How to Choose Speed Roller Skates

Speed roller skates are among one of the most popular design styles of roller skates and they are meant to go fast. Speed skates inline feature low cut boots that fit your feet similar to tennis shoes and this low cut design helps you cut corners and maintain agility. As a result of the freedom they provide, these custom speed skates are very popular for jam (dance) skating and of course, speed skating. Speed roller skates also feature speed style wheels and bearing which enable skaters to skate faster and longer.

Speed skates inline are optimized for high speed and long distances. The main focus is on performance, not comfort, and the goal is to obtain the maximum effect out of every stroke. Speed roller skates are used for skating in clubs, for competitions as well as regular fitness skating with a desire for more speed.

Overview Of Buying Speed Roller Skates

Read this article in which we give you an overview of what you should know before you buy custom speed skates.

First, speed roller skates wheels - On a basis of circumstances and size

First of all, you should choose your speed skates wheels based on the wheel size and the surroundings you intend to use them in to get the most possible out of them. There are various technologies and parameters like wind and temperature that come into play when choosing speed skates wheels. For example, you can get wheels for wet conditions as well as for indoor and outdoor use. In general, wheels of speed roller skates are characterized by the following:

1. The wheel size is typically between 90-125 mm, making it easier for you to maintain a high speed and ensuring more directional stable speed skates inline.

2. The profile is narrow which reduces friction, making it easier to keep a good pace.

3. The speed roller skate wheel hardness/durometer is in the high end of the scale; 82-86A. Hard wheels create less friction and offer better speed. Remember to read the description on each product page of the speed skates inline, because you have more durometer scales out there.

Second, pay attention to the bearings of speed roller skates before buying

The bearing is placed inside the wheels and is of great importance to the rolling resistance of the wheel and thus its ability to spin. There are different standards for how to measure the rolling resistance. The bearings of custom speed skates are specified according to the ABEC and ILQ measurement scale that defines the precision of a bearing. A common thing for all bearings of speed roller skates is that the higher the ABEC/ILQ rating, the less rolling resistance. This means you will be able to maintain speed better and thereby obtain better lap results.

Most speed skates inline come with open bearings to minimize the rolling resistance in order to give you a better roll and higher speed. Since it is easier for dirt to enter the open bearings, it is very important that you keep the speed roller skates well-maintained especially if you skate in water and sand.

Third, pay attention to the speed roller skates frame before buying

The frame on custom speed skates is lightweight. Some have space for four wheels, others three. With most frames, you can customize the setup to your personal preferences by adjusting the speed skates inline frame in the front and back and thereby turn it according to your foot. On certain brands, it is also possible to mount pitch and stride control in order to tilt the frame and this way adjust the angle for a customized skating style. Speed roller skates are characterized by having a low center of gravity providing better control for you to practice various techniques. The wheelbase is designed long for stability at high speeds.

Fourth, pay attention to the boots before buying

The boots of speed skates inline are optimized for high performance. That is why they are designed lightweight and why you normally do not have a brake since this will just be in the way. Moreover, speed roller skates are designed with a:

1. Low cuff for maximum effect of strokes and techniques

2. Stiff boot for maximum power transfer

3. Tight fit for better control

In general, the speed skates inline boots are made of quality materials - some even of carbon which is a very stiff material. With carbon boots, you can choose to heat-mold them in order to get an even better fit.

Fifth, pay attention to speed skates inline size before buying

Choose the same size as your shoe size. You want the boots of speed roller skates to have a tight fit in order to gain more control. Read the size guide on the product pages to learn more about the model in question. It is important to remember that performance is paramount when it comes to the speed skates inline - not comfort. The tighter fit the speed roller skates has, the more control you will gain and the more effect you get out of every stroke you take.