The Best Rollerskates

Rollerskating is an appropriate activity for those looking for speed while keeping both feet firmly planted on the ground. Roller skates are highly customizable these days. Finding the best depends on which features you choose to include in the ideal roller skate. It also depends on the purpose for the skates and what you want to get out of them.

  1. Wheels Hardness

    • Wheel hardness plays a crucial role in determining the speed potential of roller skates. Generally speaking the harder the wheel, the faster the skate. The hardest wheels typically go on speed skates. The harder the wheel the less grip it will have on pavement. Softer wheels provide added grip, which enhances a skater's stability. Wheel hardness is measured on a scale called the durometer and ranges from 78A to 88A, where the higher the number the harder the wheel. The best roller skates will have the perfect wheel hardness for your purpose and for your skating level and style.

    Wheel Size

    • Another aspect affecting speed is wheel size. Generally wheels narrow and tall will move much faster than wheels that are wider and small. If you're looking for speed, your best bet is skate that has tall, narrow wheels. However, narrow wheels are more likely to slip than short, wide wheels. The type of skate you purchase will limit the type of wheel you can get. For example, outdoor skates will typically have wheels with 2 or 2 1/2 inch wheels. While these wheels work well for outdoors skates, they would be completely clumsy on an indoor skate where speed isn't as important. The best skates will have appropriately sized wheels for your skate type and your purpose.

    Four Wheel vs. Inline Skates

    • Roller skates come in two basic varieties: four wheel or five- to six-wheel inline. Four-wheel skates have two wheels side-by-side at the toes and at the heel. Inline skates have five or six wheels running in a straight line down the center of the sole. Four-wheel skates provide extra balance at the expense of speed, while inline skates provide extra speed at the expense of balance. The best skate will organize the wheels in manner best suited to your needs.

    Types of Skates

    • Roller skates are categorized into four types:- recreational, outdoor, speed and artistic. Recreational and outdoor skates come high up the foot. They completely cover the ankle for added support. Recreational skates are good indoors, but outdoor skates are more suited to the outdoors. Speed and artistic skates have very little ankle support, with the boot usually coming up just below the ankle joint. A low ankle boot allows for more maneuverability and flexibility, which gives a skater more control over precise movements. Speed skates help the skater go fast, while artistic skates are designed for tight maneuverability similar to figure skating. Choose the skate type that's most in line with how you want the skates to perform.