Hobbies And Interests
Instructions
Price, Fit and Roll
Determine how much you can afford when you buy roller skates. A beginning skater may not continue with skating, so consider a low priced skate.
Purchase a quality skate for an adult that enjoys skating frequently.
Fit your skate the same way you would a pair of shoes. Some skates only come in men's sizes, so be aware that the skate will run about a size larger than women's sizes.
Buy children's roller skates a size larger than the shoe, and have the child wear heavy socks so it won't be necessary to replace the skates so soon. Provide a pair of skates that fit well for a child that skates competitively.
Know what kind of wheel is on the skate. Durometer refers to the hardness of the wheel; a firmer wheel is faster and slicker and a softer wheel is slower and grips better.
Use wheels with an 88A or less durometer rating when you skate outdoors. Expect an indoor skate to have a rating of about 95A for a good roll with less traction, but look for 94A if you prefer more grip on the wheels.
Compare Skates
Choose a high top or low cut boot when you buy roller skates. The material will affect the price and ability to wear well.
Decide on roller skate material according to what you can afford and what wears best. Leather and micro-fiber both wear well, but if a recreational skater is still growing, buy a less expensive pair of roller skates.
Take the option of a single action chassis, the part that holds the wheels, if you want to corner better at high speeds. This will be a less cushioned skate.
Get the more common double chassis for quicker turns when buy roller skates.
Select skate bearings with a high number on the ABEC rating, but be aware that the ratings fluctuate according to the company making the bearing. ABEC-3 is a good bearing rating, but some skaters consider Bones Swiss the best product.