Chin Spins vs. Grape Escape/Silver Surfer

[missjess10475]

I'm getting ready to invest in some good wheels for my furry babies. I'm curious to hear all your opinions on which you think is better..the Chin Spin or the Grape Escape/Silver Surfer.
I see the Grape Escape wheels only have a 4" running surface, and the Chin Spins' is over 6". Seems like the wider surface would be better, but I'm wondering what you all think. They're both expensive, and I need 4. So, before I spend all that money, I'd like some feedback on each.
Thanks for your replies! Any info is appreciated!:wink2:

 

[RDZCRanch]

If you want a quiet wheel, I would go with the Silver Surfer. Meanie owns some and she's got some big, chubby rescues and none of her chins have had problems running on them. 4" is an acceptable running surface, it just depends on what you want sound-wise. The Silver Surfer is quieter than the chin spin.

 

[ticklechin]

If you get the chin spins, get them without the powder coating, there can be issues with peeling.

 

[caiti]

I only have one chin spin and when I put it in Chloe's first cage (that superpet one for ferrets with the purple shelves and green ramps and such) it made quite a bit of noise. When I made Chloe's new cage, the back is solid so I had to attach the bolts on the wheel to wood and then screw the wood to the back wall since the bolts weren't long enough to go through the wall themselves. Anyways--the noise is drastically reduced so it may work with wire cages too if you have them.

Just a suggestion if you want the bigger running surface and if the Chin Spins are cheaper but are trying to compensate with its cons.

 

[missjess10475]

I have Ferret Nation 142 cages.

 

[Essentia]

Unless my bearings need to be replaced my chin spins are pretty much silent on my Ferret Nations.

 

[menagerie]

I've had my Silver Surfers for a few years now and they are as quiet today as they were when new. I've never had to replace the bearings, which can't be said for the Chin Spins which I've had for a shorter length of time. My group of 5 avid runners have a Silver Surfer and it's awesome. Of all the wheels that are currently available for sale, the Silver Surfer is my my favorite by far.

 

[Essentia]

Like Meanie said, chin spins are something that are an ongoing cost. I use them because I didn't know any better in the beginning. I have had them for 3 years and almost every 8 months like clockwork I have to replace bearings in them. At $4.50+ shipping per set of bearings it can get costly over time. Plus, now they have added a $5 "small order charge" as well, so expect to pay about $15.00 (including shipping) for just one set of new bearings. If I could do it over again I would purchase the silver surfers instead.

 

[missjess10475]

On the page to buy the Silver Surfer, there's purple, pink and silver. Is there any difference between them besides the color?

 

[Stackie]

Like Meanie said, chin spins are something that are an ongoing cost. I use them because I didn't know any better in the beginning. I have had them for 3 years and almost every 8 months like clockwork I have to replace bearings in them. At $4.50+ shipping per set of bearings it can get costly over time. Plus, now they have added a $5 "small order charge" as well, so expect to pay about $15.00 (including shipping) for just one set of new bearings. If I could do it over again I would purchase the silver surfers instead.

Same here. I have become increasingly unhappy with my ChinSpins. In addition to having to replace the bearings around once a year, the powder coating on every one of them has started to chip off and they look horrible.

I am much happier with my Flying Saucer. I wish I would have spent my money on Silver Surfers or Flying Saucers instead of the Chin Spins.

 

[Essentia]

On a side note, I do like my Ed Wheel. I haven't had near the problems with that as I have my chin spins.

 

[Tagna]

Knock on wood but I haven't had any issues with my chin spins. No power coating issues, I've never replaced a bearing and am very happy with all of the ones I have. I've bought 2 new ones, 2 second hand ones and they are all well used by all the chins.

I have 2 ed wheels on the way so I'll have to see how those are. I did read about rivet issues with those wheels but hopefully those will be fine. I have 3 saucers and have no issues with them either!

 

[Snickers]

I purchased 12 Chin Spins a year ago that haven't been used yet. I only purchased them because everyone thought they were great. I always liked the Ed spins.

Essentia - I went to Ed's house last month he doesn't think he will be making them any more. He said, "If Chinworld purchases the material he will charge Chinworld labor only".
Sending you a pm.

 

[fbodgrl]

This has been very interesting to read. A wheel is one of the last things I need to purchase for my cage. Kind of glad I read this before I went ahead and bought anything.