Spitfire formula four

[Xen]

There is so Much feedback about 93/97 wheels in this topic, if You have a question just scroll back through and all will be answered 10 fold.

That requires effort and an attention span.

[144p]

Fair enough.
Carry on

[rawbertson.]

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glad they are still making giant sized radial full 99a. i am on the 58mm right now and definitely want to go up to 60mm now i am on lurpivs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBJnjbKJHI7

i dont think this is that popular of a size so i am hoping that they will go on sale right at the time i need them next spring i noticed a lot of the big beatdowns went on sale after awhile.
 
i have a brand new set of 55mm classics and i dont even really want to ride them. they just feel too slow now! but if that was all i had it would be fine. its still a great size wheel and once worn down is pretty ideal which is why i got it in the first place.

[close]

The wheel sales phenomenon - Classics in big sizes were maybe over stocked, so didn't sell, but I think a lot of people just don't want Classics any more, especially not the big ones.  Anything in wider shapes sell out almost right away, so it is hard to get or keep those shapes in stock as too many people want them, so I would say to anyone who is after that 60 mm shape to get as many as you can while you can, as I think they are going to sell out quickly, or at least way more quickly than the Beatdowns - both big and small - from that series.

That is just what I am seeing right now though.

The Kader wheels sold out super fast, as did the two other "generic" graphics on Radial Full at the time, so regardless of graphic, or a name on them, that shape is the one I see people riding a lot now.

Well if thats the case, I suppose they would also be a great idea for my wife for a christmas present to get me  good thing about wheels is, its not like they are gonna expire lol. we are stuck with them forever!

[dstrytruitt]

One session on the 55/97s and I'm loving them for slick tranny. 54/93s were just a bit too grippy for me and the 99s were too slick.

[rikki]

One session on the 55/97s and I'm loving them for slick tranny. 54/93s were just a bit too grippy for me and the 99s were too slick.

The new formula 97s? Glad to hear. Hoping to get my hands on them soon.

How do you feel about their speed as compared to the 93s?

[Mooseknuckle666]

Wondering if the 97 Duro slides well

I’ve been on 93s but they wear away fast

Just curious on comparison

93 97 99

[scab]

^

There is so Much feedback about 93/97 wheels in this topic, if You have a question just scroll back through and all will be answered 10 fold.

[michal.jan.999]

Are the new formula 97s available in Europe yet?

Got mine from Freedom skateshop from Austria so yeah. They are also available from Slam City Skates in London.

Nice wheels. I transitioned from worn down 54 F4 97 Radial Fulls. I like the ride so far, been testing them on crunchy sidewalks and bike lanes. The new wheels seem more barky, faster (perhaps bc they are a bit bigger) and I think a bit harder.

[rawbertson.]

One session on the 55/97s and I'm loving them for slick tranny. 54/93s were just a bit too grippy for me and the 99s were too slick.

lol i find 93s more slippery than 99s personally

[dstrytruitt]

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One session on the 55/97s and I'm loving them for slick tranny. 54/93s were just a bit too grippy for me and the 99s were too slick.

[close]

The new formula 97s? Glad to hear. Hoping to get my hands on them soon.

How do you feel about their speed as compared to the 93s?

Yeah, the new ones. Speed seems about the same tbh. Just not as sticky.

[Twig88]

Sorry if this has been covered, but how do you tell the new formulation from the old ones, it doesn't seem to be labeled 'soft slider' anywhere?

[moonordie]

Sorry if this has been covered, but how do you tell the new formulation from the old ones, it doesn't seem to be labeled 'soft slider' anywhere?

They have a sticker on top saying new formula, reformulated or something like that. Somebody posted a pic not long ago.

[BALARGUE]

There are some F4 out now with the bighead shape

For those experienced with radial and bighead shapes, what's your favorite ?

[RichardBarkley]

From what I can see there's no new 97s in 52 or 53mm

[Mbrimson88]

There are some F4 out now with the bighead shape

For those experienced with radial and bighead shapes, what's your favorite ?

Bighead shape was always a "fat" Classic, or as close to a "Classic Full" shape without actually calling it that, so being a little wider in both overall width and riding surface, it is one I am more happy with, as I prefer rounder but wider wheels.  People describe it as a Classic that has worn down a mm or two, which going by the size chart info below, seems about right.

I used to ride pretty much only Bigheads back in the day, mainly because that shape was very common but it just worked exactly as I needed it to, from the 54 mm on more tech setups through 57 and 59 mm on the bigger or go fast setups.


Radials pretty much have the middle ground covered, some say they are the best of both options, or a cross between Classic and Conical Full, also described as being like a moderately worn down Classic, but I sometimes feel like they don't let go as easily on coping, at least on the 55 mm versions I am currently running on one board, when compared to the Classic 55 mm on another board.

Any which way, the Radial shapes do have a good width, not too wide, a moderately rounded edge with a wider riding surface, so that is a plus over any squared edge wheel, or cutaway shapes.  I have quite a few Radial shaped wheels on my setups too, but I like to keep the edge well rounded on them to stop them squaring off as they wear down.



From the current catalog:

https://www.spitfirewheels.com/fall-2024

[Mbrimson88]

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Sorry if this has been covered, but how do you tell the new formulation from the old ones, it doesn't seem to be labeled 'soft slider' anywhere?

[close]

They have a sticker on top saying new formula, reformulated or something like that. Somebody posted a pic not long ago.

97 updated formula, here is the sticker. I noticed about half our wheels had the stickers and the ones with them were darker colored than the ones without.
After riding old 97, updated 97, 93’s and 99’s at the same park I have a few personal observations.

Updated 97 is faster at the skatepark than the original. Slide on tail slides barks/squeals more.
I might prefer the 93 to updated 97 as the 93 might slide better(could have just felt off on my skating that day or the ledges needed more wax).
Went back to 99’s and they are faster at the park, but not sure my knees can handle the vibration in the streets.
Also feel the 93 slid better at my park than both versions of 97’s and 99’s.
Still don’t feel like I have that best all around option, but the updated 97 might be it. The 93’s feel
Super good but as stated they do wear out faster than the other options.

The post with the sticker, for people asking about it.

Yeah there is a search function, but sometimes this is easier.

[Too Frank To Fred]

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Sorry if this has been covered, but how do you tell the new formulation from the old ones, it doesn't seem to be labeled 'soft slider' anywhere?

[close]

They have a sticker on top saying new formula, reformulated or something like that. Somebody posted a pic not long ago.

[close]

Expand Quote

97 updated formula, here is the sticker. I noticed about half our wheels had the stickers and the ones with them were darker colored than the ones without.
After riding old 97, updated 97, 93’s and 99’s at the same park I have a few personal observations.

Updated 97 is faster at the skatepark than the original. Slide on tail slides barks/squeals more.
I might prefer the 93 to updated 97 as the 93 might slide better(could have just felt off on my skating that day or the ledges needed more wax).
Went back to 99’s and they are faster at the park, but not sure my knees can handle the vibration in the streets.
Also feel the 93 slid better at my park than both versions of 97’s and 99’s.
Still don’t feel like I have that best all around option, but the updated 97 might be it. The 93’s feel
Super good but as stated they do wear out faster than the other options.

[close]

The post with the sticker, for people asking about it.

Yeah there is a search function, but sometimes this is easier.

Now I've spent a few weeks on both reformulated 97s and 93s, I 100% agree with @144p s description and review.

[Meathook]

I skated the new Delfino 97’s for a month or so.  Great wheels, but not different enough for me to keep seeking them out.  In fact I’m on 101a FF now in a bigger size and liking those a lot even for street.

[fakiefs180]

Oh, the bighead shape is now available as a Formula Four? Damn, thats rad. I always thought they use the classic formula for that shape. Anyone knows if all Bigheads are now in the Formula Four?

[back smith]

Oh, the bighead shape is now available as a Formula Four? Damn, thats rad. I always thought they use the classic formula for that shape. Anyone knows if all Bigheads are now in the Formula Four?

They are not.

The "Devil's Night" is F4



The regulars are "classic 99du urethane"

[Fifty8mm]

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Oh, the bighead shape is now available as a Formula Four? Damn, thats rad. I always thought they use the classic formula for that shape. Anyone knows if all Bigheads are now in the Formula Four?

[close]

They are not.

The "Devil's Night" is F4



The regulars are "classic 99du urethane"

Goddamn i got teased. My favorite shape ever. I call it donut shaped. Reminds me of these old ass 60/40 wheels

[Mbrimson88]

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Oh, the bighead shape is now available as a Formula Four? Damn, thats rad. I always thought they use the classic formula for that shape. Anyone knows if all Bigheads are now in the Formula Four?

[close]

They are not.

The "Devil's Night" is F4


The regulars are "classic 99du urethane"

[close]

Goddamn i got teased. My favorite shape ever. I call it donut shaped. Reminds me of these old ass 60/40 wheels

A lot of older wheels were actually quite wide.  Some I have from mid to late 90s era boards are like Classic full / Bigheads only wider again, eg one set I particularly like the look of is 52 mm x 36 mm round shape, much like what you are saying.  That was just what we all had, or was the most common wheel for some.

I know there were other shapes, some skinny like the Bones STF shapes, but Spitfire and a lot of other brands had fat round wheels as the normal go to and they worked for me just fine back then as they do now, only difference is I am machining them down from trade ins / used stock, rather than buying them from new like that.


I think Spitfire is long overdue for some more Classic Full shapes - thought the Lance Mountain wheel might have been Classic Full but they are Conical Full.  Not that I need any - still sitting on way too many of the last ones to come out.

Just a thought anyway.



* Recycling bigger Classics works for me anyway, especially the 60 mm wheel width when worn down to around 54 - 56 mm, but I quite like the 56 to 58 mm worn down to around 52 - 54 mm as well.

[Troubadour26]

anyone here skated Lock Ins or Lock In Fulls? I bought the Grimple wheels at 54mm and they are Lock In Fulls. I would not have bought them if I had known that they were, I thought they were either conical or radial fulls.

Anyways, I haven’t rotated them yet because they’re asymmetrical, anyone skated them and just not rotated them? Buying wheels and not being able to rotate them cuts their life into a quarter of how long I would skate them or less.

[back smith]

anyone here skated Lock Ins or Lock In Fulls? I bought the Grimple wheels at 54mm and they are Lock In Fulls. I would not have bought them if I had known that they were, I thought they were either conical or radial fulls.

Anyways, I haven’t rotated them yet because they’re asymmetrical, anyone skated them and just not rotated them? Buying wheels and not being able to rotate them cuts their life into a quarter of how long I would skate them or less.

You can rotate them just fine? Switch them around in an X pattern.

[camel filters]

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anyone here skated Lock Ins or Lock In Fulls? I bought the Grimple wheels at 54mm and they are Lock In Fulls. I would not have bought them if I had known that they were, I thought they were either conical or radial fulls.

Anyways, I haven’t rotated them yet because they’re asymmetrical, anyone skated them and just not rotated them? Buying wheels and not being able to rotate them cuts their life into a quarter of how long I would skate them or less.

[close]

You can rotate them just fine? Switch them around in an X pattern.

He means flip them to get even wear on each wheel I believe. Funny thing is I avoid flipping the wheels with any shape because I hate seeing the caked wax on the outside of the wheel. I'll take the uneven wear and just run it.

[spacial_profiling]

How does “Bighead shape” compare to “Classic wides”?

[moonordie]

anyone here skated Lock Ins or Lock In Fulls? I bought the Grimple wheels at 54mm and they are Lock In Fulls. I would not have bought them if I had known that they were, I thought they were either conical or radial fulls.

Anyways, I haven’t rotated them yet because they’re asymmetrical, anyone skated them and just not rotated them? Buying wheels and not being able to rotate them cuts their life into a quarter of how long I would skate them or less.

One side is a tablet and the other a conical, is a really weird wheel. I had them in 54mm and hated them. Too damn wide.

[BALARGUE]

How does “Bighead shape” compare to “Classic wides”?

In 54 mm the specs are:

Bighead:
Width: 34.5mm
Riding surface: 17.5mm

Classic Full:
Width: 34mm
Riding surface: 19mm

the description on the packaging is exactly the same

a wider version of the classic shape, designed for lasting speed and a more controllable slide

[Troubadour26]

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anyone here skated Lock Ins or Lock In Fulls? I bought the Grimple wheels at 54mm and they are Lock In Fulls. I would not have bought them if I had known that they were, I thought they were either conical or radial fulls.

Anyways, I haven’t rotated them yet because they’re asymmetrical, anyone skated them and just not rotated them? Buying wheels and not being able to rotate them cuts their life into a quarter of how long I would skate them or less.

[close]

You can rotate them just fine? Switch them around in an X pattern.

This makes sense and will help a bit but the wheels will still not wear evenly. If I rotate them like you’ve suggested, I think the front inside wheels which wears out most quickly will wear less aggressively, but it will still continue to cone. It’s not going to even out like they would normally if I were to just flip the wheel.

I appreciate the advice.

& @moonordie , I thought they were weird at first as well but I’ve come to enjoy them a lot recently. I don’t know if I want to attribute my success 100% to the wheels, but I rarely miss frontside 50-50’s on round rails now. Without even trying to, I cross lock them every time. I’ve been going out of my way to try them more often and across the entire rail that we skate so it is a conscious effort on my behalf but I will say I have made a lot of progress while skating these wheels.

& I bought them for their graphic haha! which have held up fairly well.

I don’t want to buy new wheels but I just feel like rotating them how I would normally, given that each side is a different shape, would negate whatever “lock in” effect their design was created to enable.

[Fifty8mm]

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anyone here skated Lock Ins or Lock In Fulls? I bought the Grimple wheels at 54mm and they are Lock In Fulls. I would not have bought them if I had known that they were, I thought they were either conical or radial fulls.

Anyways, I haven’t rotated them yet because they’re asymmetrical, anyone skated them and just not rotated them? Buying wheels and not being able to rotate them cuts their life into a quarter of how long I would skate them or less.

[close]

One side is a tablet and the other a conical, is a really weird wheel. I had them in 54mm and hated them. Too damn wide.

Damn, my homie had the 58s and hated them. He rode them on a 8.5 antihero and hollow indys. He said he couldn't flip his board and they felt weird. I think it was board, big ass wb.

He passed em down to me. I set them up on a palace 8.1 with venture lows. I fucking love them. They slide good and grip when i want them.  Reminds of a decade ago when i was riding 58 park burners exclusively to feel like Matt Reason and Fred Gall. Honestly, I had the most fun. Yeah wheelbite is an issue but on venture lows anything wheelbites.