The Slide Perfect Pro-Fluxx wheels completely surprised me. Initially, I anticipated a standard, wide, and grippy downhill wheel. However, what I experienced was far more engaging. This review explores the unique characteristics of the Slide Perfect Pro-Fluxx longboard wheels.
Slide Perfect Pro-Fluxx Specifications
- Diameter: 76mm
- Width/Contact Patch: 65mm
- Core Placement: Offset
- Durometer: 78a
- Price: £39.95
Slide Perfect Pro-Fluxx Review
Summary
These wheels combine the speed of a race wheel with the controlled slide of a freeride wheel. They offer impressive acceleration but require a longer distance to slow down, which can be both exciting and challenging. This blend of characteristics makes them surprisingly easy to initiate stand-up slides.
Slide Perfect Pro-Fluxx longboard wheels close-up
The Pro-Fluxx wheels lean more towards a rip and grip style, excelling in maintaining lines during high-speed cornering. Yet, with the proper technique, they are exceptionally suited for stand-up slides. The consistent slide and predictable urethane make these wheels a delight, rivaling some of the best slide wheels on the market. I highly recommend these wheels to riders seeking a fast, square-lipped wheel for stand-up slides, particularly on narrower setups.
Unique Riding Experience
The Slide Perfect Pro-Fluxx stands out due to its versatility. I can mount them on my slalom board and enjoy confident rail matching and high-speed cornering, while also being able to perform stand-up slides. This allows for a diverse riding experience, blending hands-down and hands-up techniques.
Landyachtz El Peligro longboard with the Bear 2020 Smokies and Slide Perfect Fluxx wheels
Few wheels offer such a perfect balance, especially in a width suitable for a downhill slalom board. While some wheels are too grippy, narrow, or slidey, the Pro-Fluxx occupies a unique niche, perfectly balancing the demands of different riding styles.
(For those interested in rail matching, the Pro-Fluxx wheels have a track width of approximately 8.2 inches when paired with the 120mm wide Smokies).
Speed and Acceleration
The Pro-Fluxx wheels are notably fast, with a roll speed that is nearly comparable to race wheels. Their acceleration is also quite impressive, allowing you to quickly reach high speeds. Although the acceleration might not be as rapid as some specialized race wheels, the difference is minimal.
Grip and Slide Characteristics
Initial Grip
Even with the skin, these wheels did not feel overly grippy. They slid surprisingly easily and remained manageable throughout my testing. While they provide some slow-down power, they are not comparable to the aggressive braking capabilities of true race wheels. I would suggest these to beginners seeking a race-like wheel that’s easy to slide from the start.
Grip After Break-In
Once broken in, the grip level becomes more nuanced, dependent on how you engage them. When applying more weight, they offer considerable grip, yet when weighted lightly, they can slide effortlessly with minimal speed reduction.
Close up of the Pro-Fluxx wheel surface showing a worn texture
The cornering grip is surprisingly good, allowing for confident line holding without scrubbing speed. However, their reduced grip compared to other wheels may limit the amount of speed you can carry into the corner.
Braking Considerations
Due to their limited slow-down power, I wouldn’t recommend these wheels on roads that require significant braking. They demand a long slide distance to reduce speed effectively. When riding at high speeds on more dangerous roads, their braking ability could feel insufficient, potentially requiring a different wheel choice.
Slowing Down Power
As mentioned, these wheels don’t offer a lot of slow-down power. You need to allow for ample space to slide and decelerate effectively.
- It’s crucial to manage speed proactively by starting your slide sooner, though this is not always possible due to limited road space.
In terms of slow-down power, they feel comparable to the Seismic Alphas (80mm). However, the Alphas offer slightly more grip and edge grip due to the larger core and stiffer lips. The Pro-Fluxx lips tend to deform more, likely contributing to their increased slide.
The Fun Factor
The lack of extreme slow-down power isn’t necessarily negative. In fact, these wheels are remarkably fun to ride. Their characteristics encourage large, flowing hands-down slides.
Longboarder sliding on the Pro-Fluxx wheels
Furthermore, they are capable of stand-up slides, making them a unique blend of a freeride wheel in a race wheel shape.
Unique Slide Feel
Interestingly, I experienced more slow-down power during small slides compared to large ones. I believe this is due to technique rather than an issue with the wheel itself. It’s all about being confident when applying weight, as a larger slide may feel more prone to high siding.
Slide Performance
The Pro-Fluxx wheels provide an incredibly consistent slide, maintaining a similar feel across various pavement types.
Slide Feel
The slide feel is a unique mix of buttery and icy. The wheels offer a confidence-inspiring, forgiving ride that remains stable, even if your weight is slightly off balance. They will keep sliding smoothly without bucking you off.
Stand-Up Slide Capabilities
These are, fundamentally, downhill wheels that also allow for stand-up slides. While it requires some effort, achieving stand-up slides is very rewarding.
Longboarder performing a toeside stand-up slide on the Slide Perfect Pro-Fluxx
Their consistent and predictable slide behavior makes them ideal for learning and perfecting stand-up slides.
Predictability and Control
The consistency and predictability of the slide instill a lot of confidence. There are no surprises, and the wheels perform consistently, making them ideal for controlled slides. They respond well to adjustments in slide angles and board direction, making the riding experience smooth and precise.
Longboarder squat sliding on the El Peligro with Pro-Fluxx wheels
Durability
The skin of the Pro-Fluxx wheels is notably durable, lasting significantly longer than that of other wheels, like Powell wheels. I was able to complete numerous runs before the skin wore down.
Lip Durability
These wheels are exceptionally durable, showing very little wear on the lips even after intense skating on roads that would typically damage other wheel types such as Magnums, Cueis, and Cheetahs. I’m convinced the lips are nearly indestructible.
Close up of the durable lips on the pro-fluxx longboard wheels
Venom Magnums, Cuei Killers, Cheetah Hawgs longboard wheels
Expected Lifespan
While I haven’t tested them over a long enough period to provide an exact lifespan, these wheels feel durable enough to last a very long time, potentially as long as or longer than most race wheels.
Chunk Resistance
Most soft duro, high-density wheels will chunk over time. However, I do not anticipate this being an issue with these wheels.
Venom Magnums 74a longboard wheel with a chunk
Performance on Rough Roads
These wheels excel on rough surfaces, absorbing a significant amount of vibration to provide a smoother and more comfortable ride. They remain planted around rough corners instead of bouncing, offering an improvement compared to wheels such as the 77a Cuei Killers. These wheels are perfect for varied road conditions.
Who Should Use These Wheels?
These wheels are ideal for:
- Riders who desire a wide and durable wheel.
- Those seeking a forgiving, sharp-lipped wheel.
- Riders who want to blend hands-down and hands-up riding styles.
- Those looking to improve confidence in hands-down riding.
- Riders aiming for large, long, impressive slides.
- Those wanting a race-like wheel that offers more forgiveness.
Downsides
Slide vs. Speed
The Pro-Fluxx wheels sometimes slide too much for their speed. While their fast roll speed is a significant advantage, their limited slow-down power can be problematic. It may not be the best option for roads that demand extreme grip, or in areas that require quick braking.
- When compared to 76a Seismic Alphas, they perform similarly: very fast but with less slowing power.
If you’re a heavier rider, you might want to consider another wheel for these reasons.
“Icing Out”
Although easy to control, the wheels become challenging when you “ice out.” During this situation, you lose substantial slow-down power and grip, feeling as if you’re riding on literal ice.
*Video of you icing out
You will be ok if you keep your slide angles above or below 90 degrees.
Weight Application
To get better braking power, you need to actively sit into these wheels. A lighter application of weight may cause you to float. Being mindful of your weight and application will help maximize braking performance.
Bearing Fit
Not all bearings fit seamlessly into the core of these wheels. Zealous bearings worked well, but when using non-built-in bearings with a normal spacer, there was some chatter and slop. This issue was also present with the Bear Spaceballs.
Dirty zealous bearings, SMB bearings, and a Muirskate spacer
Although the slide remains smooth, the performance could be affected. It is best to use Zealous bearings or a precision spacer for optimal results.
Check out my other wheel reviews on this page here.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed this in-depth review of the Slide Perfect Pro-Fluxx longboard wheels. Exploring this wheel has been both interesting and enjoyable. If you’ve had a different experience, please leave a comment. Thank you to all my patrons for their support, which allows me to write reviews like this!
