How to choose inline skates – expert advice

Roller skating is very popular nowadays. This dynamic and extremely effective type of active recreation gives everyone something different: for adults it is a great way to relieve stress after a working day and give the body physical activity, stretch and tone muscles, for children and adolescents it is, above all, fun and reckless pokatushki and friendly company. Of course, maximum pleasure is achieved only when the rollers are selected correctly and fully correspond to the operating conditions.

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1. The best roller makers – which company to choose?
2. Roller device
3. Types of roller skates
4. What can be a shoe in roller skating?
5. Wheels and bearings in roller skates
6. What should be the frame in rollers
7. What else to look for when choosing roller skates
8. How to try on roller skates correctly?
9. Video for choosing roller skates

The best roller makers – which company to choose?

Today you can find on sale a huge number of different models of rollers. Starting with unnamed Chinese models and ending with advanced roller skates from well-known global manufacturers, they will surely find their buyer. At the same time, in order to be sure of the quality of a particular model and not to encounter unexpected breakdowns, preference should be given to exclusively proven products from well-known manufacturers:

1. Rollerblade

2. Salomon

3. K2

4. Powerslide

Roller device

Roller skates are similar in design to classic skates, but instead of a metal blade, they have a metal frame at the bottom with wheels fixed on it. The principle of skating, the basic movements of rollerblading are similar to those of ice skating, the only difference is that all the action takes place on the asphalt in the summer. The design of the rollers includes three main components:

1. Plastic boots with a frame fixed on it;

2. Wheels (as a rule, their number is from 3 to 6 pieces);

3. Brake mechanism at the back of the boot;

4. Additional elements of roller skates are laces and fasteners designed to fix the boot on the foot, as well as a removable inner element made of felt or other similar materials in case the boot itself is made of hard plastic.

Types of roller skates

Considering roller skates, a few words must be said about their varieties.

Classic Fitness Rollers

This category includes the largest number of models, it is these videos that can be recommended for purchase in 80% of cases. Their main features are a sturdy boot of a classic shape, a reinforced frame made of durable plastic or metal, 3-4 wheels with a diameter of about 80 millimeters, and a removable brake system. Perfect for active driving and sports, as well as for leisurely walks around the city.

Advantages

• Variety of models, shapes and designs;

• Robust and reliable construction;

• Detachable brake system complete with most models;

• Affordable price;

disadvantages

• Cheap models are not durable;

• Suitable for relatively quiet driving and not suitable for extreme sports and tricks;

Running casters and models designed for speed skate

The design of such rollers differs significantly from the classic models. Firstly, the shoe has a low shape and only fixes the lower part of the ankle. Secondly, the frame is of considerable height and strength. Thirdly, such rollers are almost always equipped with four powerful wheels with a diameter of 90-100 millimeters. Their main task is high-speed maneuvering and all kinds of races, thanks to their special design, they are able to reach speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour.

Advantages

• Robust construction;

• Large diameter wheels for maximum speed;

• Robust metal frame;

• Comfortable anatomically shaped shoe;

disadvantages

• Designed exclusively for experienced riders;

• Expensive enough;

• They are not highly maneuverable;

Rollers for performing various tricks – for rollerblading

Highly specialized models designed for constant dynamic loads arising from performing all kinds of tricks in urban conditions, as well as on special sites. The boot of such rollers is as rigid and durable as possible, it reliably fixes the foot in any position and does not allow it to move. Another feature is a strong and rigid frame with small semi-enclosed wheels that are not afraid of mechanical stress.

Advantages

• Robust and reliable construction;

• Perfectly protect against injury;

• Capable of withstanding significant loads;

• Anatomical cut of the boot;

disadvantages

• Expensive;

• Require some experience for operation;

• Heavy;

Off-road videos (models designed for freeskating)

Their appearance is similar to classic roller skates, the difference lies in the design of the frame and wheels. Their main purpose is skating on uneven surfaces and playing roller hockey.

Advantages

• Robust and reliable construction;

• A variety of models for every taste;

• High speed and maneuverability;

• The ability to ride on any type of surface;

disadvantages

• Roads;

• Not suitable for beginners;

What can be a shoe in roller skating?

1. Hard boots made of plastic or polyurethane. The main purpose of such boots is maximum reliability and fixation of the lower leg during active skating. Fixation is carried out using special ties that give the boot an anatomical shape. To ensure maximum comfort, the inner part of the boot is equipped with a special soft liner that provides a sufficient degree of comfort in any mode of operation;

2. Soft boots made of genuine leather or synthetic materials. Lightweight, comfortable and manoeuvrable boots that provide maximum comfort in any situation. The disadvantage is that the protection of the legs from injuries is less than that of plastic boots;

Wheels and bearings in roller skates

When choosing casters, attention should be paid to the wheels:

1. Wheel diameter has a direct impact on speed and handling. The smaller the diameter, the more maneuverable and the less speed roller skates are. And on the contrary, high-speed rollers developing up to 40-50 kilometers per hour are equipped with wheels with a diameter of about 100 millimeters. A separate category is occupied by 'off-road' rollers – there are often wheels with a diameter of 140-150 millimeters with a powerful tread;

2. The rigidity of the material from which the wheels are made is also an integral part that must be considered when choosing a particular model. This parameter is measured in units of stiffness A – the smaller the parameter, the more rigid the wheels are and the more they are suitable for faster operation. And vice versa – wheels with a large A index (about 100 units) are distinguished by high softness and good grip characteristics, and therefore are perfect for operation in urban conditions and for performing various tricks;

3. Bearing quality has a direct bearing on rolling, ride performance and machine durability. The quality of bearings is measured according to the ABEC classification and is graded from 1 to 7. The higher the indicator, the higher the quality of the bearings and the more expensive they are. The most popular among experienced skaters were models with the ABEC index from 5 to 7;

What should be the frame in rollers

1. The frame, made of plastic or its analogs, has high vibration-damping capabilities. When driving on uneven surfaces, it absorbs bumps very well, allowing you to reduce the feeling of discomfort. The disadvantage of plastic frames is their relatively low strength and durability – even unintentional contact with a hard surface can damage it;

2. The metal frame, on the other hand, has excellent durability. It easily withstands harsh exploitation, but its softness is very mediocre – even when riding on a relatively flat surface, each pothole will be felt in the leg;

What else to look for when choosing roller skates

1. Method of fixing the boot on the leg. The use of plastic fasteners is a convenient and comfortable way that allows you to quickly put on and take off your shoes, but its fixing ability is very mediocre. On the other hand, lacing is a slow but very reliable method that ensures the natural position of the boot on the foot in any situation;

2. You should also pay attention to the presence of a brake mechanism located on the heel of the boot. The brake itself is a removable element and is very necessary for a beginner who is just mastering this type of outdoor activity. Experienced skaters, confidently skating, almost always get rid of this mechanism;

How to try on roller skates correctly?

When choosing roller skates, you should remember that over time, the boot tends to wear out and increase in size, and therefore it should not be allowed to be too loosely fixed on the leg. Putting the chosen option on your leg, you should fix it as tightly as possible and try to perform routine actions. Ideally, inline skates should feel like everyday shoes and not be uncomfortable during use.

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose a scooter and the secrets of choosing a skateboard.

Video for choosing roller skates

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.