Spitfire formula four

[Frank and Fred]

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Well. This is interesting, on a few different levels.

https://www.spitfirewheels.com/wheel-shapes/

Also, it's only by 1/10th of a mm, but they are now listing different size/tech specs on some of these than before.

[close]

Those charts were due to be updated for a while now. I would be happy if they stick with this lineup! 54-56 full shapes in 97a and I'm good. I still hope they get a dragon/xformula competitor but they honestly probably don't have to.

That might not be happening. Looks like Spitfire do have a new wheel coming in Fall but its not a Dragon slayer... Looks more like a full on big cruiser wheel.

[hiljentaa]

I know some people were looking for the Kader 59s. Saw that Tactics just got some in..

https://www.tactics.com/spitfire/kader-pro-formula-four-radial-full-skateboard-wheels/puffs-99d

[Whicker]

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Well. This is interesting, on a few different levels.

https://www.spitfirewheels.com/wheel-shapes/

Also, it's only by 1/10th of a mm, but they are now listing different size/tech specs on some of these than before.

[close]

Those charts were due to be updated for a while now. I would be happy if they stick with this lineup! 54-56 full shapes in 97a and I'm good. I still hope they get a dragon/xformula competitor but they honestly probably don't have to.

[close]

That might not be happening. Looks like Spitfire do have a new wheel coming in Fall but its not a Dragon slayer... Looks more like a full on big cruiser wheel.

Ah bummer, they want to replace the 80hd?

[Frank and Fred]

I think it's an addition to the 80HD. Looks more like a traditional cruiser, Big and Soft. Super wide shape.

[FatGuy92]

Are worn in classics essentially the same shape as a regular radial? Ex: 54mm classic worn down to 52mm vs brand new 52mm radials.

[Musicaldeath107]

Are worn in classics essentially the same shape as a regular radial? Ex: 54mm classic worn down to 52mm vs brand new 52mm radials.

52 radial will be slightly thinner overall but basically the same yeah.  It's why radials are my favorite wheel, it's basically a pre worn in classic

For comparison natural is a slightly worn 53 mm radial and orange is more worn 53 mm classic (probably like 50/51 now). Radial is wider because both were 53 mm to start.

[FatGuy92]

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Are worn in classics essentially the same shape as a regular radial? Ex: 54mm classic worn down to 52mm vs brand new 52mm radials.

[close]

52 radial will be slightly thinner overall but basically the same yeah.  It's why radials are my favorite wheel, it's basically a pre worn in classic

For comparison natural is a slightly worn 53 mm radial and orange is more worn 53 mm classic (probably like 50/51 now). Radial is wider because both were 53 mm to start.

Exactly what I needed to see thanks!!

[Mbrimson88]

Well. This is interesting, on a few different levels.

https://www.spitfirewheels.com/wheel-shapes/

Also, it's only by 1/10th of a mm, but they are now listing different size/tech specs on some of these than before.

I have been busy so hadn't had time to go over it and just had a quick look.


Interesting they don't put Classic Full on the main chart, but as they are not current wheels, just like Radial Slim or others, I can see they are not going to be listed there.

At least that range keeps (almost) everyone happy for now anyway.


The 60mm Classics used to be 39 mm wide, but now show 37, with the 59s at 38 mm wide.  Curious if that is correct, but some people don't want big wide wheels.


* Is it just me or the OG Classics just got even skinnier, more like Radial Slim skinny?

[Sedition]

Expand Quote

Well. This is interesting, on a few different levels.

https://www.spitfirewheels.com/wheel-shapes/

Also, it's only by 1/10th of a mm, but they are now listing different size/tech specs on some of these than before.

[close]

I have been busy so hadn't had time to go over it and just had a quick look.


Interesting they don't put Classic Full on the main chart, but as they are not current wheels, just like Radial Slim or others, I can see they are not going to be listed there.

At least that range keeps (almost) everyone happy for now anyway.

This giant wheel / tiny wheelbase trends needs to end. They have several tank-sized wheels now. IMHO, profile wise, there is little difference between OG Classics, Tablets, and Conicals, and not enough of difference to justify three versions of the "same" wheel. They really, really, really should add Radial Slims or Classic Fulls (esp considering the "full" trend) to their regular line-up....but I am just yelling at clouds here.

[iw0]

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Well. This is interesting, on a few different levels.

https://www.spitfirewheels.com/wheel-shapes/

Also, it's only by 1/10th of a mm, but they are now listing different size/tech specs on some of these than before.

[close]

I have been busy so hadn't had time to go over it and just had a quick look.


Interesting they don't put Classic Full on the main chart, but as they are not current wheels, just like Radial Slim or others, I can see they are not going to be listed there.

At least that range keeps (almost) everyone happy for now anyway.

[close]

This giant wheel / tiny wheelbase trends needs to end. They have several tank-sized wheels now. IMHO, profile wise, there is little difference between OG Classics, Tablets, and Conicals, and not enough of difference to justify three versions of the "same" wheel. They really, really, really should add Radial Slims or Classic Fulls (esp considering the "full" trend) to their regular line-up....but I am just yelling at clouds here.

kind of with you on this, but i also don't ride big hard wheels (only big soft & hard small) so maybe there IS a difference, but i don't see it when looking at the shapes on the page. the most interesting of the newer big wheels is the giant lock-ins, for some reason they make more sense to me bigger than smaller

[bombsaway86]

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Well. This is interesting, on a few different levels.

https://www.spitfirewheels.com/wheel-shapes/

Also, it's only by 1/10th of a mm, but they are now listing different size/tech specs on some of these than before.

[close]

I have been busy so hadn't had time to go over it and just had a quick look.


Interesting they don't put Classic Full on the main chart, but as they are not current wheels, just like Radial Slim or others, I can see they are not going to be listed there.

At least that range keeps (almost) everyone happy for now anyway.

[close]

This giant wheel / tiny wheelbase trends needs to end. They have several tank-sized wheels now. IMHO, profile wise, there is little difference between OG Classics, Tablets, and Conicals, and not enough of difference to justify three versions of the "same" wheel. They really, really, really should add Radial Slims or Classic Fulls (esp considering the "full" trend) to their regular line-up....but I am just yelling at clouds here.

I’m with you dude. I tried a friends board with radial fulls and they were so heavy and wide that they made everything harder. Big wide wheels died in the early 90s for a reason.

As someone who almost exclusively skates big transition and rides big wheels, my opinion is that all these full shapes are too big. I couldn’t imagine trying to skate street with them. OG Classics are as big and wide as you need, after that theres diminishing returns on going wider. It would be nice if they brought back OG Classics instead of pumping out all these full shapes. I’m still keeping my fingers crossed that they bring back the Lance Mountain conical 58s.

Anyways, I’m also just yelling at clouds here

[Xen]

Well. This is interesting, on a few different levels.

https://www.spitfirewheels.com/wheel-shapes/

Also, it's only by 1/10th of a mm, but they are now listing different size/tech specs on some of these than before. 

A Lock-In...full...

RIP Radial slims, you will be missed...

[FatGuy92]

Expand Quote

Well. This is interesting, on a few different levels.

https://www.spitfirewheels.com/wheel-shapes/

Also, it's only by 1/10th of a mm, but they are now listing different size/tech specs on some of these than before. 

[close]

A Lock-In...full...

RIP Radial slims, you will be missed...

My last set of 52s are down to 50s and now I really regret not buying the 54s when they were on sale everywhere.. even if they were 101a.

[Sedition]

I mean, there is some logic to the full trend. If you're landing big shit at speed, you're going to want something with some real traction (e.g. riding surface) when you land (esp. if it's crusty). If your riding big transition, you are going to want some traction. Totally get/understand all of that. What seems odd is the "lop-sided-ness" of the Full trend, at the expense of middle and small(er) sized options. My ideal Spitfire line-up (97a, 99a, 101a in each):

Classic
Classic Full

Radial (slims)
Radial Fulls [e.g. the current Radial, not the current "Radial Full"(a bewildering wheel which should be sent back to 1989)]

Conical
Conical Full

80HDs
[and maybe something like a Tablet or OG Classic for those who like a really squared-off profile].

[logjammin]

As someone who prefers fat wide wheels, it doesn't get any better than radial fulls. No diminished performance due to both sides being rounded edges. I love my dogtowns for their softer durometer but that 80s type shape with the outside being a sharp straight cut makes my fs slappies harder to get into. 92a-95a in a radial full would be the holy grail wheel for me.

[goodatmeth]

As someone who prefers fat wide wheels, it doesn't get any better than radial fulls. No diminished performance due to both sides being rounded edges. I love my dogtowns for their softer durometer but that 80s type shape with the outside being a sharp straight cut makes my fs slappies harder to get into. 92a-95a in a radial full would be the holy grail wheel for me.

What kind of skating are you doing mainly?
And also anyone else riding super fat wheels. What are you doing with these? I totally get big wheels in the sense of large diameter, but why the giant width? Rip to all the truck space covered by fullies

[sionarancsle]

Bones bearings are falling out of my formula fours. Anyone had this experience? Like the inner rins is not tight anymore and so the bearings just fall out. Did i do something wrong? They are around 1 years old.

[iw0]

Bones bearings are falling out of my formula fours. Anyone had this experience? Like the inner rins is not tight anymore and so the bearings just fall out. Did i do something wrong? They are around 1 years old.

i think this is the most comprehensive thread for what you have going on, here - https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=125264.0

otherwise there's been a few posts in other threads as well but might be harder to track down each convo

[Samsquantch]

Bones bearings are falling out of my formula fours. Anyone had this experience? Like the inner rins is not tight anymore and so the bearings just fall out. Did i do something wrong? They are around 1 years old.

Something doesn't add up with this one, F4's are tight AF to get bearings in and out of compared to other wheels.

[bombsaway86]

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As someone who prefers fat wide wheels, it doesn't get any better than radial fulls. No diminished performance due to both sides being rounded edges. I love my dogtowns for their softer durometer but that 80s type shape with the outside being a sharp straight cut makes my fs slappies harder to get into. 92a-95a in a radial full would be the holy grail wheel for me.

[close]

What kind of skating are you doing mainly?
And also anyone else riding super fat wheels. What are you doing with these? I totally get big wheels in the sense of large diameter, but why the giant width? Rip to all the truck space covered by fullies

This

[Xen]

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As someone who prefers fat wide wheels, it doesn't get any better than radial fulls. No diminished performance due to both sides being rounded edges. I love my dogtowns for their softer durometer but that 80s type shape with the outside being a sharp straight cut makes my fs slappies harder to get into. 92a-95a in a radial full would be the holy grail wheel for me.

[close]

What kind of skating are you doing mainly?
And also anyone else riding super fat wheels. What are you doing with these? I totally get big wheels in the sense of large diameter, but why the giant width? Rip to all the truck space covered by fullies

[close]

This

I'll skate any terrain: Pools, ramp, ditches, street, park, whatever; have ridden STF V3s (thinnest you can get) to Radial Fulls and so many in between and quite honestly, I don't find any performance benefits when it comes to width, only downsides.

Can someone provide some science (and not 'cuz they feel good) to help up plebs understand why sacrificing hanger room for grinds and increasing board weight (which does apply to speed given equal friction) for a wider/chunky wheel is better, as it's been argued (and proven) that width of an object is not impacting it's ability to grip or slide.

Skateboards don't go fast enough (on Mega, maybe) for things like drag or rolling (width) resistance to come into play.

These aren't fucking drag racing tires pushed by 1000hp

[Frank and Fred]

All things being equal I feel wider wheels smash through rougher terrain better. I've definitely noticed this on some of the more weathered parks in the Northwest. I've also read that while a wider wheel will be harder to initiate a slide, once sliding it will slide better. Also, if you think about contact width, it will also impact how your truck turns. Its not the axle ir even hanger width that's only influencing your turn radius but where the wheel touches the ground. Finally, some people like wider wheels as it protects the hanger threads.

Ultimately, it's all about the subjective feel. I prefer the feel of wider wheels but being a heavier person who likes looser trucks  I don't go super wide as this also enhances wheel bite potential.

I remember in the mid 90s, I had some Golden State Wheel Co wheels. Rock hard 101 58mm, but they were really wide in comparison to most wheels available at the time. They lasted forever and felt amazing on metal mini ramps, wooden vert ramps and crusty Welsh streets. I think, they might have been the best set of wheels I ever owned... they were also translucent blue.. 

[LebowskisRug]

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As someone who prefers fat wide wheels, it doesn't get any better than radial fulls. No diminished performance due to both sides being rounded edges. I love my dogtowns for their softer durometer but that 80s type shape with the outside being a sharp straight cut makes my fs slappies harder to get into. 92a-95a in a radial full would be the holy grail wheel for me.

[close]

What kind of skating are you doing mainly?
And also anyone else riding super fat wheels. What are you doing with these? I totally get big wheels in the sense of large diameter, but why the giant width? Rip to all the truck space covered by fullies

[close]

This

[close]

I'll skate any terrain: Pools, ramp, ditches, street, park, whatever; have ridden STF V3s (thinnest you can get) to Radial Fulls and so many in between and quite honestly, I don't find any performance benefits when it comes to width, only downsides.

Can someone provide some science (and not 'cuz they feel good) to help up plebs understand why sacrificing hanger room for grinds and increasing board weight (which does apply to speed given equal friction) for a wider/chunky wheel is better, as it's been argued (and proven) that width of an object is not impacting it's ability to grip or slide.

Skateboards don't go fast enough (on Mega, maybe) for things like drag or rolling (width) resistance to come into play.

These aren't fucking drag racing tires pushed by 1000hp

In bike tires increasing contact patch can actually reduce rolling resistance.  I doubt anyone has actually studied this on skateboard wheels though. There is also moderately more vibration damping since there is more urethane to dampen. There's also the feeling some people that do a lot of power slides like as I've been told they're harder to brake into a slide and since there is more urethane they wear down slower.

Personally tho I don't find much advantage of a conical full vs a worn down classic full or radial.  I skate an asphalt uphill (for backside) curb spot and in my head feel I can stop pushing earlier but I've been on 52 Classics for a while and have no problems. A lot of the differences probably just exist in peoples heads and they go with that they're used to.

[logjammin]

Big wide softer wheels handle any terrain much better for me. I can set up some classic shaped harder wheels for a smooth park but once I'm skating some crusty parking lot even just to get to my car it's not fun at all. I also just got used to the look of them. Now anytime I set up some 52-54mm classic shaped wheels it just doesn't look right. And losing hanger space isn't a big deal when washers exist. I do 2-3 on the inside and one on the outside and it's perfectly fine with plenty of room to grind.

[BL0B]

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Bones bearings are falling out of my formula fours. Anyone had this experience? Like the inner rins is not tight anymore and so the bearings just fall out. Did i do something wrong? They are around 1 years old.

[close]

Something doesn't add up with this one, F4's are tight AF to get bearings in and out of compared to other wheels.

f4's moved to Mexico recently so there right have been a couple hiccups right out of the gate..

[Mbrimson88]

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Bones bearings are falling out of my formula fours. Anyone had this experience? Like the inner rins is not tight anymore and so the bearings just fall out. Did i do something wrong? They are around 1 years old.

[close]

Something doesn't add up with this one, F4's are tight AF to get bearings in and out of compared to other wheels.

[close]

f4's moved to Mexico recently so there right have been a couple hiccups right out of the gate..

There have definitely been known issues with the molds, mainly the bearing seats didn't quite fit or something ended up crooked in some of them, which usually means the bearing will not fit in the wheel how it should, sometimes at all, as per a set I had seen from someone else and returned to the shop for an immediate replacement, or others which you can just feel when you roll the wheel with bearings in it between fingers that it is ovalling rather than rolling straight.  This is most likely what has happened in the set in question, as you could most likely get the bearings in as per usual and the wheel didn't immediately lock up or not fit on the truck with bearings in, but then over time the bearing has widened out the bearing seat and caused the current situation.

What size and shape are the wheels?

Just curious because I have seen it more so on Conical Full but other people said they have had it on the Radial Full and another set I can't remember right now.


Given the time frame, they are well past warranty from a shop perspective, but if you are in USA, reaching out to DLX might help anyway.

[FatGuy92]

Got some 53mm radials and man I might have found the perfect wheel for me. I had such a good session on them straight out of the gate. I’m learning transition skating kind of late in my (skate) life and these made back 50s feel way more comfortable.

[yourbreakfsat]

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As someone who prefers fat wide wheels, it doesn't get any better than radial fulls. No diminished performance due to both sides being rounded edges. I love my dogtowns for their softer durometer but that 80s type shape with the outside being a sharp straight cut makes my fs slappies harder to get into. 92a-95a in a radial full would be the holy grail wheel for me.

[close]

What kind of skating are you doing mainly?
And also anyone else riding super fat wheels. What are you doing with these? I totally get big wheels in the sense of large diameter, but why the giant width? Rip to all the truck space covered by fullies

[close]

This

Less hanger space is actually one big reason why I use Radial Fulls on wider trucks. As much as I like wide boards, sometimes I feel like 159/169s are too much truck and the coping/ledge has so much room to move around on the hanger which means locking in is a bit harder. Combing Radial Fulls and wide trucks gives me the best of both worlds.

[Sedition]

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As someone who prefers fat wide wheels, it doesn't get any better than radial fulls. No diminished performance due to both sides being rounded edges. I love my dogtowns for their softer durometer but that 80s type shape with the outside being a sharp straight cut makes my fs slappies harder to get into. 92a-95a in a radial full would be the holy grail wheel for me.

[close]

What kind of skating are you doing mainly?
And also anyone else riding super fat wheels. What are you doing with these? I totally get big wheels in the sense of large diameter, but why the giant width? Rip to all the truck space covered by fullies

[close]

This

[close]

Less hanger space is actually one big reason why I use Radial Fulls on wider trucks. As much as I like wide boards, sometimes I feel like 159/169s are too much truck and the coping/ledge has so much room to move around on the hanger which means locking in is a bit harder. Combing Radial Fulls and wide trucks gives me the best of both worlds.

I have two set-ups. An 8.25/144s, and 8.75/159s. The 8.25 is my main one. There are some things I love about the 8.75, but I hate the lateral slop that happens with 159s, so I can absolutely relate to your sentiment. 

[Xen]

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As someone who prefers fat wide wheels, it doesn't get any better than radial fulls. No diminished performance due to both sides being rounded edges. I love my dogtowns for their softer durometer but that 80s type shape with the outside being a sharp straight cut makes my fs slappies harder to get into. 92a-95a in a radial full would be the holy grail wheel for me.

[close]

What kind of skating are you doing mainly?
And also anyone else riding super fat wheels. What are you doing with these? I totally get big wheels in the sense of large diameter, but why the giant width? Rip to all the truck space covered by fullies

[close]

This

[close]

Less hanger space is actually one big reason why I use Radial Fulls on wider trucks. As much as I like wide boards, sometimes I feel like 159/169s are too much truck and the coping/ledge has so much room to move around on the hanger which means locking in is a bit harder. Combing Radial Fulls and wide trucks gives me the best of both worlds.

I feel you with 169s, 159s are usually the perfect fit for sitting on most curbs and slimmer wheels help in that regard.

I was riding AF1 low 44s and had to switch back to STF V3s, it's crazy how small that hanger is compare to other 144/148 trucks, especially with classics on them. Makes them look like ~139s