Roller skates

Roller skates are thrilling and fun for all age groups. Roller skates come in a variety of designs and styles meant for different types of skating. Quad skates, or skates with four wheels, are the most popular ones.

If you want a good bargain in recreational skates, you should go for a discontinued model.

Single and dual row roller skates

The price of a pair of roller skates depends on the age group they are meant for, the design specifications, the brand, and the material they are made of.

Conventional skates were very popular when they were first introduced to consumers. Since then, however, there have been many exciting design innovations.

Quad skates are best suited to the amateur rider, because their four wheels, arranged in two rows, provide more grip and stability. Skates with a single row of wheels, often called rollerblades, are designed for more experienced skaters.

The softness or hardness of roller skate wheels is calculated in durometers. If the number of this measurement is higher, then the wheels are harder. If you want to ride your roller skates outdoors, then you should choose a pair of skates with a lower durometer number so that its wheels can better absorb the bumps of the road or surface.

Recreational skates

Recreational roller skates range from $50 to $200. For the most part, skates do not come in half sizes, so you will have to go half a size up from your regular shoe size. The narrow wheels usually have a diameter from 57mm to 60mm.  Most skates are high-top boots which provide better ankle support.  The metallic plates of most recreational skates are built out of aluminum or urethane.

Outdoor roller skates

These skates can resemble high- or low-top sneakers. Tennis shoe skates are in high demand among women. These come in wheel sizes that range between 62mm and 65mm. For skating on jogging tracks and roads, outdoor roller skates are the best choice. Before buying yourself a pair of outdoor roller skates, however, you should closely inspect them to ensure that the precision bearings are completely sealed.

Speed roller skates

This category of roller skates is highly popular among teenagers. For jam skating, most skaters remove the toe stops and replace them with jam plugs. Speed skates are low-cut and have a strap tied across the instep. This kind of skate is designed for the kind of high-speed maneuvering that’s common in jam skating. These use 62mm wheels with ABEC-3 to ABEC-7 bearings. These speed skates have toe stops that can be adjusted or removed. Also, their plates are made of rebound urethane. These skates are available in both quad and in-line designs.

Skates for children

Roller skates for children are made of vinyl boots, have durable plastic wheels, and are available at any sporting goods store. These provide a slower skating speed that is safer for children.

Children skates can cost around $45. Once your child has mastered these entry-level skates, then he or she can advance to roller skates with real bearings for faster speeds.

Artistic skates

These skates are designed for freestyle or figure skating. They are lightweight and have smaller wheels. The toe stops are soft and made of rubber. Their rigid ankle support allows skaters to perform spins with less risk of injury. The plates are made of titanium or aluminum and are highly durable.

Conclusion

Roller skates need to be chosen according to the kind of skating you want to enjoy, the amount of training or practice you’ve had, and your level of skill. If you ask a customer representative which type of skates you should buy, then he or she will help you find a pair of skates that meet your needs.