Battle of the Affordable 29er Wheels - Hunt vs STANS vs Nukeproof vs Spank

[@noelwarner8874]

I love real information on products and this channel is chock full of real world info, thanks Steve!

[@philstadnicki7882]

My horizon v2’s have held up so well compared to the v1’s i had. Massive improvement. Great wheels

[@eriksdodges853]

How do the v2 compare to the v1? I'm going on 2 yrs with my v1's with zero issues...

[@marclyes546]

I wish the rim join was a welded construction as mine failed there, the wheels are really nice, nice hubs etc, bomber if they were welded.

[@philstadnicki7882]

@@eriksdodges853 i had freehub issues with my v1’s after 3 or 4 weeks. Had to replace it and then the second one started to do the same thing- slipping. Also found the rims dented easily. However for the money I couldn’t really complain. A lot of wheel for the money. They felt great and were lighter than the previous set i had on the bike

[@eriksdodges853]

@@philstadnicki7882 I've heard of the early hubs having issues, I took a chance and bought mine after they made some changes to the first run and I have had zero issues at all...I think my engagement might not be as good as the 1st ones but I haven't been left stranded! I believe the 1st ones had 90+ tooth and the ones I have are in the 40's, 6 pawl....I might pick up a V2 rear wheel just to compare!

[@ds1755]

Great review. In my opinion I feel you were spot on with your assessment about spank taking a beating on super chunky trails. I almost purchased the spank 359’s but ended up getting the hunt trail wide in mullet style. I’m looking forward to riding them soon. Thanks again for the review.👍👍👍

[@douglawrence4066]

I run Spank OOZY's on my Chromag and can't agree more. Truly great hardtail wheels. Super durable, relatively inexpensive, tough and I quite agree with the 'Feel' Steve talks about.

[@alabaster4263]

The 395+

[@All_the_bikes_are_cool]

Thanks... Another great video 🙌🏼 personally I am DT Swiss fan 🤩The only issue is availability now 😂 I was thinking about trying Hunt wheels, but since Brexit... Well I somehow sorted another DT Swiss set from Germany 🤩

[@LukeBlazevic]

Have you tried the Specialized Stout 29 wheels? If so, how do they stack up against these wheels?

[@o1o1oo1o]

I love my Hunt wheels! works excellent and the price its amazing

[@jasoncampbell2231]

I've been riding the trail wides for a year on my Jeffsy and love them. Great value. Just checked and it looked like chain reaction has one of the spanks left in stock with free shipping to us.

[@hardtailparty]

A few more things... 1) this video focuses on complete wheelsets, not custom built mix and match rims/wheels 2) I focused on high-engagment hubs because they make a huge difference, and if you're upgrading wheels, you should spring for higher engagement. 3) The Hunt trailwides have recently been updated and feature a new rim. That's good news, good because the rims featured in this video have been extremely soft and they dent easily. In fact, I've never used a rim rhat dents so easily. Because of this, i recommend a different wheelset unless you live in extremely smooth areas. I'll come back from a ride and see 4 new dents in areas where the other wheels would be fine. 4) the Nukeproof hzn v2 a have been fantastic and have really held up well. 5) the stans flow (not pictured here) have been fantastic wheels as well. I just don't own a set and can't speak for the longevity of the hubs.

[@LordDijamco]

Hunt also changed their hubs. 72POE big change from 120POE

[@hardtailparty]

@@LordDijamco yeah, i was sad about that, as i like the engagement of these hunts i have here.

[@Nullking_]

I agree on the hunt wheels, I dented mine after a month of riding on a full suspension.

[@dkubarek1]

@@LordDijamco and the price went up, too, to $509. I went with Nukeproof V2s based on Hardtail Party's recommendation and they've been great so far. About 4-5 rocky, rooty rides in.

[@LordDijamco]

@@dkubarek1 Yes! Big factor to my decision were the POE and price. So I had to cancel

[@stefromfortworth]

Here in the UK, the Nukeproof v2's are slightly cheaper than the Hunt Trail wide.

[@ohwell2790]

Keep looking at up grades for my hard tail. I am 78 and still look forward to really cool stuff for my bike. Thanks

[@bk83082]

My bike came with Stan's Flow D rims, which I think are OE only, and I'm super happy with them. Like Steve said, you couldn't ask for an easier rim to set up tubeless.

[@oklahotb3217]

I just got a bike with Stan's Flow S1's and it really was the easiest tubeless set up ever. Got it done easily with a floor pump

[@tsalesto]

I agree, I run Flow MK3 in the front and Baron MK3 in the rear and both are easy to set up even using just a normal floor pump.

[@michalandel8166]

I think Bontrager Line 30 Comp would be a good option if you are on even tighter budget. They just updated them about a month ago. 29 id, 54t but can be upgraded to 108t with extra springs and pawls for $30. I think they are $300 for wheelset! Granted, this may be more of a sidegrade for some people, but still an upgrade for lower end bikes with narrower, maybe non tubeless wheels and low engagement hubs. Wonder what your thoughts are on those. Too bad I made a small dent in the rear one running too low of a pressure so mine can now be used with tube only. I have a Horizon v2 rear waiting to be setup on my Middlechild, so great to hear you like them.

[@oklahotb3217]

I have a 29 and a 27.5 set of the line comp 30's. I really like mine a lot and a great wheel for the price

[@jrau13]

Ive had the Horizon V2 for a while now and they have been solid. Used them on the hardtail then moved them to the full suspension and have zero complaints. Especially for the cost.

[@tdmjfountain]

You are the best reviewer out there! I really appreciate your knowledge and honesty.

[@hardtailparty]

Thank you, I really appreciate it. Hopefully word spreads and we can keep growing the channel to get more opportunities to review stuff.

[@michiganmafiamx5543]

Based on the earlier review I bought the NukeProof for a 2015 Salsa Spearfish (my 19 year old sons bike) and they are an absolutely amazing wheelset.

[@lukesteele5013]

I love stans, great value and super durable. I have a set of crest v2s laced to Chris kings on my xc hardtail and a set of stans arch wheels with the neo hubs on my banshee prime. I would recommend stans rims to anyone who is looking to upgrade but I haven't ridden any other higher end stuff and I'm sure all of these wheels are great.

[@thecappy]

I've been a gravel rider for the last 6 years. I recently preordered the spec chisel frame and now have to buy all new stuff to build it up, as most of my old parts won't fit a mtn bike. Love the channel, and thanks for schooling me on ways of the hardtail.

[@kenny_kaos]

Not that I’m saying they’re the best but the Bontrager Line Comp 30s are pretty good value-wise. I just ordered the 40s since I run plus tires but $199 rear and $149 front.

[@waynegiles9320]

Have Hunt Trailwide on my Orange P7 29er. Brilliant value, the weight saving, engagement and feel have made such a difference to the bike 👍

[@sebastianriosochoa5829]

you almost read my mind.. Was looking for these wheels, and you came up with the perfect vid. thanx!!!

[@jonmac1]

Perfect timing! I'm shopping for wheels at this very moment and have a couple of these sitting in my cart.

[@joshusanders3127]

HI THANKS FOR THE REVIEW IM KEEN ON THE HUNT AS IM IN UK AND PRICE IS A FACTOR. COULD YOU TELL ME ARE THEY VERY NOISEY AND FOR THE QUICK ENGAJEMENT DO YOU HAVETO HAVE A NOISEY HUB

[@hardtailparty]

Most high engagement hubs are noisy, except for onyx and box

[@mrrims]

Great info. I ran Stans Flow rear wheel for awhile and it was a great wheel and hub.

[@premierS3]

I'd love you hear your review of Hunt's enduro wide :)

[@spokedrunkieband6888]

I just ordered some v2 enduro wides

[@rustyshackleford9498]

Great info. Need to get a new wheelset on the Krampus. My shop always recommends We Are One, but idk if I'm willing to spend that much. Have been really interested in Spank.

[@erikklumpp2853]

I love my hunt enduro wheels, favorite wheels I have owned in a long time

[@hfedrums123]

I have trail wide and Enduro wide and love em on my sb150 I will say they need a liner if you ride aggressive

[@TrailFeatures]

Awesome video!

[@kennethelliot8164]

Dt 350 straightpulls and archs or flows depending on your weight or riding. You can build a 1500g set for 600 bucks, great budget ultra racing wheelset. You MUST use conical nipple washers and sapim secure lock nipples per discussion with Stans, I didnt and mine fell apart...several times. Stans wheels radially deflect more than about any other hoops due to the low section height. This means when you rim strike the wheel deflects and spokes go slack instead of denting (can still happen though, less likely). The slack spokes allow the nipples to back off if not spoke frozen or locking nipples. When the spokes regain tension the nipple washers spread out the load.

[@hardtailparty]

Great points about the stans rims. A lot of people build them incorrectly and pay the price.

[@FORTE-VIDEOS]

Just got a stans 27.5 to Mullet my slash

[@lathamstylemtb]

Nukeproof horizon v2 wheels are amazing for the price. Hub sounds amazing which is a bonus. Had to replace my wheel set after a one month old shimano xt hub died. At least with nukeproof I can buy freehub bodies separately

[@hardtailparty]

The new shimano stuff is junk. I'm not impressed at all.

[@rlake349]

Thanks! I’ve been waiting for a wheel review like this.

[@AZRob.]

Steve! Hey, are these still your top 4 aluminum wheels to date? Or are there any new ones that you like as much or better? Binge watching your vids again. Cheers!

[@hardtailparty]

There are a few others I like too. I've been consulting with my patrons on those. These are all decent though.

[@AZRob.]

@@hardtailparty Time to become a patron!

[@leo._.vincent]

On my 2019 Santa Cruz Chameleon the rear wtb i40 wheel has stress fractures in a few spots near the spokes and its time for a new wheel set and i'm ditching the 27.5 for 29ers and it looks like the hunts will fit that at a very good price! although bummed that its broken happy to save up for some new wheels!

[@JAvellino669]

I picked up a Norco Torrent S2, and was lucky enough to get it with Stan's Flow S2 rims. They were assembled with cheap Shimano hubs, but the Stan's rim profile is impressive. I may get a Flow Mk 4 rear wheel to take advantage of their new magnetic hub with 1.66° of engagement! Even the E-sync is decent at 8.18°. They look more robust than the outgoing hubs.

[@hambo76]

From an Australian perspective the value choice is the Nukeproof (Stock notwithstanding) - Spank Vibrocore 359 rear wheel - AU$667 Nukeproof Horizon V2 rear wheel - AU$459 Spank Vibrocore 350/359 wheelset - AU$919 Hunt Trail Wide V2 wheelset (only) - AU$805 (they add delivery and tax on top of the listed price) Nukeproof Horizon V2 wheelset (with ARD liner) - AU$629

[@jasonsheridan6222]

Just wondering where you would slot in the Bontrager line comp 30 wheels into this comparison. I noticed Steve you like them quite a bit on your Roscoe 9 review.

[@m1nusasusplus897]

I had Arch on Scott Genius, they cracked after usual one season of XC fan rides, even without jumping. Weight 90kg

[@jaimejimenez4715]

Great review and thank you for all the information! Have you tried the Industry Nine 1/1 enduro S wheelset? I'm contemplating purchasing the Hunt Trail wide or the Industry Nine. I know that the industry nine cost more and not sure if they are worth the extra cash. Take care!

[@SW-ku9ji]

quote -these Wheels beat me up and make me tired ,'says the guy that rides a harbtail' just something about riding a hardtail.

[@hardtailparty]

A hardtail is the best way to tell what different wheels feel like. Wheels make a massive difference on any bike, especially a hardtail.

[@mellissanash7517]

Did you ever get a chance to test out the Stans Arch Mk4, which is wider 29mm rim with an updated design?

[@boybusilakbikes]

Would the spank's vibrocore still be felt if you're running inserts anyway?

[@Nullking_]

I have the Hunt trail wide tires on my Ibis Ripmo and they feel good, I do get your comment on it feels like it may chop your tires and cause a pinch flat. I did push them hard through a rough rock garden and dented the rear wheel only after a month of riding them. The wheel hold air and didn’t pinch flat but got pretty out of true. I did get it back in true and plan on replacing the rim after some more time on them.

[@SidiNic]

Did you have the v2 version? Becausr the v1 were easily dented

[@Nullking_]

@@SidiNic yeah mine are V1, I got mine just before they updated them to the V2.

[@dgassert]

Thanks for the review. Good info. Do you have a preference on the Hunt Trail Wide vs Enduro Wide?

[@hardtailparty]

Depends on your goals. I prefer the Nukeproofs over both. I like the endurowide with 2.4-2.6 tires. I like the trailwide with 2.2-2.4 trail tires.

[@dgassert]

Thanks, NukeProofs seem to be a bit hard to come by in the states. Very few dealers from their web site. At least you can buy direct from Hunt.

[@sparks701]

I’m running 2.6 on my fuse. I went with the enduro wide. They feel great. I think they are gonna be hard to beat for the price.

[@tomkenworthy2320]

I’ve only just seen this video! Nice work as always Steve, refreshing in a world of marketing BS! I have stan’s crest mk4’s for my xc/trail wheelset which I still jump and bike park I just avoid really rocky stuff. They fit a 2.3 to 2.5 maxxis no worries at all they all tend to come out at 2.3 ish anyway! They feel beautifully forgiving and zippy. I had them hand laced with sapim CX rays and to high engagement yet cheap Bitex hubs. Came out at 1600g the pair and I’ve only just buckled the rear after several months of abuse on the rear of the sirius S5. Do you think the quality of the build and spokes have a big impact on feel and strength?

[@jarosawzych4601]

First: great channel, second: you looks like polish President Andrzej Duda :)

[@KlevorKaos]

Thanks man exactly what I was looking for. I was trying to decide between the Spanx and the Nukeproofs, so sounds like the spanks it is! Great reviews

[@shannonkeller8003]

Great insight with real world opinions that we’ve all grown to trust! When talking bikes with people in my circles, I refer them to so many of your videos to help them make the right choice for them. Great job, you are building an amazing resource for all of us that love pedaling! Thank you Hardtail Party!

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks for spreading the word, I really appreciate it.

[@nolanhopkins1219]

What do you think of the Ibis Send aluminum wheels?

[@yamahschector]

Best upgrade ever I mean ever for me was going to 1/12 GX that came stock on my new hardtail. My older full suspension came 2/10. I was out of shape first ride of the season and could climb better than I have in the past

[@TheNik604]

29'r are way too big for descending .., clumsy and cumbersome

[@politan83]

I got the Horizon V2s when they were 50% off, though I have to wait until spring to try them.

[@stuartmclean3843]

New to mtb coz im a roadie, im riding mtb as part of my winter training for the road, i will be riding gravel and road only on my mountain bike, im looking for a light mtb wheelset best suited for gravel and tarmac, which would u recommend, im thinking hunt as i have easy access to a dealer living in the UK, also thinking of switching to thickslick 29r tyres, sorry to offend any true mtb riders but im using my mtb 2 to 3 times a week as part of my winter race training plan for the road, any help on my questions would be much appreciated

[@BengLang84]

Steve, is the stans flow ex3 laced to a hydra hubs a good pair? I am putting them on a Specialized stumpjumper?

[@lucarrrr5071]

What rear wheel would be the best for big jumps on a hardtail (wheel doesn’t have to be in this video)

[@araseliortiz8228]

I'm interested on it, do you have got it in black?

[@callumjohnson9433]

Id love if you could get your hands on some silt mtb rims and try them against the hunt set.

[@niceG3s]

Have you tried the Ibis S35/29 AL LOGO?

[@ivannagy6427]

Hi mate i like your channel. Would you do the review on hunt trail v 2 version? They should be stronger

[@Bikepacking]

Great info which one can handle plus tire ie 3 inch

[@briangdozier]

I am going to try the Hunt Trail Wide with a Tannus insert in the rear

[@chunkylover54]

as a fat man who doesn't get too gnarly i was wondering which of those 3 would you recommend. My wheels are older chris holm rims and are heavy af but pretty much indestructible.

[@danielg3078]

Love my spank 359 vibrocore rear wheel. Bought it for just the hub

[@domfluin1819]

I’ve a set of Hunt Endurowide on my Stanton Switch9er and absolutely love them. Super quick engagement and so solid feeling. Great for the money.

[@BrianRPaterson]

They're a bit heavier than the Trail Wide wheels. Do you notice it? Or, do you just want the peace of mind from the more bombproof wheels? I'm 150lbs and don't hit it that hard. But, I am a big believer in peace of mind. So I'm leaning towards Enduro wide, but my common sense says Trail Wide is fine. Cheers

[@domfluin1819]

@@BrianRPaterson I’ve not ridden the trail wide, but am a pretty big guy, so just wanted something super bombproof really. I have the Hunt Gravel Wide on my gravel bike and just can’t fault either set to be fair.

[@BrianRPaterson]

@@domfluin1819 Excellent. Hunt sounds like a winner. I'll give the Trail Wide hoops a go. They should be ideal for day-in day-out trail riding. Thanks for the info. Cheers

[@SidiNic]

@@BrianRPaterson did you buy the set, and how does it perform? I have the same dilemma, the trail should be enough but you know the enduro are bombproof

[@501ldk]

It might be an idea to do a similar comparison video of forks. This is a pretty important topic for hardtails.

[@123dwd]

FYI if your stans hub blows up but the rim is still ok, the flange size on a Hope pro4 is close enough you can lace up a new wheel using all the same spokes.

[@jameswheeler8364]

What about 29 plus? I'm going to try wtb i45

[@techjeeper8800]

I picked up a set of nukeproof horizon V2s this week!

[@zsanterre]

Thanks for the upload, great vid. Whats the difference between the spank 350 vibe and the spank 359 vibe?

[@yamahschector]

I am looking at the hunt trail wide wheelset right now because of the crazy price for the set. I am finding 5 degrees of engagement listed on there website. Is the 3 degrees of engagement no longer a thing?

[@hardtailparty]

Correct, the newer hunts have less engagement than v1

[@yamahschector]

@@hardtailparty would you still recommend the new hunt trail wide wheels.

[@danfresca8033]

I’m love to know how they compare to hope wheels

[@ktom300]

Have you seen any cracking around drive side spokes on your MK3's?

[@davidblackman3127]

I'm curious about the Stan's Baron wheels

[@iwantmyu2b]

I love the Spank stuff, but I've used the Spike bar with and without vibracore. Cannot tell the difference. A buddy of mine has one of their 27.5 wheelsets with vibracore. Same thing - he said he can't tell the difference. Maybe we're just not sensitive enough. I think they make great products, but I'll stick with the non-vibracore. To each, his own.

[@thescandiflick]

Nice Review Steve , appreciate the time you put in. Does spoke count matter on a hardtail ? 28H vs 32H ?

[@Marc28031984]

Nice collection of disc brake rotors 😅😂🤙🏼

[@evanscott7652]

I need a 29er wheel set that can hold up to all the hucks to flat and stair sets I bomb on my hardtail as well as trail riding.... I wonder if any of these would work

[@ashevillescarborough]

Good review.. do have a buddy who has dented the heck out of his hunts.. and he had never dented rims previously.

[@johna6793]

Will the Nukeproof wheels be good with a 2.6 tire? Have you also had a chance to test the Crank Brothers Synthesis wheels?

[@hardtailparty]

I prefer 35-40i for 2.6

[@harizavdic4893]

What’s your opinion on Ibis alloy s35 wheels? Can you comment on the compliance. Thanks

[@hardtailparty]

Rims feel good, not too stiff. Engagement is awful on the ibis hubs though. If they had an easy way to upgrade the hub engagement it would be a top recommendation from me.

[@paulwolfram7774]

I'm a light and moderately aggressive full sus rider and I had the Hunt Trail Wide V1 and they were pretty soft (although I agree they felt really nice). My Stan's Flow are holding up perfectly since 2 years.

[@TheLoveMovement83]

You rock!!! keep doin the do. From the UK with love.

[@steamtrac]

Hi, I think the most important component on any bike, doesn't matter if MTB or road or gravel, is the tire! Would love to see a review from you soon.

[@hardtailparty]

I 100% agree

[@jasonmcmillan1165]

Love this video! Love your very honest transparent information. Very very helpful. I'm in the middle of getting my new wheelset for my Trek Stache... Going with spank Oozy 395 rims. (29 x 2.6) DT Swiss Champion spokes with brass nipples and Race Face Vault hubs. I'm a big Rider at 6'4 215 lbs. Your video gave me a lot more confidence on my decision thank you very much

[@MikeKraemer87]

Ive heard that Hunts arent very durable, i find that hard to believe considering how hard you ride. Have you seen any issues?

[@hardtailparty]

The hunt rims dent easily.

[@javzilla86]

I've been out of the game for a while, I bought a used bike on ebay about a year and half ago. I'm late but still new to the 29+ game and I love it. I used to ride bmx one upon a time, and the bike I bout is a full rigid, just wondering if 29+ is still a thing if so please let me know cause I'm in need of a new wheel set. I'm break spokes on my back where ever so often and trust me I'm not sending it when the spokes break I'm a big boy so I know that has a lot to do with it, but I've heard this particular wheel set on my bike is notorious for spoke breaking. I'd like to buy a new back wheel that would be similar to the sun mul fut 50s. Please let me know cause spending on a bike shop to fix the wheel ever so often gets old. Thanks,

[@javzilla86]

Sorry for the typos, I just killed a six pack of Stella 10 mins ago.

[@romiejohnbanares1184]

its worth buy insert on those wheels?

[@tommyr95]

Steve, have you had a chance to try out a front Vibrocore? I know it won't be as "impactful" (ha!) as having Vibrocore on the rear, but curious what your impressions may be. Seems a Vibrocore front is harder to come by so was thinking of getting a Vibrocore on the rear and a standard on the front. Thanks!

[@hardtailparty]

Not yet. Id like to compare different spank models soon

[@markarcher8500]

People are raving about hunt wheels apart from this dude

[@hardtailparty]

Be cautious who you're reading reviews from. Do those other people have experience riding over 20 different wheelsets? Hunts are fine wheels, especially for the price. But the rims are soft and dent easily.

[@TheChillBison]

How do you pinch flat anything? Do you still run tubes?

[@hardtailparty]

It's entirely possible to pinchflat tubeless tires.

[@mikej6668]

Nice wheel comparison. Are you moving on from 27.5 plus size wheels? Are they becoming less relevant to you? It seems more bikes are coming with 29er wheels.

[@hardtailparty]

I still rode 27.5+ a lot and 29+, there's just not a huge market for wheels that size.

[@Leo-wf7qc]

Hi Steve, could you please make a similar video for the 27.5/27.5+? I think it'd be really interesting especially for the plus ones, since I find them the most fun for enjoying the riding.

[@hardtailparty]

I don't have many 27.5 bikes to try then on, and i don't have many 27.5 wheels sadly. Most of these wheels are available as 27.5 though, so it should give you a good amount of info

[@tracymcmanus550]

My current bike is running the DT Swiss M1900s (29er). It’s pretty rocky where I live, and there is a very real possibility I may have to replace the back wheel at some point (so far it only has a few nicks in it). Would the Stan’s flow be a good replacement? My daughter’s bike has them, and I do love the way the tire sit in the bead

[@hardtailparty]

I haven't been overly impressed with dt's wheels, despite the great reviews they get from the mags.

[@graemewhite8654]

Hi, thinking of upgrading my Wife’s FS trail bike. She feels the bike is slow, so we’re thinking of the Hunts to make the bike feel more sprightly. Do you think this will work? You made little comment on them being lighter and if that makes much difference.

[@hardtailparty]

Depends. For lighter riders, light wheels and tires make a huge difference. On a fs, wheel stiffness isn't as big as issue as with a hardtail.

[@mellissanash7517]

This was great info as always, thank you! Would you say the Stans would be good on a gravel/xc setup with 29x2.2 xc tires? Do any of these come in 35mm & above?

[@dominicneeson1613]

Would you recommend the hunt trail wide or enduro wide for an aggressive hard tail?

[@hardtailparty]

I'd recommend the spank or Nukeproofs over the hunts.

[@outsider1733]

Super helpful video! Thanks!

[@jodyconrad3855]

Another great review Steve - thanks. I hope We Are One sends you a set of Converts to try out. A different level of wheel but would love to hear your thoughts on them specifically for a hardtail. Still waiting for my Fuse to bolt them to...

[@LukaszHCHT]

What's your opinion about Crankbrothers syntesis enduro alloy set? Is it better than Horizon V2? Any experience with them?

[@hardtailparty]

No experience with them yet but I'm hoping to get a set in soon.

[@LukaszHCHT]

@@hardtailparty Thanks, looking forward for the review 👍. The reason why i asked is I can buy wheelset for €369 when ordering Taival.