Tips for Buying the Perfect Pair of Roller Blades
Your Skating Style
Decide how long you plan to use your roller blades and what type of roller blading activities you will engage in. Assess your ability, interest, present skill level and the level you plan to reach later on. Roller blades or inline skates come in models designed for specific purposes such as recreational skating, fitness and sports, which can include cross-training, roller hockey and speed skating. Depending on your preferred usage, your choice of roller blades should meet the different demands of your skating style.
For example, aggressive inline skates will be built differently from those used for recreational activities and have different features compared to racing skates. A beginner skater will do best with most multi-purpose or recreational roller blades, which should be enough for initial training.
The Wheels
Roller blades have 3 or 4 wheels and some even have 5. The reason why there’s a fifth wheel is simple. The wheelbase of these skates is longer and offers more stability when you skate at higher speeds. This also makes the roller blades more difficult to maneuver.
For wheel size, most roller blades come with at least 70mm-sized wheels and some go as big as 80mm in diameter. The shorter the diameter, the slower and more stable the wheels. Taller wheels are best if you want speed, although you’ll need some skills in maneuvering. If you’re a beginner, go for a shorter wheelbase and smaller wheels.
Wheel hardness is also a consideration when buying roller blades. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. A 74A or 78A number on your roller blades means that the wheels are softer and can provide better cushioning against bumps. These work best for outdoor terrain. Harder wheels like 82A or 85A are great for indoor surfaces. Choose the right wheel harness for your intended activity.
Fit
Always try on your roller blades before buying. Wear socks when you go shopping and always ask to try on at least three pairs of different brands. This should give you enough choices on which pair fits you best. Once you have a pair on, stand up, wiggle your toes and move your ankles to see if your feet are comfortable.
Budget
If you’re a beginner, don’t buy the most expensive pair of roller blades on the market shelf. But don’t buy the cheapest either. A cheap pair of roller blades won’t last you long and the quality won’t assure that you’ll learn to skate well. It’s best to go with a good quality pair of skates that will last you a long time, at least as long as your interest in roller blading continues.
Tags: beginner skater, Roller Blading, shopping
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