Byron Essert has been a household name in downhill skateboarding for a good time now, and These have rewarded the dude with his own pro model wheel. Byron Essert has style like none other, and has tricks for days. Regular or switch, fast and slow this kid can do it all, so needless to say he knows how wheels work. Jacko picked his brain a little to find out some more about the wheel that bares his name.

Jackson: How did this wheel come about?

Byron: We took Kevin's 72mm wheel and chopped the lips off then shaped the wheel from there. tried a couple different widths and radius types and came upon a great medium between slip and grip.

Jackson: Before this wheel, which of the These wheel did you freeride on?

Byron: The 66mm FRF.

Jackson: How does this new wheel compare to the old freeride wheel?

Byron: It is a bit bigger so it can be enjoyed longer. The lips stay solid for the entire life of the wheel. None of that small wheel lippy feeling.

Jackson: Do you think the shape effects durability? These formulas are known for lasting a long time, do you think new wheel shape (taller and rounder edge) adds to that durability?

Byron: It is bigger so it will last longer. The super rounded lips are great for sliding over manholes potholes and chunder of all sorts.

Jackson: Did the whole team test and be part of the development of the BEW wheel or just you?

Byron: It was mainly Tyler Howell, Krimes, and myself.

Jackson: Is the new wheel just for fast free ride or will it suit the skater who wants to putt around his local hills?

Byron: They are great for putting or mobbing. Just got to do a couple big Colemans to break 'em in then they'll be buttery as.

Jackson: That Philippines raw run with Rob McWhinnie, were you using your new freeride wheel or the race wheel?

Byron: Jah BEWs!

Jackson:  How was it hanging and shredding with Robdog (Rob McWhinnie)? You both have an all round skate anything style.

Byron: Rob is the man! Super fun dude to cruise with, skate, party, you name it. Jackson: Would you pick a duro for a particular hill? Or do you put on a duro and just take it to the core and then put on a new set.

Byron: Certain pavement calls for the switchover. I like the 80a on grippy tarmac and 78a on the more slippery stuff.

Jackson: If a skater is just starting out, learning how to slide, which wheel would you recommend in the These range? Will the BEW be the easiest to put sideways?

Byron: The 59mm these wheels are super slidey and fun, also break in a bit easier than the BEW, but won't last quite as long, or hold grip through turns as well.

Jackson: At a race event, would you use your BEW freeride wheel? Maybe on practice runs, test the road surface out? Or is it the race wheel for the whole event? Byron: I like freeriding runs and doing a bunch'a standups on 'em, but then throw on race wheels when it's time to go fast.

Jackson: There is a bit of talk that it is Byron's year for the IDF title. Reckon you Can you win?

Byron:  You never know man. It's racing.

Jackson: Does George pull you aside and say go easy on the old Kevin, let him win a few more races, show some respect to your elders?

Byron: never.

Jackson: Is there a tie dye tee-shirt also coming out?

Byron: I dunno man that'd be sweet though!   These Wheels are available from Hopkin Skate. Click here.

Byron on the Steep and windy Lombard st, SF.
Blood Orange photo