Introduction
So, you're thinking about getting Fatty Hawgs for your Arbor Venice Sizzler? That's awesome! Upgrading your wheels can make a world of difference in your riding experience. Whether you're cruising around town, carving some hills, or just enjoying the ride, the right set of wheels can elevate your board's performance. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about Fatty Hawgs, why they might be a great fit for your Arbor Venice Sizzler, and what you should consider before making the switch. Let's dive in and get you rolling!
What are Fatty Hawgs?
Fatty Hawgs are a popular choice in the longboarding community, known for their smooth ride, predictable grip, and overall versatility. These wheels are made by Hawgs Wheels, a brand renowned for producing high-quality urethane wheels designed for various riding styles. Fatty Hawgs typically come in a larger size and wider contact patch compared to standard skateboard wheels, making them ideal for longboards and cruisers. Their design focuses on providing a stable and comfortable ride, capable of handling different terrains and speeds. The urethane formula used in Fatty Hawgs is specifically engineered to offer a balance of grip and slide, allowing riders to confidently carve and maneuver without losing control. These wheels are also known for their durability, meaning they can withstand the wear and tear of daily use, making them a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced riders. Whether you're commuting to work, cruising along the boardwalk, or tackling some downhill runs, Fatty Hawgs are designed to enhance your overall riding experience with their performance and reliability. The versatility of Fatty Hawgs is one of their biggest selling points. They perform well on various surfaces, from smooth pavement to slightly rougher roads, making them a go-to option for riders who want a wheel that can handle diverse conditions. This adaptability makes them particularly appealing for riders who use their longboards for multiple purposes, such as commuting, recreational cruising, and light downhill riding. Furthermore, the larger size of Fatty Hawgs helps to roll over cracks and bumps more easily, providing a smoother and more stable ride, which is crucial for maintaining balance and control, especially at higher speeds. The combination of a wider contact patch and a specific urethane formula also contributes to their exceptional grip, allowing for confident carving and turning. The wheels maintain a solid connection with the road, preventing unwanted slippage and ensuring that your board responds accurately to your movements. This enhanced grip is particularly beneficial for riders who enjoy carving and want to push their limits while still feeling secure and in control. In addition to their performance benefits, Fatty Hawgs are also designed with durability in mind. The high-quality urethane used in their construction is resistant to abrasion and wear, meaning the wheels will maintain their shape and performance over time, even with frequent use. This longevity makes Fatty Hawgs a cost-effective option in the long run, as you won't need to replace them as often as some other wheels on the market. Overall, Fatty Hawgs are a versatile, high-performing, and durable wheel choice that can significantly enhance your longboarding experience, making them a popular and trusted option among riders of all skill levels.
Why Consider Fatty Hawgs for Your Arbor Venice Sizzler?
The Arbor Venice Sizzler is a fantastic board, known for its versatility and smooth ride. Considering Fatty Hawgs for this setup is a great idea for several reasons. First off, the Venice Sizzler is designed as a hybrid board, meaning it can handle both cruising and carving. Fatty Hawgs complement this versatility perfectly. Their larger size and wider contact patch provide excellent grip and stability, making carving a breeze. Whether you're cruising along the boardwalk or tackling some mellow hills, Fatty Hawgs will enhance your control and confidence. Moreover, the softer urethane of Fatty Hawgs absorbs road vibrations, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride. This is especially beneficial if you often ride on rougher surfaces or for longer distances. The Venice Sizzler already offers a comfortable platform, and adding Fatty Hawgs will only amplify that smooth, surfy feel. Another advantage of Fatty Hawgs is their roll speed. Their larger diameter helps maintain momentum, meaning you won't have to push as often, which is a huge plus for longer rides. This efficiency, combined with their smooth ride, makes Fatty Hawgs an excellent choice for commuting or simply cruising around town. Furthermore, Fatty Hawgs are known for their durability. They can withstand a lot of wear and tear, so you won't have to worry about replacing them frequently. This makes them a cost-effective option in the long run, as you'll get more mileage out of them compared to some other wheels. The combination of performance, comfort, and durability makes Fatty Hawgs a smart upgrade for your Arbor Venice Sizzler. Additionally, Fatty Hawgs come in various durometers (hardness levels), allowing you to fine-tune your ride even further. If you prefer a softer, more forgiving ride, you can opt for a lower durometer. If you want a faster, more responsive feel, a higher durometer might be a better choice. This customization allows you to tailor your setup to your specific riding style and preferences. The versatility of Fatty Hawgs also means they're suitable for a wide range of riders, from beginners to more experienced longboarders. If you're just starting out, the added stability and grip of Fatty Hawgs can help you feel more confident on your board. If you're a seasoned rider, you'll appreciate their performance and predictability, allowing you to push your limits and explore new riding styles. In summary, considering Fatty Hawgs for your Arbor Venice Sizzler is a smart move due to their versatility, comfort, roll speed, durability, and customization options. They perfectly complement the Sizzler's hybrid design, enhancing its performance for both cruising and carving. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, Fatty Hawgs can significantly improve your overall riding experience.
Key Features of Fatty Hawgs
To really understand why Fatty Hawgs might be the wheels for you, let's break down their key features. Firstly, the size is a significant factor. Typically, Fatty Hawgs come in diameters ranging from 70mm to 78mm. This larger size helps roll over cracks and bumps more easily, providing a smoother ride, which is particularly beneficial on less-than-perfect road surfaces. The larger diameter also contributes to a faster roll speed, allowing you to cover more ground with less effort. Secondly, the width of Fatty Hawgs plays a crucial role in their performance. Their wider contact patch provides increased grip and stability, making them ideal for carving and maintaining control at higher speeds. This added stability is especially valuable for riders who enjoy carving and want to feel secure and confident in their turns. The wider contact patch also helps distribute your weight more evenly, which can reduce pressure points and make for a more comfortable ride, especially on longer journeys. The urethane formula used in Fatty Hawgs is another key feature. Hawgs Wheels utilizes a specific urethane blend that balances grip and slide perfectly. This means you get excellent traction for carving while still being able to break into a controlled slide when needed. This balance is essential for riders who want a versatile wheel that can handle various riding conditions and styles. The urethane is also designed for durability, ensuring that the wheels maintain their shape and performance over time, even with frequent use. This durability makes Fatty Hawgs a cost-effective choice, as you won't need to replace them as often as some other wheels on the market. Durometer, or hardness, is another critical aspect of Fatty Hawgs. They are available in various durometers, typically ranging from 78a to 82a. A lower durometer (e.g., 78a) indicates a softer wheel, which provides more grip and a smoother ride, as the softer urethane absorbs more vibrations. Softer wheels are generally preferred for cruising and carving, where comfort and traction are paramount. A higher durometer (e.g., 82a) indicates a harder wheel, which offers less grip but rolls faster and provides a more responsive feel. Harder wheels are often preferred for freeriding and downhill skating, where speed and agility are crucial. The availability of different durometers allows you to customize your ride based on your specific preferences and riding style. Finally, the core design of Fatty Hawgs contributes to their performance. The core is the central part of the wheel that houses the bearings. Fatty Hawgs often feature a sturdy core design that enhances the wheel's overall strength and durability. A well-designed core helps maintain the wheel's shape under pressure, preventing it from deforming during hard turns or high-speed runs. This stability is essential for maintaining control and ensuring predictable performance. In conclusion, the key features of Fatty Hawgs—including their size, width, urethane formula, durometer options, and core design—make them a versatile and high-performing choice for a variety of longboarding styles. Their ability to balance grip, slide, comfort, and durability makes them a popular option among riders of all skill levels.
Factors to Consider Before Upgrading
Before you jump the gun and upgrade your Arbor Venice Sizzler with Fatty Hawgs, there are a few important factors to consider. First up, think about your riding style. Are you mostly cruising, carving, or do you dabble in some downhill? Fatty Hawgs are versatile, but understanding your primary riding style will help you choose the right durometer. If you're mainly cruising and carving, a softer durometer (around 78a-80a) will provide a smoother ride and better grip. If you're planning on tackling some hills, a slightly harder durometer (around 80a-82a) might be a better fit for more controlled slides. Another crucial factor is the size of your wheel wells. The Arbor Venice Sizzler has wheel wells, but you'll want to ensure that the Fatty Hawgs (typically 70mm-78mm) won't cause wheel bite. Wheel bite happens when the wheels rub against the deck during turns, which can be dangerous. Check the clearance between your current wheels and the deck, and if needed, consider adding riser pads to increase the space. Riser pads are small pieces of material that go between the trucks and the deck, lifting the board slightly and providing more clearance for the wheels. This simple addition can prevent wheel bite and ensure a safer ride. The condition of your bearings is also something to think about. New wheels deserve good bearings! If your current bearings are old or worn out, consider replacing them along with the wheels. Fresh bearings will ensure a smoother and faster ride, maximizing the performance of your new Fatty Hawgs. Quality bearings can make a significant difference in your overall riding experience, so it's worth investing in a good set. Your budget is another practical consideration. Fatty Hawgs are reasonably priced, but it's always wise to set a budget before you start shopping. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure you don't overspend. Remember to factor in the cost of bearings and riser pads if needed. It's often better to invest in quality components that will last longer and perform better, rather than opting for cheaper alternatives that may need to be replaced sooner. Personal preference plays a big role too. What feels good to one rider might not feel as good to another. If possible, try out different wheels or talk to other riders about their experiences. Local skate shops are great resources for advice and recommendations. They can often let you test out different setups or provide insights based on your specific needs and riding style. Ultimately, the best wheels for you are the ones that feel the most comfortable and perform the best for your individual needs. Lastly, think about the terrain you'll be riding on. If you mostly ride on smooth pavement, you might not need as much grip as if you frequently ride on rougher surfaces. Fatty Hawgs perform well on various terrains, but considering your typical riding environment will help you make the best choice. Softer wheels tend to absorb bumps and vibrations better, making them ideal for rough roads, while harder wheels offer a faster and more responsive ride on smooth surfaces. In summary, before upgrading your Arbor Venice Sizzler with Fatty Hawgs, consider your riding style, wheel well clearance, bearing condition, budget, personal preference, and the terrain you'll be riding on. Taking these factors into account will help you make an informed decision and ensure that your new wheels enhance your riding experience.
How to Install Your New Fatty Hawgs
Alright, you've decided to upgrade to Fatty Hawgs, that’s awesome! Now, let's talk about how to install them on your Arbor Venice Sizzler. Don't worry, it's a straightforward process, and you'll be cruising in no time. First things first, gather your tools. You'll need a skate tool (or a wrench that fits your axle nuts), your new Fatty Hawgs, and your bearings. If you're replacing your bearings, you'll also need a bearing press or a similar tool to help you install the bearings into the new wheels. If you don't have a bearing press, you can use the axle of your trucks to gently press the bearings into place, but be careful not to damage them. Start by removing your old wheels. Use your skate tool to loosen the axle nuts on each wheel. Turn the nut counterclockwise until it comes off. Once the nut is removed, you should be able to slide the wheel off the axle. Repeat this process for all four wheels. Next, it's time to install the bearings into your new Fatty Hawgs. If you're using a bearing press, simply align the bearing with the wheel's bearing seat and press it in until it's fully seated. If you're using the axle method, slide the wheel onto the axle, then carefully press the bearing into the wheel by applying gentle, even pressure. Make sure the bearing is fully seated and flush with the wheel surface. Repeat this process for all eight bearings (two per wheel). Now, it's time to mount the Fatty Hawgs onto your trucks. Slide one wheel onto the axle, making sure it's fully seated against the hanger. Then, place a speed ring (a small metal washer) onto the axle, followed by the axle nut. Tighten the axle nut clockwise with your skate tool until it's snug, but not overly tight. You want the wheel to spin freely without any wobble. Repeat this process for the remaining three wheels. Once all the wheels are mounted, give them a spin to check for any issues. If a wheel doesn't spin freely or wobbles, loosen the axle nut slightly and readjust. Make sure all the nuts are tightened to the same degree to ensure consistent performance across all four wheels. If you've added riser pads, make sure they are properly aligned between the deck and the trucks before tightening the hardware. Improperly installed riser pads can affect the board's stability and performance. Finally, take your Arbor Venice Sizzler for a test ride! This will give you a chance to feel how the new Fatty Hawgs perform and make any necessary adjustments. Pay attention to how the board feels when turning and carving, and adjust the tightness of the trucks if needed. If you experience any wheel bite, consider adding additional riser pads or adjusting your riding style to avoid extreme turns. In conclusion, installing your new Fatty Hawgs is a straightforward process that can be easily done with a few basic tools. By following these steps, you'll have your Arbor Venice Sizzler upgraded and ready to ride in no time.
Conclusion
So, should you get Fatty Hawgs for your Arbor Venice Sizzler? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you're looking for a versatile wheel that offers a smooth ride, excellent grip, and durability. These wheels are a fantastic upgrade that will enhance your board's performance whether you're cruising, carving, or just enjoying the ride. Remember to consider your riding style, wheel well clearance, and other factors we discussed before making your final decision. With the right setup, you'll be shredding in style and comfort. Happy riding, guys!