I was looking for some new wheels to help get more out of my bowl sessions at my local skatepark. I had been riding some generic longboard wheels in 78a before the Yellow Jackets and now that I've had a chance to compare the two all I can say is wow! These puppies are fast! I easily doubled my effective run in the bowl. Pumping is now more productive because I'm not losing speed in the flats due to the soft wheels.

Grip is not a problem. With the 78a's I was getting great grip on my carves and the YJ's easily equal what I was getting. Never had a problem with them breaking traction when I wasn't expecting them too. I did have one slight slip, but that was more due to the steep line on a front side carve with too tight trucks than the wheels.

When I wanted to slide the YJ's were very smooth, controllable and predictable. When I was on the edge of traction they let out just enough noise to act as a warning signal that it was coming, which let me stay under full control. The best part about sliding is the righteous 'brrreeeepp' sound they make when it happens. Nice and loud so you'll be noticed in the park when you bust out your front side berts on the bank.

Now for the bad. I'm not really sorry to say that there is none. Well, since I come from a longboarding background I'm spoiled by soft wheels. Before these, my previously hardest wheels were some 88a Flashbacks. This means that combined with the predeliction for gravel landscaping here in Arizona I won't be cruising these wheels anytime soon if I want to keep my teeth. Not really a dig on the wheels, but good to know.

All in all, great wheels at a great price. If you're looking for new park wheels and can't decide what you want, then go for the Rainskates Yellow Jackets. You won't be sad.