Choosing the Correct Skate

There are four basic categories of skates. Choosing the correct skate will insure the best possible skating experience.

 

Fitness / Performance- Designed for training or racing. The larger wheels and light-weight construction make this skate ideal for long distance sessions on a variety of skating surfaces.

Structure: External support structure and a mid to tall height cuff, allow more ankle mobility and stride potential.

Frames: Aluminum with longer frame lengths depending on your specific style of skating. Frame lengths vary from 11.2’’-13.3’’ Longer frames are more stable at higher speeds and fit larger wheels.

Wheels / Bearings: Urethane wheels 90MM-110MM with SG9-HTO rated 608 non-serviceable style bearings.

 

 

Fitness / Recreational- Designed for fitness and recreational skating on bike paths, public parks or skating rink.

Structure: External support structure and a tall supportive cuff.

Frames: Composite plastic or aluminum with medium to longer frame length options depending on your specific style of skating.

- Short frames turn quicker and fit smaller wheels          
- Longer frames are more stable at high speeds and fit larger wheels

Wheels / Bearings: Urethane wheels 78MM-100MM with SG5-SG9 rated 608 non-serviceable style bearings.

- Smaller wheels turn quicker but roll slower.
- Larger wheels turn slower but are more stable at high speeds and roll over bumps easier.



Kids: Designed for kids that want to have fun on skates cruising bike paths, public parks or skating rink.

Structure: Adjustable sizes: 11J-1, 2-5, 5-8

Frames: Composite plastic or aluminum

- Short frames turn quicker and fit smaller wheels; ideal for bike path and neighborhood skating
- Longer frames are more stable at higher speeds and fit larger wheels

Wheels / Bearings: Urethane wheels 78MM-100MM with SG5-SG9 rated 608 non-serviceable style bearings

- Smaller wheels turn quicker but roll slower
- Larger wheels turn slower but are more stable at high speeds and roll over bumps easier
 

 

Street: Designed to grind and absorb impacts from freestyle street-skating and ramp skating.

Structure: Molded shell and a tall height cuff, providing ankle and foot support.  Includes soul plates for grinding.

Frames: Composite plastic
- UFS frame (Universal Frame System) allows any brand of UFS frame to mount to the boot.
- Shorter and stronger frame construction than a recreational skate.  This style of frames includes a center groove and split 2^nd-3^rd wheels for grinding.

Wheels / Bearings: Urethane wheels 55MM-72MM with SG5-SG9 rated 608 non-serviceable style bearings.
- Wheel profiles range from flat to rounded depending on your style.
- Flat profile wheels are more when jumping gaps
- Rounded profile wheels are stable on gaps with the benefit of smooth turning.