The last few days we have been talking about roller skate terms and how to use those terms to help us select just the right skates for us. We also talked about inline skates and quad skates. Quads are the “traditional” roller skate and probably what you rented when you went to the rink.
Quads are broken down into two primary categories, indoor or rink skates and outdoor or sidewalk skates.
The indoor grouping is further divided into subcategories depending upon the type of skating being done.
Quad speed skates: Skates meant to go fast with a low cut boot, speed style wheels (harder wheels) and faster bearings. The low cut boot allows greater ankle movement that helps on the corners. This characteristic makes the speed skate popular with the jam (dance) skater also.
Recreational Skates: A style of quad skates that are sometimes referred to as Artistic Skates. These are the traditional high boot roller skates that allows the skater greater control in the spins and jumps found in an artistic dance routine.
Roller Derby Skates: This is a category of quad skates that is growing in popularity. Popular in the 30’s it is known for rough and tumble roller skating. Derby skates are generally characterized by low boots and durable construction that can stand up to hard knocks. Roller derby skaters are looking for a skate that can get up to speed quickly and hold well through tight corners.
Outdoor Roller Skates are quad skates designed to be used on the street or the sidewalk. They can be either high boot or low boot and the major difference between the indoor skate and the oudoor skate is in the wheels. Outdoor skates feature a softer wheel to give you an easier ride and more control on the rougher surface of a sidewalk. Here is where the durometer term we discoussed a couple days ago comes into it’s own.
Of course, these types are further divided into Adult Skates and Youth Skates but those subcategories are pretty much self-explanatory.
That’s it for today folks. Happy Skating!