Inline Skate Equipment

Inline Skate Equipment

by Jennifer Fadel

Published: April 1996

What's the difference between the recreational in-line skater, the hockey player, the speed skater and the "stunt" or aggressive skater?

If your answer was "the number of Mountain Dews consumed," you've probably had too much caffeine.

Actually, you can find the answer in the types of skates used. In-line skates have many variations to cater to the unique demands of each version of in-line skating.

Much of the difference boils down to the type of frame, wheels and bearings your skate has.

Frames can be plastic, nylon or aluminum, and the type you get depends on how much you can spend and the type of skating you'll be doing. Aggressive skating pros primarily utilize plastic/nylon frames, while speed skaters use aluminum with a much longer frame. Hockey skates should probably have a frame made of aluminum or hard plastic for durability.

Wheels come in different sizes and hardnesses. The size of the wheel is measured in millimeters, with sizes ranging from 44 to 80 mm and an average size between 72 and 76 mm. The larger the wheel is, the faster it rolls. The hardness (or durometer) of the wheel ranges from a rating of 76A for a very soft wheel to 90A and up for a very hard wheel.

Wheels for an aggressive skate should be very hard for durability (some are 100A) but smaller in diameter (56-64 mm). Racing wheels are larger (80mm) because of the speed needed, while the durometer might be 84A. For hockey, a 74A-76A durometer is good indoors, with 80A a nice rating outdoors.

Bearings are absolutely crucial to how your skate performs. Bearings fit inside the wheel (two per wheel) and are rated according to precision. The higher the precision, the more freely your wheels will roll. On most bearings, precision is labeled with an ABEC rating of 1,3, or 5. The higher the number, the more precision the bearing has. ABEC 1 is fine for street skaters, especially those starting out, while the more aggressive skater (who ramp and vert skate) might need an ABEC3. ABEC5s are the obvious choice for racers most of the time. Most hockey skates are an ABEC1 but can be upgraded.

In finding the perfect skate for you, it's worth your time to find a pair that's comfortable and can be upgraded as your skating habits change. Prices for skates can be under $100 for kids but adult skates usually run from $119 to $250. But don't be taken in by the cheap skate, which can be hell on wheels.

Of course, with limited space, all the do's and don'ts of buying in-line skating equipment can't be covered here. It pays to talk with an expert on in-line skating, who can show you exactly what you'll need to have a great ride.