The choice of skateboard wheels can dramatically impact your riding experience, affecting everything from speed and grip to durability and the overall feel of your board. Two of the most dominant and respected brands in the skateboarding wheel market are Bones Wheels and Spitfire Wheels. Both have carved out significant niches, appealing to different preferences and riding styles, yet often overlapping in their commitment to quality and performance. For skaters, understanding the nuances between these two giants is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with their individual needs, whether they’re grinding rails, hitting the skatepark, or cruising the streets.
This comprehensive guide will break down the core differences, similarities, and unique strengths of Bones Wheels and Spitfire Wheels. We’ll explore their technological advancements, material compositions, popular models, and who each brand is best suited for. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of which wheel might be your next perfect set, helping you elevate your skateboarding to new heights.
Key Takeaways
- Bones Wheels are renowned for their proprietary STF (Street Tech Formula) and SPF (Skatepark Formula) urethane, offering superior grip, slide control, and durability, particularly for street skating and rougher terrain.
- Spitfire Wheels are celebrated for their Formula Four (F4) urethane, which provides an exceptional balance of speed, grip, and a smooth ride, making them a favorite for park, street, and transition skating.
- Durability is a hallmark of both brands, but Bones often has a slight edge in pure longevity due to its specialized formulas, especially STF for abrasive street surfaces.
- Slide characteristics differ: Bones STF offers a more controlled, predictable slide, while Spitfire F4 is known for its quick, clean slides.
- Wheel shape and durometer are critical factors. Both brands offer a wide range, allowing skaters to fine-tune their setup for specific terrains and tricks.
- Price point for both brands is generally premium, reflecting their quality and performance, with specific models and sizes influencing the final cost.
- Brand heritage and innovation play a role; Bones has a long history with advanced urethane R&D, while Spitfire has consistently innovated with its F4 line.
Understanding Skateboard Wheel Fundamentals
Before diving into the specifics of Bones versus Spitfire, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental characteristics that define any skateboard wheel. These factors dictate how a wheel performs on different surfaces and for various skateboarding disciplines.
Diameter And Size
The diameter of a skateboard wheel is measured in millimeters (mm) and is a primary determinant of acceleration and top speed.
- Smaller wheels (50-53mm): Lighter, accelerate faster, and are ideal for technical street skating where quick pop and board control are paramount. They offer less weight, making flip tricks easier. However, they don’t roll as fast or as smoothly over rough surfaces.
- Medium wheels (54-56mm): A versatile range, suitable for a mix of street and park skating. They offer a good balance between acceleration and maintaining speed.
- Larger wheels (57mm+): Roll faster, maintain momentum better, and handle rougher terrain more effectively. These are generally preferred for transition skating (ramps, bowls) and cruising, as they absorb vibrations and bumps better.
Durometer (hardness)
Durometer measures the hardness of the urethane and is typically rated on the A-scale (e.g., 99A, 101A). A higher number indicates a harder wheel.
- Softer wheels (78A-95A): Offer more grip and a smoother ride, absorbing vibrations from rough surfaces. Ideal for long-distance cruising and rougher street spots. They are slower to slide.
- Medium-hard wheels (96A-99A): A good compromise for versatility, providing decent grip and a reasonably smooth ride while still allowing for slides. Suitable for most street and park skating.
- Hard wheels (100A+): Offer maximum speed and are best for smooth surfaces like skateparks and professional street spots. They slide easily and predictably, which is crucial for grinds and many technical tricks.
Urethane Formula
The urethane formula is the secret sauce of any wheel brand. It dictates the wheel’s performance characteristics, including grip, slide, durability, and resistance to flat spots. Different formulas are designed for specific purposes. This is where brands like Bones and Spitfire truly differentiate themselves.
Shape And Profile
Wheel shape refers to the profile or contact patch of the wheel.
- Classic/Standard shape: A traditional, rounded profile offering a good balance of grip and slide.
- Conical shape: Tapers in towards the bearing, offering a smaller contact patch for quicker slides and less resistance.
- Hybrid shapes: Combine elements of different profiles for specific performance benefits.
Understanding these fundamentals is the first step in discerning which wheel, from which brand, will best suit your skating style and the environments you typically skate in.
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Bones Wheels: Engineering For Performance
Bones Wheels, a division of Powell-Peralta, has a long-standing reputation for innovation and a deep understanding of urethane chemistry. Their commitment to developing proprietary formulas has made them a go-to choice for many skaters, especially those who prioritize durability and predictable performance on a variety of surfaces.
Key Urethane Formulas
Bones Wheels is most famous for its two distinct urethane formulas, each engineered for a specific purpose:
- Street Tech Formula (STF): This is Bones’ flagship formula for street skating. STF wheels are designed to be exceptionally durable and resistant to flat spots, even on the roughest concrete and asphalt. They offer a unique blend of grip and slide, allowing skaters to maintain control during grinds and slides while still being able to grip effectively for landings. STF wheels are typically harder, often in the 99A durometer range, but their specific formula makes them feel more consistent and less prone to chipping than other wheels of similar hardness. Many users report that STF wheels last significantly longer than competitors.
- Skatepark Formula (SPF): As the name suggests, SPF wheels are optimized for skateparks and smooth, clean concrete surfaces. This formula offers a harder, faster ride, typically in the 104A durometer range. SPF wheels provide a very smooth and fast roll, making them ideal for maintaining speed in bowls and on ramps. They are also known for their excellent slide capabilities, allowing for effortless grinds and lip tricks. While great for parks, they can be a bit chattery and less forgiving on rougher street terrain due to their hardness.
Popular Bones Wheels Models
Bones offers a wide array of shapes and sizes within their STF and SPF lines, catering to diverse preferences. Some of their most popular models include:
- STF V1/V2/V3/V4/V5/V6: These represent different iterations and shapes within the Street Tech Formula. The V1, for instance, is a classic rounded shape, while later versions like V5 and V6 might feature a more modern, slightly conical profile for enhanced lock-on during grinds.
- SPF P5/P6: Similar to the STF series, these denote specific shapes within the Skatepark Formula. The P5 often features a classic shape, while the P6 might offer a more modern, wider profile for increased stability and slide surface.
- Bones Swiss Edition: Often featuring their STF or SPF formulas, these wheels might come with graphics celebrating their long-standing relationship with Bones Swiss Bearings, known for their exceptional quality and speed.
Who Should Ride Bones Wheels?
Bones Wheels are an excellent choice for skaters who:
- Skate predominantly street: The STF formula is engineered to withstand the abuse of abrasive concrete, asphalt, and ledges. Its durability and predictable slide are invaluable for street skaters.
- Demand longevity: If you want wheels that last a long time and resist flat spots, Bones STF is a top contender.
- Skate skateparks and smooth transitions: The SPF formula offers unparalleled speed and slide on clean surfaces, making it a favorite for park and bowl riders.
- Appreciate proprietary technology: Bones invests heavily in R&D, and their unique formulas offer tangible performance benefits.
- Are looking for a consistent, reliable ride: Bones wheels are known for their consistency, meaning you can expect the same performance from set to set.
In my experience, when I first tried a set of Bones STF wheels on a rougher street spot, the difference in vibration absorption and the controlled slide on a gritty ledge was immediately noticeable. They felt more planted and forgiving than many other wheels I had ridden.
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Spitfire Wheels: The Standard For Smoothness And Speed
Spitfire Wheels, part of the DLXSF family (which also includes Real, Krooked, and Anti-Hero), has established itself as a dominant force in the wheel market. Their commitment to quality and innovation, particularly with their Formula Four (F4) urethane, has made them a benchmark for performance across various skateboarding disciplines.
The Revolutionary Formula Four (f4)
Spitfire’s Formula Four urethane is arguably their most significant contribution to modern skateboarding wheels. It’s a meticulously engineered formula designed to offer an unparalleled combination of speed, grip, and durability.
- Performance Characteristics: F4 wheels are known for their exceptional speed, smooth ride, and resistance to flat spotting. They provide a predictable and responsive feel, whether you’re carving transitions, popping flip tricks on the street, or sliding ledges.
- Grip and Slide Balance: One of the most praised aspects of F4 is its ability to balance grip and slide. They offer enough grip to keep you locked in during turns and landings, but they also slide cleanly and predictably when needed. This makes them incredibly versatile.
- Durability: While perhaps not as notoriously durable as Bones STF on the absolute roughest surfaces, F4 wheels are still incredibly tough and resistant to flat spotting. They are designed to maintain their shape and performance characteristics for a long time.
- Feel: Many skaters describe F4 wheels as feeling “alive” or having a responsive, connected feel to the pavement. They absorb vibrations exceptionally well, leading to a smoother ride even on less-than-perfect surfaces.
Popular Spitfire Wheels Models
Spitfire offers a wide range of models, often differentiated by shape, size, and graphics. The Formula Four line is their primary focus, with various iterations catering to different skater preferences.
- Formula Four Classics: These are the quintessential F4 wheels, often featuring a rounded profile and various sizes (e.g., 52mm, 53mm, 54mm). They are incredibly versatile.
- Formula Four Conical: These wheels have a more tapered shape, offering a reduced contact patch for quicker slides and less drag. They are popular among street skaters who prioritize slide performance.
- Formula Four Lock-Ins: Designed with a wider profile and a specific shape to maximize lock-on during grinds.
- Formula Four Radials: These feature a unique profile that offers a larger contact patch for stability and grip, while still maintaining good slide characteristics.
- Special Editions and Graphics: Spitfire is also known for its extensive range of graphics, often collaborating with artists or featuring iconic imagery, making their wheels as stylish as they are functional.
Who Should Ride Spitfire Wheels?
Spitfire Wheels, particularly their F4 line, are an excellent choice for skaters who:
- Seek versatility: F4 wheels perform exceptionally well across street, park, and transition skating. They are a true all-around wheel.
- Value a smooth ride: Their urethane formula excels at absorbing vibrations, making them comfortable on various surfaces.
- Want a predictable slide: Spitfire F4s are known for their clean, controllable slides, which is crucial for grinds and technical tricks.
- Appreciate a balance of speed and grip: They offer a fast roll without sacrificing the grip needed for confident landings.
- Are looking for a premium, reliable wheel: Spitfire has earned its reputation through consistent quality and performance.
Many professional skaters across different disciplines ride Spitfire, a testament to their broad appeal and proven performance.
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Comparing Bones Wheels Vs. Spitfire Wheels Directly
While both brands produce top-tier skateboard wheels, their distinct formulas and design philosophies lead to noticeable differences in performance. Here’s a direct comparison across key attributes:
Durability And Longevity
- Bones Wheels: The STF formula is engineered for extreme durability, especially on rough street surfaces. It’s highly resistant to flat spotting and abrasion, often outlasting competitor wheels significantly. SPF is also durable but more suited for smooth surfaces.
- Spitfire Wheels: Formula Four offers excellent durability and resistance to flat spotting, performing admirably on both street and park. While incredibly tough, in the harshest, most abrasive street conditions, Bones STF might hold a slight edge in pure longevity for some users.
Grip And Slide Characteristics
- Bones Wheels:
- STF: Offers a unique blend. It grips well for its hardness but provides a very controlled, predictable slide. It’s less “slippery” than some other hard wheels, making it feel more secure.
- SPF: Designed for maximum speed and a very clean, fast slide on smooth surfaces. Grip is secondary to speed and slide in this formula.
- Spitfire Wheels:
- F4: Known for an exceptional balance. They grip reliably for carving and landings but offer a fast, clean, and predictable slide that many skaters find ideal for grinds and technical tricks. The slide is often described as more “quick” than Bones STF.
Speed And Smoothness
- Bones Wheels:
- STF: Offers good speed, but its primary focus is durability and control. It’s smoother than many generic hard wheels but might not feel as “fast” as SPF or F4 on very smooth surfaces.
- SPF: Designed for maximum speed on smooth surfaces. It provides a very fast and smooth roll in its intended environment.
- Spitfire Wheels:
- F4: Excels in speed and smoothness across a wider range of surfaces. The urethane formula is designed to absorb vibrations exceptionally well, providing a very comfortable and fast ride.
Terrain Suitability
- Bones Wheels:
- STF: Primarily optimized for street skating and rougher concrete. Excellent for ledges, manual pads, and general street cruising.
- SPF: Best suited for skateparks, bowls, and smooth indoor/outdoor concrete.
- Spitfire Wheels:
- F4: Highly versatile, performing exceptionally well on street, skateparks, bowls, and transition. It’s a true all-terrain wheel for the dedicated skater.
Price Point
Both Bones Wheels and Spitfire Wheels are considered premium brands, and their prices reflect their quality, R&D, and performance. You can expect to pay a similar price for comparable models from each brand. Typically, a set of four wheels will range from $40 to $60 USD, depending on the specific model, size, and retailer. Cheaper wheels often use inferior urethane that wears out faster, flat spots easily, or provides a less enjoyable riding experience. Investing in a quality set from either Bones or Spitfire is generally worthwhile for the performance benefits.
Here’s a comparative table to summarize:
| Attribute | Bones Wheels (STF) | Bones Wheels (SPF) | Spitfire Wheels (F4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Urethane Formula | Street Tech Formula (STF) | Skatepark Formula (SPF) | Formula Four (F4) |
| Target Terrain | Street, rough concrete | Skateparks, smooth concrete, bowls | Street, park, transition (all-around) |
| Durability | Excellent, highly resistant to abrasion & flat spots | Excellent, especially on smooth surfaces | Excellent, very resistant to flat spots |
| Grip | Good, controlled grip | Moderate, prioritizing speed/slide | Excellent, balanced grip |
| Slide | Controlled, predictable, less “slippery” | Fast, clean, predictable on smooth surfaces | Fast, clean, predictable, responsive |
| Speed | Good | Excellent (on smooth surfaces) | Excellent |
| Smoothness | Good | Excellent (on smooth surfaces) | Excellent |
| Ideal For | Street skaters prioritizing longevity & control | Park/bowl skaters prioritizing speed & slide | All-around skaters seeking versatility, speed, & smooth ride |
Choosing The Right Wheel For Your Style
The “better” wheel between Bones and Spitfire ultimately depends on your individual skateboarding style, the terrain you frequent most, and your personal preferences.
For The Dedicated Street Skater
If your daily routine involves grinding ledges, sliding rails, and skating rough, unforgiving concrete, Bones STF wheels are likely your best bet. Their superior durability and resistance to flat spotting mean they’ll withstand the abuse longer. The controlled slide of STF allows for confident lock-ins on grinds and predictable exits, while still offering enough grip for technical street tricks. For skaters who want their wheels to last and perform consistently on harsh urban landscapes, STF is a strong recommendation. You might also consider adding skateboard deck rails to further protect your board during grinds.
For The Park And Transition Rider
If your passion lies in carving bowls, hitting ramps, and flowing through skateparks, Bones SPF or Spitfire F4 are both excellent choices.
- Bones SPF offers maximum speed and a very slick slide on smooth surfaces, perfect for maintaining momentum in transitions. If you’re looking for pure speed and the ability to slide effortlessly on pristine concrete, SPF is a fantastic option.
- Spitfire F4 also excels in parks, providing a great balance of speed, smooth ride, and controllable slide. Many transition skaters prefer F4 for its responsive feel and ability to grip reliably during powerful carves, while still offering a clean slide for coping tricks.
For The Versatile All-arounder
For skaters who enjoy a mix of street skating and park sessions, Spitfire F4 wheels are often the most recommended. Their balanced formula provides the durability and slide needed for street, while also offering the speed and smooth ride essential for parks. They are the quintessential “do-it-all” wheel. If you find yourself transitioning between different spots and terrains frequently, F4 offers a consistent and reliable performance across the board. This versatility makes them a popular choice for many intermediate and advanced skaters.
Considering Other Factors
Beyond the core formulas, remember to consider:
- Wheel Shape: A wider wheel (like Spitfire’s Lock-Ins or some Bones V6/P6 shapes) offers more stability and a larger surface area for slides. A more conical shape (like Spitfire’s Conical F4) can facilitate quicker slides.
- Bearing Quality: High-quality bearings, such as Bones Swiss Bearings, will significantly impact your overall speed and how well your wheels perform, regardless of the brand.
- Riding Surface: Always consider where you skate most. Rougher surfaces demand more durable urethane, while smoother surfaces allow for harder, faster wheels.
Ultimately, the best way to find your favorite is through experimentation. Both Bones and Spitfire offer such high-quality products that you’re unlikely to be disappointed with either.
Real-world Examples And Skater Preferences
The skateboarding community is diverse, and preferences for wheel brands often become ingrained through experience and exposure.
- Street Skating Example: Consider a skater like Shane O’Neill, known for his incredibly technical street skating. He often rides wheels that offer a precise slide and good durability. While his exact setup might change, brands like Bones (STF) and Spitfire (F4 Conical or Classics) are frequently seen in the hands of such elite street skaters due to their reliable performance on ledges and rails. The ability to lock into grinds and slide out cleanly is paramount.
- Transition Skating Example: Look at a skater like Grant Taylor, who shreds everything from pools to street. He often rides larger, harder wheels that can handle the speed and transitions of a skatepark. Spitfire F4s, particularly in larger sizes (56mm+), are a common choice for transition skaters who need a fast, smooth ride with predictable slide characteristics for airs and carves.
- The “All-Arounder” Preference: Many skaters fall into the category of enjoying both street and park. This is where the versatility of Spitfire F4 truly shines. A skater who might spend their morning at a local park and their afternoon finding street spots will appreciate a wheel that performs well in both. A skater who might spend their morning at a local park and their afternoon finding street spots will appreciate a wheel that performs well in both environments without requiring a complete setup change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bones Wheels Better Than Spitfire Wheels?
Both Bones and Spitfire make high-quality skateboard wheels, but they have different strengths. Bones STF is particularly focused on durability, controlled slides, and rough street surfaces, while Spitfire F4 is known for combining speed, smoothness, grip, and slide across a wider range of terrain. The right option depends on where and how you skate.
Which Is Better For Street Skating, Bones Or Spitfire?
For rough street skating where durability and resistance to flat spots are priorities, Bones STF is particularly well suited. Spitfire F4 is also highly capable on the street and offers a more versatile balance of speed, grip, and slide. Your preferred wheel shape and durometer can also make a noticeable difference.
Are Bones STF Wheels Good For Rough Roads?
Yes. Bones STF was specifically designed with abrasive street surfaces in mind. Its durability and resistance to flat spots make it a popular choice for rough concrete and asphalt. If the surfaces you skate are particularly harsh, STF can provide a more consistent experience over time.
Are Spitfire F4 Wheels Good For Beginners?
Spitfire F4 can be a good choice for beginners because of its balanced performance and wide range of available sizes, shapes, and durometers. A beginner who wants one set that can work for street skating and skateparks may appreciate the versatility of F4. Choosing an appropriate wheel size and hardness is still important for the type of skating you plan to do.
What Size Skateboard Wheels Should I Choose?
The right size depends on your setup and riding style. Smaller wheels around 50-53mm are commonly used for technical street skating, medium wheels around 54-56mm provide a versatile balance, and larger wheels around 57mm and above are useful for maintaining speed and handling rougher surfaces. You should also consider wheel clearance and the possibility of wheel bite when choosing a larger setup.
Final Thoughts
Bones and Spitfire have both earned their place among the most recognized names in skateboard wheels, but they approach performance from slightly different directions. Bones offers specialized formulas such as STF and SPF, giving skaters options that are strongly focused on particular riding environments. Spitfire’s Formula Four takes a more versatile approach, combining speed, grip, smoothness, and slide in a formula that works across many different setups.
For rough street spots and skaters who put a high value on longevity, Bones STF offers a particularly durable option. For smooth parks and transition skating, Bones SPF provides the speed and slide characteristics that suit those surfaces. Spitfire F4, meanwhile, is a flexible choice for skaters who regularly move between street, park, and transition.
There is no single wheel that will feel exactly the same to every skater. Wheel diameter, durometer, shape, deck setup, bearings, and the surfaces you ride all influence the final experience. A wheel that feels perfect on smooth park concrete may feel very different on cracked asphalt.
The best approach is to match the wheel to your actual skating rather than choosing based only on brand reputation. Once you know the type of surfaces you ride, the tricks you practice, and the feel you prefer under your feet, choosing between Bones and Spitfire becomes much easier. Both brands offer proven options, so the final decision can come down to the specific formula, shape, and size that fit your setup.