Wheels Thread

[Frank and Fred]

I use 97s in the winter bc I'm either at slippery indoor park or skating some shitty ground. They grip a bit better but I do find them  a bit slower. not everyone does. I

[Samsquantch]

I got some Nano Cubics recently...

The Dragon and X Formula wheels are all the same urethane, just different durometer, and yeah, they are the real deal. X97's have become my favorite wheel, even in the skatepark.

I really hope they plan to release the Nano's in more sizes, I'd love a set of 54mm or 56mm.

[Mbrimson88]

Is it noticeable difference between 99D and 97D spitfires? I find 99D a little too slippery for indoor parks.
97D might be perfecto?

I use 97s in the winter bc I'm either at slippery indoor park or skating some shitty ground. They grip a bit better but I do find them  a bit slower. not everyone does. I

Yes, definitely a step down in the slip and slide from 99 to 97 duro in Formula Four, but a good wheel for what I wanted it for, which was newer slippery concrete parks or what I would call slippery ramp surfaces.  The 97s might still be a little slick for some people, for the more slippery indoor park type situation or ramp surfaces, but they still go well for most people, without being like softer duro unslideable wheels, if that makes sense?

I have the 97 duro Classics in 56 mm, Conical Full in 54 mm and now the Radial Full wheels in both 58 (which I sold) and then 54 mm and all of them are good in different ways, the wider surface wheels way more grippy than the Classics but they all have a good feel to them for different things I skate.

Also yes some people do say they are a bit slower, but I don't have any problems with them in the speed department, but I am not hauling ass as fast as I possibly can either.

[boneless900]

I got some Nano Cubics recently, I've been rolling around on em for about a week. So far I'm liking them a lot, they're fast, they maintain their speed pretty well and they're relatively quieter than your typical F4 or whatever. &&'s description of the urethane being a "harder Dragon" is pretty accurate, it's pretty similar to Dragon but performs a lot better on smooth ground like skateparks. I'm also really liking the fact that I can't fuck the end of my axles up, it's making me a lot more confident on certain slappies that I would have previously felt like they wouldn't work. Recently there have been multiple frontside slappy attempts I have made where I either didn't lean into it enough or came at the wrong angle or something and ended up not getting all the way up onto the curb, resulting in me primo sliding on the floor of the curb and spinning an axle nut off an axle causing a wheel to fall off and making me walk home to get my T tool with my broken board in my hands. It's good to know I won't do that anymore because that shit is super annoying. Also, for most other wheels I normally put several washers between the hanger and the wheel to push my wheels out more so that I can tighten the nut enough to allow the wheel to have just a hair of play while making the nut perfectly flush with the end of the axle, which is a method of mitigating damage to the end of the axle. I don't have to do that with these, which is rad, I can save my spare washers for some other setup. I can't really think of any objective downsides, although I personally like the idea of a symmetrical wheel more than an asymmetrical one because I'm sure these will cone eventually (despite what && claimed on youtube, George Powell's urethane is great but not infallible), and they will be really awkward to ride flipped. In summation, these wheels perform well while also preventing a lot of the annoying bullshit that typically comes along with contemporary, conventional wheels. 9/10 would buy again

I've been loving the nano cubes and I would be interested in a 54 mm and maybe a 99x formula if that's not too insane. The shape is real nice, especially for slappies and the 97x formula has slid nicely/consistently for me

[Ok]

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I got some Nano Cubics recently, I've been rolling around on em for about a week. So far I'm liking them a lot, they're fast, they maintain their speed pretty well and they're relatively quieter than your typical F4 or whatever. &&'s description of the urethane being a "harder Dragon" is pretty accurate, it's pretty similar to Dragon but performs a lot better on smooth ground like skateparks. I'm also really liking the fact that I can't fuck the end of my axles up, it's making me a lot more confident on certain slappies that I would have previously felt like they wouldn't work. Recently there have been multiple frontside slappy attempts I have made where I either didn't lean into it enough or came at the wrong angle or something and ended up not getting all the way up onto the curb, resulting in me primo sliding on the floor of the curb and spinning an axle nut off an axle causing a wheel to fall off and making me walk home to get my T tool with my broken board in my hands. It's good to know I won't do that anymore because that shit is super annoying. Also, for most other wheels I normally put several washers between the hanger and the wheel to push my wheels out more so that I can tighten the nut enough to allow the wheel to have just a hair of play while making the nut perfectly flush with the end of the axle, which is a method of mitigating damage to the end of the axle. I don't have to do that with these, which is rad, I can save my spare washers for some other setup. I can't really think of any objective downsides, although I personally like the idea of a symmetrical wheel more than an asymmetrical one because I'm sure these will cone eventually (despite what && claimed on youtube, George Powell's urethane is great but not infallible), and they will be really awkward to ride flipped. In summation, these wheels perform well while also preventing a lot of the annoying bullshit that typically comes along with contemporary, conventional wheels. 9/10 would buy again

[close]

I've been loving the nano cubes and I would be interested in a 54 mm and maybe a 99x formula if that's not too insane. The shape is real nice, especially for slappies and the 97x formula has slid nicely/consistently for me

i was interested in these, because i don’t really like wheels over 52. these seemed like they’d give me some leeway to skate for transport.
they looked fucked tho. i just don’t think i can do it. and yet i’m intrigued.
but goodness.
to rock up on these, on my little 5.0 lo’s….i just can’t see it.
and yet….

[linty]

Anyone thinking of getting a pair of Satori cruiser wheels for filming, don't. So creaky they defeat the purpose of having a more quiet setup.

[Meathook]

I just had my second session on x99 52mm V1’s and I don’t think I’m going back to spitfire anytime soon.  I’ve skated nothing but formula fours since 2014.  These wheels are 2x as fast for 1/2 as many pushes yet still slide fine.  Even the smoothest skatepark I skate, they are still faster.  They handle crustier ground SO much better.

They are undoubtedly less cool than spitfire but this wheel changes my skating for the better.  It unlocks spots 52mm FF can’t handle. 

If you’re on the fence and you don’t always skate the smoothest ground do yourself a favor and try them.

[onkalo]

Ordered some x99 v5 Bones today. The shape seems fairly interesting, like a conical classic. Hopefully don’t end up hating them after f4 99a’s, which has happened many times before for me. Only bones wheels i haven’t hated after f4’s are the 100’s. Stf 103a felt too plasticky and sticky. Didn’t hate sml ag formula and dialtones tho, so hopefully it’ll be fine…

[logjammin]

I also wanna try those && wheels. I need at least 54mm, though, so that's why I'm waiting. Pretty dumb how they didn't at least offer that size outta the gate along with the 52mm. Not worried about them being asymetrical, I'm on the 60mm dragons in the rat bones shape and it's very similar, just less rounded on the outside and it still covers the axle from damage. I rotate the wheels in a diagonal fashion every few sessions and they all stay even.

[pops]

I just had my second session on x99 52mm V1’s and I don’t think I’m going back to spitfire anytime soon.  I’ve skated nothing but formula fours since 2014.  These wheels are 2x as fast for 1/2 as many pushes yet still slide fine.  Even the smoothest skatepark I skate, they are still faster.  They handle crustier ground SO much better.

They are undoubtedly less cool than spitfire but this wheel changes my skating for the better.  It unlocks spots 52mm FF can’t handle. 

If you’re on the fence and you don’t always skate the smoothest ground do yourself a favor and try them.

This is useful info, thanks! I tried some f4 classics today and Ive been on wider F4s forever. Switched soon back to wider wheels but boy do these still feel cluncky on even some fairly new asphalt (after skating Dragons). I really dont see why I need Spitfires nowadays because there seem to be superior options available.

[Samsquantch]

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I just had my second session on x99 52mm V1’s and I don’t think I’m going back to spitfire anytime soon.  I’ve skated nothing but formula fours since 2014.  These wheels are 2x as fast for 1/2 as many pushes yet still slide fine.  Even the smoothest skatepark I skate, they are still faster.  They handle crustier ground SO much better.

They are undoubtedly less cool than spitfire but this wheel changes my skating for the better.  It unlocks spots 52mm FF can’t handle. 

If you’re on the fence and you don’t always skate the smoothest ground do yourself a favor and try them.

[close]

This is useful info, thanks! I tried some f4 classics today and Ive been on wider F4s forever. Switched soon back to wider wheels but boy do these still feel cluncky on even some fairly new asphalt (after skating Dragons). I really dont see why I need Spitfires nowadays because there seem to be superior options available.

Same same, got used to X97's, and now I don't really find F4's as good to skate, feel like I have to be more "on" with them. Prior to that I loved F4's but I'm spoiled now. I don't even think about my wheels anymore, they roll fast, slide when I make them, grip when I don't, they're not bouncy, they're not clunky, they just do their thing and work really well.

I kind of didn't want to like them at first, because hard wheels are cool and have "that sound"... but dammit if the Bones aren't just better to skate for me.

[DERBY]

dyed some 60mm classics. after skating conical fulls the classics just feel right

[JimmyFive]

I wonder how far the dye penetrated??

I've been thinking of doing this myself, nice work.

Btw I can't go back to F4 after riding X99. I'm now riding on Bones - SPF in ultra smooth park and X99 anywhere else.

[flocke]

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I just had my second session on x99 52mm V1’s and I don’t think I’m going back to spitfire anytime soon.  I’ve skated nothing but formula fours since 2014.  These wheels are 2x as fast for 1/2 as many pushes yet still slide fine.  Even the smoothest skatepark I skate, they are still faster.  They handle crustier ground SO much better.

They are undoubtedly less cool than spitfire but this wheel changes my skating for the better.  It unlocks spots 52mm FF can’t handle. 

If you’re on the fence and you don’t always skate the smoothest ground do yourself a favor and try them.

[close]

This is useful info, thanks! I tried some f4 classics today and Ive been on wider F4s forever. Switched soon back to wider wheels but boy do these still feel cluncky on even some fairly new asphalt (after skating Dragons). I really dont see why I need Spitfires nowadays because there seem to be superior options available.

[close]

Same same, got used to X97's, and now I don't really find F4's as good to skate, feel like I have to be more "on" with them. Prior to that I loved F4's but I'm spoiled now. I don't even think about my wheels anymore, they roll fast, slide when I make them, grip when I don't, they're not bouncy, they're not clunky, they just do their thing and work really well.

I kind of didn't want to like them at first, because hard wheels are cool and have "that sound"... but dammit if the Bones aren't just better to skate for me.

same, first i didnt like the x97 coming from f4 99 but after 2-3 session i think im not going back.

I also got used to the sound really quick + my back and knees feel so much better after sessions. I really can recommend them for people with back, knee problems!

Can anybody give a review how diffrent the x99 feel to the x97?

[moonordie]

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I just had my second session on x99 52mm V1’s and I don’t think I’m going back to spitfire anytime soon.  I’ve skated nothing but formula fours since 2014.  These wheels are 2x as fast for 1/2 as many pushes yet still slide fine.  Even the smoothest skatepark I skate, they are still faster.  They handle crustier ground SO much better.

They are undoubtedly less cool than spitfire but this wheel changes my skating for the better.  It unlocks spots 52mm FF can’t handle. 

If you’re on the fence and you don’t always skate the smoothest ground do yourself a favor and try them.

[close]

This is useful info, thanks! I tried some f4 classics today and Ive been on wider F4s forever. Switched soon back to wider wheels but boy do these still feel cluncky on even some fairly new asphalt (after skating Dragons). I really dont see why I need Spitfires nowadays because there seem to be superior options available.

[close]

Same same, got used to X97's, and now I don't really find F4's as good to skate, feel like I have to be more "on" with them. Prior to that I loved F4's but I'm spoiled now. I don't even think about my wheels anymore, they roll fast, slide when I make them, grip when I don't, they're not bouncy, they're not clunky, they just do their thing and work really well.

I kind of didn't want to like them at first, because hard wheels are cool and have "that sound"... but dammit if the Bones aren't just better to skate for me.

[close]

same, first i didnt like the x97 coming from f4 99 but after 2-3 session i think im not going back.

I also got used to the sound really quick + my back and knees feel so much better after sessions. I really can recommend them for people with back, knee problems!

Can anybody give a review how diffrent the x99 feel to the x97?

Because of that I'm really curious about X99, 97 sounds scary.

[rikki]

The X97 is a great all-around wheel regardless of whether one has middle age induced challenges or not. Felt very nice at my indoor local (concrete floor w/ plywood transitions/obstacles), not once did I slip out. The jury's still out on whether they are much slower than F4's – anyway, the difference seems marginal.

Interested in giving the X99 a whirl.

[rawbertson.]

i think if you are willing to put the extra wax, the softer wheel you can get away with the more control you will have. i think this is why abe bethel rocks Dragons evne though he is all about doing 90 foot noseslides... having super icy wheels is fun, but not terribly practical. i am starting to think about going to x97 next as well.

[onkalo]

Rode the x99’s first time today. Felt super smooth on asphalt in the local park. No problems doing powerslides and reverts. Ledges and rails felt fine, maybe tiny amount stickier than f4 99a but nothing to be concerned about. Overall i would say that they work better (than f4’s and anything else) for that semi-crusty park i usually go to, almost made it feel like some smooth concrete park. I’m stoked.

[AlumarX]

Sign me up for the x97s too. i should've bought that sale from the skate shop that was having a sell out.

I like how the X99s change in feel depending on the type of cement. On really smooth cement they're a bit edgy but super controllable. On rougher cement, they grip a little more but slides and reverts are controllable. I don't mind the extra grip on gritty cement that's gonna scrape my limbs off if I tuck n roll lol

[rikki]

How would you guys compare F4s and X99s speed-wise on smooth surfaces (concrete parks, plywood)? Is there a difference? I wanna go fast in my indoor local, and my current F4 Radials are fast as fuck but can slide out a bit sometimes. X97s felt slightly slower, wonder what's the case with X99s.

[pops]

F4 97s actually felt really good in indoor park that has slippery floor. ESpecially loved them on wooden mini ramp. Also was not lacking any speed. These my go-to wheels for dusty indoor park now.

[Musicaldeath107]

How would you guys compare F4s and X99s speed-wise on smooth surfaces (concrete parks, plywood)? Is there a difference? I wanna go fast in my indoor local, and my current F4 Radials are fast as fuck but can slide out a bit sometimes. X97s felt slightly slower, wonder what's the case with X99s.

I find they are the same speed wise. The X99 do feel slower just because they absorb vibration more but you are moving just as fast. They will in theory be slightly faster than the X97s

[AlumarX]

Which shape X97 should I try? If its not much smoother than a X99 I'd rather keep it narrow.

[GetItStraitRideKrooked]

Which shape X97 should I try? If its not much smoother than a X99 I'd rather keep it narrow.

If you'd rather keep it narrow, they make a V5 Sidecut shape that's like a spit conical. I was looking at their shape specs and it looks like the V5 is more narrow than their V1 shape. I think it's the most narrow shape they make for X-Formula.

[AlumarX]

I'm an idiot, saw the 52 x97 v1 and nabbed it. We'll see how she do. All I do is slappies anyway

[rikki]

I really like the V5 shape, I wish Spitfire had a narrow shape like that.

[Mbrimson88]

I really like the V5 shape, I wish Spitfire had a narrow shape like that.

Is the normal Conical shape not quite what you want?  Not Conical Full, but just Conical?


I have had both come through my hands and they come up fairly close when looking at them, only a single mm in total width difference in the most common sizes, but then it changes a bit more over 54 mm.

They are not as common to get hold of in some areas though.


Conical

52 x 31.3
53 x 32
54 x 32.1


Bones V5

52 x 30
53 x 31
54 x 31


Different compounds though, so that is more the thing for most people I know - they are either a Spitfire guy or a Bones guy, nothing wrong with either - just preference of wheel, which for me is formula first, then shape, etc.

What size wheels do you usually ride?



* Also this is when someone usually says they want the Radial Slim back, which would work well in that profile.

[rikki]

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I really like the V5 shape, I wish Spitfire had a narrow shape like that.

[close]

Is the normal Conical shape not quite what you want?  Not Conical Full, but just Conical?


I have had both come through my hands and they come up fairly close when looking at them, only a single mm in total width difference in the most common sizes, but then it changes a bit more over 54 mm.

They are not as common to get hold of in some areas though.


Conical

52 x 31.3
53 x 32
54 x 32.1


Bones V5

52 x 30
53 x 31
54 x 31


Different compounds though, so that is more the thing for most people I know - they are either a Spitfire guy or a Bones guy, nothing wrong with either - just preference of wheel, which for me is formula first, then shape, etc.

What size wheels do you usually ride?



* Also this is when someone usually says they want the Radial Slim back, which would work well in that profile.

Yeah, thanks, the normal Conical is quite close width-wise, but what really matters to me is the riding surface which is considerably wider on the Conicals as compared to the V5. This was a non-issue for me before when I riding mostly F4 and OJs, but after being on the X97 V5s I've grown to like the narrower riding surface.

And yeah, there's of course always the F4 Classic, but still... it's not the same. Y'know. OCD.

I normally ride 54 or 55mm wheels. Prolly gonna try the X99 V5s next.

[Vintagebody]

Isent riding surface kinda... irrelevant? As the wheel wear, it increases in riding surface. And it doesnt take long. My wheels go down 2mm in a month, easly.

[rikki]

Isent riding surface kinda... irrelevant? As the wheel wear, it increases in riding surface. And it doesnt take long. My wheels go down 2mm in a month, easly.

The wear down factor is exactly one reason why riding surface actually matters.