Alternative Wheels for Syrians

[virtualkeith]

Hello again all,
I have already started a thread on some of the wheels I've tried with Mr. Carlisle my Syrian Hamster. He loves his wheel so much that I have tried to research the best one I can find for him. Maybe I should call myself the wheel nut.
Wheels fit for a Syrian

Today I would like to post links to wheel products that I have found and most I have not seen or tried, yet I thought they looked interesting. These wheels seem to mostly be made by private individuals who were unsatisfied with the more popular wheels. I have found in searching for products for Syrian hamsters, that cages and wheels marketed for Syrians in the US are usually too small for my liking. I believe a wheel should try to mimic the experience of a hamster running on flat ground as much as possible to avoid back injuries. Also, being hamster owners, I think we can all relate to wanting to have a quiet environment while our small friends can also get their much needed exercise. All of the wheels I mention here have solid running tracks which are suitable for Syrian Hamsters.
OK then, here's the list:
First off is an 8 1/2 inch wheel called the Fast Track. This wheel looks appealing to me as I bet it is super easy to keep clean. It also has ball bearings so I would imagine it to be silent. If they had a 12" version, I would buy it in a heartbeat.
Solid - All in One Wheel
The second one is made by the same company. It is 12" with a different wheel design. You can choose either a floor stand, or side cage mount. Apollo with Solid Track
The third one is becoming quite popular, as I have seen it mentioned on several websites. It is the Carolina Storm Wheel. I do happen to own this one. It is a truly silent wheel. (hear that silent spinners?) I have the express model which is a 10" diameter wheel. The construction is solid. The Carolina Storm Wheel - Carolina Storm Hedgehogs
I also tried looking at the Stealth Wheel on Amazon which is similar to the Apollo wheel, but it only comes with a mesh track as far as I could find.
Next up is the Raptor Wheel. I originally ordered this wheel but saw there was a 4 week delay, so I cancelled the order. Just the other day however, I got a package. I opened it up and there was a Raptor Velociraptor type R rat wheel. I was surprised to get it after being refunded the money for it, but I decided it is an awesome wheel so I'll be contacting the seller to pay for it. The wheel is so solid and like the Carolina Storm Wheel, it is truly silent. With this wheel, you get the option of having a solid plastic track which I chose, and you can choose either a 3,4, or 5" width to the track. You can also choose either a floor stand or a cage mount. Multiple color options are available. You can choose one color for the front of the wheel, and another for the back. The running track is shiny black.
SHOP FOR WHEELS - My Glider Wheels And More
The final wheel is from a company in Oregon. The wheel is advertised for Chinchillas. It comes in an 11" size, 13", or 15". The running track is coated metal, and the back is wood. It also has ball bearings. I spoke with one of the staff and inquired about using the 11" for a Syrian. She said it might be a bit heavy, but they were working on making the running track and the back of the wheel all metal which should be a little lighter. She said it won't be ready for a while yet. Here is the link:
Quality Cage Company
main_page=product_info&cPath=129_142_143_144&produ cts_id=1801
Next up are 2 flying saucer alternatives. The first one I have personally seen. It is a solid metal design with ball bearings. It comes in an 11" or 14" diameter. This flying saucer seems bullet proof. I will probably get this one eventually if my plastic flying saucer ever breaks:
Treadmill Wheel - Exercise Wheels
The last one comes in 11", 13" and 15" configurations and is quite expensive, but I thought I'd put it in anyway. products php
That's about all I have. I hope some of you find this helpful. I just wanted hamster owners in the US to know that we have some choices for wheels.
Last but not least are pictures of my Raptor Wheel Velociraptor Type R wheel. It has a solid running track with a 3" width to the track. The wheel diameter is 12". I chose the cage mount as pictured.
*whew* time for a nap.