Spitfire Wheels, a brand synonymous with quality and performance in the skateboarding world, has been a staple since its founding in 1987 by Jim Thiebaud. Part of the Deluxe Distribution, alongside brands like Venture and Thunder trucks, Spitfire quickly gained recognition with its iconic flaming head logo and commitment to producing high-quality urethane wheels known for their speed and control. This article delves into the world of Spitfire wheels, exploring their performance, various types, durometer explanations, and the specifics of their renowned Formula Four series, helping you choose the perfect set for your skateboarding style.
Spitfire Wheels Performance: Durability and Reliability
Spitfire Bighead skateboard wheelsSpitfire wheels are highly regarded for their exceptional performance and durability. Skaters often find the initial investment worthwhile due to the lasting performance. While there’s an adjustment period with new wheels, Spitfire’s quality is consistently rated among the best, rivaling even brands like Bones. Users report minimal flat spotting, even after frequent power slides and intense use, with wear typically around 1-2 millimeters after several months of consistent skating. This level of durability makes Spitfire a favorite among serious skaters. Some minor coning may occur, but rotating the wheels helps to prolong their life and maintain consistent performance.
How Long Do Spitfire Wheels Last?
The lifespan of Spitfire wheels depends largely on the frequency of use and the skating surface. Daily use on asphalt may see them last over two seasons, while skating solely on concrete can extend their life for many years. Regularly rotating your wheels can help to extend their lifespan and prevent uneven wear, maximizing their performance.
Why Are Spitfire Wheels So Expensive?
The higher price point of Spitfire wheels reflects their superior quality and durability. They are constructed with high-grade polyurethane, which not only ensures a smoother ride, but also increases their lifespan by two to three times compared to cheaper alternatives, making them a worthwhile investment for dedicated skaters.
The Three Main Types of Spitfire Wheels
Since 2010, Spitfire has focused on three primary types of urethane wheels, each designed to cater to different skating styles:
- Spitfire OG Classics: Known for their traditional shape and hardness.
- Spitfire Chargers: Designed for cruising, with a softer durometer.
- Spitfire Formula Four: A high-performance series known for its durability and varied shapes.
Spitfire and Bones are often seen as competitors in the skateboard wheel market, with both offering top-tier quality and performance. While Spitfire wheels are designed to resist flat spotting, aggressive powerslides on rough surfaces can still cause them.
The Spitfire OG Classics
Spitfire OG skateboard wheelsThe OG Classics are the original Spitfire wheel, dating back to the 90s. These wheels feature a hard composition, a wide riding surface, and a distinct cutaway shape, making them a staple for skaters. Although initially designed for street skating, the OG Classics are also popular among transition and bowl riders. They are available in two durometers: 99a, ideal for street, and 101a, which is better suited for park skating.
The Spitfire Chargers
The Spitfire Chargers are the softest wheels in the Spitfire line, typically around 80HD durometer and available in 54mm, 55mm, and 56mm sizes. These wheels are perfect for cruising and navigating rougher terrains, such as cracks and uneven surfaces. What sets them apart is their anti-flex technology, providing more rigidity than other soft wheels and allowing for a smoother ride while still enabling tricks.
The Spitfire Formula Four
Spitfire classics and formula four conical wheelsThe Formula Four is Spitfire’s latest series, offering seven distinct shapes, each designed for specific skating styles. The series focuses on high-end abrasion resistance to prevent flat spots, making them perfect for technical street and park skating. These wheels prioritize speed and control, enabling skaters to maintain high speeds with enhanced maneuverability.
Understanding Spitfire Durometer
Durometer measures a wheel’s hardness. It’s measured on a scale from 1 to 101, and the higher the number, the harder the wheel. The scale uses letters, with ‘A’ being the standard scale and ‘B’ for very hard wheels. Spitfire wheels range from 80a (soft) to 101a (very hard).
Spitfire Durometer Numbers and Letters Meaning
spitfire formula four classics 97AThe durometer rating is a critical factor in choosing the right wheel. A lower durometer like 80a provides more grip and is better for cruising, while higher durometers like 101a provide less grip but offer faster speeds and are better for tricks. The letter ‘A’ represents the standard scale, with 80a being soft and 101a being very hard. The ‘B’ scale is not commonly used by Spitfire.
Spitfire Durometer Color Code Meaning
Spitfire uses a color-coding system to help customers quickly identify wheel hardness:
| Spitfire Wheel Color | Durometer | Designed for |
|---|---|---|
| Light Blue | 80a Durometer (or 80HD) | Cruising, minor tricks |
| Light Blue/Light Red | 92a-95a Durometer | Transition, park skating |
| Yellow | 99a Durometer | All-around skating |
| Blue | 99a Durometer | All-around skating |
| Red | 101a Durometer | Street skating |
| Green | 101a Durometer | Street skating |
The Seven Different Spitfire Formula Four Wheels
The Formula Four series from Spitfire is known for its diverse range of shapes, each designed for a particular style of skateboarding.
Spitfire Formula Four Classic
spitfire classicsThe Formula Four Classic retains the classic round edge design and responsive slide, while incorporating the high-performance benefits of the Formula Four urethane. It features the narrowest riding surface, ranging from 19mm for the 52mm model to 21mm for the 56mm, making it the ideal choice for technical street skating and is often touted as “the number 1 shape in skateboarding worldwide.”
Spitfire Formula Four Lock-In
The Lock-In shape is designed for skaters who love grinding, featuring an asymmetrical shape that facilitates locking into grinds, and a cut profile on the inside that matches the coping perfectly. The round edge on the outside supports scoop heavy tricks. These wheels excel in street skating, but are also a great option for mini ramp enthusiasts.
Spitfire Formula Four Tablet
The Tablets have a straight cut and thin profile, yet a wide riding surface, providing skaters with long-lasting speed. Available in 51-55mm sizes, they are very popular among transition and bowl riders and are known for their excellent ability to slide, preventing flat spots during power slides.
Spitfire Formula Four Radial
The Radial is one of the roundest wheels on the market. Its seamless edge provides high control and responsiveness, making for a smooth and maneuverable setup. Great for flat ground and technical skating, the round cut helps with effortless scoop tricks and excellent impact handling.
Spitfire Formula Four Radial Slim
The Radial Slim is a thinner version of the Radial, providing more control and speed. It offers ultra-responsive slides and is popular among street and technical skaters, with sizes ranging from 51mm to 56mm.
Spitfire Formula Four Conical
The Conical is the lightest wheel offered by Spitfire. Its hand-cut conical shape provides amazing responsiveness and smooth ride, ideal for ledge and manual skating. It’s also a great option for smaller or lighter skaters who have trouble popping their tricks high off the ground.
Spitfire Formula Four Conical Full
spitfire skateboard wheels Formula Four Conical FullThe Conical Full has the widest riding surface out of all Spitfire wheels, providing the longest speed and durability within the Formula Four series, making them very popular among bowl riders. They also work well for beginner skaters, thanks to their stability, and are available in 52mm to 58mm sizes.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Spitfire Wheels
Spitfire’s extensive catalog can make selecting the right wheel seem daunting, but starting with the Classics is always a safe choice. Spitfire wheels are among the best in the skateboarding world. Many of Spitfire’s team riders, like Mason Silva, Grant Taylor, and Pedro Delfino, often opt for the OG Classics or Formula Four Classics, highlighting the popularity and reliability of these traditional shapes. Ultimately, “The number 1 shape in the world,” continues to be a top choice.
Ruben vee
By: Ruben Vee
