Need a definitive comparison of Bones wheels

[Ras Wes]

I tried to search it.. but I always suck at searching. So if someone can find a previous post and link it up than I'll just go for that... if not.. then here's my question:

I'm looking for a new set of pool/bowl wheels because I'm finally going to part with my itsy-bitsy 50ish mm Rictas. I was looking at all the Bones wheels and I'm overwhelmed with all the *TF/*PF things. So... is the only different between the SPFs, the Poolriders, and the BOwlbombers striclty a matter of crossection or is the 'thane different.

Also, are the DTFs too slow for fast speed shredding.... I must add that the ONLY reason I'm parting with my faaaaaaaaaavorite Rictas is becase they're too small and too slow. I want something that will throw me around a bowl at mach speeds, and no slower.

So... is there anyone who has a definitive comparison of the Bones wheels...

One love

[fishermantpr]

I am interested too, i need some wheels for my new pool/ park board, i was going to go with some killer bees like my other deck but that would be redundant. lets hear about some fast bones wheels.

(or a review of the rain skates stingers)

[Wells]

The SPF wheels are fast and sticky on concrete, but have a tendency to slip out on masonite dust. They're hard as all get out, but don't slide like most hard wheels. They're quite good for high-speed bowl shreddage where you need traction to work those trannies for maximum speed.

[JBH]

A couple of years ago I had similar questions. I had good luck just e-mailing Bones directly. Got a reply from Rob Washburn himself.

As for your request for a comparison, I haven't ridden the DTF or Bowl Bombers, so I can't say how they compare. But I have had two sets of SPF 60mm and found them to be VERY fast on smooth concrete and ramps. They gripped well everywhere I rode them; I only regret that I didn't try them at Denver skatepark, which is the slickest friggin' surface I've EVER skated. Anything short of that, however, I can vouch for them being as advertised--rock hard, but somehow still quite grippy. They'll definitely slide, but will hook back up pretty predictably.

My recommendation: If you're set on having hard wheels and are gonna be riding parks and ramps only, go for the SPFs. If you're gonna ride other stuff as well, go for the DTF--still hard wheels, but more designed for all-terrain riding. Either way, I doubt you'll be disappointed with how Bones wheels work.

[Mile_High_Mark]

JBH's advice is spot on.

The PF Bowl Bomber wheels are some of my all-time favorites.

[Xgecko]

OK so how do they compare to Shitfire's IPS, Blackfartz and Godoys?

[Mile_High_Mark]

OK so how do they compare to Shitfire's IPS, Blackfartz and Godoys?

Speed is very similar, with the Powell's being a little smoother and grippier.

[Xgecko]

Speed is very similar, with the Powell's being a little smoother and grippier.

humm intresting, I don't skate any glass smooth parks these days, the ones I do skate have a loads grip and I actually like the little bit of looseness that I get out of my wheels but it's nice to know that Powells are good for super smooth stuff

[Ras Wes]

Right on guys... thanks a ton... I think i'mma go with some 58mm SPFs. 60mm sounds fast... but stepping up from like 50ishmm to 60 would be far to drastic in my opinion..

Now... as far as risers go (as you can tell.. I basically have no technical knowledge of all this stuff hehehe)... should I run two flats.. .or one flat/one angled? I used to run a pool board with Tracker Darts, flat riser in front, and angled in back.... and I loved it.. but that was way before I really knew what the hell I was doing. Now that I've progressed into tranny skating a lil more I'm not sure if such a set up is even practical... I just thought it felt cool from experimenting with different riser set ups.

Really though, thanks again for all the input!

one love

[Mr Mellow]

Right on guys... thanks a ton... I think i'mma go with some 58mm SPFs. 60mm sounds fast... but stepping up from like 50ishmm to 60 would be far to drastic in my opinion..

Now... as far as risers go (as you can tell.. I basically have no technical knowledge of all this stuff hehehe)... should I run two flats.. .or one flat/one angled? I used to run a pool board with Tracker Darts, flat riser in front, and angled in back.... and I loved it.. but that was way before I really knew what the hell I was doing. Now that I've progressed into tranny skating a lil more I'm not sure if such a set up is even practical... I just thought it felt cool from experimenting with different riser set ups.

Really though, thanks again for all the input!

one love

Size wise 58-62mm is the sweet spot IMO, so your 58mm choice is a good one.

Risers you'll want to keep flat. i have mine set up with a 1/8" shock pad running 59mm Rainskates and no problems with bite. Since you like to run your trucks extra loose you might add a 1/8" flat to that for insurance.

[Ras Wes]

awesome, Mr. Mellow...

thanks a ton man!

[JBH]

Right on guys... thanks a ton... I think i'mma go with some 58mm SPFs. 60mm sounds fast... but stepping up from like 50ishmm to 60 would be far to drastic in my opinion..

Now... as far as risers go (as you can tell.. I basically have no technical knowledge of all this stuff hehehe)... should I run two flats.. .or one flat/one angled? I used to run a pool board with Tracker Darts, flat riser in front, and angled in back.... and I loved it.. but that was way before I really knew what the hell I was doing. Now that I've progressed into tranny skating a lil more I'm not sure if such a set up is even practical... I just thought it felt cool from experimenting with different riser set ups.

Can't argue with Mr Mellow's advice overall, but you can ride wedged trucks if you want. I ride Indy 169s on a Comet Ice model (9"x33") with Retro InvertZ wheels, which are 61mm, I think. My front truck is flat, with a very thin shock pad and a 1/4" (I think?) flat riser. But I ride a steep (10- or 12-degree?) Pocket Pistols wedge pad under my rear truck, skinny end forward, i.e. dewedged, and it works fine. It's never squirrelly, and it takes the kingpin completely out of the equation on grinds. Hanger only, baby! The only drawback is it does feel a little funny if you ride the board backwards--you know, after you pull those invert varials.

[Xgecko]

I use 2 1/8" risers on a 60mm wheel, trucks are floppy...no wheelbite

[Mr Mellow]

Can't argue with Mr Mellow's advice overall, but you can ride wedged trucks if you want. I ride Indy 169s on a Comet Ice model (9"x33") with Retro InvertZ wheels, which are 61mm, I think. My front truck is flat, with a very thin shock pad and a 1/4" (I think?) flat riser. But I ride a steep (10- or 12-degree?) Pocket Pistols wedge pad under my rear truck, skinny end forward, i.e. dewedged, and it works fine. It's never squirrelly, and it takes the kingpin completely out of the equation on grinds. Hanger only, baby! The only drawback is it does feel a little funny if you ride the board backwards--you know, after you pull those invert varials.

I get the sense that Ras wants to keep things simple.

But thats a really good idea wedging just the back to tilt the kingpin out of the way. Its worth a try. It must feel real stable. Do you notice any difference in the height of the back compared to the front?

[BuckWyld]

Generally what size wheel starts needing risers with indys?

[gorillabiscuits]

...But I ride a steep (10- or 12-degree?) Pocket Pistols wedge pad under my rear truck, skinny end forward, i.e. dewedged, and it works fine. It's never squirrelly, and it takes the kingpin completely out of the equation on grinds. Hanger only, baby!

Never thought about that, pretty good idea.

[JBH]

I get the sense that Ras wants to keep things simple.

But thats a really good idea wedging just the back to tilt the kingpin out of the way. Its worth a try. It must feel real stable. Do you notice any difference in the height of the back compared to the front?

Agreed on pt. 1. Ninety-nine point nine percent of skaters will just keep the trucks flat. Nothing wrong with that.

I just got tired of grinding down (or on) kingpins, even inverted ones. Plus once I started getting back into slalom, it seemed like an interesting idea, at least to try. It does feel really stable, at least going forward. As I said, though, it can feel a little funny if you ride it backwards. The height doesn't seem to be that much different.

Actually, the only reason I went with a steep wedge is because when I mounted it up, I didn't have enough longer hardware to use a less-steep Tracker wedge (the thin end is thicker than the PP wedge). If you want to try a dewedge, start with a Tracker and see how you like it.

Here's a photo of mine, taken when I was facing my hangers:

[Mile_High_Mark]

I run hard Tracker wedges on my park board. Wedged front, and de-wedged rear. Works great (until you fakie).