Piro vs. Illpills: Why Piro Wheels Are the Superior Choice for Fingerboarders

Piro vs. Illpills: Why Piro Wheels Are the Superior Choice for Fingerboarders

Fingerboard wheels can make or break your setup. They influence grip, speed, feel, durability, and overall flow on flat ground, transitions, or technical lines. Two popular premium options are Piro Wheels and Illpills (often from Dirty Fingerboards). Both use urethane, but after digging into specs, user feedback, and real-world performance, Piro stands out as the better overall wheel for most riders.

Key Specs at a Glance

  • Piro Wheels: Typically 65D urethane. Duo conical or street shapes (e.g., Performance series: ~8mm x 4.75mm; RS variants wider). Locked single-bearing design, ABEC 9 bearings. Emphasizes balanced grip, squeak, and flow.
  • Illpills: 70D urethane (harder). Street, mini, or split shapes. Often come with ABEC 9 bearings and an extra wheel per set. Known for squeak and smoothness but lean slicker/harder.

The softer 65D in Piro gives a noticeable edge in versatility right out of the box.

Advantages of Piro Wheels

  1. Superior Grip and Feel — Many riders report Piro wheels feel "way better" than Illpills, with a softer, grippier response ideal for technical tricks and smooth transitions. The 65D durometer strikes a perfect balance — enough grip for control without being overly sticky, plus excellent squeak that mimics real skateboarding.
  2. Excellent All-Around Performance — Piro's duo conical shape excels on flat ground and bowls/transitions. Users call them "new favorite" and praise the flowy ride. They wear in nicely like a real deck, maintaining performance longer.
  3. Premium Build and Innovation — Locked bearing design (in many models) helps prevent issues, while reversible RS options add versatility. Consistent quality control and vibrant graphics (real wear styles) make them visually appealing. Many fingerboarders in rotations prefer Piro over competitors for reliability.
  4. Better for Softer, More Forgiving Ride — Softer than Illpills, they offer more board feel and forgiveness on imperfect surfaces or during learning new tricks. Great for riders who want realism without harshness.
  5. Strong Community Preference — In direct comparisons, more users lean toward or switch to Piro for everyday shredding. They're often recommended as a safe, high-performing bet.
  6. Value and Longevity — While premium-priced, they deliver premium feel that holds up well with regular use. Many report loving multiple sets.

Disadvantages of Illpills

While Illpills are solid premium wheels with fans (especially for those who prefer a harder, slicker ride), they have notable drawbacks compared to Piro:

  • Harder and Slicker Feel — The 70D durometer makes them faster on some surfaces but less grippy overall. Riders seeking tactile feedback or control often find them too hard or lacking the "perfect amount of grip." Some prefer softer alternatives after trying them.
  • Potential Bearing and Durability Issues — Loud bearings are a common complaint (though lubing helps for some). In comparisons, some users reported switching away due to less favorable long-term feel.
  • Less Versatile for All Styles — Great on many surfaces per fans, but Piro edges them out for broad use (flat + transitions). Harder wheels can feel less forgiving for technical or bowl riding.
  • Shape and Preference Split — Newer shapes are more rounded, but some riders miss classic profiles or find them less inspiring than Piro's duo conical options. The extra wheel is a nice bonus, but doesn't outweigh ride quality for many.

Final Verdict: Go with Piro

For most fingerboarders — especially those wanting a balanced, grippy, realistic ride with great squeak and flow — Piro wheels are the clear winner. They deliver more advantages in feel, versatility, and user satisfaction. Illpills are a strong runner-up for hard-wheel enthusiasts or specific setups, but they come with trade-offs in grip and preference that make them less ideal overall.

If you're building a new setup, start with Piro Performance or RS wheels. Experiment based on your style (softer for tech/flow, harder for speed/slides), but Piro will likely become your go-to.

What's your current wheel setup? Drop a comment — I'd love to hear your experiences!

Ride safe and keep those fingers flipping.

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