Spitfire formula four

[shitdick22]

I deserve the boos but in 2.5 weeks,  you will see the new graphic.

What’s your source on this? Last I heard this week is that they’re not in any of the catalogs for shops still thru spring. If anyones got a pair for sale btw pm me. I’m hooked and don’t think I could go back to any other wheel.

[Texas_Tone]

https://www.spitfirewheels.com/

no sonic t or stickers

also no 93s listed

A sonic tee would have been a must cop, I got mine in they come with a small sticker pack with each wheel graphic, out the sonic one on my water bottle, the Johnny Wilson one is pretty tight as well

[Pastasash]

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https://www.spitfirewheels.com/

no sonic t or stickers

also no 93s listed

[close]

A sonic tee would have been a must cop, I got mine in they come with a small sticker pack with each wheel graphic, out the sonic one on my water bottle, the Johnny Wilson one is pretty tight as well

good to know! gonna cop the Cyrus ones then over trying Ishods, also wish they had done more with the Sonic graphic

[Slave IV]

Maybe I’m missing something or it was already addressed but if there are New Formula Fours and Old Formula Fours, wouldn’t it make a lot more sense and avoid confusion if the new ones were just called Formula Five?

[swongolianbbq]

Maybe I’m missing something or it was already addressed but if there are New Formula Fours and Old Formula Fours, wouldn’t it make a lot more sense and avoid confusion if the new ones were just called Formula Five?

They just updated the 97 mix with some of the sauce from the 93s

As far as I know the 99s have been the same the whole time

But even if it was different

Brand recognition is important

And formula four is an alliteration and just sounds cool

Kinda why there wasn't a 2 or 3 as far as I know

Cause formula 1 sounds cool cause race cars

If they did a new formula it would need a different rebrand or whatever it wouldn't just be called formula five

[Meathook]

Maybe I’m missing something or it was already addressed but if there are New Formula Fours and Old Formula Fours, wouldn’t it make a lot more sense and avoid confusion if the new ones were just called Formula Five?

So you’re not entirely correct but also not entirely incorrect.  The “new” vs. “old” versions are within the 97a and 93a wheels they’ve made.  From what most seem to agree on, Formula Four 99a have largely been the same since they’ve dropped over 10yrs at this point.

The original 97a version dropped a few years ago to mixed reviews.  Some people dug them.  Some said they weren’t fast, didn’t absorb a ton of vibration, and slid sticky, etc. 

Last year the “Formula Four 93a Soft Sliders” came out and lots of people LOVE that wheel.  It slides as good as a FF 99 and absorbs a ton of street rattle.  Incredible wheels. 

Then last year they released a Pedro Delfino 97a wheel which claimed to be a “reformulated” 97a formula (just on the packaging mind you, not really pushed on instagram/marketed).  They had reformulated based on the new tech used in the 93 to make it so slideable, but just a little harder.  Similar to Bones with x97 and x99 just being harder versions of the dragon formula.  I had a set of the delfino’s, they were incredible and the best wheels I’ve ever skated.  Eventually some of the normal staple 97a wheels (classics/conical fulls) were made with this formula and made it out there.

Then late last year/early this year the 93a wheels were becoming harder to find in US.  Rumors on here began swirling that the magic compound used to make the wheels so slidey but still soft was being eaten up for military use before Trump tariffs took effect.  Eventually this seemed to be confirmed by Spitfire/insiders on slap.

So because of this, they’ve reverted back to original 97a formula for wheels for last 1-2 drops.  The one with mixed reviews.  It’s been said they’re going back to the drawing board to reformulate since the 93’s were such a hit.  You’ll see people here skate their 93’s until they’re into the 40mm range because they’re that good.  Hopefully we get them back soon.

Feel free to correct me anywhere.

[Slave IV]

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Maybe I’m missing something or it was already addressed but if there are New Formula Fours and Old Formula Fours, wouldn’t it make a lot more sense and avoid confusion if the new ones were just called Formula Five?

[close]

They just updated the 97 mix with some of the sauce from the 93s

As far as I know the 99s have been the same the whole time

But even if it was different

Brand recognition is important

And formula four is an alliteration and just sounds cool

Kinda why there wasn't a 2 or 3 as far as I know

Cause formula 1 sounds cool cause race cars

If they did a new formula it would need a different rebrand or whatever it wouldn't just be called formula five

I get the 2&3 skip but five and four should both work if the “coolness” factor is associated with it being “FF”. But it also makes sense to not rebrand if it is only one hardness that has the update so far. If they update all the euros, Formula Five should work just fine, imo.

[swongolianbbq]

True

It doesn't have the "for-for" sound but would prolly work fine

What about Formula Funkhouser™ - where everything is just 97a 60mm radial fulls

[Slave IV]

Expand Quote

Maybe I’m missing something or it was already addressed but if there are New Formula Fours and Old Formula Fours, wouldn’t it make a lot more sense and avoid confusion if the new ones were just called Formula Five?

[close]

So you’re not entirely correct but also not entirely incorrect.  The “new” vs. “old” versions are within the 97a and 93a wheels they’ve made.  From what most seem to agree on, Formula Four 99a have largely been the same since they’ve dropped over 10yrs at this point.

The original 97a version dropped a few years ago to mixed reviews.  Some people dug them.  Some said they weren’t fast, didn’t absorb a ton of vibration, and slid sticky, etc. 

Last year the “Formula Four 93a Soft Sliders” came out and lots of people LOVE that wheel.  It slides as good as a FF 99 and absorbs a ton of street rattle.  Incredible wheels. 

Then last year they released a Pedro Delfino 97a wheel which claimed to be a “reformulated” 97a formula (just on the packaging mind you, not really pushed on instagram/marketed).  They had reformulated based on the new tech used in the 93 to make it so slideable, but just a little harder.  Similar to Bones with x97 and x99 just being harder versions of the dragon formula.  I had a set of the delfino’s, they were incredible and the best wheels I’ve ever skated.  Eventually some of the normal staple 97a wheels (classics/conical fulls) were made with this formula and made it out there.

Then late last year/early this year the 93a wheels were becoming harder to find in US.  Rumors on here began swirling that the magic compound used to make the wheels so slidey but still soft was being eaten up for military use before Trump tariffs took effect.  Eventually this seemed to be confirmed by Spitfire/insiders on slap.

So because of this, they’ve reverted back to original 97a formula for wheels for last 1-2 drops.  The one with mixed reviews.  It’s been said they’re going back to the drawing board to reformulate since the 93’s were such a hit.  You’ll see people here skate their 93’s until they’re into the 40mm range because they’re that good.  Hopefully we get them back soon.

Feel free to correct me anywhere.

Thanks for the more detailed explanation. I didn’t realize different Duros of Formula Four came out at different times with such a long timeframe in between so it makes more sense that those would share the same name once they come out. But if they start updating existing versions, it might be time to rebrand to avoid the confusion that we are seeing. Either way, seems like they might be back to the drawing board due to the materials so it also makes sense not to rebrand anything until they have a solid plan with a new formula going forward.

I’m considering some different shapes from what I’ve been riding and want to try something rounded like Classics or Radials or hybrid like Lock Ins but I also like the idea of these new formulas but in a 99duro. I don’t think Powell/Bones or Spitfire make such a wheel yet but I do have a new set of && wheels that I’m liking so far and will ride along with my pretty used 99a Conical Full wheels.

[Jort250]

Posting here to hear differing opinions but I have always felt that the classic shape locks in the best for my ledge bag. I tried radial slims and tablets before and I felt that they’d put my crooks/smiths/etc in a one-sized-fits-all positions but didn’t give me that wiggle room to lock in a little imperfectly but still roll away. I’d be down to try the Ishods otherwise..

[swongolianbbq]

Posting here to hear differing opinions but I have always felt that the classic shape locks in the best for my ledge bag. I tried radial slims and tablets before and I felt that they’d put my crooks/smiths/etc in a one-sized-fits-all positions but didn’t give me that wiggle room to lock in a little imperfectly but still roll away. I’d be down to try the Ishods otherwise..

Similar experience here. Classic shape is my favorite for sure.

[tzhangdox]

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Posting here to hear differing opinions but I have always felt that the classic shape locks in the best for my ledge bag. I tried radial slims and tablets before and I felt that they’d put my crooks/smiths/etc in a one-sized-fits-all positions but didn’t give me that wiggle room to lock in a little imperfectly but still roll away. I’d be down to try the Ishods otherwise..

[close]

Similar experience here. Classic shape is my favorite for sure.

I'm currently having a wheel shape crisis that relates to this. Definitely agree on this for classics for the most part, the pinch is just more forgiving and adjustable. However I definitely notice on more rounded, chunky, or bevelled ledges that conicals just hold better whereas classics have a tendency to slip out.

When skating a sharp ledge nothing beats a classic though.

[SwitchBenihana]

Transition setup always has a Conical Full or OG Classic shape on it because I really don't want to miss a lock in on coping. I did try some larger radial fulls recently and they were tall enough to where they still locked in fairly well but I'd never want to skate ledges on them. I've been on the Radial shape for 5-6 months now and like them as much as Classics but I don't see them that often.

[Slave IV]

What’s the main difference between Radial and Classic? I see in the specs that Radials are slightly wider but it seems implied in the posts here that the Classics are a bit more smoothed out with a larger radius on the edges. Is that it?

[swongolianbbq]

[swongolianbbq]

Some older spitfire shapes, kinda cool

[FatGuy92]

Not sure if this is a known thing, but I just saw a YT short from ShredzShop and they apparently got confirmation from DLX that 93a’s aren’t in production (or being produced in very small batches) due to a shortage of a chemical compound

https://youtube.com/shorts/PGYh9N5dyGs

[Mbrimson88]

Some older spitfire shapes, kinda cool

Pretty cool seeing some of those older shapes, as well as one of the few spec sheets that actually seems to have the right dimensions for the Classic Full shape, even if the Classic shape dimensions are incorrect for the 56 and 58 mm sizes.

Was that from some skate shop spec sheet or where did that come from?

Thanks for posting any which way!

[SwitchBenihana]

What’s the main difference between Radial and Classic? I see in the specs that Radials are slightly wider but it seems implied in the posts here that the Classics are a bit more smoothed out with a larger radius on the edges. Is that it?

Google "Spitfire wheel shapes" and find the chart or Ben D has a recent YouTube video explaining the shapes. Radials are a wider contact patch.

[Spacecase]

Not sure if this is a known thing, but I just saw a YT short from ShredzShop and they apparently got confirmation from DLX that 93a’s aren’t in production (or being produced in very small batches) due to a shortage of a chemical compound

https://youtube.com/shorts/PGYh9N5dyGs

Nah they're for sure just reading Slap threads.

[144p]

They are coming soon.

[tanhoe]

Not sure if this is a known thing, but I just saw a YT short from ShredzShop and they apparently got confirmation from DLX that 93a’s aren’t in production (or being produced in very small batches) due to a shortage of a chemical compound

https://youtube.com/shorts/PGYh9N5dyGs

Old video.

They are coming soon.

[Slave IV]

Expand Quote

What’s the main difference between Radial and Classic? I see in the specs that Radials are slightly wider but it seems implied in the posts here that the Classics are a bit more smoothed out with a larger radius on the edges. Is that it?

[close]

Google "Spitfire wheel shapes" and find the chart or Ben D has a recent YouTube video explaining the shapes. Radials are a wider contact patch.

Thanks! Like I said, I’ve seen the specs and seen the charts. I’m wondering more if Classics are noticeably easier to get into and release out of grinds or is it about the same   

[swongolianbbq]

Expand Quote

Some older spitfire shapes, kinda cool

[close]

Pretty cool seeing some of those older shapes, as well as one of the few spec sheets that actually seems to have the right dimensions for the Classic Full shape, even if the Classic shape dimensions are incorrect for the 56 and 58 mm sizes.

Was that from some skate shop spec sheet or where did that come from?

Thanks for posting any which way!

It was on a UK website for a shop called Skate Pharm, on a set of Jamie Foy wheels. I don't know when it's originally from

[Mbrimson88]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

What’s the main difference between Radial and Classic? I see in the specs that Radials are slightly wider but it seems implied in the posts here that the Classics are a bit more smoothed out with a larger radius on the edges. Is that it?

[close]

Google "Spitfire wheel shapes" and find the chart or Ben D has a recent YouTube video explaining the shapes. Radials are a wider contact patch.

[close]

Thanks! Like I said, I’ve seen the specs and seen the charts. I’m wondering more if Classics are noticeably easier to get into and release out of grinds or is it about the same

I was also thinking of posting the Spitfire wheel shape link, will do anyway, but I get now what you are asking.

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


Brand new Classics definitely feel significantly different to most of the other more squared off shapes, in that they do get on and off everything way more easily, with the very minimal contact area and way more rounded sidewall.  Then as they wear down some, they start to widen out in contact area and have a little more grip on the edge of things.  Once Classics are worn down about 2 - 3 mm, then they are almost at the same shape / edge as a Radial wheel.

Radials still get on and off edges more easily than some squared off wheel shapes, but nowhere near as easily as Classics and can hold on a bit more too, for better or worse, as per a new set of Radials I set up and was trying a few things on my ramp, then pretty much stuck on a fifty revert, which surprised me, but was normal when thinking I had just been on a board with Classics before that one.

On the other hand, people I know who had Conical Full or similar shaped squared off edge wheels said they couldn't ride Classics as they slipped out of their grinds and just didn't lock in or hold on like their usual wheels, so it is down to what you are used to and then what you are comfortable on, in terms of the wheel shape you are most used to.


Any significant change in wheel shape is going to change how the board performs for you, but nothing is that hard to get used to within a few sessions and making sure you are aware of how the new wheels are going to perform, but I was still caught off guard a few times between different wheel shapes, more so on transition coping than anything else.


Hope that helped a bit.

[Slave IV]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

What’s the main difference between Radial and Classic? I see in the specs that Radials are slightly wider but it seems implied in the posts here that the Classics are a bit more smoothed out with a larger radius on the edges. Is that it?

[close]

Google "Spitfire wheel shapes" and find the chart or Ben D has a recent YouTube video explaining the shapes. Radials are a wider contact patch.

[close]

Thanks! Like I said, I’ve seen the specs and seen the charts. I’m wondering more if Classics are noticeably easier to get into and release out of grinds or is it about the same

[close]

I was also thinking of posting the Spitfire wheel shape link, will do anyway, but I get now what you are asking.

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


Brand new Classics definitely feel significantly different to most of the other more squared off shapes, in that they do get on and off everything way more easily, with the very minimal contact area and way more rounded sidewall.  Then as they wear down some, they start to widen out in contact area and have a little more grip on the edge of things.  Once Classics are worn down about 2 - 3 mm, then they are almost at the same shape / edge as a Radial wheel.

Radials still get on and off edges more easily than some squared off wheel shapes, but nowhere near as easily as Classics and can hold on a bit more too, for better or worse, as per a new set of Radials I set up and was trying a few things on my ramp, then pretty much stuck on a fifty revert, which surprised me, but was normal when thinking I had just been on a board with Classics before that one.

On the other hand, people I know who had Conical Full or similar shaped squared off edge wheels said they couldn't ride Classics as they slipped out of their grinds and just didn't lock in or hold on like their usual wheels, so it is down to what you are used to and then what you are comfortable on, in terms of the wheel shape you are most used to.


Any significant change in wheel shape is going to change how the board performs for you, but nothing is that hard to get used to within a few sessions and making sure you are aware of how the new wheels are going to perform, but I was still caught off guard a few times between different wheel shapes, more so on transition coping than anything else.


Hope that helped a bit.

Yeah, that is more of what I was looking for. I'm really used to the conical shape as I've mostly been riding Conical Full for the last few years. But I'm tired of getting stuck on my crooks so I was wondering if Radials would help with the more rounded edges and still have the wider contact patch that I like for riding at parks. I think Classics might be slightly too skinny/Slippry for me. I've tried some old Ricta AllStar Cores, which are a rounded shape and they seem to help a bit but nothing magical. I just need to step up my skills and technique is the main thing but also planning ahead for what I should get next time I buy wheels.

[Mbrimson88]

Yeah, that is more of what I was looking for. I'm really used to the conical shape as I've mostly been riding Conical Full for the last few years. But I'm tired of getting stuck on my crooks so I was wondering if Radials would help with the more rounded edges and still have the wider contact patch that I like for riding at parks. I think Classics might be slightly too skinny/Slippry for me. I've tried some old Ricta AllStar Cores, which are a rounded shape and they seem to help a bit but nothing magical. I just need to step up my skills and technique is the main thing but also planning ahead for what I should get next time I buy wheels.

People have often said that the Radial shape is the wheel right in the middle of everything, still wide enough for the people who do prefer a wider shape, but also a little more rounded to make getting in and out of things a bit easier too.

I wouldn't say it is the solution to everything - no single wheel shape is when it comes to it, but to be fair, it is pretty much as good as I could get for a complete all rounder and at least the wheel starts off like that, so I don't have to wear a Classic down for however long to get to that shape.


* That said, I have machined a number of sets of Classic wheels down from new to get them to pretty much that shape in smaller diameter, usually Classic 56 mm wheels which I take down to around 53, sometimes go a little too hard and end up at 52, but I have also left some around 54 mm and they all feel just right for me.

Not to make @swongolianbbq jealous, but it is not as simple a process as some other things I have done and it does take a bit of time, but the results are worth the effort for me, to get a wider, but still rounded edge wheel shape in pretty much the exact dimensions that I prefer.


** Adding that link here from those older wheel shapes, which might be on every Spitfire listing from that shop:

https://skatepharm.co.uk/shop/spitfire-wheels-formula-four-classic-full-shape-52mm-101a-white/

https://skatepharm.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/SPI-SKW_CUTS4.jpg

[swongolianbbq]

 Haha yeah man I would love to be able to buy some new 56 classics and just immediately take em down to 53-54

Right now I'm on radial 54s, and they're good.

None of it matters as much as I think it does on a rainy day

I've noticed the most difference when skating bigger/smaller wheels, or more square/rounded wheels, on crooked grinds

[swongolianbbq]

Radial slims for sale

https://ebay.us/m/ou709c

There's also somebody on there trying to sell 93s for $200-something hahah

[rawbertson.]

Radial slims for sale

https://ebay.us/m/ou709c

There's also somebody on there trying to sell 93s for $200-something hahah

lmao hopefully no one needs them that badly