Buying Guide for Roller Skates

 

With summer in full swing, there is no better time to get outside and try a new hobby. Roller skating is a great way to enjoy your free time and exercise. If you don’t know where to begin, consider the following buying guide for roller skates. This will help you fully prepare for your skating journey this summer. 

Buying Guide for Roller Skates

Finding the right roller skates for you is a simple process. Consider the following as you shop for your new skates!

Wheels:

Roller skates come with four wheels and are either soft or hard. Harder wheels have a longer life span, but offer less grip and shock absorption. Soft wheels are just the opposite as they don’t last long, but they provide grip and absorb a lot of shock. If you are new to roller skating, soft wheels may be helpful as you get the hang of skating. The hardness of a wheel is based on a scale from zero to 100A. The closer the number is to 100, the harder the wheel will be.

Bearings:

Your roller skates will come with bearings so you don’t necessarily have to concern yourself with any details on them when you purchase your skates. This is because details on bearings are only really necessary for those skating at high speeds. However, it’s important to take care of your bearings as you skate. Avoid sand, dirt, water, and other moist areas. These can degrade your bearings causing them to wear out earlier.

Boots:

You can either choose hard boots or soft boots. The type of boot that is right for you depends on what activities you will be doing. For those who want to take longer rides and use roller skating for fitness purposes, hard boots are a great option. This is because they provide excellent support and stability. The inside liner can also be easily replaced when it gets worn out. Soft shell boots are a great choice if you want to do activities such as dance or disco as they are much easier to maneuver. Soft boots have better ventilation and weigh less as compared to hard boots.

Size:

It is recommended that you size up with roller skates. Choose skates that are one size bigger than your regular shoe size. Be sure and consider the sizing guidelines for the specific brand of skates you are buying. Your skates should be snug, but not too tight. 

Trucks and Plates:

Roller skates have a truck and plate underneath the boot. The plates are most often made of nylon and the trucks are made from aluminum. The nylon helps keep the skate light so you don’t have to do as much work and the aluminum makes your skate strong. Quad roller skates also have cushions, including soft or hard cushions. Soft cushions help with agility while hard cushions provide more stability.

Toe Stop:

The toe stop is really helpful on quad skates as it can be used to set off and stop skating. The important thing to remember is that the toe stop can be easily worn down. Avoid injury by regularly replacing the toe stop on your skates.

Safety Gear:

If you are just starting out skating and aren’t particularly sporty, get some skate gear to help keep you safe as you begin skating. Wrist guards, knee pads, and a helmet are a good start. Falling is inevitable when you start skating so it’s helpful to be prepared.

Buy Roller Skates Online

Avoid the hassle of going into the store and buy roller skates online. Crazy Skates has a variety of options for both roller skates & inline skates. Check out their website today for their newest selection of skates!