggest chunk I've had in a wheel. Not even my softer F4 97a Conical Full ever chunked like this.

+ Can skate confidently due to shape and riding patch width. Feels like monster truck wheels in a good way
+ Good grip but still slide
+/- These things are massive, definitely the largest street wheel I've skated (or seen in person)
+/- Can extend the width of your trucks by a bit if you throw on an extra washer or two on the inside of the wheels.
- Bulky and heavy
- Despite size, aren't going to handle shitty streets very well
- QC issues and chunking?

8/10. I'd probably rate them higher if I wasn't living somewhere with such shitty streets. Good wheel, but they are definitely wider and heavier than Conical Fulls. Keep in mind these are not only wider, but also have a convex side slightly adding weight rather than a concave conical cut side slightly reducing weight. The radial shape has many benefits, but its worth keeping in mind that slight weight difference since we're talking about a wheel that is so wide and tall.

I have my eyes on some OG Classics next time around. I'm going to push my luck with wheelbite and try the 58mm. Definitely seems like it will be a more manageable wheel shape without the diminishing returns of bulk and weight that a Radial wheel gives you.

Nice review.  Skated the radial fulls for two or three months and feel pretty similar.  I thought they felt good riding (very fast feel) and both rolled up into slappies and locked into grinds well.  I retired them figuring that they’re going to continue to widen as they wear down to a certain extent so I feel like they’re not a good long term wheel to commit to for an entire year or so cause you’ll end up with an insanely wide but small wheel.  I grabbed some regular radials in a smaller size and plan to skate those for a while figuring they’ll wear into a nice shape over time. 

In terms of the OG classics, other than looking cool I don’t think they are necessarily better at anything than Conical Fulls.  They aren’t as wide as conical fulls (AFAIK) and are a little less rounded so they seem less versatile.  I had the 58s last year.  Certainly not a bad wheel but I’m not sure what niche they fill.  They do look sick though - especially seeing T-Funk skate them in footage. 

[FuzzGNU]

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Alright. Radial Fulls F4 56mm 99a.

After skating them for a couple weeks now, I'm realizing they are just a bit too bulky and heavy. I think the wheel would fill a better niche if they were 97a instead of 99a. As it is, its a huge bulky wheel that still struggles with crusty streets, which is my main gripe. Not quite the ATV wheels I was hoping for.

I thought the pure massiveness would help overcome its hardness on crusty streets, but I was wrong. The streets my F4 97a and STF 99a can handle, these things can't. Its more a complaint about F4 99a (and my neighborhood) than anything, but I just wanted to give a heads up. Its just frustrating how often I find myself walking board in hand because they can't handle the streets my other wheels can.

I do love the confidence they give me for riding up/over things. They've done a great job in regards to cracks, riding up curbs, and skating weirdly shaped shit... any "obstacles" aside from bumpy streets. It feels like I've got monster truck wheels at times which definitely instills confidence to just go for shit.

They're really nice on smooth terrain. I think my favorite thing about them is I'm rarely afraid of them slipping out, but they still have a controllable slide for practical purposes. I feel confident they won't slip out on me while hill bombing, yet they're not too grippy to revert and speed check.

Not a bad wheel at all but compared to the excitement I had, I'm feeling a bit let down. On top of this, one of the wheels has a bit of a lateral wobble, which I've heard other people complain about with this batch. Maybe the bearing holes aren't sized properly or something, I'm not sure. I've also had a couple chunks come out of the wheel just from pebbles, which I didn't know happened to 99a+ wheels? One of them is a small/medium chunk that is fairly deep on the riding surface. Definitely the biggest chunk I've had in a wheel. Not even my softer F4 97a Conical Full ever chunked like this.

+ Can skate confidently due to shape and riding patch width. Feels like monster truck wheels in a good way
+ Good grip but still slide
+/- These things are massive, definitely the largest street wheel I've skated (or seen in person)
+/- Can extend the width of your trucks by a bit if you throw on an extra washer or two on the inside of the wheels.
- Bulky and heavy
- Despite size, aren't going to handle shitty streets very well
- QC issues and chunking?

8/10. I'd probably rate them higher if I wasn't living somewhere with such shitty streets. Good wheel, but they are definitely wider and heavier than Conical Fulls. Keep in mind these are not only wider, but also have a convex side slightly adding weight rather than a concave conical cut side slightly reducing weight. The radial shape has many benefits, but its worth keeping in mind that slight weight difference since we're talking about a wheel that is so wide and tall.

I have my eyes on some OG Classics next time around. I'm going to push my luck with wheelbite and try the 58mm. Definitely seems like it will be a more manageable wheel shape without the diminishing returns of bulk and weight that a Radial wheel gives you.

[close]

Nice review.  Skated the radial fulls for two or three months and feel pretty similar.  I thought they felt good riding (very fast feel) and both rolled up into slappies and locked into grinds well.  I retired them figuring that they’re going to continue to widen as they wear down to a certain extent so I feel like they’re not a good long term wheel to commit to for an entire year or so cause you’ll end up with an insanely wide but small wheel.  I grabbed some regular radials in a smaller size and plan to skate those for a while figuring they’ll wear into a nice shape over time. 

In terms of the OG classics, other than looking cool I don’t think they are necessarily better at anything than Conical Fulls.  They aren’t as wide as conical fulls (AFAIK) and are a little less rounded so they seem less versatile.  I had the 58s last year.  Certainly not a bad wheel but I’m not sure what niche they fill.  They do look sick though - especially seeing T-Funk skate them in footage.

Ah thanks a ton, I appreciate your insight.

Yeah, T Funk even rides the red 60mm I noticed. I like looser trucks and don't want to raise my board any higher, so that's a no go for me. I might regret 58mm as is.

The OGs look so sick, but we seem to have similar taste in wheels, so I'll keep you words in mind. I could definitely see them losing their optimal shape a lot quicker than other shapes.

Did you find there was any benefits of the Radials over Conical Full or nah?

[BartHarleyJarvis]

Alright. Radial Fulls F4 56mm 99a.

After skating them for a couple weeks now, I'm realizing they are just a bit too bulky and heavy. I think the wheel would fill a better niche if they were 97a instead of 99a. As it is, its a huge bulky wheel that still struggles with crusty streets, which is my main gripe. Not quite the ATV wheels I was hoping for.

I thought the pure massiveness would help overcome its hardness on crusty streets, but I was wrong. The streets my F4 97a and STF 99a can handle, these things can't. Its more a complaint about F4 99a (and my neighborhood) than anything, but I just wanted to give a heads up. Its just frustrating how often I find myself walking board in hand because they can't handle the streets my other wheels can.

I do love the confidence they give me for riding up/over things. They've done a great job in regards to cracks, riding up curbs, and skating weirdly shaped shit... any "obstacles" aside from bumpy streets. It feels like I've got monster truck wheels at times which definitely instills confidence to just go for shit.

They're really nice on smooth terrain. I think my favorite thing about them is I'm rarely afraid of them slipping out, but they still have a controllable slide for practical purposes. I feel confident they won't slip out on me while hill bombing, yet they're not too grippy to revert and speed check.

Not a bad wheel at all but compared to the excitement I had, I'm feeling a bit let down. On top of this, one of the wheels has a bit of a lateral wobble, which I've heard other people complain about with this batch. Maybe the bearing holes aren't sized properly or something, I'm not sure. I've also had a couple chunks come out of the wheel just from pebbles, which I didn't know happened to 99a+ wheels? One of them is a small/medium chunk that is fairly deep on the riding surface. Definitely the biggest chunk I've had in a wheel. Not even my softer F4 97a Conical Full ever chunked like this.

+ Can skate confidently due to shape and riding patch width. Feels like monster truck wheels in a good way
+ Good grip but still slide
+/- These things are massive, definitely the largest street wheel I've skated (or seen in person)
+/- Can extend the width of your trucks by a bit if you throw on an extra washer or two on the inside of the wheels.
- Bulky and heavy
- Despite size, aren't going to handle shitty streets very well
- QC issues and chunking?

8/10. I'd probably rate them higher if I wasn't living somewhere with such shitty streets. Good wheel, but they are definitely wider and heavier than Conical Fulls. Keep in mind these are not only wider, but also have a convex side slightly adding weight rather than a concave conical cut side slightly reducing weight. The radial shape has many benefits, but its worth keeping in mind that slight weight difference since we're talking about a wheel that is so wide and tall.

I have my eyes on some OG Classics next time around. I'm going to push my luck with wheelbite and try the 58mm. Definitely seems like it will be a more manageable wheel shape without the diminishing returns of bulk and weight that a Radial wheel gives you.

Great review. I'm a couple weeks into the 55mm 99du Radials (Oski's wheel) and it might be my favorite wheel so far. I've never ridden the full version of any of the wheels though, they end up looking like monster trucks wheels to me. Looking forward to your classic review!

[spanyard]

Alright. Radial Fulls F4 56mm 99a.

After skating them for a couple weeks now, I'm realizing they are just a bit too bulky and heavy. I think the wheel would fill a better niche if they were 97a instead of 99a. As it is, its a huge bulky wheel that still struggles with crusty streets, which is my main gripe. Not quite the ATV wheels I was hoping for.

I thought the pure massiveness would help overcome its hardness on crusty streets, but I was wrong. The streets my F4 97a and STF 99a can handle, these things can't. Its more a complaint about F4 99a (and my neighborhood) than anything, but I just wanted to give a heads up. Its just frustrating how often I find myself walking board in hand because they can't handle the streets my other wheels can.

I do love the confidence they give me for riding up/over things. They've done a great job in regards to cracks, riding up curbs, and skating weirdly shaped shit... any "obstacles" aside from bumpy streets. It feels like I've got monster truck wheels at times which definitely instills confidence to just go for shit.

They're really nice on smooth terrain. I think my favorite thing about them is I'm rarely afraid of them slipping out, but they still have a controllable slide for practical purposes. I feel confident they won't slip out on me while hill bombing, yet they're not too grippy to revert and speed check.

Not a bad wheel at all but compared to the excitement I had, I'm feeling a bit let down. On top of this, one of the wheels has a bit of a lateral wobble, which I've heard other people complain about with this batch. Maybe the bearing holes aren't sized properly or something, I'm not sure. I've also had a couple chunks come out of the wheel just from pebbles, which I didn't know happened to 99a+ wheels? One of them is a small/medium chunk that is fairly deep on the riding surface. Definitely the biggest chunk I've had in a wheel. Not even my softer F4 97a Conical Full ever chunked like this.

+ Can skate confidently due to shape and riding patch width. Feels like monster truck wheels in a good way
+ Good grip but still slide
+/- These things are massive, definitely the largest street wheel I've skated (or seen in person)
+/- Can extend the width of your trucks by a bit if you throw on an extra washer or two on the inside of the wheels.
- Bulky and heavy
- Despite size, aren't going to handle shitty streets very well
- QC issues and chunking?

8/10. I'd probably rate them higher if I wasn't living somewhere with such shitty streets. Good wheel, but they are definitely wider and heavier than Conical Fulls. Keep in mind these are not only wider, but also have a convex side slightly adding weight rather than a concave conical cut side slightly reducing weight. The radial shape has many benefits, but its worth keeping in mind that slight weight difference since we're talking about a wheel that is so wide and tall.

I have my eyes on some OG Classics next time around. I'm going to push my luck with wheelbite and try the 58mm. Definitely seems like it will be a more manageable wheel shape without the diminishing returns of bulk and weight that a Radial wheel gives you.

I had the Kader full rads 58s, and came away with the same sentiment as you.  Switched them up with F4 classic 55s 99s.  Much easier to get into slappies and less contact width.  Also slimmer, doesn't make your kit look like vroom vroom Fisher Price My First Tractor.

edit: the drawback to the classics is yes can get into those sharp angle curb slap better, but they can slip out easier cuz of the fully rounded corners on them.

[big_kev_215]

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Alright. Radial Fulls F4 56mm 99a.

After skating them for a couple weeks now, I'm realizing they are just a bit too bulky and heavy. I think the wheel would fill a better niche if they were 97a instead of 99a. As it is, its a huge bulky wheel that still struggles with crusty streets, which is my main gripe. Not quite the ATV wheels I was hoping for.

I thought the pure massiveness would help overcome its hardness on crusty streets, but I was wrong. The streets my F4 97a and STF 99a can handle, these things can't. Its more a complaint about F4 99a (and my neighborhood) than anything, but I just wanted to give a heads up. Its just frustrating how often I find myself walking board in hand because they can't handle the streets my other wheels can.

I do love the confidence they give me for riding up/over things. They've done a great job in regards to cracks, riding up curbs, and skating weirdly shaped shit... any "obstacles" aside from bumpy streets. It feels like I've got monster truck wheels at times which definitely instills confidence to just go for shit.

They're really nice on smooth terrain. I think my favorite thing about them is I'm rarely afraid of them slipping out, but they still have a controllable slide for practical purposes. I feel confident they won't slip out on me while hill bombing, yet they're not too grippy to revert and speed check.

Not a bad wheel at all but compared to the excitement I had, I'm feeling a bit let down. On top of this, one of the wheels has a bit of a lateral wobble, which I've heard other people complain about with this batch. Maybe the bearing holes aren't sized properly or something, I'm not sure. I've also had a couple chunks come out of the wheel just from pebbles, which I didn't know happened to 99a+ wheels? One of them is a small/medium chunk that is fairly deep on the riding surface. Definitely the biggest chunk I've had in a wheel. Not even my softer F4 97a Conical Full ever chunked like this.

+ Can skate confidently due to shape and riding patch width. Feels like monster truck wheels in a good way
+ Good grip but still slide
+/- These things are massive, definitely the largest street wheel I've skated (or seen in person)
+/- Can extend the width of your trucks by a bit if you throw on an extra washer or two on the inside of the wheels.
- Bulky and heavy
- Despite size, aren't going to handle shitty streets very well
- QC issues and chunking?

8/10. I'd probably rate them higher if I wasn't living somewhere with such shitty streets. Good wheel, but they are definitely wider and heavier than Conical Fulls. Keep in mind these are not only wider, but also have a convex side slightly adding weight rather than a concave conical cut side slightly reducing weight. The radial shape has many benefits, but its worth keeping in mind that slight weight difference since we're talking about a wheel that is so wide and tall.

I have my eyes on some OG Classics next time around. I'm going to push my luck with wheelbite and try the 58mm. Definitely seems like it will be a more manageable wheel shape without the diminishing returns of bulk and weight that a Radial wheel gives you.

[close]

Nice review.  Skated the radial fulls for two or three months and feel pretty similar.  I thought they felt good riding (very fast feel) and both rolled up into slappies and locked into grinds well.  I retired them figuring that they’re going to continue to widen as they wear down to a certain extent so I feel like they’re not a good long term wheel to commit to for an entire year or so cause you’ll end up with an insanely wide but small wheel.  I grabbed some regular radials in a smaller size and plan to skate those for a while figuring they’ll wear into a nice shape over time. 

In terms of the OG classics, other than looking cool I don’t think they are necessarily better at anything than Conical Fulls.  They aren’t as wide as conical fulls (AFAIK) and are a little less rounded so they seem less versatile.  I had the 58s last year.  Certainly not a bad wheel but I’m not sure what niche they fill.  They do look sick though - especially seeing T-Funk skate them in footage.

[close]

Ah thanks a ton, I appreciate your insight.

Yeah, T Funk even rides the red 60mm I noticed. I like looser trucks and don't want to raise my board any higher, so that's a no go for me. I might regret 58mm as is.

The OGs look so sick, but we seem to have similar taste in wheels, so I'll keep you words in mind. I could definitely see them losing their optimal shape a lot quicker than other shapes.

Did you find there was any benefits of the Radials over Conical Full or nah?

Actually yeah.  I’ve been completely pleasantly surprised by the radials.  Never had them before.  I feel like Spitfire stumbled upon the perfect contact patch width with the regular radials where they somehow handle rough ground about as well as conical fulls or OG classics while also being a slimmer, lighter overall wheel with a more rounded edge.  I thought the drop-off in overall rideability would be really noticeable going from 57 mm radial fulls to 55 mm radials but I inexplicably like them better.  The set I have currently chipped really bad on one wheel which is kind of annoying but that will smooth out eventually. 

[Banned from the room]

Radials are the best shape in my opinion but they are kinda tank.

I like my conical full 56s but I prefer the og classic in 58. The purple swirl holds mad weight in my mind. The conical full graphic is meh.

Probably just going to 60mm classic next time I buy spit. Unless I see orange wheels then nothing else matters to me so long as it’s f4

[texasplant]

Are Classic fulls a continued shaped? I've recently put my Grosso Classic Fulls on, but I have a hard time sticking to something if I can't keep buying it.

[thanksgiving]

Are Classic fulls a continued shaped? I've recently put my Grosso Classic Fulls on, but I have a hard time sticking to something if I can't keep buying it.

they are not in prebooks for summer or fall, so scoop some of the repeater ones while you can

also, @uncle flea im sure ur aware but there are orange 54 99 tablets circulating still from 2 or 3 seasons ago

[Mbrimson88]

Are Classic fulls a continued shaped? I've recently put my Grosso Classic Fulls on, but I have a hard time sticking to something if I can't keep buying it.

It is a bit of a struggle to find more if you don't stock up when they are around, with nothing in the 56 or 58 mm sizes yet, but they are a fairly regular release in some form or other.  Grosso wheel, Lance Pro Classic wheel, two other more generic / special collection graphics I can recall in 56 mm in the last few years as well - Ransom series and Overlay series.

What size did you have or do you prefer?


My go to is the 56 mm Classic Full shape, but I have been riding a lot of others including even just the normal classic and being happy enough too, especially when they have worn down a mm or so.

Radials in 55 or 57 mm are also a good wheel and similar in overall performance, especially the 57 mm size, of which there are still a number out there.

Lastly the Classics in 60 mm x 39 mm with 21.5 mm contact are maybe the closest to the 58 mm Classic Full shape, if you could deal with a slightly bigger wheel to start with, so I would recommend that wheel as a good one too.  They are still in normal production and still available here in Australia, as well as in quite a few other shops worldwide.

A few options anyway.

[Murge]

I  have some old 54mm classic f4s That are about 52 now. Has anyone used a countersink tool to concave the side so it’s like a V5 or a conical? As long as I don’t go in far enough it doesn’t mess up wear the bearing seats it should be fine right?
Also if it works I’m kinda debating on taking tablets.l and making a narrow lock in. Leave the inside of the tablet alone and on the out side counter sink it so it’s concave and then round the edges a bit. I have all the tools at work. I just gotta make some sort of jig to hold the wheels but also I can just use a drill press for the counter sink and be fine to I think.  How dumb is this? @Mbrimson88  thoughts?

[Boog]

I  have some old 54mm classic f4s That are about 52 now. Has anyone used a countersink tool to concave the side so it’s like a V5 or a conical? As long as I don’t go in far enough it doesn’t mess up wear the bearing seats it should be fine right?
Also if it works I’m kinda debating on taking tablets.l and making a narrow lock in. Leave the inside of the tablet alone and on the out side counter sink it so it’s concave and then round the edges a bit. I have all the tools at work. I just gotta make some sort of jig to hold the wheels but also I can just use a drill press for the counter sink and be fine to I think.  How dumb is this? @Mbrimson88  thoughts?

Sounds like alot of work when you could just buy v5s or conical wheels.

[DERBY]

what size should i get the 60mm radial fulls down to before selling them? i managed to get them down to 57-58mm. i’m sorta sick of them and wanna get back on the 60mm classics

[Mbrimson88]

I  have some old 54mm classic f4s That are about 52 now. Has anyone used a countersink tool to concave the side so it’s like a V5 or a conical? As long as I don’t go in far enough it doesn’t mess up wear the bearing seats it should be fine right?
Also if it works I’m kinda debating on taking tablets.l and making a narrow lock in. Leave the inside of the tablet alone and on the out side counter sink it so it’s concave and then round the edges a bit. I have all the tools at work. I just gotta make some sort of jig to hold the wheels but also I can just use a drill press for the counter sink and be fine to I think.  How dumb is this? @Mbrimson88  thoughts?

That could be fun!


For size and shape, Lock Ins are one side Tablet and the other side Conical Full, so Tablets are really just narrow double sided Lock Ins right from new.

OG Classics are more of the cutaway shape than anything else, with Conical and Conical Full wheels being the slightly more rounded top edge which makes them a bit more versatile for everything.

Shaping Classics down you can definitely take out a bit more wheel from closer to the bearing seat as they are the widest just there, but I find it easier to just round off the outside edges or flatten the side wall more than cut out the inside area.


Using an angle grinder with a more worn down smaller disc, I could get into the inside area of the wheel fairly well too when I wanted to get rid of the graphic on any wheel from Classics, Conical Full or even Lock Ins, so you could easily take out some of that part of the wheel as well, but more than anything it is about getting the wheel to spin as fast as possible to ensure the material you are taking off is as even as possible across the whole face, side or where ever you are working.

People have used a few different options, including in the clip below, which might be the safest way to change the shape of a wheel, if you had the machine to do it.

[Ol Nick]

Man, I could watch wheel lathing videos all day.

[Xen]

Man, I could watch wheel lathing videos all day.

I thought the same thing.

Also, thank the skate gawds I don't have a lathe as I most certainly would do this shit...allowing my OCD to level up.

[big_kev_215]

I appear to have accidentally purchased the Spitfire Formula Zeros

[venture5.8]

I appear to have accidentally purchased the Spitfire Formula Zeros

I just had a 2 week pair of formula 4s randomly lose a large chunk on me. Nothing as bad as you just posted but considering they are classic shape it is right on the riding surface

[Mbrimson88]

Expand Quote

Man, I could watch wheel lathing videos all day.

[close]

I thought the same thing.

Also, that the skate gawds I don't have a lathe as I most certainly would do this shit...allowing my OCD to level up.

Ha yeah, I don't ever really want to go that far, but I have more fun with an angle grinder with what I have at home, so that is enough.

I appear to have accidentally purchased the Spitfire Formula Zeros

What were you skating when that happened?

Some rough road surface, sharp edged ledge or other type of thing that will take chunks out of any wheel?


Not meaning to come across as nasty, just asking.  I had definitely had a couple of chunks out of wheels from two things that I know will take chunks out of any wheel, no matter which brand or formula, most common one being screws sitting up just a bit on a DIY ledge / box thing and the edges / screws on wooden ramps, but that looks more like bitumen slides or similar.


Either way, you could send pics to DLX and ask them about it.  You might get some more wheels.

[FuzzGNU]

I appear to have accidentally purchased the Spitfire Formula Zeros

Damn, that's wild. That's like downhill wheel levels of chunk. Any idea what caused it?

My F4 99a Radial Fulls had some mild-ish chunking, but nowhere near as bad as that. I was just riding streets, sidewalks, and a tennis court. Must have been done by a pebble.

Between this and the mis-sized bearing openings/wheel wobble, it feels like Spitfire's QC is suffering a bit right now? I know its all anecdotal... but heck, I don't think I've even heard of F4s chunking before.

[big_kev_215]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Man, I could watch wheel lathing videos all day.

[close]

I thought the same thing.

Also, that the skate gawds I don't have a lathe as I most certainly would do this shit...allowing my OCD to level up.

[close]

Ha yeah, I don't ever really want to go that far, but I have more fun with an angle grinder with what I have at home, so that is enough.

Expand Quote

I appear to have accidentally purchased the Spitfire Formula Zeros

[close]

What were you skating when that happened?

Some rough road surface, sharp edged ledge or other type of thing that will take chunks out of any wheel?


Not meaning to come across as nasty, just asking.  I had definitely had a couple of chunks out of wheels from two things that I know will take chunks out of any wheel, no matter which brand or formula, most common one being screws sitting up just a bit on a DIY ledge / box thing and the edges / screws on wooden ramps, but that looks more like bitumen slides or similar.


Either way, you could send pics to DLX and ask them about it.  You might get some more wheels.

First big chunk was just from “general skating” (I noticed it skating a parking block in a parking lot).  The insane chunking was from tailsliding a metal edge ledge at a skatepark. Seemed like the loss of integrity from the first chunk was enough to have large pieces tear off in flaps pretty easily. 

Not blaming Spitfire for the extent of the chunking (the almost comical amount was certainly from that ledge) but these do seem somewhat softer and less durable than all of the other F4 wheels I’ve had in the past.  I typically never pay attention to the surfaces I’m skating to avoid this problem with wheels and never have had issues like this with Spitfires before.

Thought it was more amusing than anything else - still only riding F4s in the future and hoping these eventually smooth out (or the next set is a little more durable)…