Roller/Quad Skates Questions & Buying Advice...

What is Roller Skating?
Roller skating is a great way to get around whether its for fittness, self-enjoyment or socialising.

They are made with wider wheels than aggressive skates, the reason being this allows for a faster, smoother feel requiring less effort. From thereon you can choose from the skates which are within the right size range for you.

Once you have this list of skates it will be far easier to make your choice, whether its for looks, enhanced features or price. All of the Roller Skates we have to sell are of good quality or higher and are sure to be what you need to get the fun and enjoyment you want out of them.

Main features of a Quad Skate opposed to other types of Skates

• Quad skates usually come with 62mm wheels for a low, stable center of gravity.
• Most Quad Roller Skates are made of similar materials to each other, also following a very similar design for their shape.

• 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 - 82A).
• The typical Roller Skate wheel is 82A.
• The hardness of Roller Quad Skate wheels are most suited to indoor riding and outdoor, providing they are used on a smooth surface.

Frames

• Frames hold skate components in place.
• Most Quad 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.

• Many boots contain a cushioning liner usually made of a foam material.
• Sometimes reinforced along the toe and sides for protection 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.

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.

• Stoppers come as standard with our whole Roller Quad Skates range.
• Stoppers are replaceable and easy to change over.
• After substantial use of the stoppers they will wear down but not for some time.