What Makes a Good Rollerblade?

The price of inline skates, popularized in the 1980s by the Rollerblade, can range from a couple bucks for a used pair in a second-hand shop to several hundred dollars for high-end trick skates with the best wheels and bearings available. There is a spectrum of quality for every type of skate, whether they are designed for hockey, fitness, speed or tricks (aggressive-style). A good skate doesn't hurt the feet, performs well and does not break easily.

  1. Boot

    • Comfort is the obvious factor in identifying a good skate. The tongue of the boot, for example, should provide enough padding so the instep of the foot doesn't hurt when the laces are tightened or buckles are fastened. There should also be adequate padding around the ankles. The shell of the boot should be flexible enough to move slightly, even when the foot is snug, but it shouldn't be wobbly. According to Inline Skating Resource Center, high-end skates have a moisture-absorbing, breathable material in the boot liner, for added comfort. Some of the more expensive skates have memory foam that molds to the foot.

    Frame

    • A good frame is made of a light-weight metal, not plastic. It should also be firmly attached to the boot, and aligned properly with the wheels. According to Inline Skating Resource: "Simply put, the wheels deliver a better ride if they are all going in the same direction at the same time." There should be enough room between the frame and the boot to accommodate different sized wheels, according to the skater's preference. For hockey skates, the frame should have adjustable axle holes, so front and back wheels can be moved higher than the middle wheels, simulating the blade of an ice skate.

    Wheels

    • Wheels are easily replaced, but a good skate comes with good wheels. Wheels that are too big can reduce maneuverability, and wheels that are too small limit your ability to maintain a long, smooth stride. Soft wheels grip well but get torn too easily on hard surfaces. Wheels that are too hard can cause the skater to slip easily on hard surfaces. Good wheels are also made of polyurethane, a durable plastic. Other types of plastic and rubber wear down easier.

    Bearings

    • The bearings inside the wheel affect how fast the wheels will spin. Like wheels, bearings can be easily replaced and are selected based on the type of skating (fitness, speed, hockey or aggressive). Most bearing makers use a numerical system where the higher the number, the faster the bearing. The fastest bearing isn't necessarily the best. Good ball bearings should be perfectly round and smooth. Cheaper, low-quality bearings are rough and have noticeable imperfections. ABEC and Boss Swiss are the more popular brands of high-end bearings. Most products are made with steel, but the best ones are made of ceramic, which are more durable.

    Brake

    • The brake should never be on the front of the boot. Traditionally, brakes are a rubber pad located near the heal. With a good skate, the brake is not bulky and will not interfere with the skater's stride. According to Inline Skating Resource, skate manufacturers are developing new brake systems that can be activated by the foot using springs, rods or disks. Hockey and aggressive skates don't always come with brakes, so the comfort of the boot and the wheel's ability to slide evenly or stop should be factored into the buying decision.