Skate Construction
The skate is made up of wheels, frames, uppers, bearings, brakes and closures.
Frames: Frames hold skate components in place. Most recreational frames are made of aluminum alloy or nylon and fiberglass composites. Make sure the frames you select are designed for the type of skating you plan to do. Metal frames are stiffer, faster, and lighter, but typically cost more.
Uppers: Recreational skate uppers are usually made from synthetic materials that offer durability, comfort and ‘breathability’. Aggressive skates are usually made of leather composites. Many boots contain a cushioning liner usually made of a foam material which is sometimes reinforced along the toe and sides for protection (in hockey skates) or increased stability. The hard shell is constructed of molded plastic and similar to a ski boot. The lower half covers and protects the foot whilst the upper half wraps around and supports the ankle. The two halves are connected with a hinge system that allows the ankle and boot to flex forward naturally. The soft boot is made with an external (and sometimes internal) plastic cuff to provide support, like a hiking boot. This provides a good fit and performance which is very breathable and lightweight and is generally secured by laces.
Bearings: These are the seven or eight balls at the center of each wheel. Each bearing has an ABEC rating that indicates the precision of their manufacturing. The higher the rating, the more precise the manufacture and the better the performance and speed will be. The general ABEC range is ABEC-1, ABEC-3, ABEC-5. Bearings are either serviceable or non-serviceable:
Serviceable bearings have a metal shield with a removable "C" ring, or a plastic/rubber type removable shield. These may be taken apart to be cleaned, lubricated or replaced.
Non-serviceable bearings have a metal shield that protects them. These only need to be wiped off with a clean cloth.
Bearings don't need to be cleaned after every use, but if they become wet, they should be cleaned and dried. Never lubricate the outside of a bearing because that will attract dirt and contaminants.
Brakes: Most manufacturers offer different braking systems. The most common form of braking system is a pad or cylinder on the rear wheel that stops movement by applying pressure on the heel. Most brake pads have a "wear line" that indicates how much performance is left in the brake. The brake pad should be replaced before this wear line is reached. Some manufacturers do offer mechanical braking systems that make stopping easier to learn
Closures: There are two primary forms of closure systems on in-line skates:
Buckles are found mostly on recreational skates. Skates with buckle closures are the quickest to put on and take off. The number of buckles varies from 2 to 5.
Laces are similar to regular shoe laces. Less expensive than buckle closures, and offer a uniform closing. This allows for more adjustment variations.
Wheels: In-line wheels are usually made of polyurethane. This is a molded compound that allows for different thickness and wheel hardness. Typical wheel diameters are from 70-80mm. Larger wheels are designed for speed whereas smaller wheels are designed for manoeuvrability.
Click here to see a range of InLine Skate wheels
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Recreational |
Aggressive |
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Usually come with 70 – 72mm wheels for a low, stable centre of gravity |
Very small wheels (55-67 mm) are best for stunt skates |
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Mid-size wheels are 72 – 76 mm |
Wheels this size are also very hard to withstand grinding and jumping |
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Higher grade skates come with larger wheels (up to 80 mm) to allow faster skating |
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Changing your wheels
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To avoid excessive, uneven wear, they need to be rotated at least once a week, or after every use for aggressive skaters. Wheels should be changed when they show excessive wear on all sides. Skating with worn wheels is unsafe. |
Wheel hardness is measured in durometers. Lower numbers indicate a softer wheel and higher numbers indicate a harder wheel. The durometer is denoted by the suffix "A" (example - 80A). The typical recreational in-line skate wheel is 78A or 82A. Softer wheels are good for winter and provide a softer ride. Harder wheels are better in the summer when the pavement is hot and the wheels tend to soften.
Determining Your Skate Size
Determining your proper skate size is essential for a comfortable fit. The size of your skate will be the same as the size shoe you wear.
ROLLER SKATE RINKS & ROLLER DISCOS
ROLLER SKATE RINKS & ROLLER DISCOS
Did you know....
Roller skating:
- burns up to 600 calories per hour?
- is recognized by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports as one of the top three activities in the nation for all-round fitness?
- improves balance, strength, agility and endurance?
- is twice as safe as a playground?
- is three times safer than football or baseball?
- is four times safer than basketball?
- is five times safer than bicycling?
- improves blood circulation throughout the lungs, heart, and other organs?
- is great for girls who are hesitant to participate in school sports or other physical education programs?
(63% of roller skating's 22 million annual participants are women!)
From The Rinksider - The Independent Voice of the Industry
Based on a study by the Consumer Product & Safety Commission
Survey completed by the National Sporting Goods Association
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