Wheels Thread

[logjammin]

after skating these v8 x97's more I find them to actually be a bit slippery sometimes. my old formula 97a spitfires never slipped out whatsoever but they were so much more sluggish compared to these so it's a trade off.

[DNTRODDEN]

after skating these v8 x97's more I find them to actually be a bit slippery sometimes. my old formula 97a spitfires never slipped out whatsoever but they were so much more sluggish compared to these so it's a trade off.

100% my impression as well, I have moved to the x99 and I am really liking it, my feet are having to adjust to the increased "chatter", it seems to be worse on smother concrete, my normal park the surface is in the mid ground with some larger crakes and seams, but I went to a new park with really smooth 'crete, and my feet ached a lot more

[Lou Strux]

I went to a new park with really smooth 'crete, and my feet ached...

Feet soft as baby turds, yo'!

[DNTRODDEN]

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I went to a new park with really smooth 'crete, and my feet ached...

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Feet soft as baby turds, yo'!

YUP!!!!

LoL, I think it was the different "frequency" of the vibration, but the short of it is, I have old, beat up feets, with way too many miles on them, but they are getting better

[Lou Strux]

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I went to a new park with really smooth 'crete, and my feet ached...

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Feet soft as baby turds, yo'!

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YUP!!!!

LoL, I think it was the different "frequency" of the vibration, but the short of it is, I have old, beat up feets, with way too many miles on them, but they are getting better

Respek!

[Creachteach]

https://i.ibb.co/ycGVWSr4/PXL-20260428-201306147.jpg[/img]

Damn, those are some fat wheels.
I kinda want some.
I have three sets of 56mm Xformula.
V6 X97, V6 X99, and my newest and so far favorite V7 X99.
I did have F4 99 57mm radials, but I slid too much on our dusty indoor. Xformula have remedied this. I use X97 for cold temperatures. I’ve probably gotten good enough to ride the F4s now. But that’s thanks to the Xformula.

I went kind of quiver, and am working to reduce my fold to just the cruiser and an allround board.

[moykky]

I'm going to buy new wheels, X97 or F4 93. I've had X97 before, they were ok, sometimes I wished they would slide better on slides where wheels need to slide too. I have X99 wheels and they slide well, but are...hard wheels.

So, are F4 93 (soft sliders) any better than the X97 in nose-/tail slides, etc...? Or is it just that they're softer wheels and you can't get everything -type of situation?

[rocklobster]

Haven't ridden the 93a in a bit but the X97 I'm on now definitely feel a bit slower and grippier than I'd like. They also sound like a softer wheel but pop like a hard-ish wheel. My experience with the 93a that it felt like a harder and faster X97, like a X99 with a softer ride.

[MonsPubis]

I'm going to buy new wheels, X97 or F4 93. I've had X97 before, they were ok, sometimes I wished they would slide better on slides where wheels need to slide too. I have X99 wheels and they slide well, but are...hard wheels.

So, are F4 93 (soft sliders) any better than the X97 in nose-/tail slides, etc...? Or is it just that they're softer wheels and you can't get everything -type of situation?

93s slide way better imo

[rob]

Any opinions on the x95?

[rocklobster]

Any opinions on the x95?

Think of them as a harder 93a Dragon without the bouncy thud of a cruise wheel. Slide and grip was on par with the x97. I'd gladly ride them again for a rough asphalt spot or crustier park.

[rikki]

Pals with experience with both the X99 and the F4 99: is the latter significantly faster on smooth ground / concrete or the difference negligible?

[Fast_Freddie]

Pals with experience with both the X99 and the F4 99: is the latter significantly faster on smooth ground / concrete or the difference negligible?

To me speed was moot between the two, however the x99 slide/bark seemed to be a tad inconsistent for me

[bombsaway86]

Pals with experience with both the X99 and the F4 99: is the latter significantly faster on smooth ground / concrete or the difference negligible?

It’s about the same, F4 might be a little faster. The x99s feel slower when they’re brand new, but once you break them in they feel really good. I’m a Spitfire guy, but my x99 setup has been getting a lot of use lately

[Barack Hussein]

Whadup just figured I’d holler with some info on my recent x97s. I got the new v8 shape in 56mm. Had em for about a week now and dig em lots in tha streets. They are actually rad for ripping around town and dinkin lil street spots along the way.

To me they feel, in rougher street terrain, the way that f4 99a feels so good on nice concrete. Quite right. I will say, they definitely aren’t like full on crust busta cruising tho. Haggard pavement will still rattle ya brain. It’s more that it just makes mild crust feel like you actually belong on it.

Only had one sesh at the park which was fine, but not outstanding as I was more just getting used to new sensations after over a year on the same gear. They felt noticeably a bit softer (but not by anything crazy) than the f4 99a I’ve been on. A tad grippier in icy spray paint bowl which was most welcome.

The slide felt really good to me even at the park, but yeah you probably lose a little bit of the satisfying screech. Slide in the streets is righteous tho.

I actually find these x97 to be harder than the very first batch that came out a few years ago that only had the black graphic on it. In my mind I remember them feeling like less “dense” or something? They used to be more natural potato looking too. This new one feels a little more bonesy and white looking.

Ultimately I’m enjoying so far. Had a great street exploration the other day. Gonna try and ride them to the point that I forget what im riding lol.

[logjammin]

yeah I'm relying on the bus/skating everywhere on vacay right now with the v8 x97's and they definitely still feel like a normal hard wheel for the most part, I don't get that soggy feeling like dragons. I actually kinda wish they were a tad softer for handling really rough ground, and they're kinda slippery. but I really don't care for more madness these days so I'm not gonna go buy x95's now and start obsessing. these are still a great wheel, I'm gonna keep them on all summer.

[DeanMaple]

Any words on OJs Nomads 95a?

[SwitchBenihana]

TGM seems to be having a Memorial Day sale and I was checking out some SML wheels they have.

There is an Austyn wheel that looks like a Bones V5 with a side cut to it. Anyone skated this shape?

The wider Mike Arnold shape is just a Conical Full right? Or is it more like a Radial? Hard to tell in the pics.

[Slugboi22]

TGM seems to be having a Memorial Day sale and I was checking out some SML wheels they have.

There is an Austyn wheel that looks like a Bones V5 with a side cut to it. Anyone skated this shape?

The wider Mike Arnold shape is just a Conical Full right? Or is it more like a Radial? Hard to tell in the pics.

I skated some SMLs for a fair bit (you can buy discounted wheels direct from them for pretty cheap). The AG formula is super solid and if it’s the shape i’m thinking of, it’s relatively close to a conical. If you are real specific about riding surface, etc., their site should have the measurements if you go look at one of their “grocery bag” wheels. I didn’t try the mike arnold’s, but i imagine it’s just a conical full essentially.

[rocklobster]

TGM seems to be having a Memorial Day sale and I was checking out some SML wheels they have.

There is an Austyn wheel that looks like a Bones V5 with a side cut to it. Anyone skated this shape?

The wider Mike Arnold shape is just a Conical Full right? Or is it more like a Radial? Hard to tell in the pics.

SML is a good non-spitfire non-bones alternative, especially the AG (Austyn Gillette formula), they only do OG Wide (classic) or V-Cut (conical) shapes. The AG formula wheels are good, similar to the SFW or Classic formula from Spitfire, the OG formula is really hard like a Bones STF 103a - double check the wheel model against the SML website so you get the right one.

https://smlwheels.com/products/mike-arnold-lucidity-series-54mm-v-cut

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i’m between SML OG formula in the V-cut shape or OJ chubbies in 99a for my next wheel. Does anyone have experience with either?! i do a lot of slides and skate a parking structure with slick ground so im looking for something with decent grip to slide ratio! i’ve skated Spit f4 in 99a, 101a, and 97a in numerous sizes and shapes but im looking to try something new! :-)

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The OG formula does feel like a Bones STF and is fast for smooth terrain, but too hard for anything rougher.

I prefer the AG formula for street skating, grippier and more forgiving for rougher spots.

Both have a good slide.

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what are some decent wheels with a ton of offset?
looking to make a setup with trucks smaller than the deck

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Mike Arnold's Sml. wheels are extra wide but not offset. He loves them and swears by them. 56mm 99A.

(3rd slide shows the width)

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@cliff what does AG formula mean vs. the old formula?

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This. And does one of them work well on slippery wood ramps?

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The new OJs feel way less icy, so now I can blame like 3% of those f4 slams on a personal gear mismatch and keep the madness alive.

Do you know how sml wheels compare to f4 in terms of grip? Cheers

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Ha, yeah definitely got to try some out and see what works.

I have had / seen two different types of SML wheels and both were good / no issues, but I didn't skate them much and passed them on to others who needed wheels, more so because I usually ride and feel most comfortable on Spitfires.

One set was very white, which seemed harder at first, the other set more milky, and was a bit softer / had more grip.  I guess being one of the many brands who use other wheels, it is just one of those things.

See this post for the slight differences, not counting the coloured wheels at the end.

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So the ones with the flowers on the left are our AG formula (made specific Austyn) from Creative Urethane which is closer to a Spitfire Classic. They have a more traditional feel with a little bit easier slide-ability.

The other ones on the right are our OG formula from Aend They are closer to a Bones STF. They have a high rebound so they won't flat spot it doesn't have to do with the hardness as much as the high quality of urethane . So they do take a little more effort on the slide but I personally love them.

The duro is the same 99a on both but they both have their own feel.

I hope this info is helpful and thanks for the support!!

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From what I've read:

AG - Similar to Spitfire OG formula, like a 99a
OG - Similar to Darkstar Master Urethane formula, like a 101a

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This is spot on. Appreciate the love everyone!

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Good if you're itching to try something new at the discounted price.

[Mbrimson88]

Any words on OJs Nomads 95a?

There are a number of posts about them if you search "nomad" in this thread, nothing that really stands out though.

The two main ones that come to mind when looking through the search list are these, so as per my own experience, not a bad wheel, but not that great either.

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So this "slime tech" is OJs soft-wheel-that-slides urethane? Interesting if so...

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These are definitely just the 95a nomad formula wheels with a special graphic and color. Not a bad wheel at all, but feels inferior compared to all the new Bones and Spitfire soft slide wheels

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Possibly reviving a beaten-to-death old horse, but is the general consensus around here that the OJ Nomad 95s suck ass?

Asking for a friend, for real. He's drank some weird Kool-aid.

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They’re not bad, but I feel like Dragons/X formula/Soft Slide wheels have made them obsolete

* Adding this one too, round off the top three, for a slightly different perspective:

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Has anyone used the OJ Nomad for curb skating? I usually use my Spitfire classics for curbs as I like the round shape. But I have a pair laying around and wanted to know people’s experience with them before I switch them out.

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I’ve had a few sets. They’re a decent “soft-side-of-hard” wheel, but I always feel like the skinny shape is weird for riding crust. That said, they do give you some extra space in the middle because they’re narrow, so they’re actually not too bad for curbs, in my opinion.

[DeanMaple]

Are u an angel?

Thanx man !

[Mbrimson88]

Are u an angel?

Thanx man !

Ha no chance,  but I do like to help anyone with skateboard info when I have the time.

All good - at least they were easy to find on here and just do the copy paste on the computer.

[frank]

should i get spitfire 93s? I've been skating classic 99s for the last year and they are about done. I really only skate skateparks and parking lots, are the 93s even needed??

[DNTRODDEN]

should i get spitfire 93s? I've been skating classic 99s for the last year and they are about done. I really only skate skateparks and parking lots, are the 93s even needed??

IMHO that is huge leap in hardness....if the 99s are working why change?
I loved my x95, x & F4 97s, and really loving my X99 as well as my Cones 99, the Cones might be the best non F4/X wheels I have ridden

[theloniousmonk]

should i get spitfire 93s? I've been skating classic 99s for the last year and they are about done. I really only skate skateparks and parking lots, are the 93s even needed??

Parking lots yes skatepark maybe. One thing about the 93s at parks is that they are so slick and any nose/tail slide or revert trick is met with minimal resistance. And that is very fun. The trade off is the pop feel, and if it’s a tranny park idk because they will break free into power slides with any amount of speed. Maybe when you don’t want. But I love them.

[bombsaway86]

should i get spitfire 93s? I've been skating classic 99s for the last year and they are about done. I really only skate skateparks and parking lots, are the 93s even needed??

You’d be better off with x97s. If the parking lots you ride aren’t too crusty, then the x99 might work for you. My setup with x99s has been getting used a lot more than any other board in my quiver lately

[rob]

Anyone know the difference between the dragon 97 and the x formula 97?

So far as I’ve observed from the Chris Hiett video they seem like a softer quieter x97

I’m real curious cause it’s in the shape I love the v7 double locks and I’ve been on a crazy thing for these x formulas cause they fit exactly what I needed in a wheel(soft enough to eat up terrain, rolls long and fast, and can slide on command not just from speed like the old days)

Also have they updated the spit 93 yet to be any close to x formulas? I have an old set on my dlx setup and they’re decent but I wonder if they updated them recently to be softer, faster, and still slide like a f4

Mine are from probably a year or 2 ago btw

[DNTRODDEN]

Anyone know the difference between the dragon 97 and the x formula 97?

So far as I’ve observed from the Chris Hiett video they seem like a softer quieter x97

I’m real curious cause it’s in the shape I love the v7 double locks and I’ve been on a crazy thing for these x formulas cause they fit exactly what I needed in a wheel(soft enough to eat up terrain, rolls long and fast, and can slide on command not just from speed like the old days)

Also have they updated the spit 93 yet to be any close to x formulas? I have an old set on my dlx setup and they’re decent but I wonder if they updated them recently to be softer, faster, and still slide like a f4

Mine are from probably a year or 2 ago btw

Dragon Formula has a "softer" feel, made for higher crust
XFormula will fill "harder" slide closer to a normal wheel, and hold a bit more speed

This is from my observation on the 97s of each, I have moved to X99 as my go-to wheel
along with a set of 99 Cones that ride extremely well on 1 set up

[minilogoflow]

Anyone know the difference between the dragon 97 and the x formula 97?

So far as I’ve observed from the Chris Hiett video they seem like a softer quieter x97

I’m real curious cause it’s in the shape I love the v7 double locks and I’ve been on a crazy thing for these x formulas cause they fit exactly what I needed in a wheel(soft enough to eat up terrain, rolls long and fast, and can slide on command not just from speed like the old days)

Also have they updated the spit 93 yet to be any close to x formulas? I have an old set on my dlx setup and they’re decent but I wonder if they updated them recently to be softer, faster, and still slide like a f4

Mine are from probably a year or 2 ago btw

The only difference between the x formula and dragons are the logos they put on the wheel, they're both powell wheels at the end of the day. I have a recent batch of the spit 93s and they feel like a grippier and slightly more forgiving f499 and not how soft the dragon / x formulas are.