Wheels Thread

[Mbrimson88]

So, I've tried all of the Ricta cruisers and my favorite out of the three are the red accented Ricta Cloud 86A cruisers. The light blue 78's were waay too bouncy, even though I liked how incredibly effortless it was to push around with. The black accented 92A ditchriders seemed a little too hard for me, being used to riding Spitfire 80HD's for two years. I really wish Spitfire made wheels with a durometer between 85 and 92, because I'm so used to their Classic shape. I'm more of a tech skater, so its really strange that I like soft wheels, but living in Florida where the streets are rough as fuck from the rain, if I skate normal wheels above 95 hardness it feels like I'm skating with rocks on my trucks and when I pop to do anything I slide all over the place. I also ride a relatively smaller board (8.1) with small Indy Mids, so that might be why I like to grip the pavement a little more. It doesn't effect my nose and tailslides enough for me to care. If anyone can point me in the direction of a rounder 53-54 mm wheel that is between 85 and 92, preferably made by Spitfire, I can finally stop obsessing over this part of my set up. I saw that Spitfire made a new Classic shaped wheel in 53mm that was a bit harder than 85 but I can't find them anywhere.

Unless you are very lucky and know someone that still has some, or have a time machine or are a pro rider for Spitfire, the only Spitfire wheels that are commercially available are the 80HD, 97, 99 and 101 duro wheels.

Time machine = the last catalog that had the 92 and 95 Soft D's was around 2016, so five years ago, as per picture below.

Pro rider for Spitfire = TNT recently posted a set of 95 duro wheels they made for him, but at this stage that was a one off and there are no known plans for softer wheels again.


I had a lot of these over the years and although they were perfect for super slippery or rough ground, they did lose their shape, flatspot and have quality issues that often meant they didn't last or became unrideable, but they worked for the things I skated them on.


https://www.spitfirewheels.com/spring16/

[Mbrimson88]

Uprise posted some new Reed wheels and although I have never seen them here in AU, I think that shape looks pretty good, not to mention they always look so much better when presented like this, so whoever does the posts for Uprise should get a pay rise too.

Making me want things I do not need...

[Murge]

Uprise posted some new Reed wheels and although I have never seen them here in AU, I think that shape looks pretty good, not to mention they always look so much better when presented like this, so whoever does the posts for Uprise should get a pay rise too.

Making me want things I do not need...

I think one of the slap patron saints , Marisa dal santo skates for or is some how affiliated with reed wheels. I think it was mentioned in her bunt interview.

[fakiefs180]

Been thinking about this cut for a while now, thankfully my bud John at Acid Chem Co. let me come in and bug the shit out of him to do this shape and landed on two different cut options.   

Wanted to get fellow wheel nerd's thoughts on the two cuts below - both 101a with Acid's REM formula (will do 99a too), same riding surface with an outer radius cut.

Inner:
- The shape up top has a deeper 'lock-in' cut
-The bottom shape's cut isn't as deep with more radius

Been riding both the past couple days and I am torn, the functionality is the same but I feel like the visual perspective will make a big difference. One thing I really like is not having to use 3 spacers on ace classic 44s, this cut gives full grind clearance.   

Damn, they look very nice. Any chance, I can get a 99a, 53mm version in Europe?

[switchfrontshuv]

hey guys, was in a bit of a dilemma
skate mostly street, looking for a bigger wheel (skate 53s atm) so im stuck between

bones stf 99a v5 55mm
or
Spitfire F4 99a classic 55mm

kinda leaning towards the classics cuz thinner wheel better for fliptricks but the bones are a bit cheaper

[Mbrimson88]

hey guys, was in a bit of a dilemma
skate mostly street, looking for a bigger wheel (skate 53s atm) so im stuck between

bones stf 99a v5 55mm
or
Spitfire F4 99a classic 55mm

kinda leaning towards the classics cuz thinner wheel better for fliptricks but the bones are a bit cheaper

Have you had Bones and Spitfire F4 before?

They are both very good wheels, but also so very different in how they feel and ride.

I am a Spitfire guy myself, but I know a lot of people ride Bones as they are the longest lasting and least likely to flatspot of everything, even if it is by a very slim margin compared to F4s.

[rocklobster]

hey guys, was in a bit of a dilemma
skate mostly street, looking for a bigger wheel (skate 53s atm) so im stuck between

bones stf 99a v5 55mm
or
Spitfire F4 99a classic 55mm

kinda leaning towards the classics cuz thinner wheel better for fliptricks but the bones are a bit cheaper

Spitfire for my money, but the skinniness of the classics could be an issue for crusty roads. If the Spitfire 97a is available those seem to be the more popular option.

[moonordie]

Expand Quote

hey guys, was in a bit of a dilemma
skate mostly street, looking for a bigger wheel (skate 53s atm) so im stuck between

bones stf 99a v5 55mm
or
Spitfire F4 99a classic 55mm

kinda leaning towards the classics cuz thinner wheel better for fliptricks but the bones are a bit cheaper

[close]

Spitfire for my money, but the skinniness of the classics could be an issue for crusty roads. If the Spitfire 97a is available those seem to be the more popular option.

+ 1 on this.
F4 97 classics is what you want. If is not an option I would go for those 99 Bones.

[Madam, I'm Adam]

Yeah, I've been skating the 97a F4s for mainly street skating, and can attest that they're solid wheels. Haven't had any issues with their durability, they're not slow, etc.

I did just decide to do something completely different, and I bought some Autobahn dual duro wheels. Never had Autobahns or dual duros before, so I'm interested to see how they compare to the Spits because I've been skating F4s for years. And honestly, I miss skating white wheels.

[Smoothbrain1]

Don’t ever buy bones wheels unless you like going slow.
I can hear someone rolling on bones before I even see them because the sound they make is so dull and sluggish.

[big_kev_215]

Has anyone skated 58s with no risers on Indies or Aces?  I picked up some 58 mm Spitfire F4 OG classics.  I was planning on throwing them on my next setup with some Indy standards or Ace classics.  I usually get wheelbite anyway - just curious if the board will be rideable haha or if I need to invest in some risers.  On some 54s now and I’m feeling the bigger wheels

[PhantomBased]

Interested to hear what other people are riding other than Spits or Bones. Did a search and was surprised there wasn't a thread for other wheel manus. There is a great selection of smaller brands... Autobahn, OJ, Broadcast, Paradise, Pusher, SML, PFC, Type S, etc. Definitely interested to hear what people are skating.

Currently on these on these SML Herrington 53 Wides and I love them. They were a little slick for my tastes at first but after a few sessions they're perfect. For anyone that prefers wider wheels they are great:



Just finished up on OJ Dela 53. Wasn't a big fan of them on first ride, but gave them a revisit and I was pretty psyched:





I have these up next, Satori Guru 54:

Just got done skating some nomads for the past four or five months and I really really loved them if you’re looking for a softer will definitely give them a try they don’t slide very good though at least I couldn’t really slide them. Ricta wides I’m skating right now I didn’t think I’d like them but they’re actually a pretty decent will probably comparable to a Spitfire conical I think they use OJs formula somehow cos they’re on nhs. The last wheels I had before all these were oj nomads the regular shape, I really do like this formula. I’m sure there are faster wheels but they lasted forever and never flat spotted. Hope you find something you like! I wanna try satori wheels and acid chemical wheels Donovan rice skates them and swears by them so worth a shot

[Rubbrick]

I’ve been strictly skating f4’s for the past 5~ Years, or however long it’s been since they came out. I decided to try some OJ elite 99’s, hardline shape and they’re actually really good wheels. Fast, grippy, but slide when you need them too and more longer lasting/durable than f4’s. I haven’t been able to flat spot them and they don’t wear down as fast as f4’s. And they’re bleach white (and stay that way) for people who don’t like the brown tint of f4’s. I still consider myself a spitfire guy, but I would definitely ride another pair of OJ elites

[switchfrontshuv]

Expand Quote

hey guys, was in a bit of a dilemma
skate mostly street, looking for a bigger wheel (skate 53s atm) so im stuck between

bones stf 99a v5 55mm
or
Spitfire F4 99a classic 55mm

kinda leaning towards the classics cuz thinner wheel better for fliptricks but the bones are a bit cheaper

[close]

Have you had Bones and Spitfire F4 before?

They are both very good wheels, but also so very different in how they feel and ride.

I am a Spitfire guy myself, but I know a lot of people ride Bones as they are the longest lasting and least likely to flatspot of everything, even if it is by a very slim margin compared to F4s.

I have had f4 101a and bones 103a stf, since I used to skate harder wheels.
Right now I have some 99a SML ag formula v-cuts and theyre pretty sticky so I want some 99s that actually slide.
I guess my main thing is do bones slide somewhat well as f4s? or are they a lot more sticky (feel like spitfire og formula)

[bombsaway86]

Has anyone skated 58s with no risers on Indies or Aces?  I picked up some 58 mm Spitfire F4 OG classics.  I was planning on throwing them on my next setup with some Indy standards or Ace classics.  I usually get wheelbite anyway - just curious if the board will be rideable haha or if I need to invest in some risers.  On some 54s now and I’m feeling the bigger wheels

I skated SPF 58s on some Ace 44s with no risers a few years back and had no issues. Stock bushings, medium loose, 8.5 deck

[Banned from the room]

I would like a 66mm f4. That would be the sickest

[Sativa Lung]

Ended up getting 53mm slime balls and I'm pretty happy with that decision. They're really, really good. Fast as hell and just soft enough to float over cracks and be comfortable. And they slide really well to boot. Now if this weather would fuck off so I can actually skate them...

I have had f4 101a and bones 103a stf, since I used to skate harder wheels.
Right now I have some 99a SML ag formula v-cuts and theyre pretty sticky so I want some 99s that actually slide.
I guess my main thing is do bones slide somewhat well as f4s? or are they a lot more sticky (feel like spitfire og formula)

Bones 99a feel a little sticky, especially on rougher ground. They do slide pretty well on smooth ground but it's definitely a different, softer feel. Haven't tried the 103 in a long time.

[Gray Imp Sausage Metal]

A new contender has entered the ring?
Who is doing their thane⁇

[Sk.A.T.A.N]

A new contender has entered the ring?
Who is doing their thane⁇

I came to ask the same. They look really good!

[big_kev_215]

Expand Quote

Has anyone skated 58s with no risers on Indies or Aces?  I picked up some 58 mm Spitfire F4 OG classics.  I was planning on throwing them on my next setup with some Indy standards or Ace classics.  I usually get wheelbite anyway - just curious if the board will be rideable haha or if I need to invest in some risers.  On some 54s now and I’m feeling the bigger wheels

[close]

I skated SPF 58s on some Ace 44s with no risers a few years back and had no issues. Stock bushings, medium loose, 8.5 deck

Word - thanks.  Might need to tighten my trucks a little but I’m gonna give it a shot.

[TheCrimsonShroud]

Not to sound like a moron, but I’m thinking I’m not digging my wheels because the patch is so big. I’m looking at some Bones V5s or V2s. Would it be easier to keep speed and pop some shit with smaller/narrower wheels?

[Painted Baby]

Not to sound like a moron, but I’m thinking I’m not digging my wheels because the patch is so big. I’m looking at some Bones V5s or V2s. Would it be easier to keep speed and pop some shit with smaller/narrower wheels?

Wide wheels are better at keeping speed on rough surfaces. Pop is mostly gonna be effected by height and weight of the wheel. The streets near me are not particularly smooth so I need a wider contact patch but don't wanna monster truck it. 22mm is where I am not having to push a whole bunch all the time. I like Tablets because the patch is wide but the wheel is not. Here's a chart of the Bones line up with patches and widths to help with your madness:
https://bones.com/why/street-tech-formula/

[TheCrimsonShroud]

Expand Quote

Not to sound like a moron, but I’m thinking I’m not digging my wheels because the patch is so big. I’m looking at some Bones V5s or V2s. Would it be easier to keep speed and pop some shit with smaller/narrower wheels?

[close]

Wide wheels are better at keeping speed on rough surfaces. Pop is mostly gonna be effected by height and weight of the wheel. The streets near me are not particularly smooth so I need a wider contact patch but don't wanna monster truck it. 22mm is where I am not having to push a whole bunch all the time. I like Tablets because the patch is wide but the wheel is not. Here's a chart of the Bones line up with patches and widths to help with your madness:
https://bones.com/why/street-tech-formula/

You’re on my gnar list. Thank you. I was looking at the tablets as well. I have a lot of crust, but I also have a wider setup with some cruisers on. Was thinking about something for my local-ish park. I currently have some Slimeball Vomit Minis but they’re so chunky. They’re kind of in the Jack of all trades, master of none category.

[Sundaynuggets]

@Buttfart Rapedick i sold @Sundaynuggets my 54mm VEE 95a NFG wheels and he's been sliding on them a bunch, he says. Maybe he can chime in some more on that - and compared to 97a I think he's rode too.

Did find TOO MUCH of a benefit with the 95a over 97a from my limited usage and small selection of spots/pavement.

Sorry, just saw this!

The 95a NFG slide fine for power slides and stuff like that. They also slide well enough on ledges but stick a little if you hit the ledge weird, but are mostly fine. They do take some of the rattle off of crust, which is nice, and are noticeably easier to skate for distance (I skate for miles around the city) than NFG’s harder formula (which I also like a lot).

They feel slightly softer than the F4, 97a but the F4 break into slides easier, especially the classic shape. The F4 comical full feels fairly similar, slide wise, to the NFG 95 but maybe just a hair grippier.

Anyway, I’m pretty psyched about having some options for wheels that slide reasonably well but are also a little softer than the normal 99/101’s. I definitely want to try the NFG 95a formula in their teardrop shape, to see how that slides, since the F4 classic seems to slide better than the comical full for me. Curious if the same will hold true for the teardrop vs Vee shape

[TheCrimsonShroud]

Expand Quote

Not to sound like a moron, but I’m thinking I’m not digging my wheels because the patch is so big. I’m looking at some Bones V5s or V2s. Would it be easier to keep speed and pop some shit with smaller/narrower wheels?

[close]

I switched back to skinny contact patch after riding conical fulls. the big contact patch never really worked for me. I tried V3 slims which were cool and then back to classic shape F4. it might just be weight though, the conical fulls were fully 140g heavier in 52 than the classics and the bones were even lighter

I think weight is a part of it. Right now I have Venture 5.8s on a fairly flat 8.5” board and I’m having issues popping good, especially at speed. The more I type the less it seems like the wheels though.

[backinaction]

anyone ride bones SPF? either 81b or 84b

wondering how they would compare to F4/101 in a brand new smooth cement park

I have two sets of SPF 84b in the 56mm P5 shape, both new and worn down to 55mm.  I also have 54mm F4 101 conical and previously had 55mm lock-ins.  I skate a super smooth park that is about 3 years old.

SPF are faster.  Hands down the fastest wheel I have used. Stick some ceramic or Bones Swiss in them and go.  BUT.... they are a bit less grippy.  I took them off my setups for winter because I didn't want to be skating them when the temps were in the 30s.  I put them back on a couple weeks ago and the first session I had a number of big pumps that had my back wheels get squirrly.  I had one bail because of it, but within a few sessions I'm back to full speed and confidence.   I really do love these. Probably doesn't need to be said, but these are absolute garbage outside the park.  Just don't. 

F4 101 are a better all around wheel.  They are 97-98% as fast, have better grip and can be skated outside the park.

Does that last 2-3% speed matter?  It's nice. I like it. I feel marginally less tired on longer runs. 

Both are great wheels and I have boards built up with both in my car most of the time.  These days I'm skating the SPF more, but if SPF didn't exist I could be quite happy with the F4 101. 

I also skate and like STF 83s, and I have but don't care for F4 99s at the smooth parks.

[bombsaway86]

anyone ride bones SPF? either 81b or 84b

wondering how they would compare to F4/101 in a brand new smooth cement park

Backinaction summed it up pretty well.

I have had several sets of both the SPF 84b and 81b (always p5 sidecut shape) and recently got my first pair of F4s.

Nothing is faster than the 84b on smooth surfaces. The last pair I had seemed grippier than previous sets, but I’ve still slipped out and eaten shit plenty of times. I don’t like skating brand new parks with them, but once the park is a few months old and the initial slickness is gone they are hard to beat. Another complaint that a lot of people have is that they feel like plastic. It feels like riding a board from Walmart.

The 81b is my preferred SPF. They are almost as fast as the 84b, but the increased grip and less plasticy feel make them more enjoyable to skate. They are much better on brand new slick concrete too.

I’m currently riding Formula 4 OG classics 58mm 99 duro. They are right there with the 81b SPF in terms of speed. Compared to the 81b I find they are a little less grippy on smooth concrete and a little more grippy on the dusty skatelite ramp that I ride. I also really like that they don’t feel like plastic. I don’t ride outside of the park much, but the F4s are actually usable outside the park.

I personally prefer the Spitfires, but for a brand new concrete park either the 99 duro F4 or 81b SPF would be great. I can’t speak on the 101 duro F4s because I haven’t had a pair yet. I’d say in a few months when the park doesn’t have the glossy shine to it anymore, give the 84b a go and have fun hauling ass.

[bombsaway86]

thanks for the info on the SPF. I have f4/99 right now and they seem a bit sluggish in the new park near me. but they are also small and probably worn down to sub 50mm at this point. I am focusing on only skating this new park for the summer so I wanted to optimize this next set of wheels.

one other question... how is SPF on skatelite?

You’ll want at least 54mm wheels you’re skating transition at the new park. SPF is good on skatelite providing it’s clean. If it’s not clean it’s like skating on ice. The F4s do a lot better on dirty skatelite

[manysnakes]

anyone ride bones SPF? either 81b or 84b

wondering how they would compare to F4/101 in a brand new smooth cement park

I have the Bones SPD 84b wheels, 56mm, and I'll echo the other commenters here - absolute fastest wheel you can skate in a smooth skatepark. I had a different experience with grip, where I felt that they gripped better in the bowl than my "all around" wheels ever did.

Anyway, I don't skate them much, because I don't go to parks very often, but if I lived down in SoCal where every park has glass-smooth surface, I'd be on those wheels every day. They're markedly better than anything else in the category.

[bombsaway86]

thanks for the info about bones. sort of related, maybe...

do different wheel brands perform better in hot conditions? like 95F+  like bones vs. spitfire vs. other brand

or are they all about the same, and its more a matter of duro?

I am assuming softer wheels get softer and slower... but I guess I dont know how much "worse" it gets? or if a really hard wheel also softens up enough to notice

I might be stuck in AZ for a month in the summer, and where im at now is having a heat wave as well

SPF isn’t affected by heat. F4 I barely notice a difference. All other wheels I have skated, yes.

Durometer is definitely the determining factor, which is why SPFs are unaffected by heat. Haven’t tried the F4 101s but I would think the heat probably doesn’t have much effect based on how little the 99s are affected.

Bones also have some other voodoo magic going on too because the DTF wheels never got slower on really hot days and they were 95a