How to choose your roller skates or quads roller skates
Traditional roller skating is on the rise! Also called roller quad, it comes in a multitude of practices. From artistic skating to roller derby, going for a walk, or even roller-dance, the quad arouses enthusiasm.
The roller skate with axles: an undeniable craze
Is it his retro style that appeals to skaters? Partly, but not only. Indeed, manufacturers have worked a lot on aesthetics in recent years: high or low shoes, sober or colorful artistic boots. Hard not to find a model that fits! REL helps you choose your roller skates…
Legend has it that the traditional axle skate is more stable than inline skating. This untruth does not prevent millions of practitioners from trying it every year. It must be recognized that after a few sessions, the basics are quickly acquired.
Which model of quad skate or traditional skate to choose?
In fact, everything will depend on your practice and your ambitions. Discipline is the first parameter to take into account. We suggest you compare the specificities of roller skates depending on the discipline.
To go further, check out the detailed article on
Roller Skates Reviews
Roller skates for roller skating
The main characteristics of walking skates
- Shoe: low to semi-high
- Upper: relatively flexible and comfortable in a "sneaker" or basketball style
- Plate / Chassis: plastic at entry level or metal at the mid and high end
- Wheels: large diameter (60 to 70 mm) rather soft (78 to 82A) for all types of terrain
- Brake: front stopper with screw
- Price range observed: 70 to 500 $
- Common brands: Impala, Rookie, Rio, Moxi, Roces, Fila
The choice of roller skates for hiking
The quad roller skates are used for the ride. They are intended for outdoor use. Above all, these roller skates are comfortable so that you can ride for a long time without hurting your feet. The large flexible wheels make it possible to erase the roughness of the ground and provide a good glide.
Most are fitted with a trainer that provides sufficient support to stroll quietly through the streets. Depending on the range you choose, the frame can be plastic or aluminum. Aluminum offers more efficiency and precision when pushing.
Roller dance roller skates
Quads dedicated to roller dance are very similar to artistic rollerblades. They generally have a high heel boot with a fairly rigid heel. It offers both support and precision in tricks.
Tip: The toe piece can be replaced by plugs to gain maneuverability and freedom of movement. Below, Powerdyne plugs to replace the toe stops.
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Park skates (skatepark)
The main features of skatepark roller skates
- Shoe: semi-high to high
- Upper: semi-rigid, often made of plastic reinforced with composite fiber
- Plate / Chassis: plastic at entry level or metal at the mid and high end with a slider between the trucks
- Wheels: small 56mm to 60mm and hard 92A to 100A wheels
- Brake: height-adjustable toe piece
- Price range observed: 200 to 400 €
- Best known brands: Chaya, Moxi
Inline skating in a skatepark requires suitable skates. The main difference with other quad skate models is the h-block. Also called grind-block or slider, this part allows you to slide on bars and low walls without damaging the frame.
Roller derby quads
The main features of roller derby roller skates
- Shoe: low to semi-high, sometimes with a composite base
- Upper: leather, semi-rigid synthetic leather
- Frame / Chassis: plastic at entry level or metal at the mid and high end with inclined trucks
- Wheels: average diameter (59 to 62 mm) with variable hardness depending on the type of terrain between 84 and 97A
- Brake: height-adjustable toe piece
- Price range observed: 80 to 700 $
Like speed skating quads, roller derby skates have low shoes for great ankle freedom. Derby players want a skate that doesn't impede their movement. They make frequent changes of direction, especially the jammers whose goal is to cross the opposing wall. Blockers can use skates that are a little higher, which will give them firmer support.
Plastic frames may be suitable for "fresh meat" while they are taking their first steps. However, as soon as the level rises, metal frames become essential. Indeed, they are more reactive, more nervous, and more solid. The front stopper allows quick braking and start. Skaters often lean on their toes when they are static.
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Artistic roller skates
Main features of artistic skates
- Shoe: ankle boot with a heel pad to facilitate seated tricks and jump landings
- Upper: rigid with different hardness depending on the level of expertise of the skater
- Plate / Chassis: plastic at entry level or metal at the mid and high end
- Wheels: diameter 55 to 63 mm rather hard from 88A (urethane) to 60D (plastic).
- Brake: rounded stop at the front adjustable in height
- Price range observed: 70 to 900 $
- Well-known brands on the market: Roll'Line, Edéa, Risport,
The practice of roller figure skating
Artistic roller skates are probably the most successful on the market. The price differences between the models are very important depending on the level of the skater. The first models are available for less than 100 €. They allow you to discover the basics. As soon as the level of the skater increases, the hulls become more rigid to support landings from jumps and rotations. The type of wheel and its hardness will depend on the surface of practice. The more slippery the ground, the softer the wheels should be.