History Of Spitfire Company
Spitfire Wheels was founded a long time ago, in 1987. They are a skateboarding organization that has been serving top-of-the-line products to the world since then. With the parent company, this organization is located in San Francisco, California, United States of America. However, it wasn’t all that simple.
The founders are Fausto Vitello and Brian Ware. They have been managing the production and distribution of skateboard tools, bearings, grip tape, t-shirts, caps, gloves, air fresheners, wallets, bags, stickers, and other goodies.
One of the main reasons the company is so good at building and selling skateboarding tools is because a significant number of the employees are professional riders.
Our Top 5 Picks On Best Spitfire Wheels For Beginners
Are Spitfire Wheels Good?
Absolutely!
They are one of the oldest and the best skateboard wheel manufacturers in the world. As you go through the best Spitfire wheels review, you will get an idea of their stellar performance, unbeatable abrasion, smooth speed, manageability, and minimum flat spots.
Not only are they available in 7 different shapes, but some of them also have remarkable graphics that enhance the skateboarding experience. According to skateboarding requirements, most of the wheels have a high durometer, appropriate riding surface, and diameter.
The manufacturers have thought about all types of skateboarders- beginner, medium, and high-level. Therefore, the wheels are suitable for bowls, ramps, vents, parks, cruising, and professional tricks.
Detailed Review On Spitfire Wheels For Beginners
1. Spitfire Skateboard Wheels Formula Four Conical (Best Spitfire wheels for bowl & transition)
- Brand: Spitfire
- Wheel Size: 53mm
- NOTE: Wheels sold in sets of 4 only.
First, the wheels feel grippy at the beginning, but that goes away after a while. Overall, they are quite fast, are durable, have more grip, and are sitting at the top of the skateboard wheels hierarchy, to be honest. It withstands more abuse and abrasion than any other wheels of that kind.
Key Features
- Wider Wheel Profile
- Smoothest Surface
- Abrasion Free Urethane Formula
- Conical Shape
Technically, I can say that they are suitable for park and street skating.
Formula Four series comes in 7 different shapes. The good news is that you will most likely find the perfect one for you after some research. The bad news is that it will take a long time to reach that conclusion.
These full conical wheels have the narrowest riding surface from 19 to 58 mm. Its contact patch is 19.5 mm, its diameter is 53 mm, its width is 31.5 mm, and the durometer is 99A.
Pros
- It is available in 2 durometer measurements
- The wheels are made of urethane
- Strong traction prevents from slipping out of line
- It provides a long-lasting speed on any surface
Cons
- They are more expensive than others
- Be aware of fake products being sold under the name
- They may not be appropriate for downhill, dirt, and rough surfaces
- I won’t recommend sophisticated tricks
Size Chart
| Size (Diameter) | Riding Surface | Width | Durometer |
| 52mm | 21 | 32.5 | 99a -101a |
| 53mm | 21.5 | 33.5 | 99a-101a |
| 54mm | 22 | 34 | 99a-101a |
| 56mm | 25 | 36 | 99a-101a |
| 58mm | 27.3 | 37 | 99a-101a |
We Recommend For
Because of its high flat spot and abrasion resistance, quick response-ability, and lightweight, I announce it is the best Spitfire wheel for bowl and transition. There, you have your answer.
2. Spitfire Bighead Skateboard Wheels Review (Best Spitfire Wheels For Cruising)
- High quality polyurethane
- Color: White / Red
- Live to Burn Bighead Edition
- Available in Different Sizes and Colors
I can appreciate the softness of the wheels since I’m a beginner myself. The softness makes going off curbs and dropping in skate parks easily. It is quite popular among young skaters, I must say.
You can get these wheels in the diameter of your choice.
The wider the diameter, the faster and smoother you can go. Moreover, 99a is suitable for street skating on rough surfaces, even for novices.
and rocks and still make a cool landing. The biggest turn-off for me is the logo coming of with the Bighead, the tread, and grip- all works out perfectly!
You can roll over pebbles after some use. Once that is gone, the wheels look very plain and substandard.
Pros
- There are three colors to choose from
- The wheels don’t get flat spots easily
- Packaging is admirable
- They are beginner-friendly
Cons
- Chunks may come out after aggressive usage
- They may be too soft for some people
- Spitfire logo coming off after use is not appreciated
- They are not suitable for rough and slippery surfaces
We Recommend For
The diameter of the Bighead wheels can range from 48 to 59 mm, making them suitable for commuters, beginners, and cruisers. The wider, the better. Therefore, I choose these as the best spitfire wheels for cruising!
3. Spitfire Classic Wheels Review (Best Spitfire Wheels For Tricks)
- True 99 durometer
- Hand poured & shaped
- 100% made in USA
- Guaranteed against all defects
Most skateboard professionals have used the Spitfire Classic for sure. These wheels have been a favorite since its launch, and it is still making fans worldwide!
Despite recent inventions and designs, nothing beats the old-school round shape. A narrow contact patch and a wider radius of these wheels ensure that slides are controllable and effortless.
Although the durometer of 99A gives them a firm grip, they are still more forgiving than 101. This one is suitable skateboard wheel for powersliding.
You can choose your perfect match from the Classic’s riding surface range of 14.5 to 21.5 mm, a width of 30 to 39 mm, and a size of 50 to 60 mm.
Pros
- They are one of the most affordable options.
- The circular shape makes maximum contact with the ground
- Grip control won’t fade away quickly
- They are standard, all-rounder wheels
Cons
- They won’t do well on rough roads
- Flat spots form easily
- Graphics on the wheel may wear off quickly
- Smooth slides may become uncomfortable
Size Chart
| Size (Diameter) | Riding Surface | Width | Durometer |
| 50mm | 14.5 | 30 | 99-101a |
| 51mm | 15 | 31 | 99-101a |
| 52mm | 15.5 | 32 | 99-101a |
| 53mm | 16 | 33 | 99-101a |
| 54mm | 16.5 | 33.5 | 99-101a |
| 56mm | 17.8 | 35.3 | 99-101a |
| 58mm | 18 | 35.8 | 99-101a |
| 60mm | 21.5 | 39 | 99-101a |
We Recommend For
Being an all-rounder and the most popular wheels of the century, Spitfire Classic can be considered as the best Spitfire wheels for tricks. You don’t need to be on rough roads. Show your talent on the bowls, parks, and ramps!
4. Spitfire 99D OG Wheels Review (Best Spitfire Wheels For Street)
- Classic 99D Formula
- Classic Shape
- Set of 4
These wheels are as cool as the sound of their name. Don’t get confused with the regular classics though they are quite similar.
Diameter can range from 52 to 55 mm, which is pretty huge. Some people are put off by the large wheels as they are hard to do tricks with. The width measures between 31.3 and 32.9 mm, and the riding surface ranges between 21.7 and 22.7 mm.
So, for rough and slippery roads, choose a wider riding surface. But if you will be skateboarding on bowls, ramps, parks, and smooth roads, get from the narrower range. For the most part, OG Classic can handle any type of versatility and style.
Pros
- They are available in nice shades of orange, yellow, and green
- OG Classic wheels are excellent all-rounder wheels
- Hard density gives you more pops in tricks
- They have been popular since their first launch
Cons
- Bearings are not included with the package
- Flip tricks are difficult with these
- You will notice grippiness at the beginning
- They are not qualified for extra slide abilities
We Recommend For
Out of all the wheels I have tested from the Spitfire collection, Classic OG is as versatile as the Classic. But because of the gratifying pops in tricks, I’m accepting it as the best Spitfire wheels for the street.
5. Red Classic 80HD Wheels Review (Best Spitfire Wheels For Beginners)
What makes Spitfire Classic 80HD special?
It is the durometer 80A that makes the wheel specially designed for sliding, hill-bombing, curb-slapping, pushing, and overcoming bumpy surfaces.
Furthermore, longboarder surfers can make the most of these wheels. They help you roll over small rocks, hills, grass, dirt paths, and cracks smoothly and steadily. Moreover, the ‘Stay Lit Glow’ color glows when you skateboard!
To look at the specifications, their diameter covers 54 to 58 mm, width measures around 34.2 to 37.2 mm, and the riding surface is 22.1 to 24.4. So you see, the narrow contact patch balances you when you shift.
Do you want to wear test the 80HD?
Pros
- Perfect match for longboarders and rough surfaces
- You can rollover cracks, hills, dirt paths, grass, and rocks
- They are smooth and steady wheels
- Slides beautifully on cruiser boards and pools
Cons
- Weight-wise, they are on the heavier side
- Don’t expect to do any tricks with these
- Fast sliding is impossible with them
We Recommend For
By far, the 80HD is my favorite wheel because it has excellent properties. In my opinion, they are the best Spitfire wheels for beginners because they are steady on all types of bumpy, bricked, and rocky surfaces. They are more suitable for dropthrough longboards.
6. Spitfire Radial Skateboard Wheels (Spitfire Radial Review)
Radial wheels have a wider riding surface than the Classics, which gives you more control. If you are into technical skating, this is for you. The wheels are round cut to help with scoop tricks and to avoid wheel bites.
Formula Four urethane radial wheels are the least likely to have flat spots unless some form of aggressive skating was involved. The shape allows for more responsiveness and manageability.
The durometer of 99D guarantees more slide and grip on pretty much all smooth surfaces. They also produce less noise than 101. You can get them from a diameter range of 53 to 56 mm, width range of 33 to 35 mm, and riding surface of 19.5 to 21 mm.
Pros
- Best choice for those who like vert, mini ramp, and transition
- Fuller round edge ensures increased control
- Graphics are more creative and interesting than the rest
- They are ideal for street and park skating
Cons
- They are not suitable for a rough and bumpy surface
- The wheels can’t stand aggressive riding
- Professional tricks are hard to pull with these
Size Chart (Radial Slim)
| Size | Width | Riding Surface | Durometer |
| 51 | 29.5 | 18 | 99-101a |
| 52 | 30 | 18.5 | 99-101a |
| 53 | 30.5 | 19 | 99-101a |
| 54 | 31 | 19.5 | 99-101a |
| 56 | 34 | 20.5 | 99-101a |
Why We Recommend For
Do you want to get noticed on-ramp skating? These wheels may help you get there. Spitfire Radial is one of the best spitfire wheels for mini-ramp and vert based on the diameter length and the small riding surface.
7. Spitfire Formula Four 101D Tablet (Spitfire Tablet Wheels Review)
- One (1) set of 52mm Spitfire Wheels Formula Four Classic Swirl White w/ Green Skateboard Wheels – 101a; includes four (4) wheels
- Diameter: 52mm
- Durometer: 101a
- Color: White w/ Green
Spitfire Tablet has a block shape for coping and locking in edges. Despite the stubby body, they are not heavy at all.
To check the specification, the riding surface of these wheels is between 19 to 23 mm, the width is between 28 to 33 mm, and the size is between 51 to 55 mm. That being said, they are quite wide but are fine-tunable to achieve performance properties.
Easy slide ability reduces the chance of flat spots and chunk-outs. Even on grinding ledges, these babies showed no sign of extreme tear but a few scratches. Furthermore, the 101D performs best on smooth grounds, better than 99D.
Pros
- Low traction suits technical skateboarding
- The anti-slick slide is thrilling
- These wheels lock into a ground edge
- Tablet wheels can handle heavy shredding
Cons
- Avoid rough cement and roads
- They are not as smooth and slick as the others
- Sliding may be uncomfortable
- The features are not so unique
Why We Recommend For
The wide shape, diameter, and high durometer make these wheels the best Spitfire wheels for the park. These wheels shine on smooth grounds with their attractive grip and maneuverability.
Shapes Of Spitfire Wheels
It is crazy how many shapes the Spitfire wheels can be found in.
1. Conical
Conical has a cone shape, but it is flat from the contact patch to the sides. It has the perfect corners for slides, flat sides to lock-in edges, and a broad contact patch. The avant-garde version of conical is the full conical, which has more grasp and higher slide control.
2. Radial
The Radial Spitfire wheels have corners with a compact radius, leveled sides, and a broad contact patch. These have a riding surface between 19 to 21 mm, a width of 32.5 to 35 mm, and 52 to 56 mm.
Similarly, Radial Slims are the slimmer versions of the Radial with less slip and more lock. Their riding surface is between 18 to 20.5 mm, width is 29.5 to 34 mm, and size is 51 to 56 mm.
3. Classic
The Classic Spitfire wheels are the oldest shaped wheels. It has a big radius to make the contact patch small. It has a riding surface of 14.5 to 21.5 mm, a width of 30 to 39 mm, and a size of 50 to 60 mm.
4. Lock-in
The Lock-ins come in asymmetrical form with different shapes on each side. There is a leveled side for locking into corners and a creased side for unstoppable sliding. You can tune them up to adjust the sides that you want for grinds or slides.
This shape is up for grabs on a riding surface of 20 to 23 mm, a width of 32 to 33.5 mm, and a size of 52 to 55 mm.
5. Tablet
The Tablet has a straight-cut ‘block’ outline fit for coping and locking into a grind edge. It is available on a riding surface of 19 to 23 mm, the width of 28 to 33 mm, and 51 to 55 mm.
Buying Guide Of Best Spitfire Wheels
Roller skate wheels come in various shapes, sizes, bearings, hardness, and hub material. The wheels that you choose must be suitable for the type of skating. So here is a little guide on what makes the best skateboard wheels.
1. Wheel Width
The wheel widths that fall between 50 to 53 mm suit technical and trick riding. Rides are slower when the width is smaller, so use them for parks and bowls.
On the other hand, wheels with widths between 54 to 59 mm are for beginner and bigger riders. Use them at parks, bowls, and for daily cruising.
Then, the 60 mm and above ones are for advanced users who are into transition, speed riding, and rough surface techniques.
2. Diameter
Usually, the diameter of a skateboard wheel is measured in millimeters. Compact wheels are designed to handle accurate mobility on smooth roads, parks, bowls, and ramps.
On the contrary, the bigger ones provide a faster and smoother experience on any surface, significantly tougher surfaces.
3. Durometer
A durometer determines the grip, shock absorption, and resilience of the skate wheel. It can be from 78A to 105A; the latter is the toughest of all while the former is softest wheel.
The harder the wheels, the faster they move. In the same way, the softer the wheels, the firmer the grip, and the slower they are. People prefer the harder wheels for rides and parks on smoother surfaces.
| Durometer Measurements | Benefits |
| 78 to 87A | Longboarders, rough surfaces Easy to roll over small rocks, hills, and cracks |
| 88 to 95 A | Longboards, street riding, and rough surfaces |
| 96 to 99 A | All-around wheel Skate ramps, parks, and pools |
| 101 and over | For professionals to do sophisticated tricks |
4. Bearings
Commonly, skateboard wheel bearings comprise the shield, retainer, balls, inner race, an outer race. A skateboard needs eight bearings in total with 2 on each wheel.
To choose the correct bearing, you must know your experience level and riding style. Beginners can start with entry-level bearings, which are not as fast and sophisticated. Meanwhile, experts can go with higher quality bearings recommended for fast speed and sophisticated techniques.
Again, bearings can be made of steel or ceramic. Ceramic bearings are stronger and lighter than steel ones. Ceramics are more expensive, have less friction, and can cleat themselves during skating. Whatever bearing you choose, one thing you should keep in mind that you should clean bearings with bearing solvents. And you should apply lubricant to the bearings every week to keep wheels running smoothly.
Do you want to install bearings to the skate wheels on your own?
Here is the video that will help!
5. Contact Patch/Riding Surface
The contact patch is the part that touches the pavement when you are skating. A small contact patch is recommended for noseslide, tailslide, and bluntslide. Then a medium-sized contact patch is suitable for verts, bowls, and parks as it gives you more grip.
At last, a large-sized contact patch goes well for rough and slippery surfaces. Technically, larger contact patches distribute your weight evenly to reduce urethan compression and increase friction.
Round wheels get more intimate with the surface over tablet wheels. Smaller wheels can support your weight when you shift around, whereas the larger ones give you stability.
Overall Merits And Demerits Of Spitfire Wheels
Instead of weighing the good and bad of individual Spitfire wheels, let us know the overall advantages and disadvantages of these monster wheels.
Merits
- The performance of Spitfire wheels are unmatched in the market
- They last for many years for the polyurethane quality
- Most of them have fine grip and control
- Hard density of the wheels gives maximum pops in tricks
- Diameters are designed to suit skateboarders of all skill levels
Demerits
- Some people may find the premium price not worth the money
- Graphics can come off easily
- Bearings have to be purchased and fit separately
- Flat spots can be noticed if you ride on the wrong surfaces
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
I don’t think the product list and the buying guide are enough to answer all the questions in your head. So here I am with a few questions I know you are dying to ask!
1. How Long Do Spitfire Wheels Last?
You should take care of your skateboard wheels after every use. Make sure you clean them with vinegar water and store them in a safe place.
Even after this meticulous effort, the wheels’ shape may become irregular, start coming, and show signs of flat spots. Once they deteriorate like that, it is impossible to do the tricks you always have, and you have to get new ones eventually.
Wheels with a high durometer scale last for about 2 years. But if you skate on rough surfaces, do downhills and powerslides, your wheels will die out sooner.
Still, you can expand their lifespan by swapping the wheels every 2 months or so. Swap the right rear with the left front or the right front with the left rear to avoid overstraining the same side.
2. Why Do Skateboard Wheels Turn Yellow?
Just like any other wheels that run on the surface, skateboard wheels also lose color after numerous use. The urethan in skate wheels and the sun’s UV rays ruin the wheels’ newness over time.
Grease and dirt on the skating surface can do the same to your precious wheels.
3. Are Spitfire Wheels Slippery?
New wheels can feel quite slippery, but they become more manageable as time goes by. On the other hand, wheels with a high durometer above 95A can feel too smooth. That is why a bit of softness is needed for beginner-level skateboarders.
If you feel like your Spitfire wheels are too slippery, maybe you need to get wheels with a lower durometer rating. For example, try Red Classic 80HD and Spitfire Bighead.
Last Words
The Spitfire wheels listed in my review are the best sellers of this age. They are on top of the line, especially the new Formula Four series and the Classics. It was hard for me to find anything bad about them!
Anyway, I hope you found this article on the best Spitfire Wheels review educational. Enjoy skateboarding!
Check Out Our Post On
Source
Hi, this is Jerry, a skateboarder, who loves to talk about micro-mobility and future of that industry. Coming from motion engineering background, I am very enthusiast about speed, motion, balance and technology. I have taken a mission to carry the fuel free, environment friendly micro-mobile industry forward by educating people about micro-mobile products especially skateboards and longboards. I love skating around very much and encourage people to do so. Its a fun believe me.