Spitfire formula four

[Too Frank To Fred]

Same, but still slightly irking. Need the professor's take..

No you don't. Put your own lab coat on, award yourself a PHD, take your years of skateboarding  experience and you are now as much as an expert as he is.

[rawbertson.]

i went hard in the paint with the 93 soft sliders, literal fent needles on the ground it is so crusty. they lasted fine for me as far as the shredding etc. 15 foot noseslides, feebles, crooked grinds, all the stuff that should be really hard on your wheels.

[Xen]

It's hot out, and as usual everything is soft and gummy, the new 97a fell victim just like the rest, had to swap out to 101 classics.

It's also clear that I cannot hang with 55mm raidials, it's just too foreign (and heavier than these old legs can handle). When it cools down it'll be time for some new 97a classics.

Side note: I was off the board for 5 days (work/travel) and came back and skated some STF103a along side the new 97s, 103 stf being my go to...aaaand, I hate them now...slow grippy and grunky sounding...these are the latest drop and feel very different than the my previous set.

[BeachChicken]

Got the new 97a 53 Classics from 35th Ave. Very short sesh but hopefully a longer one tomorrow. Skating my curb and box at my house I got no squeal and they're smoother than I recall my 99 F4 feeling on Tuesday. I have been skating 53 Radials lately and think it's neck and neck speed wise on my asphalt street. I'll skate a slightly rougher asphalt spot and fairly rough park tomorrow and have my Radials I might compare. I'm hoping they're faster/smoother than the Radials because I like Classics slightly more overall but the Radials I can leave on for everywhere I skate.

[Mbrimson88]

It's hot out, and as usual everything is soft and gummy, the new 97a fell victim just like the rest, had to swap out to 101 classics.

It's also clear that I cannot hang with 55mm raidials, it's just too foreign (and heavier than these old legs can handle). When it cools down it'll be time for some new 97a classics.

Side note: I was off the board for 5 days (work/travel) and came back and skated some STF103a along side the new 97s, 103 stf being my go to...aaaand, I hate them now...slow grippy and grunky sounding...these are the latest drop and feel very different than the my previous set.

I often wonder how some wheels seem to change between different years, whether someone has tried to "fix" a formula or something else had affected the mix, or something else happened.  I know you have talked about this before, regarding Bones wheels.

Of the relatively small number of Bones wheels I have, as well as testing / riding boards from others, the newer wheels definitely feel different to the older wheels, not sure for better or worse, but I don't spend enough time on them.

As for Spitfire Formula Four wheels, the single set of Lock In Full wheels feel quite different to the other normal sets (too many to count) but then someone else was complaining about their set too, so when I tried that board, it was the same.  They felt both very slippery and super noisy, like the chirp was a higher pitch than usual, but didn't skate like a 101 either, so I just don't know exactly what to compare them to but they were not the same.

Sure some of the older sets darken or cure more, or even just how long some of the sets sit somewhere before people actually ride them, or don't sit long enough maybe, but it is something I do think about from time to time.

The regular old Formula Four 99 duro wheels just seem to work the best for me, in any other shape besides Lock In Full, but I do like to have a lot of other wheels and try different options, as well as quite a few softer wheels too.

[Xen]

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It's hot out, and as usual everything is soft and gummy, the new 97a fell victim just like the rest, had to swap out to 101 classics.

It's also clear that I cannot hang with 55mm raidials, it's just too foreign (and heavier than these old legs can handle). When it cools down it'll be time for some new 97a classics.

Side note: I was off the board for 5 days (work/travel) and came back and skated some STF103a along side the new 97s, 103 stf being my go to...aaaand, I hate them now...slow grippy and grunky sounding...these are the latest drop and feel very different than the my previous set.

[close]

I often wonder how some wheels seem to change between different years, whether someone has tried to "fix" a formula or something else had affected the mix, or something else happened.  I know you have talked about this before, regarding Bones wheels.

Of the relatively small number of Bones wheels I have, as well as testing / riding boards from others, the newer wheels definitely feel different to the older wheels, not sure for better or worse, but I don't spend enough time on them.

As for Spitfire Formula Four wheels, the single set of Lock In Full wheels feel quite different to the other normal sets (too many to count) but then someone else was complaining about their set too, so when I tried that board, it was the same.  They felt both very slippery and super noisy, like the chirp was a higher pitch than usual, but didn't skate like a 101 either, so I just don't know exactly what to compare them to but they were not the same.

Sure some of the older sets darken or cure more, or even just how long some of the sets sit somewhere before people actually ride them, or don't sit long enough maybe, but it is something I do think about from time to time.

The regular old Formula Four 99 duro wheels just seem to work the best for me, in any other shape besides Lock In Full, but I do like to have a lot of other wheels and try different options, as well as quite a few softer wheels too.

The two sets of Lock-ins I've ridden both felt very different than their same duro counterparts, at least compare to classics.  99s felt much harder and were more white than potato (I liked them) and the 101 lock-ins felt much harder (which I also liked) and less gummy than the classics I currently have. Could be age?

It's possible the green 52 101s I got weren't 'new' stock....always hard to to tell. But the new stock 99s I rode were soft and gummy compared to the OG classics I got around the same timeframe...now I say 'new stock' but those classics could have been around forever and just screened with a 'new' graphic and packaged for all I know vs the special/new color I picked up in og classics.

[Mbrimson88]

.

From the wheels thread, I initially replied there, but was wondering if anyone else had issues with flatspots in their Formula Four wheels, new or old, what shape, size, or any other info, I am curious to hear.

The message here:

I need help. I love the way F4 99s skate, but I keep getting really bad flat spots within the first few sessions.

I like Bones SPF, but I’ve had several bad injuries from slipping out on them. I wasn’t a huge fan of the X formula

Are there any other wheels out there that are similar to Spitfires that don’t flat spot so easily? I’ve never tried OJ elites, are those any more durable?

I used to get close to a year out of my F4s, but the newer batches that are more white have not been great. Let me know what’s been working for you

My long winded reply just after that here:

https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=82118.msg4252844#msg4252844


Curious also how many put in a successful warranty claim too, for that matter.

Any flatspot issues I have had - not many at all, usually wear out soon enough and there has been almost nothing I couldn't fix, apart from a board running under and being smashed by a car, wheels destroyed, or manufacturing issues, eg wheel coming apart.

[BeachChicken]

The new 97 felt great today! They have a slight bounce to them but nothing like dragons and less than the X99 I unscientifically tested by also dropping my nose onto the ground.

The spot I skated them at is asphalt and not super rough, but I have the same bearings in my 99 53 Radials which are worn a tad to 52.5ish but still much wider contact patch. The 97 53 Classics were noticeably faster and definitely smoother. Not as much as the 93 but fairly close by my recollection. Most importantly when the curb was dry they didn't squeal. I'll hopefully skate a park with sticky metal coping tomorrow and if they are even decent on the smooth surface and don't bite then I could leave them on for everything.

It did seem like they power slid or slid on the wax easier than my 99.

[BeachChicken]

@144p do you know if they're going to do these in any other shapes in 53 or 54 soon?

[144p]

Not that I’ve seen. The conical/radial full, classics will be updated formula as dlx runs out of old stock.

[BeachChicken]

What size are they doing in Conical Full?

[Mbrimson88]

.


Just so people have something to go back to for reference, the new 97s completely replace the old 97s in all current sizes, shapes, etc as per this posted a few pages back:

.

RE 97 duro wheels

I guess it comes down to who is ordering / restocking right now, but I am guessing that as soon as they sell out of the old 97 duro wheels, they are shipping the newer ones for current orders as per 144p getting those ones with the new sticker on them.

The shapes and sizes are still the same, just with the upgraded urethane, so still these, as per previous catalogs:

Classic 53, 54 and 56 mm

Conical Full 54, 56 and 58 mm

Radial Full 54, 56 and 58 mm


Then as shown, the new Pedro Radials in 55 and 57 mm due to come out with the new catalog.


For anyone who prefers the old formula 97s, get out and buy up now, before the newer formula comes in, but for anyone else wanting the new formula, just hit up your shop to ask which ones they have in, or hit up 144p and get them from his shop if you are able.


These are still the staples for the 97 duro wheels anyway:

[BeachChicken]

Short sesh today at my normal smooth skatepark where I have previously tried Dragons, X97, X99, and the 93 soft sliders. Of all these difference "softer" hard wheels, the new 97 formula is definitely the best so far and the 93 Classics really didn't feel noticeably slower than my norma 99 53 radials. The park was super sauced from some rollerbladers, but I didn't get any grabbing or squeal on the ledge coping and the wheels seemed to revert fine so far. Going to give it a few more sessions, but so far they're pretty damn good to the point where I might just leave them on as my main wheel.

[Unkle Fleak]

.


Just so people have something to go back to for reference, the new 97s completely replace the old 97s in all current sizes, shapes, etc as per this posted a few pages back:

Expand Quote

[close]

.

RE 97 duro wheels

I guess it comes down to who is ordering / restocking right now, but I am guessing that as soon as they sell out of the old 97 duro wheels, they are shipping the newer ones for current orders as per 144p getting those ones with the new sticker on them.

The shapes and sizes are still the same, just with the upgraded urethane, so still these, as per previous catalogs:

Classic 53, 54 and 56 mm

Conical Full 54, 56 and 58 mm

Radial Full 54, 56 and 58 mm


Then as shown, the new Pedro Radials in 55 and 57 mm due to come out with the new catalog.


For anyone who prefers the old formula 97s, get out and buy up now, before the newer formula comes in, but for anyone else wanting the new formula, just hit up your shop to ask which ones they have in, or hit up 144p and get them from his shop if you are able.


These are still the staples for the 97 duro wheels anyway:

I got to get more 58s asap. I’m gonna pass on all my old wheels that are like 55mm down soon as I cop. I gotta get some bearings too haus my ceramics balls and swizz cages.

I rode the Swiss bones to werk. They’re boku fucked up. I’m never getting metal bearings again Those are for people who have cars

[Wheelbitefred]

Has anyone heard if there making the 93’s in the radial full shape?

[rawbertson.]

When a 58mm radial full 97a comes out i am gonna get that for sure
I have heard those SKF bearings feel very fast. I have been fucking around with all sorts of random ass bearings lately after only riding swiss for years and havent really noticed any huge difference, looking forward to trying those SKF

[Clamuel]

Just had a long sesh on the new 97 radials and i gotta say, noticeably better than the old formula and i LOVED the first run of 97’s. Grippy when you want but still slides so nice. Feels like true 97 where as the old formula felt more like 95 which i didnt hate but for anyone curious, they felt MUCH better and true to the duro

[rawbertson.]

Not sure why anyone would want the 93s then because they dont feel particularly cruisery...

[BeachChicken]

Skated the new 97 at another smooth park. Just some observations:

-They don't bark much, I recall the 93 being louder. Just sounds different at first but I had no problem reverting or breaking into a power slide.
-Speaking of sound they're obviously going to be quieter. They sound less bouncy/soft than the 93, but aren't a 99 or 101. Personally this doesn't bother me.
-I didn't get any squealing or grabbing. I was skating X99 at the same park last Summer and had frequent annoyances with wax levels and grabbing/squealing. The coping was pretty dry when I got there today so it was a good test.
-Didn't notice any issues with speed compared to my 99 Radials. These are newer/larger, but less contact area.

So far they're a soft wheel I could leave on and not have any issues. I do think I like the feedback, sound, and overall feel of a harder wheel, but I also like pushing less and carrying speed a bit more consistently. One added benefit is our park has cracks before a lot of ledges and some sections where the crack has broken and it can mess up your pop and landing sometimes but these rolled right over it no issue.

[FirstBlood82]

Not sure why anyone would want the 93s then because they dont feel particularly cruisery...

Regret buying them, felt slow in my concretepark and indoors x99 feels abit faster.

Doubt they shine anywhere

[BeachChicken]

I will say hands down the 93 are better for me on asphalt and drier curb spots than X99, feel similar at my park.

[nurkdurk]

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Not sure why anyone would want the 93s then because they dont feel particularly cruisery...

[close]

Regret buying them, felt slow in my concretepark and indoors x99 feels abit faster.

Doubt they shine anywhere

On my slightly crusty local (21 years old) the 93s are noticably faster than F4 99. They roll smoother through the hip that is all beat up from decades of axle hits. More predictable pop than on 99s.
Really good on asphalt at the local school too.

That said, I'll probably try the new 97 formula once these wear out. Haven't tried bones since ooooold STF.

[Mbrimson88]

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Not sure why anyone would want the 93s then because they dont feel particularly cruisery...

[close]

Regret buying them, felt slow in my concrete park and indoors x99 feels abit faster.

Doubt they shine anywhere

As others have said, as well as your own experience with them, I found they were a bit funny at both the skateparks, an indoor ramp / park and smooth surfaces, but they work best on crust more than anything else, so using them in carparks, on raw street, or for anything other than nice smooth skateparks or other surface ramps - metal or wood, etc.

They also work really well as a cruiser, so just getting from A to B they were great for that too, when I needed wheels that would still be bouncy enough over everything, but then also to be able to speed check and slide when going down a few hills on the way there too.

This is more their intended market and the 93 Soft Sliders serves that market really well.

[BeachChicken]

I don't have IG anymore but Reynolds posts his boards a lot does he ride 93 much anymore?

[Meathook]

I’ve been skating the new 97 formula radials for a couple weeks now and I’m pretty happy with them overall, but I don’t can’t say I won’t go back to 99a after.

I don't have IG anymore but Reynolds posts his boards a lot does he ride 93 much anymore?

I saw a story of his a week or two ago and I saw the unmistakable green swirl of a 52 classic.  He just like me fr.

[rikki]

The 93s are awesome on crusty-ass ashphalt, but anyone who preaches they are the be-all-end-all wheel for every surface is tripping. They're a functional wheel for specific purposes, and a damn good one at that. But.

I recently went from the 93 --> F4 99 --> X99 at my local rough-ish (but not mega crusty) spot and while I enjoyed each one, it feels like the X99 will remain as my favorite all around wheel. Once it gets smooth I go for F4 99, and if it gets crusty as f--- I go for the 93s. Anywhere in between, X99 just feels the best.

Having said that -- will definitely give the new 97 formula a whirl once I get my hands on them.

[rawbertson.]

i just feel like the 97 will completely cannibalize the 93 once its more available
i love the 93 but definitely will just get 97 after that. should be able to handle the same spots. i cant imagine its going to feel like much of a difference going from the 93 to the 97 for me. Those wheels are FAST though.

neither of them are really going to grip that well, seems like 99 classics are the best in between where you still get really good slide but also grips pretty nicely on transitions and stuff. the new formula doesnt last as long either so that may be something for people to juggle still as well (for me it is for sure)

[rikki]

i just feel like the 97 will completely cannibalize the 93 once its more available
i love the 93 but definitely will just get 97 after that. should be able to handle the same spots. i cant imagine its going to feel like much of a difference going from the 93 to the 97 for me. Those wheels are FAST though.

neither of them are really going to grip that well, seems like 99 classics are the best in between where you still get really good slide but also grips pretty nicely on transitions and stuff. the new formula doesnt last as long either so that may be something for people to juggle still as well (for me it is for sure)

Yeah man, for some reason I had shelved my F4 99 Classics for a long time, but once back on them just last week they felt amazing, light and agile. I know these things come and go in phases, but right now they trump Radials for me (my other favorite Spitfire shape).

[BeachChicken]

Well my new 97's have 2 massive chunks missing after 2 sessions. Struggling to figure out how it happened at a fucking skatepark.

[Mbrimson88]

Well my new 97's have 2 massive chunks missing after 2 sessions. Struggling to figure out how it happened at a fucking skatepark.

Bits off the side wall are more likely from catching on a sharp edge on an obstacle of some kind.

Bits off the riding surface are more likely something on the ground, but can also be something on an edge too, that the wheels scrape along or hit at speed.

This is by no means all options, but that is what I have seen and worked out from a fair number of various gashes, gouges, bits coming off from a number of different places and more.


Do they affect the riding / feel of the board, like flat spots do or more so / just contained on the sidewall of the wheel?



* I have had a chunk come out of a wheel a while back, just a speed check on flat between obstacles that caught a crack / expansion joint in the surface and took a small finger nail sized piece out of one wheel.  Was surprised to say the least, but at least I knew exactly what it was from as the board bumped when it hit and I stopped pretty quick to have a look at the wheel at the time.  Still got those wheels and they still skate fine, but if I lean hard on one side, I can feel it.  I moved it to the front heel wheel for the least issues.  Probably have a pic here somewhere, but it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things.

Got any pics of your wheels though?  I am curious to see.