Spitfire formula four

[CarcassToss]

I watched Kevin's channel. Given his obsession with bad 00's screamo and metal core as well as Janoskis and skinny jeans, he probably hasn't matured much since the days of MySpace

[rikki]

Clearly the Spitfire 93s are starting to appeal to more than just the old and sore skater audience (as compared to Dragons pretty much seeming to remain a boomer-only wheel).

I mean, a really good tech skater homie of mine just praised the Reynolds Soft Sliders 52mm's a whole lot after testing them on some rough ghetto asphalt. Dude has been riding almost solely tiny hard-ass wheels for the past 10 years and absolutely fucking rips on flatground, ledges, flatbars and curbs. He is not your usual Kool-Aid drinker, so I kinda trust him on his opinions.

[Mbrimson88]

Clearly the Spitfire 93s are starting to appeal to more than just the old and sore skater audience (as compared to Dragons pretty much seeming to remain a boomer-only wheel).

I mean, a really good tech skater homie of mine just praised the Reynolds Soft Sliders 52mm's a whole lot after testing them on some rough ghetto asphalt. Dude has been riding almost solely tiny hard-ass wheels for the past 10 years and absolutely fucking rips on flatground, ledges, flatbars and curbs. He is not your usual Kool-Aid drinker, so I kinda trust him on his opinions.

Yeah I am definitely interested in the wheel, as well as the longevity and overall performance from day one through to when it is time to replace them, as well as how many people who might have scoffed at "soft wheels" in the past could now actually enjoy riding them.

Tried pretty much everything that has been out there, usually more on other peoples' boards when offered, as well as having my own favourites over the years which I would always keep on one setup as needed, but these could easily replace any other soft wheel on the market for the general use, from what everyone else is saying.


* Supposedly here in Australia within a month too, but we shall see, not counting shipping delays or other issues that are out of the hands of shop / distro people.

** Yeah I am too keen!   

[rawbertson.]

i imagine the classics must noseslide /powerslide / blunt pretty decent because of the skinny riding surface. they must wear down pretty quickly though just going off the 99 classics i have had. I could see it being an amazing wheel though and you would get a lot less drag on the metal surfaces that people complain about.

I think I am stuck on big wheels from now on. I was on 56mm for ages and now i am back on it again it feels like the perfect size for me.

 Lol it is kinda sick actually how quiet these wheels are sometimes when you are at a spot you dont wanna get kicked out of

[Bongwater Mojito]

many people who might have scoffed at "soft wheels" in the past could now actually enjoy riding them.

I'm definitely in this camp. I know I sound like a broken record, but I have been really surprised of the performance. Maybe there's slight stickiness in slappy noseslides etc., but for me it's small price for all other goodness.

[Kombuch-A-Holic]

Clearly the Spitfire 93s are starting to appeal to more than just the old and sore skater audience (as compared to Dragons pretty much seeming to remain a boomer-only wheel).

I mean, a really good tech skater homie of mine just praised the Reynolds Soft Sliders 52mm's a whole lot after testing them on some rough ghetto asphalt. Dude has been riding almost solely tiny hard-ass wheels for the past 10 years and absolutely fucking rips on flatground, ledges, flatbars and curbs. He is not your usual Kool-Aid drinker, so I kinda trust him on his opinions.

I tried out the Dragons and just wasn’t feeling them; somehow, skating anything but Spitfires just doesn't feel right.  I even had a close call slipping on my way to the mailbox on rough ground and nearly hurt my knee—enough for me to switch back. I’ve since moved on to the 93s in the classic style, and they feel more familiar, although I did have a similar slip on another mailbox run again . My main concern is slipping out on rough ground or getting stuck on the box or flat bar. Interestingly, a younger guy I skate with also ditched the Dragons, mainly because of the noise they made—or so he claims. He is always making his wheels bark tho.

[MyUserName]

Clearly the Spitfire 93s are starting to appeal to more than just the old and sore skater audience (as compared to Dragons pretty much seeming to remain a boomer-only wheel).

Your belief is that the majority of people purchasing (and skating) the Dragons are between the ages of 60 and 78?

[Dirty_Dan90]

I got a set of the dragons 2 years ago and really enjoyed skating them street but they have that terrible squeak on some rail tricks. The spitfire 93s were great cause theres no squeak and they seem to slide a little better then the dragons but ive actually flat spotted one of the 93s the other day, hopefully theyll smooth out but definitely worth the buy.

[Xen]

Clearly the Spitfire 93s are starting to appeal to more than just the old and sore skater audience (as compared to Dragons pretty much seeming to remain a boomer-only wheel).

I mean, a really good tech skater homie of mine just praised the Reynolds Soft Sliders 52mm's a whole lot after testing them on some rough ghetto asphalt. Dude has been riding almost solely tiny hard-ass wheels for the past 10 years and absolutely fucking rips on flatground, ledges, flatbars and curbs. He is not your usual Kool-Aid drinker, so I kinda trust him on his opinions.

Fanboism is a hard thing to get over..the same 'ride the best' jock mentality applies to spit diehards...they'd NEVER touch a bones wheel if it gave blowjobs...but if spit makes it, hawtdang son, this is the best shit EVER. PLus, you know the flame (boy) head is FUCKING LIT at any age...

You assuming that dragons were for the 'old and sore or a boomer wheel (lol STFU up what shit)' is a naive view; do you know how many people in the industry (and pros) were low-key riding dragons/x-formula since they dropped?

The sole reason why spit 93s exist is because of skateboarders wanting a softer wheel that slides and BONEs nailing it and spit wanting a share (and not wanting their pros riding or moving over to the competition).

I dig both brands (currently on spit classics 101s), but when it comes to wheels spit has always been retroactive, not proactive; 93a spits exists because dragons/xformula exist...if you think spit didn't know about bones' 'experimental' wheel well into it's development you'd be wrong.

[camel filters]

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Clearly the Spitfire 93s are starting to appeal to more than just the old and sore skater audience (as compared to Dragons pretty much seeming to remain a boomer-only wheel).

I mean, a really good tech skater homie of mine just praised the Reynolds Soft Sliders 52mm's a whole lot after testing them on some rough ghetto asphalt. Dude has been riding almost solely tiny hard-ass wheels for the past 10 years and absolutely fucking rips on flatground, ledges, flatbars and curbs. He is not your usual Kool-Aid drinker, so I kinda trust him on his opinions.

[close]

Fanboism is a hard thing to get over..the same 'ride the best' jock mentality applies to spit diehards...they'd NEVER touch a bones wheel if it gave blowjobs...but if spit makes it, hawtdang son, this is the best shit EVER. PLus, you know the flame (boy) head is FUCKING LIT at any age...

You assuming that dragons were for the 'old and sore or a boomer wheel (lol STFU up what shit)' is a naive view; do you know how many people in the industry (and pros) were low-key riding dragons/x-formula since they dropped?

The sole reason why spit 93s exist is because of skateboarders wanting a softer wheel that slides and BONEs nailing it and spit wanting a share (and not wanting their pros riding or moving over to the competition).

I dig both brands (currently on spit classics 101s), but when it comes to wheels spit has always been retroactive, not proactive; 93a spits exists because dragons/xformula exist...if you think spit didn't know about bones' 'experimental' wheel well into it's development you'd be wrong.

I'd take a 20 percent hit to performance to ride something i jive with tbh. Not saying it's logical but I have to feel good about my ride and even if graphics wear off, I will know. I do have a set of dragons just because curiosity was way too strong with that one. Now I have 93 spits. I'm sure the x99's are excellent by all accounts but I think I can exist happily alternating between f499s, 93s, and my dragons.

I think skate one will always be the place where they make progressive excellent product that a lot of people that are vain don't want to touch. I've also heard that mini logo trucks are excellent. But my god no thanks.

[m477]

i imagine the classics must noseslide /powerslide / blunt FLAT SPOT INSTANTLY

Yes, yes they do.

[Bristol_Palin]

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Clearly the Spitfire 93s are starting to appeal to more than just the old and sore skater audience (as compared to Dragons pretty much seeming to remain a boomer-only wheel).

I mean, a really good tech skater homie of mine just praised the Reynolds Soft Sliders 52mm's a whole lot after testing them on some rough ghetto asphalt. Dude has been riding almost solely tiny hard-ass wheels for the past 10 years and absolutely fucking rips on flatground, ledges, flatbars and curbs. He is not your usual Kool-Aid drinker, so I kinda trust him on his opinions.

[close]

Fanboism is a hard thing to get over..the same 'ride the best' jock mentality applies to spit diehards...they'd NEVER touch a bones wheel if it gave blowjobs...but if spit makes it, hawtdang son, this is the best shit EVER. PLus, you know the flame (boy) head is FUCKING LIT at any age...

You assuming that dragons were for the 'old and sore or a boomer wheel (lol STFU up what shit)' is a naive view; do you know how many people in the industry (and pros) were low-key riding dragons/x-formula since they dropped?

The sole reason why spit 93s exist is because of skateboarders wanting a softer wheel that slides and BONEs nailing it and spit wanting a share (and not wanting their pros riding or moving over to the competition).

I dig both brands (currently on spit classics 101s), but when it comes to wheels spit has always been retroactive, not proactive; 93a spits exists because dragons/xformula exist...if you think spit didn't know about bones' 'experimental' wheel well into it's development you'd be wrong.

[close]

I'd take a 20 percent hit to performance to ride something i jive with tbh. Not saying it's logical but I have to feel good about my ride and even if graphics wear off, I will know. I do have a set of dragons just because curiosity was way too strong with that one. Now I have 93 spits. I'm sure the x99's are excellent by all accounts but I think I can exist happily alternating between f499s, 93s, and my dragons.

I think skate one will always be the place where they make progressive excellent product that a lot of people that are vain don't want to touch. I've also heard that mini logo trucks are excellent. But my god no thanks.

I like wheels I think they are good.

[rikki]

Expand Quote

Clearly the Spitfire 93s are starting to appeal to more than just the old and sore skater audience (as compared to Dragons pretty much seeming to remain a boomer-only wheel).

[close]

Your belief is that the majority of people purchasing (and skating) the Dragons are between the ages of 60 and 78?

Bro I appreciate you keen sense of the legacy of esteemed sociological constructs, but I was using the term very loosely, as this is a skateboarding forum.

[rikki]

Expand Quote

Clearly the Spitfire 93s are starting to appeal to more than just the old and sore skater audience (as compared to Dragons pretty much seeming to remain a boomer-only wheel).

I mean, a really good tech skater homie of mine just praised the Reynolds Soft Sliders 52mm's a whole lot after testing them on some rough ghetto asphalt. Dude has been riding almost solely tiny hard-ass wheels for the past 10 years and absolutely fucking rips on flatground, ledges, flatbars and curbs. He is not your usual Kool-Aid drinker, so I kinda trust him on his opinions.

[close]

Fanboism is a hard thing to get over..the same 'ride the best' jock mentality applies to spit diehards...they'd NEVER touch a bones wheel if it gave blowjobs...but if spit makes it, hawtdang son, this is the best shit EVER. PLus, you know the flame (boy) head is FUCKING LIT at any age...

You assuming that dragons were for the 'old and sore or a boomer wheel (lol STFU up what shit)' is a naive view; do you know how many people in the industry (and pros) were low-key riding dragons/x-formula since they dropped?

The sole reason why spit 93s exist is because of skateboarders wanting a softer wheel that slides and BONEs nailing it and spit wanting a share (and not wanting their pros riding or moving over to the competition).

I dig both brands (currently on spit classics 101s), but when it comes to wheels spit has always been retroactive, not proactive; 93a spits exists because dragons/xformula exist...if you think spit didn't know about bones' 'experimental' wheel well into it's development you'd be wrong.

I think you missed my point, I was not talking branding at all. Fact is that while Dragons are a great wheel in certain aspects, they do not deliver the way the Spit 93s and X97/99 do. Won't list the reasons here as we all know them and they have been discussed a gadzillion times here.

I'm a skate "boomer" myself, and I LOVE the X99s, they're pretty much the best wheel ever. The Spit 93 comes very close, if not better on rough ground. I couldn't give a flying f*ck who makes a wheel if it's awesome.

My point was that the evolution of the "soft" wheel is reaching a point where they are no longer an anomaly or merely a welcome but limited tool for rough surfaces, but instead a true overall option for many, regardless of skill or strict personal preference.

Edit: p.s. I bet I'm older and more sore than you, friend. Much love.

[Xen]

Older (maybe, but doubt it) as for sore? No way...Between 7 day 2hr avg gym workouts AND skating everyday (9among hiking/walking and biking) if I can, I'm a straight up mess...takes me half my skate sessions just to warm up these days

[Crabby_Bastard]

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Clearly the Spitfire 93s are starting to appeal to more than just the old and sore skater audience (as compared to Dragons pretty much seeming to remain a boomer-only wheel).

I mean, a really good tech skater homie of mine just praised the Reynolds Soft Sliders 52mm's a whole lot after testing them on some rough ghetto asphalt. Dude has been riding almost solely tiny hard-ass wheels for the past 10 years and absolutely fucking rips on flatground, ledges, flatbars and curbs. He is not your usual Kool-Aid drinker, so I kinda trust him on his opinions.

[close]

Fanboism is a hard thing to get over..the same 'ride the best' jock mentality applies to spit diehards...they'd NEVER touch a bones wheel if it gave blowjobs...but if spit makes it, hawtdang son, this is the best shit EVER. PLus, you know the flame (boy) head is FUCKING LIT at any age...

You assuming that dragons were for the 'old and sore or a boomer wheel (lol STFU up what shit)' is a naive view; do you know how many people in the industry (and pros) were low-key riding dragons/x-formula since they dropped?

The sole reason why spit 93s exist is because of skateboarders wanting a softer wheel that slides and BONEs nailing it and spit wanting a share (and not wanting their pros riding or moving over to the competition).

I dig both brands (currently on spit classics 101s), but when it comes to wheels spit has always been retroactive, not proactive; 93a spits exists because dragons/xformula exist...if you think spit didn't know about bones' 'experimental' wheel well into it's development you'd be wrong.

I don't know how long the Dragon/Xformula has been in development but I was testing softer durometer F4s as far back as 2014. Getting the formula right is a time consuming process, especially when the team behind the creation and manufacturing of the wheels was so small.

[CarcassToss]

One thing that seems to be commonly discussed is that Spitfire hooks a lot of up and coming skaters up, donates a lot of product to local communities, and they have a good media presence and put out a lot of videos for their pros. Bighead stickers look sick. Seems easy to develop a preference for em.

I don't remember people being as brand allegiant to wheels when I was a kid. I remember that Spitfires flat spotted easily, Bones were super white and hard, Darkstars had the cores and only Zumiez had them, and Ricta were great. There seemed to be new wheel brands constantly and they all were more or less the same. I'm glad Bones and Spitfire have a tech rivalry because it has created much better wheels for all of us to the point where riding anything is usually subpar (looking at you OJ dual duros).

[logjammin]

Kinda surprised, slipped out pretty bad on a powerslide yesterday and have a flat spot that still hasn't evened out on the 93's. Not writing em off, just didn't see that one coming.

[rikki]

Older (maybe, but doubt it) as for sore? No way...Between 7 day 2hr avg gym workouts AND skating everyday (9among hiking/walking and biking) if I can, I'm a straight up mess...takes me half my skate sessions just to warm up these days

I hear you, it can take friggin' 30 minutes for me before I dare to try my first ollie in a sesh. Skating everyday? Good on ya. I just can't do it. Two-three consecutive days and I'm a wreck.

[Nyjahs sweaty tights]

why are you two trying to have a contest about that shit? weird ass thing to brag about.

"my body hurts moreeee!"

"noo, MY body hurts more!  "

[144p]

A while back I had noticed a new set of Formula fours I got felt and looked different than what I was accustomed to, assumed I was fried and carried on.

Fast forward a year or so and I came across
Some classic full 99s that were like new and set them up. Crazy how different they feel vs some kader radial
Fulls I have. Color, the way they wear and slide.
These almost feel like a 98 vs what’s available now. I suppose every batch of wheels would feel slightly different as the variables with mixing things up and how
Many wheels they’re making that day.

Hope they make a classic full again too.

[spacial_profiling]

A while back I had noticed a new set of Formula fours I got felt and looked different than what I was accustomed to, assumed I was fried and carried on.

Fast forward a year or so and I came across
Some classic full 99s that were like new and set them up. Crazy how different they feel vs some kader radial
Fulls I have. Color, the way they wear and slide.
These almost feel like a 98 vs what’s available now. I suppose every batch of wheels would feel slightly different as the variables with mixing things up and how
Many wheels they’re making that day.

Hope they make a classic full again too.

Great shape/formula collab! One of my fave. Just gave away my last old set :/

[Xen]

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Older (maybe, but doubt it) as for sore? No way...Between 7 day 2hr avg gym workouts AND skating everyday (9among hiking/walking and biking) if I can, I'm a straight up mess...takes me half my skate sessions just to warm up these days

[close]

I hear you, it can take friggin' 30 minutes for me before I dare to try my first ollie in a sesh. Skating everyday? Good on ya. I just can't do it. Two-three consecutive days and I'm a wreck.

30min, damn, you're fast! I've always had a weird rhythm, even before I was old and broken, takes me forever to warm up (meanwhile people are going all in out of the gate), but I'm also the last one skating and that's usually where I shine, the latter half of the session after everyone is sitting down.

[rikki]

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Older (maybe, but doubt it) as for sore? No way...Between 7 day 2hr avg gym workouts AND skating everyday (9among hiking/walking and biking) if I can, I'm a straight up mess...takes me half my skate sessions just to warm up these days

[close]

I hear you, it can take friggin' 30 minutes for me before I dare to try my first ollie in a sesh. Skating everyday? Good on ya. I just can't do it. Two-three consecutive days and I'm a wreck.

[close]

30min, damn, you're fast! I've always had a weird rhythm, even before I was old and broken, takes me forever to warm up (meanwhile people are going all in out of the gate), but I'm also the last one skating and that's usually where I shine, the latter half of the session after everyone is sitting down.

Oh yes, the magic hour, it can be special. I guess that's the feeling we're all chasing and it's what keeps us coming back.

[Bongwater Mojito]

Hope they make a classic full again too.

This. Again, would be very interested in either classic full or radial slim 93s.

[Mbrimson88]

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Hope they make a classic full again too.

[close]

This. Again, would be very interested in either classic full or radial slim 93s.

What sizes do you guys prefer in the Classic Full wheels?


Given that the smaller sizes are not that much wider, but anything over 55 mm is a lot wider, much like the normal Classics are up to 34 - 35 mm wide to 58 and then jump to 37 - 38 mm wide in the 60 mm diameter.

Going back over the Classic Full wheels I have hoarded, mainly 56 and some 58 mm sizes, more so than the 54 mm or other sizes, they are just nice wide but round wheels, so good for everything for me.

In saying that, I have rounded off bigger Conical Full that feel almost the same now as my Classic Full wheels, in the same way I have rounded down Conical wheels to be about the same shape as Radial Slims, at different times, so for anyone missing either and can't get their hands on more, at least those two options are easy enough, if you get your hands on even a small angle grinder and have a go, maybe on some old wheels first, but it does work.

[Bongwater Mojito]

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Hope they make a classic full again too.

[close]

This. Again, would be very interested in either classic full or radial slim 93s.

[close]

What sizes do you guys prefer in the Classic Full wheels?

Classic Fulls at 52mm, same as my Classics. I guess part of it is just that the slightly wider profile looks better, probably very little impact on performance...


I don't know if my interest to Radial Slims is just nostalgy. I have very fond memories of that shape. Radial or Conical Full is bit heavy and impacts my kickflips, and I'm too lazy to adapt.

[rikki]

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Hope they make a classic full again too.

[close]

This. Again, would be very interested in either classic full or radial slim 93s.

[close]

What sizes do you guys prefer in the Classic Full wheels?

[close]

Classic Fulls at 52mm, same as my Classics. I guess part of it is just that the slightly wider profile looks better, probably very little impact on performance...


I don't know if my interest to Radial Slims is just nostalgy. I have very fond memories of that shape. Radial or Conical Full is bit heavy and impacts my kickflips, and I'm too lazy to adapt.

Anything full is just too wide.

[moonordie]

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Hope they make a classic full again too.

[close]

This. Again, would be very interested in either classic full or radial slim 93s.

[close]

What sizes do you guys prefer in the Classic Full wheels?

[close]

Classic Fulls at 52mm, same as my Classics. I guess part of it is just that the slightly wider profile looks better, probably very little impact on performance...


I don't know if my interest to Radial Slims is just nostalgy. I have very fond memories of that shape. Radial or Conical Full is bit heavy and impacts my kickflips, and I'm too lazy to adapt.

[close]

Anything full is just too wide.

Don't even tell me, for some reason I got lock in full time ago and they're just sitting in my closet waiting to be never skated.

[Xen]

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Hope they make a classic full again too.

[close]

This. Again, would be very interested in either classic full or radial slim 93s.

[close]

What sizes do you guys prefer in the Classic Full wheels?

[close]

Classic Fulls at 52mm, same as my Classics. I guess part of it is just that the slightly wider profile looks better, probably very little impact on performance...


I don't know if my interest to Radial Slims is just nostalgy. I have very fond memories of that shape. Radial or Conical Full is bit heavy and impacts my kickflips, and I'm too lazy to adapt.

[close]

Anything full is just too wide.

[close]

Don't even tell me, for some reason I got lock in full time ago and they're just sitting in my closet waiting to be never skated.

Regular Lock-ins were way too wide for me...but I like skinny (V1/V2/V3) wheels...even classics but the roundness of them lessens that 'look' to some extent. It's crazy to me that OG classics are thinner than regs classic of the same size yet look MASSIVE due to the square shape of them (I can't ride those either).