The Joy of Roller Skating: A Path to Physical and Mental Well-being
11/06/2024
The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Choosing Quality Roller Skates
Whether you're a novice eager to embark on your roller skating journey or an experienced skater looking to upgrade, choosing the right pair of roller skates is crucial. A good quality roller skate not only enhances your performance but also ensures safety and comfort.
But it can be a bit overwhelming when you are looking for your first pair of roller skates!
I wish I had a handy guide when I was starting out; with all this talk of trucks (when to someone that knows a truck to be a type of delivery vehice! 🤣) and numbers on wheels that are totally different to those on your car! It can be a minefield!
So here's my tips based on what I have learnt when looking for the perfect pair of roller skates.
1. Skate Type
Firstly, identify the type of roller skating you'll be doing. Roller skates are generally categorised into four main types:
- Recreational Skates: Ideal for casual, outdoor skating and beginners. They offer comfort and stability.
- Artistic Skates: Designed for dance and artistic skating with high-top boots for ankle support.
- Speed Skates: Low-cut boots for more ankle movement, designed for racing and speed skating.
- Derby Skates: Made for roller derby with reinforced materials for durability and protection.
Knowing the purpose of your skates will help narrow down your choices.
2. Boot Quality
The boot is the most critical part of the skate, providing support and comfort. Look for the following features:
- Material: High-quality leather or synthetic materials offer durability and comfort. Leather boots mould to your feet over time, providing a custom fit. Where as synthetics like vinyl won't 'give' over time but do provide rigidity and support.
- Ankle Support: Ensure the boot offers adequate ankle support, especially if you're a beginner or performing jumps and spins.
- Padding: Good padding inside the boot enhances comfort and reduces the risk of blisters.
3. Plate and Trucks
The plate is the base of the skate to which the boot attaches, and the trucks connect the wheels to the plate.
- Material: Aluminium plates are sturdy and offer better control, whereas nylon plates are lighter and less expensive. But don't be caught out by skates that have weight limits to their skates!
- Weight Limit: Some of the lower end or 'cheaper skates' do come with a weight limit. This is something to bear in mind and worth checking before purchasing. These are 'affordable' skates designed for the beginner in mind - so even if you are within the weight limit but plan to be going the skate park jumping ramps then these are NOT for you! The force and strain that they would go through doing such activities would be too much and would break so you will need to invested in a good quality (expensive) skate!
- Adjustability: Good quality skate allow you to adjust the trucks' tension, providing customisable manoeuvrability. Don't buy skates that have a fixed 'truck' or fixed 'action' - you can not adjust these skates and they will hinder your progress!
4. Wheels
Wheels greatly influence your skating experience. Consider the following:
- Material: Polyurethane wheels are standard, providing a good balance of grip and durability. Avoid anything with plastic wheels! They should have a 'rubbery' feel to them (not hard plastic). Be careful as some of the cheap skates list there wheels incorrectly! Plastic wheels will not only slow you down and hinder you - they are also VERY noisy!
- Hardness (Durometer): Wheels are measured in A units and can be very confusing for the beginner!
- Softer wheels (78A-85A) are better for outdoor surfaces, providing more grip and ideal for beginners.
- Harder wheels (86A-101A) are suitable for indoor skating and park (ramp) skating, offering less grip but more speed. Ideal for the more advanced skaters
- Size: Larger wheels (62mm and above) offer more speed, as well as more ground clearance which is ideal for trail skating for going over debris. While smaller wheels (under 62mm) provide better control and agility; ideal more nimble moves.
5. Bearings
Bearings determine how smoothly your wheels roll. They are rated using the ABEC scale, with higher numbers indicating better precision and efficiency.
- ABEC Rating: ABEC-5 to ABEC-7 bearings are usually sufficient for most skaters, offering a good balance of speed and durability. ABEC-7 to ABEC-9 bearings might be preferred for those looking to maximise speed and smoothness.
- Standard Bearings: Standard bearings for roller skates, are typically made of steel. These are the most common type used by skaters of all levels. These bearings are designed to provide a balance of performance, durability, and affordability.
- Ceramic Bearings: Ceramic bearings are a popular choice among skaters seeking enhanced performance, durability, and speed. As expected ceramic bearings come with higher price tag.
6. Toe Stops and Brakes
- Toe Stops: Essential for stopping and performing tricks. Adjustable toe stops allow you to set your preferred height and are usually found in higher-end skates. WHere as lower end skate come with 'fixed' toe stops.
- Jam Plugs: Often used by 'jam' or 'dance' skaters where certain moves are hindered by toe stops catching the floor. Here, the toe stop would be removed from the skate and a jam plug inserted to replace it. Remember once your tow stop has been removed you can no longer use it to stop and being proficient in other stops (eg plow stop) is required when using jam plugs!
7. Fit and Comfort
A good fit is essential for comfort and performance:
- Sizing: Roller skate sizes are not the same as shoe sizes (even though a shoe size is given), and they vary greatly from one manufacturer to another. It is important to measure your foot and refer to the manufacturer’s size chart for the best possible fit.
- Try Them On: If possible, try on the skates before purchasing. Ensure there are no pressure points or excessive tightness. Not that easy when you live here in Carmarthenshire! But if you are willing to travel there is Bridgend Cycle Centre who have great customer service!
8. Brand Reputation
Investing in a reputable brand can make a significant difference in quality and customer service. Brands like Riedell, Moxi, Chaya, and Sure-Grip have longstanding reputations for producing high-quality skates. Certain Rookie and Rio skates are also good options but make sure to look out for those metal trucks!
9. Price
Quality roller skates can be a significant investment, but it's worth it for the durability and performance they offer. While budget options exist, they may not provide the same level of comfort, support, and longevity.
When you are just starting out you don't always want to fork out hundreds on something you don't know you are going to stick at. So using the pointers we have given you here you can still find some good quality budget friendly skates.
You can even look for nearly new, or lightly used if you want to ensure you get a great skate. By searching you can pick up some great better quality skates without the new price tag!
10. Personal Style
Finally, roller skates come in various designs and colours, allowing you to express your personal style. Whether you prefer classic black leather or vibrant, colourful patterns, there's a skate to match your personality! (mine are below!)
Just don't be fooled by the 'fashion skates'. Although they come in many styles, colours and even patterns, these are not reputable brands and are not made well. You will end up regretting your decision either by having to buy again as they broke, or worse you end up injured!
Do's
- Do purchase a reputable brand - you don't want your skates to fail on you and cause injury
- Measure your foot and go by the manufacturer sizing chart for the skate you are purchasing!
- Purchase skates with metal trucks - not plastic! Plastic trucks will break!
- Make sure you have wheels to suit your current ability (78-82a is a great start for beginners)
- Do use wheels suited to your current skill level - you can gradually swap when your skill level improves
- Buy a better brand to ensure a safe skate - if your budget doesnt stretch to brand new take a look out for nearly new, or used on places such as Vinted, Ebay and FB marketplace
- Wear safety gear - roller skating and falling go hand in hand (you can't have 1 without the other) so protect yourself especially whilst you are learning!
Dont's
- Don't buy something just because it looks pretty or cool! Check out their reputation!
- Don't purchase based on your normal shoe size! Skates are not made like this!
- Don't purchase skates with plastic trucks or 'fixed action' trucks
- Don't purchase skates made by 'fashion' brands - they are not manufactured well!
- Don't use a hard wheel if your just starting out! Stick to 78-82a as a beginner and build up to harder wheels
- Don't buy cheap - it isn't worth risking an injury because the boot came away from the plate because of cheap materials - roller skating is risky enough without adding poor quality gear
- Don't ditch safety gear because you think it doesn't look 'cool' - concusion or a broken elbow won't be cool when your laid up for weeks!
So I hope what I have learnt and shared with you in this post, helps you make some great decisions when buying your 1st (or even 2nd...) pair of roller skates! 🛼🛼
🛼 Happy Rolling! 🛼
Retro Rollers
Carmarthenshire Roller Skate Club
Creating a safe place where we can share our passion for skating is important to us!
But building a COMMUNITY is EVERYTHING!! ❤️🥰