Inline Skates Questions & Buying Advice...

What is Inline Skating?
Inline skating is a great way to get around on wheels, whether for fitness, socialising or just plain fun.

Inline Skates are usually used for travelling at speed on smooth ground. They are designed with 4 wheels located directly behind each other in 1 line, hence the name "inline skates". This allows for a faster, smoother ride requiring less effort.

Fitness/Speed Inline Skates come with larger wheels and higher quality bearings for increased speed. These are designed with the more serious skater in mind who want the very best performance out of their inline skates.

Roces Skates - When purchasing generally go for your normal UK measured shoe size, unless otherwise stated on the specific product page.
K2 Skates - Purchase the same size or up half a size from your normal UK measured shoe size.
Stateside Skates - When purchasing generally go for your normal UK measured shoe size, unless otherwise stated on the specific product page.

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 so make sure you get it right.

• Designed for either leisurely rides in the park or around the neighborhood.
• Can be used as a fitness activity.
• Comfort and durability are priorities built into the design.
• Typically equipped with 4 wheels with a wheel diameter size of 70-80 mm.

• Inline skates usually come with 70-76 mm wheels providing a low, stable centre of gravity.
• Fitness Inline skates come with larger diameter wheels (up to 80 mm) to allow for faster skating.
• In-line skating wheels are usually made of polyurethane, a molded compound that allows for different levels of durability and grip.

• 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 recreational frames are made of aluminum alloy or nylon and fiberglass composites.
• Make sure the frames you select are designed for the type of skating you plan to do.
• Metal frames are stiffer, faster, and lighter, but typically cost more.

• Recreational skate uppers are usually made from synthetic materials that offer durability, comfort and breathability.
• Hockey skates are usually made of leather composites

• Many boots contain a cushioning liner usually made of a foam material
• Sometimes reinforced along the toe and sides for protection (in hockey skates) for increased stability.

• 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.

• 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.