Got to try the new Bones/PP formula in 95a (I'll call it SSF). I definitely like these more than the 97a (which were too hard for me).
In terms of what they feel like:
SSF 97a = ~103a
SSF 95a = ~101a
SSF 93a = ???? (guessing they will feel like 98-99a?)
SSF 90a = ???? (guessing they will feel like 95-96a?)
The SSF 95a are definitely slightly harder than F4 99a. The 95a is where it starts to become a bit more versatile for skating streets (unlike the 97a in my opinion). If I had to guess, the 93a is probably going to be the wheel that catches on as it will probably feel a lot more like a 99a.
All the good attributes of the 97a still apply to the 95a, except the wheel can handle a bit more crust. Still a very fast wheel on smooth streets. Still powerspins/reverts really nicely (with slightly more grip than the 97a). Super fun revert with a satisfying vibrating "bark" that is really addictive. You have to try them to feel what I'm talking about.
While F4s have the slide we all are familiar with, these new wheels have a more fun vibrating bark to them while reverting that feels smooth while still biting the ground with traction. The powerslide is still a bit hard to initiate though.
My main complaint about the 95a (and 97a) is that while they maintain speed on street SURFACES better than the hard wheels they mimic, they struggle with sidewalk cracks and foreign objects the same as a hard wheel. I think the 95a does a sufficient job with that stuff, but still not quite as good as F4 99a. F4 99a sort of "bounce" up cracks, while these "clack" up them.
I think the SSF 93a will be my wheel personally. I'm so excited to eventually try it. I'm a huge fan of Bones wheels, and I'm glad they are finally making some decent wheels again that are under 103a.
As an overview of the SSF 95a:
+ Feels exactly like a hard 100-101a wheel
+ Rides smooth streets fast like a hard Bones wheel
+ Maintains speed on rough SURFACES slightly better than a hard wheel
+ Grips better than a hard wheel, but can still powerslide
+ Does not slip out or lose traction during powerslides
+ Has a brilliant spin/revert that feels and sounds amazing
- Vibrates your feet on rough surfaces the same as a 100-101a wheel (again, it feels exactly like a hard durometer)
- Handles cracks/objects (rolling over things) the same as a hard wheel
- Takes more effort to initiate powerslides than I would like
I'm starting to learn to powerslide these a bit better. I feel like you can slide F4 99s and STF 103s with whatever form you want... these feel like you actually have to dig your heels in a bit and maybe widen your stance (proper form, I guess).
But yeah... Generally what I am trying to say is don't be scared off by the durometers that they list for the wheels, because they are essentially inaccurate to what they feel like. Its a bit of a mindfuck for finding the right durometer, but if we can figure out the general consensus on each durometer it will make things easier. I think these wheels will have a good following if they can get the right durometers in the right hands.
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OH also **major disclaimer**. The wheels I've been skating have been the Bones ATF shape (with the hard black hub core in the center). The actual release will NOT be hubbed, so they might feel pretty different from what I am describing. No idea if they will make them feel softer or what, but honestly feeling softer would probably benefit the 97a and 95a in my eyes.
Let me know if anyone has any questions about the 95a or 97a.