Roller Skates: Nylon Plates Compared to Aluminum

When beginning the fun and exciting sport of roller skating there are so many gear choices to make. One important choice is whether you should buy a roller skate with nylon or aluminum plates. There are some things you need to know about plates so you don't end up with wasting too much money on something that is not right for you.

  1. What Are Roller Skate Plates?

    • When you hear people talking about plates on a roller skate, they are discussing the long, narrow part fastened to the bottom of the skate boot. The wheels and trucks are attached to the plate, and the plates, trucks, and wheels are the parts that turn a regular boot into a roller skate. There is a wide variety of types and brands of plates and all will affect your skating experience.

    The Advantages and Disadvantages of Nylon Roller Skate Plates

    • Many beginner and economy-level roller skate packages will come with nylon plates already attached to the boot. Nylon is much cheaper and lighter than aluminum. For this reason people who are not sure how often they want to skate, people who only want to skate in a rink sometimes or small people for whom weight is very important, will often buy nylon plates. Nylon is strong but not as strong or durable as aluminum.

    The Advantages and Disadvantages of Aluminum Plates

    • Aluminum plates are usually heavier than nylon plates, but they are also much stronger and less likely to break. Aluminum does not flex under the weight of a skater and allows for a much more efficient energy transfer with every push. Aluminum plates are more expensive than nylon plates, so many people wait until they know they are serious about roller skating before they commit to purchasing an aluminum plate.

    Which Should I Buy: Nylon or Aluminum?

    • Which plate you should buy for your roller skates will depend on several factors. If you are small, weigh less than 150 lbs., are on a limited budget, and only want to roller skate occasionally, you should buy nylon plates. If you are heavier and plan on roller skating competitively, you should consider saving your money and investing in aluminum plates. There are both good and bad plates in both aluminum and nylon, and before making a purchase you should always research the individual brands and models to ensure you are making the right choice.