How to Choose the Right Bones Wheels: STF, SPF, X-Formula
Bones Wheels have been a benchmark in modern skateboarding for years. Not only because the brand has been around for decades, but above all because it has managed to develop urethane formulas that are completely different from one another, each designed for a very specific use.
Many beginner skaters think that choosing a wheel simply means deciding on hardness and diameter. In reality, as soon as you start skating seriously, you immediately realize that two seemingly similar wheels can behave completely differently under your feet. They affect speed, grip, sliding, control, vibration absorption, and even the overall feel of the setup.
And this is exactly where Bones Wheels has become a global benchmark. STF, SPF, ATF, X-Formula, V1, V5, Sidecut, Fatties, Wide Cut: every Bones line is designed for a specific skateboarding style and delivers completely different sensations during a session.
For this reason, choosing the right Bones Wheels isn’t just about buying “a good wheel,” but understanding which formula and shape truly work for your actual skating style.
Because as soon as you start to truly understand the differences between an STF 103A, an X-Formula 97A, or a bowl-style SPF, the skateboard’s behavior underfoot changes completely.
Bones STF: the most technical street wheels in the line
Bones STF are probably the most iconic wheels in the entire Bones collection. STF stands for “Street Tech Formula,” and the entire line was created with a very specific goal: to make fast-rolling wheels that are controllable during slides and legendary flatspot resistance even after weeks of aggressive street skating.
When you start taking street skating seriously, you immediately realize how much a wheel can change the feel of technical tricks. Slides that are too slow, sudden wheelbites, loss of speed on gaps, or wheels that flatten easily can make your skate much less controllable. And this is exactly where the STF has built its reputation.
The STF formula uses a hard, fast-rolling urethane, designed to maintain high speeds even after continuous powerslides, reverts, and grinds on rough asphalt, curbs, and rails. The skateboard feels immediately more responsive underfoot. Flips feel faster, slides are much more predictable, and The wheels keep rolling fast even during technical lines.
The classic 103A versions are still among the hardest and fastest wheels in the modern street scene. They’re designed for those who want maximum speed in slides, highly technical control, and an extremely sharp response underfoot. On smooth surfaces, the difference compared to softer wheels is immediately noticeable.
The 99A versions offer more grip, softer landings, and slightly more versatile performance. They maintain speed and highly controllable slides, but provide more grip and comfort on rough spots or imperfect asphalt. This is precisely why so many modern skaters use 99A wheels even in technical street skating: they allow you to maintain control without sacrificing too much slide.
Many skaters who ride legendary Bones STF wheels for the first time notice a clear difference: the wheel feels much “cleaner” during slides and much more stable on landings compared to many traditional wheels.
STF V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5: Which Bones Shape Should You Really Choose
One of the things that makes the STF line so popular is the variety of shapes available. And this is where many skaters make a classic mistake: thinking that the wheel’s shape only affects its appearance.
In reality, the shape completely changes the contact surface, stability, slide speed, grip, and overall feel during a session. Two STFs with the same hardness can feel completely different underfoot simply by changing the shape.
The V1 Standard represents the most classic and versatile setup in the Bones line. They have a balanced contact surface and very neutral performance between street and park. They’re fast, controllable, and work practically anywhere without over-optimizing the setup. For many skaters, they remain the simplest and most consistent shape for daily use.
The V2 Locks, on the other hand, are designed to facilitate technical lock-ins on rails and curbs. The wheel’s lateral shape makes it easier to catch on grinds and makes slides and crookeds much more stable during lateral pressure. These shapes are highly appreciated by street skaters who skate a lot of technical rails and low walls.
The V3 Slims are among the favorites of the most technical and aggressive street skaters. They have less contact surface, are extremely lightweight, and very fast in flips. The board under your feet immediately feels quicker in direction changes and technical tricks. These shapes are designed for those who want maximum agility and minimal resistance during slides.
The V4 Wide, on the other hand, increase stability, control, and contact surface. More surface area means more grip, greater confidence in fast landings, and more stability on big gaps or in fast parks. Many modern skaters use the V4 precisely because they offer an excellent balance between street control and overall stability.
The V5 Sidecut is probably one of the most well-rounded shapes in the modern Bones lineup. The side profile facilitates very smooth and controllable slides, while the contact surface maintains excellent stability even on fast lines. These wheels are highly appreciated by those who skate both street and bowl without wanting to constantly change their setup.
And this is precisely where Bones Wheels has built much of its identity: not simply creating “skate wheels,” but shapes truly designed for different ways of skating.
Bones SPF: the ultimate wheels for parks, bowls, and transitions
While the STF represents the heart of technical street skating, the Bones SPF is the absolute benchmark for skateparks, bowls, and high-speed transitions.
SPF stands for “Skatepark Formula,” and the performance differs immediately from the STF. Here, the goal isn’t just to have fast slides, but to create a wheel that’s extremely smooth, stable, and durable on smooth surfaces.
In concrete skateparks or fast bowls, you can really feel the difference. The skateboard maintains speed and roll control much longer, handles fast lines better, and provides a very stable feel during carving, airs, coping grinds, and technical transitions.
SPF wheels are often used in very high hardnesses such as 81B or 84B, equivalent to approximately 101A and 104A, respectively. They are very hard, extremely fast wheels designed specifically for those who skate smooth surfaces at high speeds.
Many novice street skaters find SPFs too fast or too stiff. But as soon as you start skating transitions seriously, you immediately understand why so many park riders continue to prefer them over any other compound. The wheel maintains constant speed, controls slides on copings very well, and delivers incredible fluidity on fast lines.
Even the SPF shapes significantly alter the overall performance. The P5 Sidecuts favor highly technical grinds and lock-ins on copings, while the Fatties and Wide Cut models greatly increase grip and stability in deep bowls and on high-speed lines.
SPFs aren’t just “hard wheels.” They’re wheels specifically designed for those who want maximum speed and real control in parks, bowls, and transitions.
Bones X-Formula: the new generation of Bones wheels for rough ground and all-terrain
The Bones X-Formula represents one of the most significant developments from Bones Wheels in recent years. Following STF, SPF, and ATF, Bones sought to create a formula capable of combining speed, controlled slides, comfort, and vibration absorption in a single wheel.
The philosophy behind the X-Formula is very different from that of classic STFs. Bones developed this compound to create a wheel capable of gliding over rough terrain almost like a soft wheel, while maintaining slides, speed, and control very close to those of a traditional technical street wheel.
And this is precisely why so many modern skaters are starting to use them as an “all-terrain” setup. The X-Formula absorbs cracks, rough ground, and vibrations much better than traditional STFs, but without losing that fast, controlled feel typical of Bones’ more technical wheels.
Bones produces the X-Formula primarily in X95, X97, and X99 hardnesses.
The X99s are the version closest to a classic street wheel: very fast, quick in slides, and perfect for those skating mixed spots between technical street and park.
The X97s, on the other hand, are considered by many to be the true balance of the modern Bones line. They offer more grip, softer landings on rougher terrain, and greater roll control on rough terrain without becoming “rubbery” like many traditional soft wheels.
Many skaters coming from STF or very hard wheels immediately notice a clear difference: the X-Formula wheels maintain high speeds but make skating much less tiring on rough surfaces. The ride feels smoother, less stiff, and much more controllable during long lines, powerslides, and fast landings.
Formula Four vs Bones X-Formula: Which One to Choose
Many skaters today directly compare the Spitfire Formula Four with the Bones X-Formula because both represent two of the most advanced modern formulas in current street skating.
The Formula Four formula powers some of the fastest wheels in modern street skating, extremely controlled slides, and exceptional resistance to flatspots. The feel underfoot is very direct, fast, and aggressive. They are perfect wheels for those who skate very fast technical street, park, plaza, and continuous curbs.
The X-Formula, on the other hand, aims for a different balance. They maintain very smooth slides and high speed, but offer better vibration absorption and greater comfort on rough terrain. The ride feels less stiff, smoother, and less tiring during long sessions on rough asphalt or imperfect spots.
Many pure street skaters continue to prefer Formula Four for their extremely fast and precise feel during technical flips. Others, however, are switching to X-Formula precisely because they allow you to skate rough ground, beat-up plazas, and urban streets without losing too much control during slides.
Bones ATF: cruisers, filmers, and rough asphalt
The Bones ATF, on the other hand, represent the complete opposite of the STF and SPF.
ATF stands for “All Terrain Formula” and is designed for rough ground, cruiser, filmer setups, and damaged asphalt. Here, the goal isn’t to have the hardest or fastest wheel for slides, but to provide comfort, grip, and smoothness on any terrain.
The Rough Riders are probably the most famous ATF model. Fast, soft, and very quiet, they let you skate perfectly on rough asphalt, cobblestones, and damaged roads without wrecking your legs after just a few minutes.
Filmer Wheels, on the other hand, are designed for those who use skateboarding as a means of transportation or for filming. The wheel maintains a great deal of stability and absorbs vibrations extremely smoothly.
Those switching from very hard street wheels to ATFs immediately notice a huge difference: the skateboard becomes much smoother, quieter, and more controllable on rough surfaces.
Bones Wheels: Which Ones to Choose
There is no such thing as the perfect, universal Bones Wheel. There is, however, the right formula for your actual skating style.
Those who mainly skate technical street with flips, rails, and curbs will likely find the STF to be the most natural choice.
Those who spend most of their time in bowls, transitions, or very fast skateparks will immediately understand the appeal of the SPF.
Those who prefer rough ground, smooth cruising, filmer setups, or simply more comfort on rough surfaces will almost always prefer the ATF or the new X-Formula.
And this is precisely why Bones Wheels continues to be one of the most respected brands in skateboarding. It doesn’t just produce skate wheels — it creates formulas designed for different terrain, skating styles, and real-world control.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bones Wheels Models
When it comes to Bones Wheels, many skaters are always looking for the same answers: which formula to choose, what really changes between STF and SPF, whether the X-Formula is better than the Formula Four, or which shape works best for technical street skating.
And that’s normal, because Bones produces very different lines, and each wheel truly changes how the board feels under your feet. Below are some of the most common questions about Bones Wheels, with practical answers based on real-world use, feel during sessions, and concrete differences between the various formulas.
Which Bones Wheels should you choose for technical street?
If you mainly skate technical street with flips, rails, curbs, and gaps, Bones STF remains the most natural choice today. The 103A versions are very fast and aggressive in slides, while the 99A are more versatile on rough spots. For many modern street skaters, the STF continues to be one of the most controllable wheels ever produced.
Bones STF 99A or 103A: what’s the real difference?
The STF 103A are harder, faster, and have a crisper response. Perfect for very fast technical street skating and smooth surfaces. The 99A maintain great speed but add more grip and comfort on rough asphalt. If you skate rough spots or want a less extreme wheel, the 99A are often more manageable.
Bones SPF or STF: which are better?
It depends entirely on where you skate. The STFs are primarily designed for technical street, curbs, and rails. The SPFs, on the other hand, are specifically designed for skateparks, bowls, and fast transitions. The SPFs glide incredibly well on smooth surfaces and maintain incredible speed on fast lines.
Are Bones SPFs also good for street?
Yes, but you need to know what to expect. SPFs are very hard and very fast, so on rough technical street terrain they can feel quite stiff. On smooth plazas, skateparks, and clean spots, however, they work great even for modern street skating.
Bones X-Formula or Spitfire Formula Four?
Bones X-Formula wheels are generally smoother and more controllable on rough terrain. Spitfire Formula Four wheels, on the other hand, feel stiffer, faster, and more aggressive during slides. The Formula Four is very street-tech-oriented, while the X-Formula is more all-terrain and less tiring on rough spots.
Which Bones Wheels get the fewest flatspots?
The STF and SPF are still among the most flatspot-resistant wheels in modern skateboarding today. Bones has built much of its reputation on the quality of its urethane and the wheels’ ability to maintain shape and speed even after countless slides.
Which Bones should you choose for bowls and transitions?
For bowls, parks, and fast transitions, the SPFs are probably still the best choice. The Wide Cut, Sidecut, or Fatties shapes offer more stability, more grip, and plenty of control during fast carving and coping grinds.
Can Bones ATF wheels be used on a classic skateboard?
Absolutely. Bones ATF wheels are often used on cruiser setups, filmer boards, and urban rough-ground skateboards. They make the skateboard much smoother, quieter, and more controllable on rough surfaces.
What is the most versatile Bones shape?
The V1 Standard and V5 Sidecut are considered by many skaters to be the most balanced shapes in the entire Bones line. The V1s are very classic and all-around, while the V5s add more control during slides while maintaining excellent overall stability.
How long do Bones Wheels last?
It depends heavily on how much you skate, the terrain, and the number of slides you do during sessions. In general, however, Bones Wheels remain one of the most durable brands over time. With normal use, a good set of Bones can easily last for months, even with frequent skateboarding.
How to Choose the Right Bones Wheels with Pleasures Milano
Since 1999, Pleasures Milano has been selecting and skating on some of the best wheels in the global skateboarding scene. Over time, we’ve seen urethane formulas, shapes, and technologies evolve generation after generation.
And that’s precisely why choosing Bones Wheels shouldn’t be reduced to just a matter of hardness or diameter. Every formula truly changes how the board feels under your feet.
That’s why in our shop you’ll find a selection of Bones wheels built around real-world use, slide control, stability, urethane durability, and overall feel during your session.
Whether you’re looking for an STF for technical street skating, an SPF for parks and bowls, an X-Formula for modern rough ground, or an ATF for urban cruising, the goal remains the same: to create a setup that’s consistent, natural, and fun to skate day after day.
