Aggressive Skates - Buying Advice...

Below is a useful and hopefully helpful guide to what exactly Agressive Skating is and what to look for when planning to buy Aggressive Skates. If you apply this information to the products we retail you should end up with an aggressive skate you are more than happy with. If you need further help or advice call us on 01794 830005.

What is Aggressive Skating?
How Do I Know What Inline Skate To Buy?
Fitting and Sizing, What should I get?
Main Features of Aggressive Skates
Skates Construction, Key Features to look for

What is Aggressive Skating? Aggressive skating is and extreme sport which has almost unlimited possibities. From jumps and grinds to flips and spins or the combination of all it is one of the most versitile sports there is. Appropriate places to ride are virtually everywhere whether its hand rails, big ledges your after or a vert ramp or a street park there are no rules. There are many differences between aggressive skates and recreational as they are designed for a different purpose. The wheels on aggressive skates are smaller than the wheels on recreational inline skates, this is for increased control and balance so that a riders feet are closer to the ground. The shape of the boot and frame are specially designed for tricks and stunts rather than soft casual riding.

How Do I Know What Aggressive Skate To Buy?
To know what to buy you ideally need to know what you want from the skate yourself. There are far more variations of features when it comes to aggressive skates and therefore it can easily get confusing.

It is probably easiest to describe what to aim for if you are just beginning. For starting out you should really think about the basics, focusing on the skates we have for sale under £100. From this selection you can cut down the choice cosiderably. Once you've done this you can select from the skates which are relevent to the size your after.

Now you should be in the position to choose from the remaining selection when you have decided which specific features from each skate appear asthough they will suit you the best.

Fitting and Sizing, What should I get?
The Aggressive Skates sizing varies slightly from brand to brand. Below is our general recommendations for each brand we retail below:

Roces Skates - K2 Skates - Purchase the same size or go up half a size if required. Anarchy Skates - You will need to refer to the specific models page. Rollerblade Skates - Razors Skates - We would also recommend buying insoles when: - You decide to purchase Skates that are bigger than the recommended sizing advice given above. - You have Narrow feet. To buy Insoles CLICK HERE. The most important part of selecting a skate is the fit. You may think that durability and looks are right up there, but if the skate doesn't fit properly you won't get the best out of them and ultimately won't use them. Main features of a Aggressive Skate opposed to other types of Skates Designed for a skating style that includes stunts, jumping, riding rails, and half pipes. Aggressive skates are designed to be very solid and sturdy . Smaller, hard wheels provide maneuverability and durability . Skates include special modifications to allow skaters to ride rails and ramps.

Skates Construction, Key Features to look for

Agressive Wheels Very small wheels (55-67 mm) are best for stunt skates Wheels this size are also very hard to withstand grinding and jumping
Hardness of Wheels Wheel hardness is measured in durometers. Lower numbers indicate a softer wheel and higher numbers indicate a harder wheel. Durometer is denoted by the suffix "A" (example - 80A). The typical recreational in-line skate wheel is 78A or 82A. Softer wheels are good for winter and provide a softer ride. Harder wheels are better in the summer when the pavement is hot and the wheels tend to soften.
Frames Frames hold skate components in place. Most Aggressive frames are made of aluminum alloy or nylon and fiberglass composites. All skates with UFS frames and/or plates can be changed to any other UFS compatible plate or frame. Make sure the frames you select are designed for thSe way you wish to use them. Metal frames are stiffer, faster, and lighter, but typically cost more.
Materials Aggressive skate uppers are usually made from synthetic materials that offer durability, support, comfort and breathability.
Liners Many boots contain a cushioning liner usually made of a foam material Sometimes reinforced along the toe and sides for protection and increased stability.
Hard Shell Constructed of molded plastic and similar to a ski boot The lower half covers and protects the foot The upper half wraps around and supports the ankle The two halves are connected with a hinge system that allows the ankle and boot to flex forward naturally
Soft Boot Made with an external (and sometimes internal) plastic cuff to provide support, like a hiking boot Provide a good fit and performance Very breathable and lightweight Generally secured by laces
Bearings Bearings are the seven or eight balls at the center of each wheel Each bearing has an ABEC rating that indicates the precision of their manufacturing The higher the rating, the more precise the manufacture and the better the performance and speed The general ABEC range is ABEC-1, ABEC-3, ABEC-5 although bearings are not always measured in ABEC's. Bearings are either serviceable or non-serviceable Serviceable bearings have a metal shield with a removable "C" ring, or a plastic/rubber type removable shield. These may be taken apart to be cleaned, lubricated or replaced. Non-serviceable bearings have a metal shield that protects them. These only need to be wiped off with a clean cloth. Bearings don't need to be cleaned after every use, but if they become wet, they should be cleaned and dried Never lubricate the outside of a bearing because that will attract dirt and contaminants.
Brakes Most manufacturers offer different braking systems The most common form of braking system is a pad or cylinder on the rear wheel that stops movement by applying pressure on the heel Hockey skates and speed skates normally do not include braking systems Most brake pads have a "wear line" that indicates how much performance is left in the brake. The brake pad should be replaced before this wear line is reached. Some manufacturers do offer mechanical braking systems that make stopping easier to learn. Please Note most aggressive skates do not come with brakes, the main reason being the nature of the skates use and freedom of movement.
Closures: There are two primary forms of closure systems on in-line skates.
Buckles Found on many aggressive skates Skates with buckle closures are the quickest to put on and take off The number of buckles varies from 2 to 5
Laces Similar to regular shoe laces Less expensive than buckle closures, and offer a uniform closing Allows for more adjustment variations