Bones Skateboard Wheels have maintained a strong reputation in the skateboarding world for decades, known for their durability and performance. As one of the few wheel companies still manufacturing entirely in the USA, Bones has built its legacy on quality and innovation. This in-depth review will explore the various formulas, shapes, and sizes Bones offers, helping you determine the perfect wheel for your skateboarding style.
Bones Skateboard Wheel Formulas Explained
Bones categorizes its wheels into four main formulas, each designed for different skateboarding disciplines. These distinct formulas offer various durometers, shapes, and sizes, ensuring that every rider can find a perfect fit. Here’s a quick overview of the four main Bones urethane formulas:
- Street Tech Formula (STF): Engineered for the demands of street skating.
- SkatePark Formula (SPF): Optimized for smooth surfaces and transition skating.
- All-Terrain Formula (ATF): Designed to handle diverse terrains, including filming.
- Original Formula: A versatile option suitable for all-around skateboarding.
Let’s delve into each of these formulas to understand their specific characteristics and advantages.
Bones Street Tech Formula (STF)
Bones STF v1 Skateboarding wheels
The Bones Street Tech Formula (STF) is crafted for the rigors of street skating. Available in two durometers and six distinct shapes, the STF line offers a variety of options for street skaters seeking precise control and durability.
Bones STF Durometers: 99A & 103A
STF wheels are available in 99A and 103A durometers. Both are considered hard, which is ideal for street skating. This hardness level provides excellent control and precision while handling the rough surfaces of streets and concrete effectively.
Bones STF V1: Standard
The Standard STF wheel features a classic shape, the most popular in skateboarding, offering a balance of turning radius, width, and speed. The V1 is an excellent all-around option and comes in 5 sizes, ranging from 50mm to 54mm.
Bones STF V2: Lock
The Lock version (V2) is designed with a tighter profile and a straight edge, which provides enhanced lock-in during grinds on ledges and rails. The V2 comes in 4 sizes: 49mm, 51mm, 52mm, and 53mm, perfect for ledge/rail setups.
Bones STF V3: Slim
The Slim version (V3) is the narrowest wheel in the STF collection. Its thin profile and curved edges make it lightweight, ideal for technical street skaters. This design facilitates quick flicks and easier slides, making it great for flip tricks and manuals. Available in 50mm, 52mm, and 54mm sizes.
Bones STF V4: Wide
The Wide version (V4) has the widest contact patch in the STF lineup, providing increased stability and solid landings. This wheel is a good fit for skaters who prefer impact skating or those who want a more stable setup for downhill or cruising. The V4 is available in 5 sizes from 51mm to 55mm.
Bones STF V5: Sidecut
The Sidecut version (V5) has a distinct cut-out profile. This unique wall design provides high stability while reducing drag for longer grinds. The V5 is a popular choice for technical street skaters and comes in 7 sizes from 51mm to 56mm.
Bones STF V6: Wide-Cut
The Wide-Cut version (V6) combines the features of the V4 Wide and V5 Sidecut. It offers a wide contact patch for stability and speed consistency along with a side-cut profile for less drag, providing a balance between maneuverability and speed. Available in 54mm and 56mm.
Bones SkatePark Formula (SPF)
The Bones SkatePark Formula (SPF) is specifically designed for optimal performance on smooth surfaces like skateparks. The unique urethane formula is highly resistant to flat spots while maintaining bounce on slick surfaces due to its high abrasion resistance.
Bones SPF Durometers: 81B & 84B
SPF wheels are available in 81B and 84B durometers. Both are considered extremely hard, and they are the hardest wheels produced by Bones. The 81B provides better grip and smoother control, while the 84B offers increased slide-ability and higher speed and rebound.
Bones SPF P5: Sidecut
The Sidecut version (P5) is similar to the STF V5, featuring a cut-out profile for enhanced slides and grinds. The P5 is excellent for technical street skating in skateparks as well as mini-ramp and half-pipe skating. Available in 52-54mm sizes for street skating and 58-60mm for transition skating.
Bones SPF P6: Wide-cut
The Wide-cut version (P6) has the same profile as the STF Wide-cut with a large riding surface, offering stability and versatility for park skaters. It’s designed for impact and enables skaters to easily navigate any park obstacle. The P6 comes in 54mm and 56mm sizes.
Bones All-Terrain Formula (ATF)
Bones rough riders skateboard wheels
The Bones All-Terrain Formula (ATF) wheels are designed to deliver a smooth ride on any surface. Made with a soft urethane, the ATF line offers two different shapes and a single durometer.
Bones ATF Durometer: 80A
Both ATF wheels have an 80A durometer, making them very soft. This softness allows for comfortable rides over rough terrain, while maintaining high-speed capabilities.
Bones ATF Filmers: Mechanical Bond
The Mechanical Bond version is designed with a narrow width and riding surface, balancing lightness with maneuverability. It’s ideal for skate filmers as the soft urethane combined with its mechanical bond offers a secure setup on any surface, ensuring your equipment stays safe. Available in 52mm, 54mm, 56mm, and 60mm sizes, with the larger sizes recommended for optimal filming stability.
Bones ATF Rough Riders: Natural Bond
The Natural Bond version features a larger contact patch than its Mechanical Bond counterpart, providing enhanced stability and a smoother ride. With these wheels, you’ll be able to ride over various terrains, including dirt, grass, and rocks, expanding the possibilities of where you can skate. The Rough Riders are available in 56mm and 59mm sizes, suitable for wider setups.
Bones Original Formula
The Bones Original Formula represents the legacy of Bones’ renowned white wheel, manufactured for over three decades. Made with MDI urethane, pioneered by Bones, the Original Formula offers exceptional rebound and abrasion-resistance, ensuring lasting speed and performance. These wheels are a great value for new customers and a top choice overall.
Bones Original Durometer: 100A
Both Original Formula wheels come in 100A, a common hardness for street and park skating. Despite being hard, the Original wheels provide a solid balance of softness for both slick and rough surfaces.
Bones Original V4: Wide
The Original Wide (V4) takes the design of the STF P4 and adds Bones’ signature DMI urethane formula, resulting in a durable street wheel. The wide contact patch delivers stability and solid landings, ideal for impact skaters. Available in 5 sizes from 51mm to 55mm.
Bones Original V5: Sidecut
The Original Sidecut (V5) combines the STF P5 design with DMI urethane, offering a reliable and high-performance technical wheel. The V5 is suitable for most street skaters and comes in 6 sizes from 51mm to 56mm.
Final Thoughts
Bones Skateboard Wheels offer a wide array of high-quality, reliable, and long-lasting wheels. Whether you need wheels for street skating, skateparks, or all-terrain adventures, Bones has a formula for you. The Original Formula provides the best value for those new to the brand.
Compared to other brands, Bones maintains a simple and user-friendly catalog, offering a limited number of durometers per formula, making selection much easier than with other manufacturers. This makes Bones an excellent choice for skaters of all levels seeking performance and quality.
