Spitfire formula four

[scab]

Thanks pals, truly appreciate y'all.

To be clear, these won't be my first new 97s. I've ridden the 54mm CFs (very close to perfect, I'm just not a conical guy) and the 57mm Pedro radials (too skinny for my liking, at least at that height, and I couldn't put in the time to ride them down). The formula is exactly what I'm looking for in regards to smoothness and slideability. Which is why I just know that the radial fulls are gonna be the bomb. That shape just feels like home to me. Perfect formula and perfect shape? What a time to be alive.   

[moonordie]

Thanks pals, truly appreciate y'all.

To be clear, these won't be my first new 97s. I've ridden the 54mm CFs (very close to perfect, I'm just not a conical guy) and the 57mm Pedro radials (too skinny for my liking, at least at that height, and I couldn't put in the time to ride them down). The formula is exactly what I'm looking for in regards to smoothness and slideability. Which is why I just know that the radial fulls are gonna be the bomb. That shape just feels like home to me. Perfect formula and perfect shape? What a time to be alive.   

I love my 54mm Radial full 99 and now ofc I'm curious about the 97... Shape is heaven sent

[FrAnKenFrEd]

I got word that the 95 Lil Softies are quite possibly shaved down (which we all knew) versions of the reformulated 97s that came out a little softer. Its not 100% confirmed but if so, this makes them super intriguing to me as an indoor winter wheel. Still haven't set mine up but will this week. All to say, if you like the sound of them, prob best to jump on them now.

[Mbrimson88]

I got word that the 95 Lil Softies are quite possibly shaved down (which we all knew) versions of the reformulated 97s that came out a little softer. Its not 100% confirmed but if so, this makes them super intriguing to me as an indoor winter wheel. Still haven't set mine up but will this week. All to say, if you like the sound of them, prob best to jump on them now.

That is interesting, but also makes total sense too.

I wonder if we will get them in Australia, or there were only really enough for USA or local markets.

Any which way, they sound like an interesting alternative, especially in the 54 mm sizes and or any Conical Full shape.

[Sedition]

Got a set of 53mm Classics in the NEW 97a formula today. Hopefully get to give them a spin tomorrow. Will report back.

Reporting back. I really liked these. A tad softer than 99a, with tad more grip, but still have good rebound (which is usually lost with softer wheels, and is an essential element of a good wheel). A tad more effort to slide, just a tad. They are also a tad slower than my 99a, and that was actually their undoing for me.

I've had bouts of Achilles tendonitis for years (pushing foot). In 2018 I had it real bad and was off the board for quite a while. I've learned how to manage it, but it flares up from time to time. Recently it's been bothering me a bit. The 97a were often requiring that "one extra push" when setting up for something, or even just rolling around. I need to be doing less pushing, not more. So, the 99a went back on. Might move up to 101 on really smooth stuff.

What I haven't done it yet, the next thing is to compare the 97a and 93a on some more crusty stuff. That will be a future post.

Overall, aside from the very personal issue with these, I found them a lot better than the old 97a formula, and would certainly recommend them to anyone who (a) doesn't have pushing-foot Achilles tendonitis, and (b) wants to try something a tad softer.       

[swongolianbbq]

52mm radial slims on eBay for 65 shipped

[Chalupa]

I got word that the 95 Lil Softies are quite possibly shaved down (which we all knew) versions of the reformulated 97s that came out a little softer. Its not 100% confirmed but if so, this makes them super intriguing to me as an indoor winter wheel. Still haven't set mine up but will this week. All to say, if you like the sound of them, prob best to jump on them now.

It’s believable considering the price and lack of marketing.

Did you ever set those up? I’m on the fence but could just give them away if I end up not liking them. Too many options and not enough time.

[FrAnKenFrEd]

I se them up but didn't end up riding them. It was an unseasonably nice weekend and I skated my 99s on my main set up in the bowl and at the curb spot. This week, when I am forced indoors...

[rawbertson.]

the new 97s reminds me of how wheels sound from this

[fulfillthedream]

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Just got these to try em out. Gonna take em for a spin in a few hours!

[close]

How’d it go @fulfillthedream ?

I decided to ride em for a few days before giving a verdict. skated in em for a few days and really think they're a good wheels, especially gettingh f4 urethane for that price.

I was riding two sets of  the 93 classics  (54 and 53)  since last year (11/24)

compared to the 93s they're not as slippery but a little more grippy. they slide like the 99s.

worth the price.

[Unkle Fleak]

I brought the 93s out in the damp ashtray existence of post snow flurries Salem . They don’t have the dragon wheels megadeth headbanger slip out factor. I’m stoked. Idk if I added this already

[pinkeye fieri]

I brought the 93s out in the damp ashtray existence of post snow flurries Salem . They don’t have the dragon wheels megadeth headbanger slip out factor. I’m stoked. Idk if I added this already

strangely the f4 93s have been much more dangerous on wet ground than 93 dragons in my experience. so much so that i have to choose my dragon setup if there is even the slightest chance of moisture on my 4 mile commute to work. with dragons, there is at least somewhat of a gradient of slippage. like if the dragons roll over some wet leaves they become only slightly slippy if the surrounding pavement is dry, but still manageable. with the f4 93s they immediately loose all traction if they come into contact with any moisture, and i have to dry them off on my clothes before continuing. i have only skated 58mm radials and 58mm radial fulls, maybe the classic shape grips better when wet?

[Reese Bruno]

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I brought the 93s out in the damp ashtray existence of post snow flurries Salem . They don’t have the dragon wheels megadeth headbanger slip out factor. I’m stoked. Idk if I added this already

[close]

strangely the f4 93s have been much more dangerous on wet ground than 93 dragons in my experience. so much so that i have to choose my dragon setup if there is even the slightest chance of moisture on my 4 mile commute to work. with dragons, there is at least somewhat of a gradient of slippage. like if the dragons roll over some wet leaves they become only slightly slippy if the surrounding pavement is dry, but still manageable. with the f4 93s they immediately loose all traction if they come into contact with any moisture, and i have to dry them off on my clothes before continuing. i have only skated 58mm radials and 58mm radial fulls, maybe the classic shape grips better when wet?

excellent now im terrified of the wheels i wanted to get next (radial full 93s)

[hexagon_sun]

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I brought the 93s out in the damp ashtray existence of post snow flurries Salem . They don’t have the dragon wheels megadeth headbanger slip out factor. I’m stoked. Idk if I added this already

[close]

strangely the f4 93s have been much more dangerous on wet ground than 93 dragons in my experience. so much so that i have to choose my dragon setup if there is even the slightest chance of moisture on my 4 mile commute to work. with dragons, there is at least somewhat of a gradient of slippage. like if the dragons roll over some wet leaves they become only slightly slippy if the surrounding pavement is dry, but still manageable. with the f4 93s they immediately loose all traction if they come into contact with any moisture, and i have to dry them off on my clothes before continuing. i have only skated 58mm radials and 58mm radial fulls, maybe the classic shape grips better when wet?

I’ve noticed this too…was wondering if it was just in my head. Did a powerslide on a patch of pavement that was dry > the slightest bit moist (like not even visibly so) > dry. Slide started great > totally iced out through the wet and some dry after > randomly hooked up and pitched me. I’ve done that exact scenario on 99s and the old 97’s and they both handled it way better.

Love the 93 slide on asphalt that is ‘consistent’ (crusty or not), but for anything variable it is a totally unpredictable as to whether and when it’s gonna stick or ice out.

Love the wheels for opening up crusty spots, but think I’m gonna have to go back to a higher duro or something else for hill bombing. FWIW - this was all on the ‘old’ batch of radial 93s, and I haven’t tried the ‘new’ 97s yet.

[swongolianbbq]

The new 97s are made with some of the same sauce as 93s

So they are prolly more slippy slidey like that

I suspect the sauce is ultra high molecular weight polyethylene

[pinkeye fieri]

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I brought the 93s out in the damp ashtray existence of post snow flurries Salem . They don’t have the dragon wheels megadeth headbanger slip out factor. I’m stoked. Idk if I added this already

[close]

strangely the f4 93s have been much more dangerous on wet ground than 93 dragons in my experience. so much so that i have to choose my dragon setup if there is even the slightest chance of moisture on my 4 mile commute to work. with dragons, there is at least somewhat of a gradient of slippage. like if the dragons roll over some wet leaves they become only slightly slippy if the surrounding pavement is dry, but still manageable. with the f4 93s they immediately loose all traction if they come into contact with any moisture, and i have to dry them off on my clothes before continuing. i have only skated 58mm radials and 58mm radial fulls, maybe the classic shape grips better when wet?

[close]

excellent now im terrified of the wheels i wanted to get next (radial full 93s)

they are worth it imo, my favorite wheels overall. just not really a PNW winter wheel, but neither are dragons really. the f4 93s can also push through wheelbite in scenarios where dragons stick. the 93 radial fulls also don't wear down quite as fast as 93 radials, though they still wear down much faster than f4 99a. for hill bombing in the rain i only skate minilogo 90a, they have a really well balanced, predictable slide on wet pavement that mimics a hard wheel slide on dry pavement. they definitely feel like a cruiser wheel otherwise though and don't slide well on dry pavement

[swongolianbbq]

PNW here (Alaska)

I'm bout to order some 59mm Powell G-Slides, will report back

[Unkle Fleak]

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I brought the 93s out in the damp ashtray existence of post snow flurries Salem . They don’t have the dragon wheels megadeth headbanger slip out factor. I’m stoked. Idk if I added this already

[close]

strangely the f4 93s have been much more dangerous on wet ground than 93 dragons in my experience. so much so that i have to choose my dragon setup if there is even the slightest chance of moisture on my 4 mile commute to work. with dragons, there is at least somewhat of a gradient of slippage. like if the dragons roll over some wet leaves they become only slightly slippy if the surrounding pavement is dry, but still manageable. with the f4 93s they immediately loose all traction if they come into contact with any moisture, and i have to dry them off on my clothes before continuing. i have only skated 58mm radials and 58mm radial fulls, maybe the classic shape grips better when wet?

[close]

excellent now im terrified of the wheels i wanted to get next (radial full 93s)

[close]

they are worth it imo, my favorite wheels overall. just not really a PNW winter wheel, but neither are dragons really. the f4 93s can also push through wheelbite in scenarios where dragons stick. the 93 radial fulls also don't wear down quite as fast as 93 radials, though they still wear down much faster than f4 99a. for hill bombing in the rain i only skate minilogo 90a, they have a really well balanced, predictable slide on wet pavement that mimics a hard wheel slide on dry pavement. they definitely feel like a cruiser wheel otherwise though and don't slide well on dry pavement

I was just trying to 180 switch crook when I slipped out on a wet curb top and did a high speed accidental push-up. But that’s to be expected. I think it sticks just as good as a one oh1 or 99.

[MMongrel]

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I brought the 93s out in the damp ashtray existence of post snow flurries Salem . They don’t have the dragon wheels megadeth headbanger slip out factor. I’m stoked. Idk if I added this already

[close]

strangely the f4 93s have been much more dangerous on wet ground than 93 dragons in my experience. so much so that i have to choose my dragon setup if there is even the slightest chance of moisture on my 4 mile commute to work. with dragons, there is at least somewhat of a gradient of slippage. like if the dragons roll over some wet leaves they become only slightly slippy if the surrounding pavement is dry, but still manageable. with the f4 93s they immediately loose all traction if they come into contact with any moisture, and i have to dry them off on my clothes before continuing. i have only skated 58mm radials and 58mm radial fulls, maybe the classic shape grips better when wet?

[close]

I’ve noticed this too…was wondering if it was just in my head. Did a powerslide on a patch of pavement that was dry > the slightest bit moist (like not even visibly so) > dry. Slide started great > totally iced out through the wet and some dry after > randomly hooked up and pitched me. I’ve done that exact scenario on 99s and the old 97’s and they both handled it way better.

Love the 93 slide on asphalt that is ‘consistent’ (crusty or not), but for anything variable it is a totally unpredictable as to whether and when it’s gonna stick or ice out.

Love the wheels for opening up crusty spots, but think I’m gonna have to go back to a higher duro or something else for hill bombing. FWIW - this was all on the ‘old’ batch of radial 93s, and I haven’t tried the ‘new’ 97s yet.

I've wondered if it's just me but apparently not. I've had some full on drifting moments with 93s on hills with variable crust. It's jolting in the moment but does make the wheels unpredictable.

[FrAnKenFrEd]

The 95 Lil soft Ds might be a good alternative for those of you icing out on the 93s. the 95s seems to have more grip but still have that F4 feel. Don't suck up crust as well as the 93s but still good. I think Spitfire should do more with them.

[moonordie]

The 95 Lil soft Ds might be a good alternative for those of you icing out on the 93s. the 95s seems to have more grip but still have that F4 feel. Don't suck up crust as well as the 93s but still good. I think Spitfire should do more with them.

I guess that 95 are less bouncy that 93. That's the dealbreaker that made me retire from 93

[Mbrimson88]

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The 95 Lil soft Ds might be a good alternative for those of you icing out on the 93s. the 95s seems to have more grip but still have that F4 feel. Don't suck up crust as well as the 93s but still good. I think Spitfire should do more with them.

[close]

I guess that 95 are less bouncy that 93. That's the dealbreaker that made me retire from 93

I guess if they were 97s that were a little soft, that should make them a bit more interesting than 93s that were a little too hard.

Nothing against the 93 Soft Sliders, as they have a purpose, but I don't use them that much either, whereas the 97s seem to get a lot more use at some places I skate.

Also I know it is nit picking, but these "LIL SOFTIES" would probably be way better than the original Soft D's which also came in 95 duro, of which I still have a good number, but don't skate them half as much now there are these better options in the 93 and 97 duro wheels from the current line up.  I still like them for some things, but I can really feel how slow the old Soft D's are compared to these newer formulas.

[swongolianbbq]

*Cutting radial fulls into super wide classics*

Dude you make me wanna get a wood turning setup, make a template/checker from some new 54mm classics, buy a buncha 54mm radial fulls, and just shave em down to classic radius and sell them hahah. Radial fulls with a haircut = the shape of wheels I remember in the late 90s

Classic superwide? Classic mega turbo ultra full? Classic stuffed?

Do you mind sharing photos of those radial fulls you cut a classic radius on again? They're sick

[Mbrimson88]

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*Cutting radial fulls into super wide classics*

[close]

Dude you make me wanna get a wood turning setup, make a template/checker from some new 54mm classics, buy a buncha 54mm radial fulls, and just shave em down to classic radius and sell them hahah. Radial fulls with a haircut = the shape of wheels I remember in the late 90s

Classic superwide? Classic mega turbo ultra full? Classic stuffed?

Do you mind sharing photos of those radial fulls you cut a classic radius on again? They're sick

I will take some more pics and get a video of the process too, specifically the rounding off.

Thought I had it online, but I think I have revised the process since the old video I had posted before.

[Mbrimson88]

.

Here was the post I looked up from "ROUNDED" search in this thread.

.

Interesting to see that the Bighead shape / Classic Full shape has sort of merged and maybe there will be some more of the wider rounded wheels coming out in the future now.

Guessing someone will post more info, pics or whatever soon enough, but for the time being, I am pretty stoked to get the Radial Full wheels and round them down to Classic XL Full shapes, in both the 54 mm and 58 mm sizes I have on boards right now.


I think I already posted this, but here it is again, cause they are the most fun shape for me - wide and round.

[swongolianbbq]

Thanks!!!

Yeah we'd definitely appreciate seeing the process a little more. Man I wish they just made wheels like that again

Some old ones (very round)

Some new ones

I couldn't find a pic of 54's like that, so maybe the line between 54 and 55/56 has always sort of been a dividing line where "big wheels" begin

Those mushroom guys are the closest out to that style, but the 53s they released alongside them may as well just be regular classics

[tom]

I’m skating the new formula 97’s and these things feel rock hard even compared to a friends 99’s. I actually hate them right now and can’t wait to go back to 93’s

[swongolianbbq]

I think UHMWPE is the secret ingredient in the 93s and 97s... whiter color... Lower coefficient of friction... And being into ultralight backpacking, I remember a similar "the military needs it all" shortage with dyneema composite fabrics

Haven't tried the new 97s yet

I had the old 97s and liked them they were chill

Liked the 93s better though, they felt livelier and faster to me

But at least in my experience could ice out in the middle of slides

Kinda fun

Mostly terrifying

I'll be buying 93s again but not the NASCAR tire ones (58 radials, any radial fulls)

Hope the folks that prefer the old 97s are hoarding them

Dude at the skatepark this summer had the old red Savie T-funks, cruised around on their shit for bit, man those are great wheels

Got some lil softies on the way, I think I'll like them. For the price why not.

[Mbrimson88]

.

Sorry to hijack this thread for "How to round off a wheel" but here is what I did today.

Pics and simple video is easier rather than putting up anything else at this point, but the main thing is how to hold the grinder and the most minimal edge contact point on the wheel to get the maximum amount of rounding, vs using the face of the disc which doesn't take it down half as fast.

[rikki]

I’m skating the new formula 97’s and these things feel rock hard even compared to a friends 99’s. I actually hate them right now and can’t wait to go back to 93’s

Interesting. I find the new 97s just adequately a tad softer than the 99s, but still feeling like a "real" hard wheel.

The 93s do feel a lot softer and bouncier, which again isn't appealing to everyone.

To each their own!