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Guide to Buying Roller Skates
This guide offers assistance in selecting the ideal roller skates for your requirements. Whether you're interested in roller skates for the skate park, roller dancing, rhythm skating, or cruising as exercise, we will guide you through all the vital aspects to consider before your purchase.
Overview
Overview
Determining the Right Size for Roller Skates
To select the correct size for roller skates, begin by measuring the length of your feet. Then, look at the size guide available on the product page of the skates you're eyeing. Often, it's advisable to choose one size larger than your regular shoe size. Nevertheless, sizes can differ depending on the brand and model, so always verify with the brand-specific size chart.
For the most favourable fit, ensure that your skates feel comfortable—not overly tight, nor too loose. A close fit is vital for effective control while skating. Bear in mind, you can slightly tweak the fit of your roller skates with the laces: if your feet are broader, loosening the laces can help fit your foot shape better. If they are narrower, tighten the laces, or contemplate adding an insole or thicker socks to steady your feet within the roller skate boots.
Choosing the Ideal Roller Skate Boot Style
Selecting the appropriate roller skate boots is key to comfort and efficiency. The best roller skates for you will be the ones that provide the utmost comfort, and the boot style you choose significantly impacts this. If purchasing roller skates online without trying them on, think about these attributes for optimal choices:
- Padding: Seek skates with ample padding around the ankle. A well-cushioned boot with a robust tongue (the strip under the laces) will allow for longer, more comfortable skating.
- Stiffness: The boot's stiffness is crucial, dependent on your skating technique. A tougher boot is fitting for the skate park or long stretches as it grants better ankle safeguarding, enhanced power transfer, and less fatigue. For those favouring dancing or slalom skating, slightly softer boots enable a broader range of movement. On SkatePro, you can find the stiffness details in the product specifics.
- Cut: The boot's cut is significant too. High or mid-cut boots are ideal for aggressive skating or extended distances, offering increased ankle support and protection. For jam skating, a low-cut boot is more appropriate. Yet, many jam skaters prefer high-cut roller skate boots and opt to undo the top loops of the lacing to boost ankle flexibility.
- Heel: Roller skates feature either a high heel, akin to artistic skating boots, or a low heel, resembling trainers. Which is superior? It hinges on your preference. High heels can lessen the risk of tipping backwards, while low heels offer a natural foot stance and a lower centre of gravity, enhancing balance. Many roller skaters base their choice on aesthetics, a crucial facet of roller skating. Trust your instincts or try both styles to determine which suits you best.
Roller Skate Plates and Trucks
Roller skate plates and trucks are crucial hardware underlying your roller skate boots. The plate is the base affixed directly to the boot, whereas the trucks are the metal axles attached to the plate which hold the wheels. Together, they dictate how your skates manoeuvre and respond.
Within our wide assortment of roller skates, you'll find models featuring plates made from these materials:
- Nylon Plates: These are lightweight and well-suited for beginners. They ease movement but may lack the durability found in other materials. For a novice, nylon plates suffice. However, be sure to inspect the weight limits in the product details.
- Aluminium Plates: Renowned for their robustness, they are heavier but deliver superior performance for advanced skaters or those of a heavier build. They provide enhanced stability and longevity.
- Fibreglass Plates: These offer a good balance between weight and strength. Lighter than aluminium yet more durable than nylon, fibreglass roller skate plates are a solid option for skaters pursuing performance without extra weight.
Regarding roller skate trucks, beginners typically need not focus extensively on this component. Roller skates suitable for novices come with standard trucks, while aggressive roller skates designed for the skate park feature larger trucks for improved efficiency.
Selecting Roller Skates with Suitable Wheels
The wheels of your roller skates crucially determine their performance on differing surfaces. When choosing, take into account where and how you intend to utilise them:
- Outdoor Skating (Soft Wheels): For outdoor cruising, select roller skates with soft wheels, often boasting a durometer rating between 78A and 82A. These wheels offer superior grip and shock absorption, making them ideal for rough terrains. A wheel diameter spanning 58mm to 65mm is advisable; larger wheels supply more speed and better manage cracks in pavements, while smaller wheels are easier to manage, thus apt for beginners.
- Aggressive Skating (Hard Wheels): For those into aggressive or park skating, opt for harder wheels, with a durometer ranging between 95A and 100A. These wheels exhibit durability and a smaller diameter, around 56 mm, offering superior control for stunts and rapid moves.
- Roller Dance/Jam Skating (Medium-Hard Wheels): Jam skaters and roller dancers often pick medium-hard wheels, with a durometer typically lying between 80A and 85A. These wheels strike a balance between grip and speed, but it's essential to adapt based on the surface intended for dancing, like smoother indoor rinks or rougher outdoor surfaces.
If the wheels on the roller skates you adore don't align with your requirements, you can always change them out for another set, which can be acquired separately. Consult our video for guidance:
for simple directives on conducting this at home. Numerous skaters retain multiple wheel sets to swap based on the skating environment. This adaptability enables the best performance in any circumstance! To find the wheels you require, check our category:
Grasping Roller Skate Bearings
When securing roller skates, you'll often discover bearings categorised on the ABEC scale, extending from ABEC 1 to ABEC 9. This scale assesses the bearing's construction precision—the higher the value, the more precise the bearing. In theory, higher precision signifies smoother rolling, yet the bearing's overall quality often significantly impacts the wheels' spinning rapidity.
To assure smooth rolling, appropriate bearing upkeep is vital. Observe these suggestions:
- Avoid Humidity: Refrain from storing your roller skates in damp areas, as moisture can trigger bearing rust or deterioration.
- Dry After Skating on Wet Surfaces: Should you skate during or after rainfall, or near splashing water fountains, always dry your bearings subsequently.
- Regular Cleaning and Lubrication: Frequently cleanse and lubricate your bearings to guarantee optimal performance. Consult our video guide:
With suitable care, your roller skate bearings will endure longer and provide a seamlessly smooth skating experience. Should you find yourself in need of new bearings, they are available in our category:
Roller Skate Toe Stops & Jam Plugs
Roller skate toe stops come primarily in two types: bull-eye and adjustable. While newcomers will fare well with either, adjustable toe stops are recommended for those at intermediate and advanced levels.
- Bull-Eye Toe Stops: These are fixed and lack adjustability, restricting personalisation. They are perfectly adequate for novices but offer fewer customisable fit and feel options.
- Adjustable Toe Stops: These allow for height adjustment per your liking, offering more flexibility, notably when alternating wheel diameters or experimenting with various skate styles. For further insights on toe stop adjustment, consult our video guide:
It's crucial to mention that bull-eye toe stops are non-interchangeable with adjustable ones. However, should you wish to switch worn-out stops or merely customise your skates with a fresh colour, visit our category:
For roller dancers and jam skaters, jam plugs serve in place of toe stops. These small rubber components are perfect for dance, giving a superior base during pivots without the bulk of usual toe stops. Although jam plugs don't allow for braking, they protect the plate and are essential for smooth movements.
Roller Skate Grind Blocks for Aggressive Skating
Grind blocks, also known as slide blocks or sliders, are vital for aggressive skaters aiming to grind or slide on rails and copings. If planning to visit the skate park or attempt aggressive street skating, it's wise to choose roller skates equipped with grind blocks.
If it's your first time utilising skates with grind blocks, you might notice a somewhat increased stiffness. However, you'll quickly adjust, and once you begin grinding, you'll truly appreciate the advantages of installed blocks! If a pair of roller skates appeal to you that come with grind blocks but without plans to grind or slide, don't worry—you can effortlessly remove the blocks.
Safety Gear for Roller Skating
Using protective gear is highly advisable for all roller skaters, but especially crucial if you're a beginner, skate within urban zones, or practise aggressive skating. Essential protective gear includes a roller skating helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads. Beyond ensuring safety, equipping yourself entirely boosts confidence, aiding in quicker learning and allowing you to stretch your limits.
When buying your new roller skates, it's a splendid idea to obtain your protective gear simultaneously. At SkatePro, we provide everything essential:
- Roller Skating Helmets
- Roller Skating Pad Sets
- Roller Skating Wrist Guards
- Roller Skating Knee Pads
- Roller Skating Elbow Pads
For added convenience, explore our packages:
You can package roller skates, protective gear, and even a skate bag for a complete set!
Reasons to Purchase Roller Skates
Roller skates, commonly known as quad skates, are beloved for their vintage appearance, yet they are far beyond ordinary! If still uncertain about acquiring a pair, ponder this: roller skates present a plethora of opportunities, whether you wish to execute feats, gain an excellent workout, enjoy rink time with friends, or master awe-inspiring dance routines.
Furthermore, owing to their broad baseplate, roller skates provide greater lateral stability than inline skates. This feature makes them a favoured selection for beginners. Seasoned skaters also take advantage of this enhanced control to push their boundaries and execute more intricate moves.
Finally, roller skates come in an array of colours, styles, and sizes, making them ideal for everyone. They offer a fantastic means to express yourself!
Intrigued by the advantages of roller skating? Be sure to explore our guide:
Still uncertain? Do reach out—we're always available to assist you:
