The debate between Bones wheels and Spitfire wheels is a long-standing one in the skateboarding community. Every skater seems to have a strong preference, but what are the actual differences? This in-depth comparison will examine the facts, helping you decide which brand is the best choice for your riding style and terrain.
Similarities Between Bones and Spitfire Wheels
Both Bones and Spitfire are renowned for producing high-quality urethane skateboard wheels, designed to resist flat spots. They offer a variety of shapes, sizes, and hardness levels to suit different preferences. Let’s explore the key similarities.
Wheel Shape Similarities
spitfire and bones skateboard wheelsBoth brands offer classic, conical, slim, wide, and lock-in wheel shapes. Classic wheels feature a rounded profile, providing a versatile ride. Conical wheels, with their concave sidewalls, are lighter and offer a unique feel when grinding. Slim wheels are designed for enhanced sliding, while wider wheels prioritize stability. Lock-in wheels have flat sides, helping skaters lock into grinds and stalls. These shared shapes mean skaters can find a familiar feel regardless of brand.
Hardness Similarities
Wheel hardness, measured by durometer, affects speed, grip, and smoothness. Harder wheels provide faster speeds and smoother slides but can be rougher on uneven surfaces. Softer wheels offer a quieter, smoother ride and better grip on rough terrain, but they may wear out faster. Bones provides a wider range of hardness options, including 80A, 81b, 84b, 99A, and 103A, while Spitfire offers 80A, 99A, and 101A. Despite these differences, both brands cater to a range of hardness preferences, allowing skaters to choose wheels based on their specific needs and skating surfaces.
Size Similarities
Wheel size also plays a significant role in skateboard performance. Larger wheels offer more speed and can roll over rough terrain, making them ideal for vert and downhill skateboarding. Smaller wheels, on the other hand, are lighter, less prone to wheel bite, and favored by street and technical skaters. Both Bones and Spitfire produce wheels ranging from 50mm to 60mm, ensuring that skaters can select wheels that perfectly match their style.
Bones Wheels: A Detailed Look
Bones Wheels categorizes their products into four main lines: Easy Streets, Street Tech Formula (STF), Skatepark Formula (SPF), and All-Terrain Formula (ATF).
Easy Streets
Bones Easy Streets are designed for modern street skating, emphasizing smooth rides on rough surfaces. Available in a 99A hardness, these wheels aim to combine durability, slideability, grip, and speed. They come in three shapes: Standard (classic), Side Cuts (conical), and Fatties (wide). These options offer versatility for different street skating styles.
Street Tech Formula (STF)
Bones Hawk 58 mm SPF-5The legendary STF wheels are known for their 103A hardness and flat spot resistance. These wheels are designed for technical street skating and come in five shapes: Standard, Side Cuts, Locks, Slims, and Wide. The variety allows skaters to find their perfect setup for performance and control.
Skatepark Formula (SPF)
Specifically engineered for skateparks, SPF wheels are fast, responsive, and designed to avoid flat spots. They are available in 81B and 84B hardness (roughly 101A and 104A), giving excellent grip and controlled slides on polished concrete. The SPF line includes Side Cuts and Fatties shapes, focusing on park performance.
All-Terrain Formula (ATF)
Bones ATF wheels, also known as “Roughriders,” are designed for all types of surfaces. With an 80A hardness and larger diameters (56mm and 59mm), these wheels provide a smooth and fast ride, even on the roughest ground. The Core shape features a wider profile and a flatter sidewall, similar to longboard or cruiser wheels.
Spitfire Wheels: A Detailed Look
Spitfire Wheels offers four distinct models: Formula Four, Classics, OG Classics, and Chargers.
Formula Four
spitfire classicsSpitfire’s premium Formula Four wheels are made with their special urethane, providing top-tier performance. Available in 99A and 101A hardness, they come in six shapes: Classics, Conical, Conical Full, Lock-ins, Radial, and Radial Slims. This wide array of shapes caters to various skating styles, from classic street to technical tricks.
Classics
The Classic wheel features Spitfire’s reliable 99A urethane formula in the traditional shape, tried and tested by skaters for years. These wheels are a go-to choice for skaters looking for a consistent and durable setup.
OG Classics
The OG Classic is a throwback to Spitfire’s earlier designs, featuring a wider contact patch and a cutaway shape, providing a balance of stability, responsiveness, and slide. These wheels offer a blend of classic design with modern performance.
Chargers
Spitfire Chargers, with an 80A hardness, are designed to handle rough terrain. These soft wheels offer a smooth, quiet ride, making them perfect for skaters filming or cruising through challenging environments.
The Final Verdict: Bones or Spitfire?
Both Bones and Spitfire offer exceptional skateboard wheels, and the best brand for you ultimately depends on your personal preferences, skating style, and the terrain you usually ride on.
For street skating, Bones STF, Spitfire Classics, and Spitfire Conical Full wheels are great choices. If you primarily skate at parks and vert ramps, Bones SPF wheels could be the best match. For rough terrain and filming, consider Bones ATF or Spitfire Chargers.
Both brands produce wheels in comparable shapes, hardnesses, and sizes, but they are also known for different advantages. Bones wheels have a reputation for flat spot resistance and durability, making them a reliable option. Spitfire wheels are well known for their unique graphics and varied shapes within their lines.
Ultimately, the choice between Bones and Spitfire is a personal one. Consider your skating style and the terrain you skate, and try both to determine which one best fits your needs. Remember, the best wheels are the ones that enhance your enjoyment of skateboarding.
To learn more about other skateboard wheel options, check out this guide on the best skateboard wheels.
