In street skating, choosing the right wheels is crucial for a smooth ride. Spitfire is a well-known skateboarding brand, and their wheels are some of the most popular on the market.
But Are Spitfire wheels good for street skating? That’s the question often people ask!
Definitely, Spitfire Wheels are a great choice for street skating. They are known for their durability and smooth ride. Usually, they come in various sizes, shapes, and hardness levels. As a result, skateboarders can choose the wheel that best suits their style and preferences. Besides having excellent grip, Spitfire Wheels are suitable for performing tricks and maneuvers.
In the following section, I’ll explore the factors that can influence Spitfire wheels’ street performance. Also, my comparison will focus on other popular skateboard wheels.
Take a look at what follows!
Spitfire Wheels- What is it?
Founded over 30 years ago (1987), Spitfire wheels are a high-performance skateboard wheel brand. Their wheels are renowned for their durability, speed, and grip on any surface.
Due to their high-quality urethane material, they are durable and can stand up to harsh conditions. Spitfire wheels come in a range of sizes, shapes, and durometers to suit the individual needs of skateboarders.
They are also known for their distinctive flame logo ( fireball), which has become an iconic symbol of the brand. Many professional skateboarders use Spitfire wheels due to their reliability and performance.
Spitfire Wheel Performance
One of the biggest reasons why people are willing to pay a premium for Spitfire wheels is because of their superior performance. The unique shape of the wheels, which is wider at the bottom and narrower at the top. It provides a better grip and more control while skating. As a result, they are ideal for street skating, cruising, and carving.
Here are some points which highlighting the performance of Spitfire skating wheels:
- Designed with high-quality urethane material for a faster and smoother ride.
- Unique shape provides a better grip and more control while skating.
- Resists flat-spotting, which is a common problem with other brands of wheels.
- Withstands the impact of powerslides and is built to be tough and durable.
- Can take a lot of abuse without losing their performance.
- Ideal for different types of skating, from street skating to cruising and carving.
- Wider bottom and narrower top creates a smaller contact patch, reducing friction and allowing for faster speeds.
- Durability allows them to maintain their performance over long periods of time.
- Suitable for frequent and regular use without significant wear and tear.
- Coning can occur, but swapping the wheels around can help to mitigate the issue.
- Widely regarded as one of the best brands of skateboard wheels on the market.
7 most popular spitfire wheel shapes- you need to know!
1. Four classic
Spitfire promotes the Formula Four Classic Shape as “the number 1 shape in skateboarding worldwide,” and for a good reason. This shape offers excellent design and Formula Four technology.
Essential Features-
Some important features are given below!
Round edge design
One of the most notable features of the Formula Four Classic Shape is its round edge design. With this design, skaters can execute technical tricks with precision and control. Round edges also reduce the risk of wheel bite, a common problem in street skating.
Narrow riding face
Another important feature of the Formula Four Classic Shape is its narrow riding surface. There is a 19mm riding surface on the 52mm model, and a 21mm riding surface on the 56mm model.
Keeping a low center of gravity is essential for technical street skating on this narrow surface. Also, skaters feel more connected to their boards due to the narrow riding surface.
Perfect for
It is perfect for ideal for technical street skating.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced skater, the Formula Four Classic Shape is a safe and reliable choice. Plus it will help you take your skating to the next level
2. Four Lock-In
The Spitfire Formula Four Lock-In wheels are a revolutionary addition to the world of street and mini ramp skating. They are a high-quality, innovative product that will impress any skater.
Essential Features-
Here are some additional features-
Designed for
The lock-in shape is specifically designed for skaters who love grinding. This asymmetrical shape allows skaters to lock into grinds, making these wheels a game-changer.
Provide smooth grind
The cut profile on the inside of the wheel matches the coping perfectly. It provides a smooth and effortless grind.
Versatility
With a round edge on the outside of the wheel, these wheels are versatile and suitable for a variety of skating styles.
Available sizes
The Spitfire Formula Four Lock-In wheels are available in three different sizes – 53mm, 54mm, and 55mm. This range of sizes allows skaters to choose the perfect size for their specific needs and preferences.
Perfect choice for a mini ramp
The Lock Ins are known for being the street wheels by excellence, but they are also an amazing choice for mini ramp aficionados.
Smoot landing
The unique shape of these wheels makes it easy for skaters to get in and out of the coping, allowing for seamless transitions and smooth landings.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro skater, the Spitfire Formula Four Lock-In wheels are a must-try for anyone looking to take their grinding skills to the next level.
3. Four Tablet
With its distinctive straight cut, thin profile, and wide riding surface, the Spitfire Tablets are unique among skateboard wheels.
Essential Features
Some of features are given below-
Provide long lasting speed
Their size ranges from 51 to 55 mm, and they provide long-lasting speed. It is a popular choice among skateboarders looking for a reliable and durable wheel.
Suitabulity
One of the key advantages of the Spitfire Tablets is their suitability for use in park and transition skating.
Different shape
Their unique shape allows them to maintain stability and grip in these environments. Thus, bowl riders and other skaters that p/refer this style prefer them.
High versatility
The Spitfire Tablets also offer a high level of versatility when it comes to riding style. This is due in part to the fact that they come in either 99 or 101 durometers. It allows skaters to choose the hardness that best matches their preferences.
Ability to slide
One of the most unique features of the Spitfire Tablets is their ability to slide with ease. Even after hundreds of slides, they won’t develop flat spots due to their slickness.
Whether you’re looking for a softer ride for cruising around town or a harder wheel for performing technical tricks, there is a Spitfire Tablet option for you.
4. Four Radial
The Spitfire Formula Four Radial is a highly popular skateboard wheel among skateboarders worldwide. This skateboard wheel features a round shape that makes it one of the most versatile wheels.
Essential Features-
Check out some essential features-
Perfect for various skating style
With a diameter of 52mm, these wheels are suitable for a wide range of skating styles and terrains.
High controll
The Formula Four Radial is known for its almost seamless edge, which offers high control and responsiveness.
Provides a consistent feel
The wheel’s smooth surface provides a consistent feel and reduces the risk of wheel bite. it is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced skaters.
Versatiliy
One of the biggest advantages of the Spitfire Formula Four Radial is its versatility. It is an excellent choice for flat ground and technical skating, making it an ideal wheel for street skaters.
Offer a comfortable ride
The Spitfire Radial is designed to provide a comfortable ride, and the rounded shape ensures smooth transitions from one trick to another.
Ability to handle impact
Another impressive feature of the Formula Four Radial is its ability to handle impact. The wheel is designed to withstand heavy impacts and maintain its shape, ensuring a longer lifespan.
No matter your skill level, the Formula Four Radial will help you improve your skating
5. Four Radial Slim
A thinner version of the Formula Four Radial wheel from Spitfire. A hand-cut round edge design gives skaters more control and speed with this slimmer, lighter wheel.
Essential features-
Some important features are given below-
Allows responsive and faster ride
One of the biggest advantages of the Radial Slim is its slim profile, which allows for a more responsive and faster ride. The slimmer design also makes the wheel lighter, which is ideal for skaters who prefer a more agile setup.
Ensure smooth ride
This hand-cut round edge design ensures a smooth, consistent ride, so you can maneuver and control it more easily.
Perfect for several skating style
It is available in five sizes, from 51mm to 56mm, making it suitable for skate styles and terrains of all kinds. Smaller sizes are perfect for technical skating and street skating, while larger sizes are best for skating bowls and ramps.
Excellent preformance
The Radial Slim is known for its excellent slide performance Another impressive feature of the Spitfire Formula Four Radial Slim is its durability.
6. Four Conical
The Spitfire Formula Four Conical is a unique skateboard wheel that boasts a hand-cut conical shape. For skaters who value speed, responsiveness, and agility, this wheel is the lightest ever released by Spitfire.
Essential features-
There are several features, including-
Offer smooth ride
The conical shape of the Formula Four Conical wheel provides an amazing level of responsiveness and a smooth ride.
Perfect balance
Hand-cut design ensures perfect balance, reducing wheel bite risk and improving performance.
Protect bearings
The wheel’s unique shape also helps better protect the bearings from popping out, which is a common problem in some other types of wheels.
Available size
The Spitfire Formula Four Conical is only available in three sizes: 51mm, 52mm, and 54mm. Each wheel size is perfectly suited to a specific skating style. In smaller sizes, you can skate technical skating, but in larger sizes, you can skate bowls and ramps.
Lightweight
Lightness is one of the Formula Four Conical’s best features. The wheel is incredibly lightweight, making it the perfect choice for skaters who value speed and agility.
7. Four conical full
The Spitfire Formula Four Conical Full is a skateboard wheel that is designed to provide the widest riding surface out of any Spitfire wheels. This unique shape makes them very popular among bowl riders.
Essential features
Important features are given below-
Provide longest speed
They provide the longest speed and durability out of the Formula Four catalogue.
Available size
The conical full shape is available in a range of sizes from 52mm up to 58mm. This range of sizes makes them a great option for transition and park skaters. Conical Full’s wider contact patch provides a very stable ride, making it a great choice for beginners.
Wide riding surface
A Formula Four Conical Full’s main advantage is its wide riding surface. This provides a very stable ride that is ideal for cruising down the streets, as well as for transition and park skating.
Smooth and fast ride
On any terrain, the Formula Four Conical Full offers long-lasting speed. This is due to the unique shape of the wheel, which allows for a smooth and fast ride. The durability of the wheel also ensures that it will last for a long time, even with regular use.
Perfect for carving and grinding
The stability and durability of the wheel make it perfect for carving and grinding in the bowl. However, the wheel is also versatile enough for street skating and cruising.
Spitfire wheels size
Skateboard wheels are an important consideration that can affect riders’ performance and experience. Spitfire Wheels offers a variety of sizes to suit different preferences. Their wheels are available in sizes ranging from 49mm to 60mm, with varying widths and hardness levels.
Smaller wheels are ideal for technical tricks and street skating, while larger wheels provide more speed and stability for ramp and vert skating. It is important for riders to choose a size that suits their individual needs and riding style.
Check out the spitfire size chart–
| Spitfire wheels size ( diameter) | Perfect for |
| 48mm | Technical street skating, flip tricks, and smaller riders |
| 50mm | All-around skating on the street |
| 52mm | Cruising and transitioning between street and park skating |
| 53mm | All-around skating with slightly wider profile for stability |
| 54mm | Ramp and park skating with wider profile and larger size for speed and stability |
| 55mm | Versatile size that works for both street and park skating with slightly wider profile |
| 56mm | Cruising, transition skating, and cruising on rough terrain |
| 57mm | Transition skating with wider profile and larger size for speed and stability |
| 58mm | Cruising, transition skating, and cruising on rough terrain |
| 60mm | Cruising and skating on rough terrain with largest size offered by Spitfire |
Are Spitfire wheels good for street skating?
Yes, Spitfire wheels are generally considered to be very good for street skating.
The following are the top five reasons why:
1. An excellent level of durability:
Spitfire wheels are known for their durability and resistance to flat spots caused by grinding or sliding. This is especially important for street skating, which can be hard on wheels.
2. Provide good balance:
Spitfire wheels have a unique shape that provides a good balance of speed and control. The wheels are wider than some other brands, which gives them more surface area. Also, makes them more stable for tricks like grinds and slides.
3. Suitable level of hardness:
The most common hardness level for Spitfire wheels is 99A. This hardness level is good for street skating. Because it provides a good balance of grip and slide, making tricks easier.
4. Faster than light:
Spitfire wheels are known for their speed, which can be important for street skating. Where you must maintain momentum to hit features and execute tricks.
5. well Adaptability:
Different types of street skating require different types of wheels, like Spitfire wheels. When cruising and skating transitions, smaller wheels are best for technical tricks and flips.
Why Spitfire Wheels So Expensive
Spitfire Wheels are renowned for their high performance and durability. These are the primary reasons why they are relatively expensive compared to other skateboard wheels in the market.
By investing heavily in research and development, the brand ensures its wheels are suitable for both professionals and enthusiasts. Additionally, Spitfire Wheels are made of high-quality materials such as urethane, which is a key factor in their longevity and performance.
They are one of the top skateboard wheel manufacturers worldwide because of their commitment to quality and consistency. Consequently, Spitfire Wheels’ relatively high cost is justified by their superior quality, durability, and performance.
Final Thoughts
So, are spitfire wheels good for street skating? In a word, definitely, spitfire skateboard wheels are good for street skating. Due to their hardness and resilience, they are ideal for rough street surfaces.
As far as this topic is concerned, I have tried to clarify everything. I urge you to read the entire article again if you are still confused.
So if you’re looking for wheels that can handle street terrain. Find out why Skateboarding is in love with Spitfire wheels buyers guide and give them a try.
FAQ’s
Is Spitfire a good skate brand?
Of course, It’s a good brand! Spitfire is widely regarded as one of the premier skateboard brands in the industry. The brand produces high-performance skateboard wheels since 1987. With premium materials and innovative manufacturing techniques, Spitfire’s wheels ensure smooth rides and optimal grip.
Are Spitfire wheels hard or soft?
Generally, Spitfire wheels are considered harder, which can provide more speed and slideability. In fact, when it comes to surfase of any Spitfire wheels, the durometer is important. Bones and Spitfire makes wheels ranging from 99a to 101a, with 99a being the softest and 101a being the hardest.
However, this also means they may not be as forgiving on rough terrain or absorb impact as well as softer wheels. Finally, the choice between a hard or soft Spitfire wheel comes down to personal preference.
What Spitfires are best for street?
When selecting a Spitfire for street use, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, to ensure agility and maneuverability, choose a board with a short wheelbase. Also, a deck with moderate concave and a slight kicktail will assist in tricks.
Finally, wheel size and hardness should be carefully chosen to suit your skating style. In a word, the best Spitfires for street are those that strike a balance between agility, control, and versatility.
How long do Spitfire wheels last?
The lifespan of Spitfire wheels depends on how often and how aggressively you skate. With proper care and maintenance, Spitfire wheels can last several months to a year or more. However, if you skate frequently and aggressively, you may need to replace them more often.
