BUYING GUIDE TO INLINE AND QUAD SKATES
A good pair of roller skates will determine whether or not you are going to be comfortable, and enjoy the sport of roller skating. There is also no point in spending more money than necessary.
Too often, the main priority of first-time buyers is to spend as little money as possible. Low-quality skates usually result in foot pain, little or no ankle support, sluggish bearings and a rough ride. With such distractions it’s almost impossible just to learn how to stop and go, and cheap skates are more likely to break. This can be extremely dangerous. Unlike higher-quality skates, cheaper models often can’t be upgraded with new brakes, better wheels, or faster bearings. When buying new skates - especially that all-important first pair - don't be a cheapskate! Give yourself or your child a fair chance to enjoy the sport .
PROTECTION
Always wear protective gear, such as a helmet, elbow, knee and wrist pads.
FIT
This is the most important thing to consider when buying skates. Skates that don't fit well will probably cause blisters and will be uncomfortable to skate in whether they are too loose or too tight. When you go skate shopping, give yourself plenty of time to spend trying on the skates until you find the right skate for you that fits well and is comfortable. Take a pair of the socks you intend to use while skating, as that's what you should be wearing when trying out the skates.
BUYING GUIDE
1. Determine what sort of skate you are looking for.
2. Determine price range.
3. Once you determine comfort and fit consider wheels, bearing, plates as below.
WHEELS
Wheels - Diameter (wheel circle size) is measured in mm.
The shorter/smaller the wheel the more stable and manoeuvrable your skates will be but will be slower .
The taller/larger the wheel the faster it will be but less manoeuvrable
Wheels- Maximum wheel size
This will become important when you are an advanced skater. Most skaters will want more speed and therefore larger wheels.
Wheels-Durometer (Durability of wheels)
How hard the material is. O=softest; 100 hardest
Most wheels are 78a or 82a. 78a is softer and don't last as long as the 82a's, they are softer so absorb more bumps for a smoother ride.
For indoor surfaces most skaters go with really hard wheels, like 85a or higher.
97a - standard surface - indoor
95a - slippery surface - indoor
92a - extra slippery indoor
For outdoor rough you may want 74a's.
78a to 85a - outdoor
You can mix your durometers. This enables you to have better shock absorbtion of softer wheels while getting the durability of harder wheels.
Wheels-Rockering (adjust the heights of the axles and therefore the wheels)
This imitates an ice-skate blade. This allows for more manoeuvrability at the cost of stability at higher speeds.
WHEEL SUMMARY:
Hard wheels (higher durometer) faster but more slippery than soft wheels (lower durometer)
Big wheels (higher diameter) faster than small wheels (lower diameter) of the same hardness
Narrow wheels are faster than wide wheels of the same hardness and size, but are slippery.
The right speed wheel for your needs depends on the surface, body type and skating style.
BEARINGS - two bearings inside each wheel.
This is what turns the wheel. Bearings come in different rating based on ABEC. The higher the ABEC number the more precise the bearing has been made.
Rating gives an indication of the bearings quality but does not affect speed.
In general higher ABEC rated bearings from one manufacturer will not be better than lower ABEC rated bearing from another manufacturer.
Bearings-quality and brands
Roll out is a term used to describe bearing performance. Good bearings feel faster and demand less effort to go the distance.
PLATES
Skaters that weigh over 90kg should avoid nylon plates.
Nylon
Lightweight, affordable, lower performance. Good option for beginner skates less than 90kg.
Low end aluminum
Very heavy, low performance, affordable but not very responsive. Good option for beginner skaters more than 90kg.
Medium end aluminum
Heavy, decent performance and medium price. Better option for beginner skaters who weigh more than 90kg.
High end aluminum
Light weight, terrific performance, very expensive but worth it, Great option for all weights and skill levels if the budget permits.
Magnesium
Very light and very strong
The short forward theory - please see http://www.suregrip.com/information
Usually only done with a 45 degree plate but can be done to a regular 10 degree plate.
A short forward setup is not generally recommended for beginners who have never skated on quads. This requires a greater degree of balance due to wheels not being directly under the heel. Intemediate or advanced skaters will find them rewarding.
In the world of skating there are two basic types of skating plates, 10 degree and 45 degree, each has its advantages and disadvantages. As per the Sure-Grip site. A 10 degree skating plate is designed to place the skater over the kingpin and cushions, creating a more stable skating feel and allows a skater to be confident and under control in any skating situation. The truck design on a 10 degree plate is typically a more vertical approach which will help keep a skater more upright, typically a less aggressive setup.
The 45 degree skating plate is designed to place the skater over the pivot pin creating a more agressive stance and feel. The truck design on the 45 degree skate is designed with a horizontal approach in relation to the skating floor, typically more sensitive to the skaters movement allowing him or her to change direction faster but still under control.
SkateLogForum.com
SkateLog has a lot of roller skating content to read about. You can also read and interact with other roller skaters on the SkateLog roller skating forums. SkateLog Forums has a huge number of posts
dealing with all aspects of roller skating. From recreational skating, artistic skating, jam skating, outdoor free style skating, skate building advice, and much more.
This is the most important thing to consider when buying skates. Skates that don't fit well will probably cause blisters and will be uncomfortable to skate in whether they are too loose or too tight. When you go skate shopping, give yourself plenty of time to spend trying on the skates until you find the right skate for you that fits well and is comfortable. Take a pair of the socks you intend to use while skating, as that's what you should be wearing when trying out the skates.
BUYING GUIDE
1. Determine what sort of skate you are looking for.
2. Determine price range.
3. Once you determine comfort and fit consider wheels, bearing, plates as below.
WHEELS
Wheels - Diameter (wheel circle size) is measured in mm.
The shorter/smaller the wheel the more stable and manoeuvrable your skates will be but will be slower .
The taller/larger the wheel the faster it will be but less manoeuvrable
Wheels- Maximum wheel size
This will become important when you are an advanced skater. Most skaters will want more speed and therefore larger wheels.
Wheels-Durometer (Durability of wheels)
How hard the material is. O=softest; 100 hardest
Most wheels are 78a or 82a. 78a is softer and don't last as long as the 82a's, they are softer so absorb more bumps for a smoother ride.
For indoor surfaces most skaters go with really hard wheels, like 85a or higher.
97a - standard surface - indoor
95a - slippery surface - indoor
92a - extra slippery indoor
For outdoor rough you may want 74a's.
78a to 85a - outdoor
You can mix your durometers. This enables you to have better shock absorbtion of softer wheels while getting the durability of harder wheels.
Wheels-Rockering (adjust the heights of the axles and therefore the wheels)
This imitates an ice-skate blade. This allows for more manoeuvrability at the cost of stability at higher speeds.
WHEEL SUMMARY:
Hard wheels (higher durometer) faster but more slippery than soft wheels (lower durometer)
Big wheels (higher diameter) faster than small wheels (lower diameter) of the same hardness
Narrow wheels are faster than wide wheels of the same hardness and size, but are slippery.
The right speed wheel for your needs depends on the surface, body type and skating style.
BEARINGS - two bearings inside each wheel.
This is what turns the wheel. Bearings come in different rating based on ABEC. The higher the ABEC number the more precise the bearing has been made.
Rating gives an indication of the bearings quality but does not affect speed.
In general higher ABEC rated bearings from one manufacturer will not be better than lower ABEC rated bearing from another manufacturer.
Bearings-quality and brands
Roll out is a term used to describe bearing performance. Good bearings feel faster and demand less effort to go the distance.
PLATES
Skaters that weigh over 90kg should avoid nylon plates.
Nylon
Lightweight, affordable, lower performance. Good option for beginner skates less than 90kg.
Low end aluminum
Very heavy, low performance, affordable but not very responsive. Good option for beginner skaters more than 90kg.
Medium end aluminum
Heavy, decent performance and medium price. Better option for beginner skaters who weigh more than 90kg.
High end aluminum
Light weight, terrific performance, very expensive but worth it, Great option for all weights and skill levels if the budget permits.
Magnesium
Very light and very strong
The short forward theory - please see http://www.suregrip.com/information
Usually only done with a 45 degree plate but can be done to a regular 10 degree plate.
A short forward setup is not generally recommended for beginners who have never skated on quads. This requires a greater degree of balance due to wheels not being directly under the heel. Intemediate or advanced skaters will find them rewarding.
In the world of skating there are two basic types of skating plates, 10 degree and 45 degree, each has its advantages and disadvantages. As per the Sure-Grip site. A 10 degree skating plate is designed to place the skater over the kingpin and cushions, creating a more stable skating feel and allows a skater to be confident and under control in any skating situation. The truck design on a 10 degree plate is typically a more vertical approach which will help keep a skater more upright, typically a less aggressive setup.
The 45 degree skating plate is designed to place the skater over the pivot pin creating a more agressive stance and feel. The truck design on the 45 degree skate is designed with a horizontal approach in relation to the skating floor, typically more sensitive to the skaters movement allowing him or her to change direction faster but still under control.
SkateLogForum.com
SkateLog has a lot of roller skating content to read about. You can also read and interact with other roller skaters on the SkateLog roller skating forums. SkateLog Forums has a huge number of posts
dealing with all aspects of roller skating. From recreational skating, artistic skating, jam skating, outdoor free style skating, skate building advice, and much more.