From their fiery debut in 1987 to becoming a street skating staple across the globe, Spitfire Wheels has stayed lit for decades — and not just because of that iconic Bighead logo. They’re one of the most respected names in skateboard wheels, known for their speed, control, and ability to take serious punishment without flatspotting. But how did they become so legendary, and what makes them the go-to wheel for so many skaters today? Let’s rewind the tape.
Origins: Born in the Streets (1987)
Spitfire was launched in San Francisco in 1987 under the Deluxe Distribution umbrella — the same powerhouse behind Real, Anti-Hero, Thunder, and Venture. The idea was simple but bold: make wheels that didn’t just last, but perform. Early on, they earned a loyal following by producing wheels that held up to SF’s brutal streets and hills, where flatspots are practically a rite of passage.
The early graphics were wild — gritty, rebellious, punk-inspired. And the Bighead logo, designed by artist Kevin Ancell, became one of the most recognizable symbols in skateboarding. That flaming skull with a devilish grin became synonymous with style and aggression.
The Rise: ’90s and 2000s Dominance
By the ‘90s, Spitfire was everywhere. Their Formula Four Urethane, now known industry-wide for being practically flatspot-proof, was still years away, but their basic formulas were already earning cred for durability. As the street skating scene exploded, Spitfire rolled alongside it, with a team stacked with legends — think Julien Stranger, John Cardiel, and Elissa Steamer.
Throughout the 2000s, Spitfire refined their formulas and shapes, keeping pace with changing trick trends and terrain. They dropped legendary video parts, pushed raw street skating, and always kept that gritty SF energy alive.
Tech That Matters: The Formula Four Revolution
In 2013, Spitfire shook the game again with the launch of Formula Four wheels — a high-performance urethane engineered for:
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Unmatched flatspot resistance
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Sustained speed control
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Lasting grip and slide balance
This wasn’t just marketing fluff. Skaters noticed immediately — you could bomb hills, slide ledges, and powerslide through crust, all without your wheels looking like they got cheese-grated. Formula Four became the gold standard and changed the way people judged skateboard wheels. They didn’t just outperform — they outlasted everything else.
Today: Still The Most Trusted Name in Wheels
Fast forward to today, and Spitfire still reigns. Their team reads like a who’s who of raw skate talent: Ishod Wair, Mason Silva, Louie Lopez, Jamie Foy, Alexis Sablone, Miles Silvas, and more. They release limited collabs, special edition wheels, and Bighead gear constantly — but the real reason people ride Spitfire? They just work. Whether you’re skating street, park, or DIY, there’s a set of Spitfires that’ll level you up.
SPITFIRE BUYER’S GUIDE 2025
Picking the right set of Spitfires comes down to your terrain, style, and how much control versus slide you want. The most popular choice by far is the Formula Four Classic — it strikes a perfect balance between grip and slip, with a medium-width riding surface and a versatile shape that works great for street and park skating alike. Available in both 99a and 101a durometers and ranging from 50mm to 60mm in size, these wheels are your reliable daily driver.
If you’re looking for a bit more surface contact for extra stability on ledges and rails, the Formula Four Conical or Conical Full shapes are the go-to. Conicals have slightly more width than the Classic, while Conical Fulls are even chunkier — perfect for locking into ledges and adding control on sketchy terrain. They come in sizes between 51mm and 58mm, with both 99a and 101a options.
Transition skaters and bowl rats might prefer Radials or Radial Slims. These shapes feature rounder edges that carve better and lock into coping cleanly. The Radial is great for those who like a bit more wheel underfoot, while Slims keep things light and flickable. Both come in a similar size range (52mm–58mm) and are offered in both key duros for varying grip and speed.
For anyone cruising, filming, or just wanting a smoother ride on crusty streets, Soft D’s and Chargers are where it’s at. Soft D’s are an 80HD durometer — soft enough to absorb cracks, but firm enough to handle technical tricks. They’re great for a filmer setup or commuter board. Chargers take it even further with an ultra-soft 80a urethane that eats up pebbles and makes your ride whisper-quiet. These are ideal for sidewalk surfing and mellow cruises.
As a rule of thumb, 99a gives you the best grip-slide balance for all-around skating, 101a is faster and more slippery for smooth park surfaces or polished street, and 80a–80HD formulas are built for comfort, filming, and cruiser setups. Whether you’re skating ditches, dropping into bowls, or battling rough city pavement, there’s a Spitfire wheel designed to elevate your ride.
