Intended Use: Rolling smooth on uneven/rough surfaces and works well for street-oriented skating, skateparks, bowls, and smooth surfaces
Recommended for: A smooth ride on any surface, good slideability, and durability. An overall quality wheel.
Dave’s Review
56mm V6 95A
Review Date and Location: July 2022 – September 2022 in Idaho/Utah
Review:
I’d seen a few posts about a new formula wheel Powell/Bones were working on. I was super stoked to get to try a set before their official release. It definitely brought back some memories of seeing the Bones Brigade members riding experimental decks. The wheels are out now and are called Bones X Formula and Powell Dragons.
Bones Wheels saw a gap in the market and sought to make a “skate anywhere wheel”. Using a combination of urethanes, they aimed for high rebound for speed, abrasion resistance for long life, soft enough to roll over rough terrain, and still have the ability to slide. Too good to be true?
I’ve ridden these wheels for a while now and they have definitely impressed me. I’ve used them on streets, pump tracks, parks, and ramps.
So far, I have used them on two different pump tracks. One was a prefab composite plastic track and the X Formula wheels were really smooth on this track and rolled over the gaps with ease. I tried a bigger, harder wheel on this track too, and found it much more challenging. The second pump track was an asphalt track. I again tried a few wheels and the X Formula was very smooth, but being a 54mm wheel I found it a bit challenging to keep speed.
Rolling around the streets and parks the X Formula feels and sounds like a soft wheel. But true to the claim, they slide really well.
Riding mixed surfaces on the wrong wheel usually leads to wear quickly. So far the X Formula has held up very well and I haven’t seen this to be an issue.
Performing slides on wheels there is always a concern with flat spots, but so far, the X Formula has not had flat spot issues.
Bones will be coming out with a few more durometers of the X Formula soon, X97 and X99.
Overall Impressions:
The Bones X Formula lives up to the hype. They slide well, roll smoothly, and have great rebound. They really stand out skating rougher street spots and rolling over cracks. They are unlike any wheel I’ve ever used, they live up to the hype!
Pros:
- Great rebound
- Durable, no flat spots
- Slide well
Cons
- Felt a little slow on some surfaces
Chris’ Review
56mm V6 95A
Review Date and Location: July 2022 – September 2022 in Colorado
Review:
Bones Experimental 56mm 95a’s were a change from my normal 58mm wheel, but Dave had mentioned these are great for reducing chatter on rough surfaces. I don’t ride rough surfaces that much so I had to try them out on some streets around the neighborhood and sure enough, I felt like these wheels made a huge difference in reducing vibrations underfoot and I didn’t feel like my feet, knees, and legs were going to be jarred around from riding in the streets!
I also have been putting these wheels to the test in my local skatepark, they roll really well for a 56mm wheel, they are slower than my 58mm but that’s to be expected. To me, they feel a bit softer on smooth surfaces and slide easily and a little differently from my 81B’s it the experimental’s have been a really fun wheel to roll around on anywhere from the neighborhood to the skatepark.
Overall Impressions:
If you are looking for a harder wheel that can handle rough surfaces and dampen vibration, and also transition over to skateparks and bowls this is a great wheel, I prefer a 58mm wheel, however, the 56mm has held its own for my skating. Highly recommend these wheels for their durability and cushioned feeling on rough surfaces.
Pros:
- Rolls smoothly
- Holds its shape, no flat spots
- Transitions well to any surface you’re riding on
Cons
- None
| Price: |  (4.3 / 5) |
| Construction: |  (4.8 / 5) |
| Performance: |  (5.0 / 5) |
| Overall: |  (4.7 / 5) |