Archive for August 24th, 2009
The other day we were talking about the differences between inline skates and quad skates. Today let’s touch on the way they differ when you actually put them on.
Inline Fitness Skate
Today inline skates are primarily used outdoors although you will find some rink skaters using them. Inlines behave more like ice skates than quads do so many ice skaters start out with inlines when first starting in roller skating. Many fitness skates are inlines as are most European speed skates.
There is growing interest in quad skates for rink skating, particularly the artistic or dance skating. Quads are usually easier to manuever for shuffle moves and dance-style skating with a great feeling of stability. The high top “Artistic Style” skate has a narrower wheel and base than a speed skate in order to allow the skater to do intricate moves. This also makes them an ideal choice for the recreational skater.
Inline Skater
Speed style quad skates have a low boot with a wider wheel and wider base than the art skates. They are made to go fast and hold on the corners. “Jam Skaters” generally use them for their very athletic acrobatic moves. Finally, skaters involved in the modern version of roller derby like the low boot and wide wheels of the quad speed skate.
Most of us think of the high top boot when we think of quad skates but there are some really neat looking low top, speed style boots and they are becoming more and more popular.
Low Top Quads
Generally speeaking, you can equate price with quality in roller skates. In many cases a low price skate is a low quality skate. Leather boots are still the standard for comfort and durability but many modern synthetics are very close behind. While you may not get much when you buy a low price skate they may be the beginning skaters best choice. You can then upgrade without as much pain when you know what you really want.