Powell-Peralta Dragon Wheels Review

Powell-Peralta’s new Dragon Formula wheels have seemingly taken over the skateboarding world. Offering a softer, 93a durometer, Dragon Formula wheels let you ride on rougher surfaces while still being able to slide. We recently gave local skater, Travis a set of Powell-Peralta Dragon Formula wheels to see how they skate.

I ride the 56 (Wheel diameter) by 36 (Wheel width) in the V6 shape. I want kind of a bigger wheel because I ride a bigger board and I don't really care too much about weight. And in my mind it kind of just gives me less vibration when I'm skating. So I've been skating these (Dragon Formula wheels) for about maybe a month now. I was on the (Powell-Peralta) Experimentals first, and I got really used to those. When I switched over to these (Dragon Formula wheels), I liked them a little bit more just because they're softer. The other ones were probably at 95 and these are 93, so these ones definitely feel a little more grippy but they still slide great.

The out-of-package feel isn't too crazy. They don't have ribs on them or anything, so right out the box, they're pretty good. They take a couple powerslides to get used to, but I didn't really notice it too much. It was just kind of more so getting used to a softer wheel that still slides and everything, was the weirdest point, I guess.

I think there is a little bit of a break-in period, maybe just a day or two. It's nothing too out there. You could get used to it pretty quick, I did, and I really liked it. They handle drops pretty good. I definitely notice a little kind of sponginess to them when I put too much weight on them, or kind of just come off of a big drop, or anything. But you do get used to it and it feels pretty good in the end. But at first it's definitely different than a normal 99a wheel or something like that.

So far I haven't gotten any flat spots on them and I've been trying to get flat spots on them, just so I could say I did. But they actually haven't somehow, yet, so I’m kind of surprised on that one.

I think they handle different terrains pretty well. I haven't really noticed anything I didn't like too much. Maybe at the skate park they almost feel too smooth sometimes, but (with) everything else they feel great. Tailslides feel good, and everything on a slick ledge or maybe a sticky ledge, it doesn't really matter.

If I could change anything about them, the only thing I'd probably change is the noise they make when they powerslide. Really, that's my only complaint about them. Everything else is fine. I really like them. They're pretty sick. Maybe try a set out for yourself though, to see.

• A softer wheel that has grip but still slides great
• Minimal break in time
• Wheels can feel a little soft when skating drops
• Flat spot resistant
• Handles different terrains well

Based on Travis’ review, it seems like the Powell-Peralta Dragon Formula wheels live up to the hype. Smooth and easy to slide, with very little downside to them. As Travis said, try a set for yourself to see why Powell-Peralta Dragon Wheels are so popular.