Imagine this: you’re at the skate park, ready to land that trick you’ve been practicing for hours. But then, your wheels just don’t cut it. They’re too slow, too bumpy, or they just don’t grip the way you need them to. Choosing the right skateboard wheels can feel like a puzzle, especially when brands like Spitfire offer so many different kinds. It’s easy to get lost in all the choices, and picking the wrong ones can really slow down your progress and make skating less fun.
But don’t worry! We’re here to help you conquer the world of Spitfire Wheels. This guide is packed with everything you need to know to pick the perfect set for your ride. We’ll break down what makes Spitfire wheels so awesome and how to match them to your skating style. By the end, you’ll be confident in choosing wheels that will help you skate smoother, faster, and with more control. Get ready to roll!
Top Spitfire Wheels Recommendations
- The newly developed burners offer a new tier in Spitfires line. Using a unique new urethane, the burners provide an option for any skater looking for a high-quality wheel that’s great to ride and doesn’t sacrifice performance for the price. Poured in the Bighead shape, 99A durometer hardness. 52mm x 33mm.
- Spitfire 52mm Bighead Skateboard wheels with Bones Reds Bearings. The two most staple items in skateboarding are combined here for your buying pleasure.
- The newly developed burners offer a new tier in Spitfires line. Using a unique new urethane, the burners provide an option for any skater looking for a high-quality wheel that’s great to ride and doesn’t sacrifice performance for the price. Poured in the Bighead shape, 99A durometer hardness. 54mm x 34.5mm.
- Brand: Spitfire
- Wheel Size: 53mm
- NOTE: Wheels sold in sets of 4 only.
- Others step aside, this is now the standard in base level skateboard bearings that are a step above the rest.
- Spitfire approved for speed. The removable shields keep the crud out, and the durable cage and steel races make for smooth rolling.
- Designed for all types of skating, featuring removable black shields. These bearings are the standard 608 size, which has an 8mm bore which fits virtually every skateboard truck and wheel ever made.
- Tested by the Spitfire pro team. Put these bearings in your wheels and set the streets ablaze.
- Includes 8 pre-lubricated bearings, and a Spitfire bighead sticker is a bonus inside the packaging.
- Spitfire Bighead Skateboard Wheels
- HIGH REBOUND COMPOUND
- SMOOTH ANTI-STICK SLIDE
- UNMATCHED FLATSPOT RESISTANCE
- MORE SPEED AND CONTROL ON ALL SURFACES
- Classic Shape
- Sport type: Street
- Wider riding surface
- BIGHEAD shape
Choosing Your Perfect Spitfire Wheels: A Skater’s Guide
Spitfire Wheels are a legendary name in skateboarding. They make some of the best wheels out there. Whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned pro, picking the right Spitfire wheels makes a big difference. This guide will help you choose the perfect set for your skateboarding adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at Spitfire wheels, a few things stand out.
Diameter (Size)
- Smaller wheels (50-53mm): These are great for technical tricks and street skating. They spin faster and make your board lighter.
- Medium wheels (54-56mm): These are good all-around wheels. They work well for street and park skating.
- Larger wheels (57mm+): These are best for transition skating, like in a skatepark bowl or for cruising. They roll over rough surfaces easier.
Durometer (Hardness)
- Softer wheels (78a-90a): These are smooth and quiet. They grip the ground well. They are good for cruising and rough surfaces.
- Medium wheels (95a-99a): These offer a good balance of grip and slide. They are popular for street and park skating.
- Harder wheels (100a+): These are fast and slide easily. They are perfect for smooth surfaces and advanced tricks.
Shape
Spitfire offers different shapes. Some are wider for more stability, and some are narrower for quicker tricks. Most skaters find the standard shapes work well.
Important Materials
Spitfire wheels use a special type of polyurethane. This material is known for its durability and performance.
- Polyurethane: This is the plastic-like material that makes up the wheel. High-quality polyurethane makes the wheels last longer and perform better. Spitfire is famous for its consistent and reliable urethane formula.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your Spitfire wheels depends on a few things.
- Urethane Formula: Spitfire has different formulas for their wheels. Some are designed for speed, others for grip. The right formula for your skating style improves quality.
- Manufacturing Process: Spitfire has a good manufacturing process. This means their wheels are round and balanced. Uneven or poorly made wheels can make skating harder.
- Riding Style: If you use your wheels for something they aren’t made for, they might not last as long. For example, using soft cruising wheels for grinding will wear them down fast.
- Surface: Skating on rough concrete will wear wheels down faster than skating on smooth wood.
User Experience and Use Cases
Spitfire wheels are used by skaters all over the world.
- Street Skating: Many street skaters choose medium-sized, harder wheels. These wheels help with tricks like ollies, flips, and grinds. They allow for quick movements and easy sliding.
- Park Skating: For skateparks, the choice can vary. Transition skaters might like slightly larger, softer wheels for better grip on banks. Street-style park skaters might prefer smaller, harder wheels for aerial tricks.
- Cruising: If you just want to roll around town, softer, larger wheels are the best. They absorb bumps and vibrations, giving you a smooth ride.
Spitfire Wheels FAQ
Q: What are the most popular Spitfire wheels?
A: The Spitfire Formula Four (F4) wheels are very popular. They come in different sizes and hardness levels and are known for their great performance.
Q: What size Spitfire wheels should I get?
A: It depends on your skating. For street skating, 52-54mm is common. For parks and bowls, 55-58mm is often preferred. For cruising, 60mm or larger is good.
Q: Are Spitfire wheels good for beginners?
A: Yes, Spitfire wheels are great for beginners. They are durable and perform well, making learning easier.
Q: What does “99a” mean on a Spitfire wheel?
A: “99a” refers to the durometer, or hardness, of the wheel. It means the wheel is quite hard, good for speed and sliding.
Q: How long do Spitfire wheels usually last?
A: This depends on how much you skate and what surfaces you skate on. With regular use, they can last anywhere from a few months to over a year.
Q: Can I use Spitfire wheels for longboarding?
A: Spitfire wheels are designed for skateboarding, not longboarding. Longboards usually need larger, softer wheels for stability and cruising.
Q: What’s the difference between Spitfire “Conical” and “Classic” shapes?
A: Conical wheels are more rounded on the sides, which can help with tricks and grinding. Classic shapes are more traditional and wider.
Q: Do I need special trucks for Spitfire wheels?
A: No, you don’t need special trucks. Your trucks just need to be the right width for your skateboard deck.
Q: Can I mix and match Spitfire wheel sizes or hardness?
A: While you can, most skaters prefer to use four wheels of the same size and hardness for consistent performance.
Q: Where can I buy Spitfire wheels?
A: You can buy Spitfire wheels at most skate shops and online skateboarding retailers.