Question about inline skates...?

Question

What is a good recreational inline skate to buy? What is the advantage of having a better skate? Is the ride smoother? I currently have a pair I bought from Target, paid $50. I found out that i really enjoy inline skating and have decided to invest in a good pair, plan to spend about $200. Also, what should I look for: ABEC, bearings, brakes, etc.

Please be specific, all advice appreciated!!!

Answer 1

Check out the goodwill stores, some have very good deals, i got a  pair of x-games skates for under$5 that work great, just had to oil the wheels a bit. Hope this helps/ Peace

(best time to look at thrift stores is when they FIRST open for the day. BEFORE things are picked over.)

Answer 2

The two major brands are K2 and Rollerblade.  Both will be far above the discount store skates.

At $200 you are into some nice intermediate level skates, probably towards the high end of what you can find at the big box sports stores (SportsAuthority, d**k's).  If you can find a specialty store, you may get better assistance at the store and find the better skates.

If you do a web search for inline skating clubs in your area, you may find people who know where the better stores are.

Fit is first on the list.  You want the skates to become part of your feet with no movement while skating.  They should be snug all around your feet without crushing your toes.

Better wheels on the good skates will roll better.  They use better urethane.

Larger wheels roll easier and smoother over debris or bumps.  At your price range, you might be able to get 90mm wheels.  Go for it.

I will expect that the frames are aluminum at that price range.  Plastic is bad.  A single piece extruded frame (no screws or rivets holding the sides in place) are better.

For longer or faster skating, you want longer frames and lower boots.  

Brake, you really don't get a choice.  Unless you are doing specialty skating like freestyle, where the brake gets in the way, keep it and learn to use it well.

ABEC is basicaly meaningless (but advertised a lot) for skating.  Many of the best skate bearings don't meet even ABEC 1.