Stew’s New Wheel: Reveal and Review

Stuart, A.K.A. Stew, is my sprightly young Roborovski dwarf hamster. For a little context, when I brought Stew home, I had a 6.5 inch silent spinner in his cage, which is too tight and heavy for him to push. I switched him to the 7 inch flying saucer I had lying around, which he could push without too much trouble (the saucer being looser).

And this flying saucer was completely silent. I was impressed. Until about a week later, when I was awakened in the night by a dreadful clattering noise. I tried a few things, but nothing silenced this wheel.

Since Stew would probably need an upgrade eventually, and I was losing sleep, I decided to search for a new wheel.

The Nite Angel Wheel

I’ve heard very good things about Nite Angel wheels over the last year or so. They are regarded as the unbeaten, best hamster wheel of all time. After reading the reviews, I went ahead and ordered an 8 inch (small), Nite Angel Wheel off Amazon in my favorite colour, orange.

Unboxing

The magical day arrived, when I received the parcel. The box, so smooth and crisp. I sliced the tape confining the precious wheel. I cracked open the box, and slid out the perfectly fitted, lidded styrofoam box. I anxiously opened the protective prison to reveal the wheel. The most trendy, modern wheel to ever exist.

I was incredibly nervous that the wheel would be damaged, despite their glorious packaging. But it arrived in perfect condition, and was very satisfying to unbox. Seriously, you’ve never had total customer satisfaction unless you’ve ordered from Nite Angel.

The wheel itself is wrapped in a foamish bag to prevent scratching (as if), and when you remove the bag you reveal the wheel.

First Impressions

It’s perfect in every way.

It’s beautiful. It’s great quality. And most of all, it’s completely silent.

The wheel spins easily, which is great for smaller hammies.

I love the adjustment feature, where I can move the wheel higher/lower from the stand. As for the stand itself, I’m a huge fan. I like how it’s a solid stand, so it keeps accessories from being too close and bumping into the wheel.

It comes with an adhesive, anti-skid, cork mat to stick to the bottom. I chose not to use this, but I keep it handy.

After my initial examination, Nite Angel has impressed me, but what about:

Long-Term Use

Stuart took to this wheel right away, and after some practice, can get going and stop with ease.

The middle logo piece covering the bearings is unscrewable, and should be removed if you have a long-tailed pet (gerbil, mouse, rat, etc…). There have been reports of long tails getting pinched in the gap the piece creates. This is not a concern for hamsters, like Stew, so I left it on.

The wheel is very easy to clean! Stew tracks his soil substrate into the wheel and sometimes will pee in it, and it needs daily cleaning. I spray a little vinegar/water on a paper towel, wipe it, dry it, and keep on trucking. Occasionally I’ll raise the wheel and wipe the stand as well.

Stew has been growing, and as I observed him last night, his back remains straight (which is good!).

The wheel has been running silently for over a month now.

Conclusion

My review in a pinch: the Nite Angel wheel is spectacular (#notsponsored).

I love it in every aspect. The price is great for what you get, it’s packaged beautifully, the wheel itself is of incredible quality, it’s easy for my ham to use, and for me to clean afterward!

I will definitely be buying wheels from Nite Angel for pets to come, but in the meantime I believe this wheel will last my Stew for many years (maybe many hamsters) to come. Thank you Nite Angel for your stunning product!

If you’re interested in more hamster-related content be sure to like this post and follow the blog, and I’ll be back on Tuesday with more small pet care, DIYs, recipes, cage setups, stories and more, have a ham-tastic day!