Slide Perfect, a UK-based wheel manufacturer, has been making waves in the longboarding community. Having previously enjoyed their Momentum wheels, I was eager to test the new Slide Perfect Fluxx. This review focuses on their performance without the skin, providing a detailed look into their slide, speed, and overall ride quality.
Slide Perfect Fluxx Specs:
- Diameter: 76mm
- Width: 65mm
- Durometer: 78a
- Core-Placement: Centre-set
- Color: White
Slide Perfect Fluxx In-Depth Review
Initial Expectations
My experience with Slide Perfect’s Momentum wheels set a high bar. Those wheels were known for their smooth, controllable slides without excessive speed loss. Slide Perfect has built a reputation for easy, controllable slides, so I anticipated the Fluxx would follow suit. However, the claim of significant grip intrigued me, as I wondered how that would balance with their sliding ability.
The promise of high roll speed also piqued my interest. If these wheels combined speed, grip, and affordability, they could be a game-changer. Let’s delve into how my riding experience matched these expectations. You can purchase the Slide Perfect Fluxx directly from their website.
Roll Speed and Momentum
The first test was to evaluate the roll speed, a key selling point according to the manufacturer. Unfortunately, the high-roll speed claim didn’t hold up in my experience. The wheels lacked the expected top speed and didn’t maintain momentum effectively. This was somewhat predictable, given the soft and squishy urethane, which typically doesn’t translate to high-speed performance.
To illustrate, think about the difference between a flat tire and one properly inflated. The flat tire struggles to gain speed, while the inflated one rolls effortlessly. While disappointing initially, the trade-off for a smooth and controlled slide became apparent, which I’ll explain further below.
Close-up of the soft and squishy urethane of the Slide Perfect Fluxx wheels
In short, while the roll speed isn’t remarkable, the enhanced sliding and braking experience may be worth it for some riders.
Slide Performance
Here is where the Fluxx wheels truly excel and justify the hype.
These wheels slow you down considerably when sliding, although not as drastically as some grippier wheels like the Venom Magnums without the skin. The Fluxx offer a remarkably smooth slide.
Notably, these wheels don’t exhibit a directional slide. This means, unlike most wheels that drift to the left or right during a slide, particularly under 90 degrees, the Fluxx stay in a straight line. As demonstrated in the Instagram clip, even when sliding under 90 degrees, the wheels did not drift to either side, which is different than what most wheels do.
This feature is beneficial for open road riding, allowing you to maintain your lane while sliding under 90 degrees. However, it can feel a bit unusual on corners, where the traditional drift of the wheels is often used to help get to the apex.
With practice, you can get these wheels to turn as you slide, but it might take a few sessions to adjust.
[View this post on Instagram
](https://www.instagram.com/p/B2ZlzWqg8Ux/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) Successful day wheelie boarding ☑️ Still working on making a seamless combo breaker on this road. Feels too narrow for that shit though 😅🤷 Thanks Vinnie for the clip. Stoked I run into you
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Slide Consistency
The slide remained consistent overall, but it did vary depending on the pavement surface. On some surfaces, the wheels gripped more, slowing me down more dramatically. On others, they would glide more freely with less deceleration.
Regardless of the surface, the slide was always smooth and controllable, giving me confidence on varying terrain. I found myself comfortable and confident when sliding, and even pushed my limits on open-road corners.
Durability
After two months of extensive sliding and use, the wheels have only worn down by about 3mm. Given the soft and grippy nature of the urethane, this is an impressive wear rate.
Vibration Absorption
One of the most unexpected benefits of these wheels is their exceptional vibration absorption. The squishy urethane excels in dampening road vibrations, a major advantage when skating on rough roads.
This feature enhances control and prevents the board from bouncing uncontrollably. This is a crucial aspect of a smooth, safe, and enjoyable riding experience.
Side view of the Slide Perfect Fluxx wheels on a longboard, highlighting their width and contact patch
Many Kenyan roads are not smooth, and high speeds can amplify the sketchiness. With these wheels, I felt more confident while tucking over rough patches, knowing the wheels would absorb the bumps and give me more control.
In summary, the soft urethane provides excellent road vibration absorption, which is a significant benefit when skating down hills or on rough terrain.
Who Are These Wheels For?
Open-Road Skaters
These wheels are ideal for open-road skaters, thanks to their smooth rolling and sliding capabilities, as well as their consistency on diverse pavements. Additionally, their ability to absorb road vibrations transforms intense rides into more manageable experiences. Once you’ve tried them on a chundery road, you might find it hard to consider other wheels.
While the roll speed and momentum are limited, the enhanced smoothness, grip and control are worth it on rough roads with bumpy corners and fast straights.
Budget-Conscious Riders
At £34.45 ($45, 39.49 Euro), the Fluxx wheels are a high-quality and affordable option. Compared to other downhill wheels like Seismic Alphas, Magnums, and Cueis, these offer great value.
Riders Seeking Easy Sliding DH Wheels
Despite their smooth slide, the Fluxx wheels still offer significant slowing power. Their slide is smoother and more controllable than wheels like the Orangatang Kegels, while providing greater deceleration.
Who Should Avoid These Wheels?
Long-Distance Pushers
These wheels are not ideal for long-distance pushing because of their low speed and limited momentum. You’ll exert more energy just to keep them rolling.
Freeriders
The wide, sharp-lipped design of these wheels is excellent for hands-down slides but not suited for stand-up slides. In this case, the round-lipped Slide Perfect wheels may be more appropriate. You can explore their store here.
Racers
Racers seeking top speeds should avoid these wheels. They do not match the velocity of higher-end racing wheels. However, they are excellent for freeriding and open-road skating.
Downhill Beginners
Although the wheels are smooth and controllable, they might be too much for beginners. The Slide Perfect Momentum V2 wheels could be a more suitable starting point. However, once a beginner gains more experience with sliding, the Fluxx could be a good introduction to the performance of wider, grippier downhill wheels.
Important Considerations Before Purchasing
The 65mm width of these wheels may cause them to protrude from your board, especially if your trucks are as wide as your deck. To counter this, I switched from 165mm trucks to 150mm trucks on the same deck. The 165mm setup felt sluggish, especially during slides. Therefore, narrower trucks are recommended for these wheels.
The Slide Perfect Fluxx wheels mounted on a longboard with smaller trucks to prevent overhang
Conclusion
The Slide Perfect Fluxx wheels are a top contender for my favorite open-road wheels. While their roll speed may be lacking, their exceptional performance when sliding, gripping corners, and slowing down, makes them invaluable. They also excel in absorbing road vibrations, making intense roads feel more manageable.
These wheels are well worth the money and are affordable for most budgets, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great set of open-road wheels. I hope they receive the recognition they deserve.
