Spitfire formula four

[Too Frank To Fred]

My one wish for 2025 from Spitfire: Radial Slims in 93a.

Soft and skinny wheels can be a bad combo for durability and speed.

[camel filters]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

What do you think is the best all around shape on f4 99 ? There’s so many that’s it’s difficult to choose from. Classic or non full conical I guess ?
I like my radial 93, they just feel slightly heavy and a bit too grippy on perfect skatepark floors, appart for that I enjoy the softness for my back and riding in the city without the fear of a tiny pebble !

[close]

 I personally like Radial Full. Just give me as much wheel as possible without going stupid.

[close]

I have 56mm Radial fulls right now and they are plenty stupid and I love em.

[close]

I grabbed a set of the 55 Rowan radial fulls and I’ve been having a lot of fun. It seems like a ton of skaters are just riding the widest wheels possible so I figured I’d give it a shot. Tons of grip, still slides well, looks hilarious.

Seriously feel unstoppable on them. It’s like the board has its own momentum after I start pushing. They are wearing down to a more manageable height at 54 now and are getting better with age. Flip tricks are a bit slower but I just think of it as weight training for when I go back to a narrower set.

[BartHarleyJarvis]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

What do you think is the best all around shape on f4 99 ? There’s so many that’s it’s difficult to choose from. Classic or non full conical I guess ?
I like my radial 93, they just feel slightly heavy and a bit too grippy on perfect skatepark floors, appart for that I enjoy the softness for my back and riding in the city without the fear of a tiny pebble !

[close]

 I personally like Radial Full. Just give me as much wheel as possible without going stupid.

[close]

I have 56mm Radial fulls right now and they are plenty stupid and I love em.

[close]

I grabbed a set of the 55 Rowan radial fulls and I’ve been having a lot of fun. It seems like a ton of skaters are just riding the widest wheels possible so I figured I’d give it a shot. Tons of grip, still slides well, looks hilarious.

[close]

Seriously feel unstoppable on them. It’s like the board has its own momentum after I start pushing. They are wearing down to a more manageable height at 54 now and are getting better with age. Flip tricks are a bit slower but I just think of it as weight training for when I go back to a narrower set.

Between the wheels and my lurpivs my board looks like a monster truck

[FatGuy92]

My one wish for 2025 from Spitfire: Radial Slims in 93a.

Lol dude Radial Slims in general. I remember skate warehouse had them on sale a couple years back and I still regret not stocking up when I had the chance.

[texasplant]

Expand Quote

I work in a shop and have plenty of friends skating newer spitfires (which are must more white) - does anyone know if the softness is intentional or did they change something?

I thought I was imagining it but I’ve had a few people mention it and I’ve felt it for myself. Kind of bummed because they feel like completely different wheels.

[close]

I am guessing you are talking about the 99 or 101 duro options, not the 93s or the 97s which are all out now and people have been buying up a lot.

The most recent wheels I have had in the 99 duro and whiter grade included the Radial Full (Kader 59 and 56 mm sizes) and Lock In Full 55 mm both of which were very hard / slick and screechy feeling, along with a few other sets I can not recall right now.  The normal Radials too, now I think of it, were way lighter / whiter, but still felt the same.

Also from the most recent drop I have the Bighead black wheels and the Classic orange / black swirls in 99 and they feel normal too, no different to most other 99 duro Formula Four wheels, but I know some people say coloured wheels feel different.


The Pedro Delfino Turbo wheels are 97 duro, which have just come out too here in AU, but I can't think of any others that have seemed different or anyone said anything, so I am curious as to which shapes, sizes, graphics, if there are specific wheels or just any from recent drops?

* Not doubting your own experiences, but curious to hear more.

** Also checking you are talking about the Formula Four wheels, not the Original formula urethane, which are still coming out and are very white compared to Formula Four wheels, which are ever so slightly more "natural" in colour, but not quite as dark or cream as they used to be, or have been in the past.

Yeah Formula 4s.

I have personally had some Conical Fulls myself, and have skated very recent (the last month) pairs of OG classics and normal Conicals too on some friends boards.

I actually have switched to black wheels because they still feel the same. I hope I’m not imagining it but I’m sure it has something to do with the new whiter colour.

[moykky]

So, all the F4 97a will be the new formula (once the old stock is sold)? I'm thinking of getting a set of harder wheels for indoor park. I currently ride the new 93a soft sliders (classic) and was going to get the 99a classics - but if there will be soon 97a classics from that new formula... ?

I've found that the "Conical full" -shape in 97a is the new formula in many places in Europe, but I haven't found the classic shape.

Side note: If I hadn't read this thread I'd probably bought the 99a classics and be done with it. But instead, now I think that I'll be able to tell the difference between new 97a and 99a (they slide the same?) and my joints will be much happier with the 97a...  

[Mbrimson88]

Yeah Formula 4s.

I have personally had some Conical Fulls myself, and have skated very recent (the last month) pairs of OG classics and normal Conicals too on some friends boards.

I actually have switched to black wheels because they still feel the same. I hope I’m not imagining it but I’m sure it has something to do with the new whiter colour.

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah interesting for sure.

I have a lot of older Conical Full and some older Conicals, but no new stock of those at all that I have skated.  Sold a few sets of Conical Full, one set of the newer 56 mm Decay graphic to a friend, so I will check with him as to how he finds them.

Not had any OG Classics come through my hands, but I am curious now to see  - got a few sets of newer and much whiter Classics of both 99 and 101 in 56 and 58 mm that are in rotation on boards, so will have to have a roll on each of those sets and see if there is any difference I can feel or notice too.


I do recall someone saying that very new / fresh wheels will always feel softer than some that have been sitting and curing for longer, so who knows if that is true at all for any of these, especially if the Lock In Full wheels have been very new, very white and very hard and slippery feeling, but someone else also said that the smaller batches of wheels turn out better than the much larger batches, so a smaller batch of Lock In Full might turn out better than a more common larger batch of Conical Full wheels.

Who knows hey?!?!

[Mbrimson88]

So, all the F4 97a will be the new formula (once the old stock is sold)? I'm thinking of getting a set of harder wheels for indoor park. I currently ride the new 93a soft sliders (classic) and was going to get the 99a classics - but if there will be soon 97a classics from that new formula... ?

I've found that the "Conical full" -shape in 97a is the new formula in many places in Europe, but I haven't found the classic shape.

Side note: If I hadn't read this thread I'd probably bought the 99a classics and be done with it. But instead, now I think that I'll be able to tell the difference between new 97a and 99a (they slide the same?) and my joints will be much happier with the 97a...

Re old stock of 97s once sold will then be replaced with new 97s once the shop or even the local distributor runs out of the current stock.

That said, if someone is sitting on a lot of Classic shape 97s in the old stock, they might not order any for a while, so there might be fewer new Classics in any given shop, area or even country.

Honestly though, they are fairly comparable from old to new formula, the main difference being on bitumen roads where the new formula slides and slides and keeps on sliding, where the older one only slides a bit.  I do feel like they are both a little slower all round on some surfaces, but I am used to that from the softer wheels and prefer that to slipping out on harder wheels every time.

From owning and skating both 97s and the 93s, as well as pretty much running regular F4 99s on everything for a long time, I think they all have a place, but I do like the 97s for having just that little more grip than the 99s for slippery or rough surfaces, eg new concrete parks, smooth indoor parks, rough concrete or spots, etc.

[rikki]

The new formula F4 97s are the bee's knees for indoor parks. Hard to find a better wheel for that purpose. They're fast, they don't stick to metal coping, they slide and bark, but also offer a good grip as compared to F4 99s. My go-to indoor wheel these days.

[rawbertson.]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

What do you think is the best all around shape on f4 99 ? There’s so many that’s it’s difficult to choose from. Classic or non full conical I guess ?
I like my radial 93, they just feel slightly heavy and a bit too grippy on perfect skatepark floors, appart for that I enjoy the softness for my back and riding in the city without the fear of a tiny pebble !

[close]

 I personally like Radial Full. Just give me as much wheel as possible without going stupid.

[close]

I have 56mm Radial fulls right now and they are plenty stupid and I love em.

[close]

I grabbed a set of the 55 Rowan radial fulls and I’ve been having a lot of fun. It seems like a ton of skaters are just riding the widest wheels possible so I figured I’d give it a shot. Tons of grip, still slides well, looks hilarious.

[close]

Seriously feel unstoppable on them. It’s like the board has its own momentum after I start pushing. They are wearing down to a more manageable height at 54 now and are getting better with age. Flip tricks are a bit slower but I just think of it as weight training for when I go back to a narrower set.

[close]

Between the wheels and my lurpivs my board looks like a monster truck

i love it

[dstrytruitt]

The new formula F4 97s are the bee's knees for indoor parks. Hard to find a better wheel for that purpose. They're fast, they don't stick to metal coping, they slide and bark, but also offer a good grip as compared to F4 99s. My go-to indoor wheel these days.

Ditto this. Plenty of speed, too.

[Unkle Fleak]

There’s only one set of 97s in my size at the shop. Its not my favorite shape.  I’ don’t want to go back to full time 99. 97 the og is the best formula in my opinion. My 58s are almost 56s. Soon to be too small. Took about 6 months I think.

[rawbertson.]

I dont see any reason you wouldnt like the new 97 formula. the only downside I am really seeing to the new formula is the wear down a little faster and maybe not as loud.  They grip really well at skateparks / perfect cement when you need it, but get nice powerslide on rough street. speed will be better, and better slide on noseslides.

[camel filters]

I dont see any reason you wouldnt like the new 97 formula. the only downside I am really seeing to the new formula is the wear down a little faster and maybe not as loud.  They grip really well at skateparks / perfect cement when you need it, but get nice powerslide on rough street. speed will be better, and better slide on noseslides.

Have you seen the 97 radial fulls in this new formula? I know they are replacing all previous 97s with it but didn't know if they were still making new radial fulls in that duro since I don't think it was that popular.

[Lazyskater]

Expand Quote

I dont see any reason you wouldnt like the new 97 formula. the only downside I am really seeing to the new formula is the wear down a little faster and maybe not as loud.  They grip really well at skateparks / perfect cement when you need it, but get nice powerslide on rough street. speed will be better, and better slide on noseslides.

[close]

Have you seen the 97 radial fulls in this new formula? I know they are replacing all previous 97s with it but didn't know if they were still making new radial fulls in that duro since I don't think it was that popular.

I have the 57 radials and they are becoming my favorite winter wheel. Im 34 and they handle impacs alot better then 99s while still feeling like a real wheel (the x97 squished too much). However they take a good amount of effort to slide (I notice it a lot with f/s big spins). I think the much wider contact patch of the radial fulls would make tricks a little too difficult

[switchfrontshuv]

after my skate hiatus ended in 2019, I'd been been trying wheels other than spitfire. Bones STF/SPF, loopholes, blockhead/hard times.

i had a set of 55mm formula 4 OG classics in a box and set them up with some bones swiss last weekend. the other wheels don't compare. nice and grippy on the slippery ass masonite and smooth on concrete

The OG classic shape is great. I also had the 55mm ones and they had such good feel for everything except flip tricks. I learned bs tailslides on those wheels.

[in love w/ fs shuvs]

Anyone selling any used 99a's conical? Or know any similar wheels like that? Tactics and quasi have some similar 99a wheels that look decent but I don't want to slip out.

[big_kev_215]

Picked up some of the new formula Delfino 55mm 97a radials.  I’ve been on a wheel madness kick for most of the past year.  I was pleasantly surprised, they do indeed slide in a comparable way to F4 99s.  Hopefully I’ll hang onto these for a while.  Radial is a nice all-around shape too.  Haven’t had them in a couple years. 

[rikki]

Picked up some of the new formula Delfino 55mm 97a radials.  I’ve been on a wheel madness kick for most of the past year.  I was pleasantly surprised, they do indeed slide in a comparable way to F4 99s.  Hopefully I’ll hang onto these for a while.  Radial is a nice all-around shape too.  Haven’t had them in a couple years.

My fave wheels at the moment. They go for everything. Not bouncy like the modern 93 wheels. Fast. Grippy enough for dusty indoor parks. Good, controlled slide. Nice bark.

[BhaktaDon]

Just got radial fulls in 54mm.  99a.  I am finding them very fast and grippy and stable.  The 25mm ride patch handles bymps decently. I am finding them harder to slide than a 53mm conical full.  This is a bit disappointing for me but I will get used to it.

[Mbrimson88]

.

Did anyone ever see any of those Lance Mountain special edition wheels from last year, the teal wheel with either natural in 56 mm or black in 60 mm sizes.

Someone had been asking about them and wanted a set, but looking around I am guessing they are all long gone, not to mention never seeing them here in AU at all.


https://www.dlxsf.com/news/lance-mountain-ltd-edt-formula-four/


* Limited to 300 sets each, so very unlikely they are still available at normal prices.

[Fooj]

.

Did anyone ever see any of those Lance Mountain special edition wheels from last year, the teal wheel with either natural in 56 mm or black in 60 mm sizes.

Someone had been asking about them and wanted a set, but looking around I am guessing they are all long gone, not to mention never seeing them here in AU at all.


https://www.dlxsf.com/news/lance-mountain-ltd-edt-formula-four/


* Limited to 300 sets each, so very unlikely they are still available at normal prices.

I used to love these sets, wish Spit would release them more often.

[Unkle Fleak]

I’m nervous about the new 97s. I’m so in love with the first batch. I slide to stop out slow down. The 97 og is the closest thing to the golden age of comes in 92 95 and 97. In only got one 99 still my list then I’m always going 97a for ever.

[144p]

Expand Quote

.

Did anyone ever see any of those Lance Mountain special edition wheels from last year, the teal wheel with either natural in 56 mm or black in 60 mm sizes.

Someone had been asking about them and wanted a set, but looking around I am guessing they are all long gone, not to mention never seeing them here in AU at all.


https://www.dlxsf.com/news/lance-mountain-ltd-edt-formula-four/


* Limited to 300 sets each, so very unlikely they are still available at normal prices.

[close]

I used to love these sets, wish Spit would release them more often.

These sold out so fast last drop. I’m not saying you couldn’t find a set but probably be pretty tough.

[Mbrimson88]

These sold out so fast last drop. I’m not saying you couldn’t find a set but probably be pretty tough.

Thanks!

I thought that would have been the case as there are a lot of Lance fans out there, but as I never saw any around, I was wondering how far and wide they were actually distributed.

Funny that I used to get four sets of whatever options like that in the past, usually the Classic Full and swap them out to get one full set of the "special wheels" but I have also seen a lot of people are buying three natural and one coloured set and making their own mixed sets now too, mainly because DLX just doesn't seem to be doing that any more, or at least not for any widely distributed sets of wheels that I have seen.

The novelty of wheel options never wears off though and mix and match has always been a fun part of skateboarding.

[logjammin]

some of you were saying the new 97a formula grips good enough indoors and I had doubts but decided to believe you. just bought them and after 5 minutes I put back on my 88a dragons. they felt even more slippery than my old formula 97's. waste of money but I guess when spring comes I'll try them outdoors.

[Too Frank To Fred]

5 minutes

There's your problem. I find wheels tend to need a good few hours of break in time. Ideally on rougher ground. Bomb some hills.

The new 97s don't grip as well as the old ones on smooth slippery surfaces, but they are faster. They def won't grip as well as 93s or 88a dragons if that's your barometer. Mine have worn down pretty rapidly. Otherwise they are pretty great.

[back smith]

Expand Quote

5 minutes

[close]

There's your problem. I find wheels tend to need a good few hours of break in time. Ideally on rougher ground. Bomb some hills.

The new 97s don't grip as well as the old ones on smooth slippery surfaces, but they are faster. They def won't grip as well as 93s or 88a dragons if that's your barometer. Mine have worn down pretty rapidly. Otherwise they are pretty great.

The 93A F4 didn't need breaking in outdoors first, they were ok from the get go.  Much better than brand new 95A OJs for sure, those were like being on ice.

[Mbrimson88]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

5 minutes

[close]

There's your problem. I find wheels tend to need a good few hours of break in time. Ideally on rougher ground. Bomb some hills.

The new 97s don't grip as well as the old ones on smooth slippery surfaces, but they are faster. They def won't grip as well as 93s or 88a dragons if that's your barometer. Mine have worn down pretty rapidly. Otherwise they are pretty great.

[close]

The 93A F4 didn't need breaking in outdoors first, they were ok from the get go.  Much better than brand new 95A OJs for sure, those were like being on ice.

I think it really just depends on the location and specific conditions, as well as overall wheel shape / contact area also having a small part to play.

From two different places both with indoor skate type surfaces, one place that regularly mopped and vacuumed was great on almost any wheel option, but definitely a little better on slightly lower duro, like the 97s, but the other place no matter what wheel I found it to be very slick and people were slipping out everywhere, except for the really well balanced people, or those who had the really soft options of wheels that didn't slip or slide much at all.


Not to say this is the only factor, but if somewhere you roll leaves the wheels coated in dust and muck, I don't think any "wearing in" is going to help that much.

To be fair, I have skated the new 97 duro on our indoor park from new and they were pretty good on all surfaces, but I was expecting that to be the case.  The older 97s in a wider shape worked a little better for more grip overall, but I could also say that was just the wider wheel (Radial Full) compared to the new 97s just being Radial shape.  The older 97s on the Classic shape were way more slippery when I tried them to compare.

I even have access to three different Skatelite or similar surfaces, one being medium grip with a little slide, one being slick as ever and difficult for me, then one being super grippy and very comfortable overall, on the same wheels / same boards, so it is never quite so easy in generalisations with wheel duros either.

[logjammin]

Expand Quote

5 minutes

[close]

There's your problem. I find wheels tend to need a good few hours of break in time. Ideally on rougher ground. Bomb some hills.

The new 97s don't grip as well as the old ones on smooth slippery surfaces, but they are faster. They def won't grip as well as 93s or 88a dragons if that's your barometer. Mine have worn down pretty rapidly. Otherwise they are pretty great.

of course I'd rather be breaking in wheels outdoors but it's winter with below zero/slightly above zero temps lately and salt covering the ground everywhere, so I don't have that option. even if I did, I can tell they don't have the gripping power I need for indoors regardless. fuck winter.