Knee Pads

* Determine user’s weight and locate the corresponding size above.

* Knee pads should not restrict movement of the knee. After receiving product, test the range of motion by bending the leg, watching for restricted movement.

Elbow Pads

* Determine user’s weight and locate the corresponding size above.

* Elbow pads should not restrict movement of the elbow. After receiving product, test the range of motion by bending the arm at the elbow, watching for restricted movement.

Wrist Guards

* Wrist pad size is determined by measuring the circumference of a flat hand at the knuckles.

When it comes to skating, wheel maintenance is an often overlooked practice. Many skaters simply believe that wheels and bearings are replaceable; therefore, they do not need to maintain their wheels. While it is true that wheels and bearings are replaceable, this does not mean that you should neglect your wheels. In fact this should indicate the exact opposite. Wheels and bearings are going to go through a lot of wear-and-tear over their lifetime. Whether it is dirt, rocks, water, or just rough terrain, wheels and bearings will take a beating. The less you maintain your wheels and bearings, the more money you will have to spend to replace them.

When maintaining your wheels, the most important item to look for is wear. Softer wheels wear faster than harder wheels. Therefore it is of the greatest importance that you understand the type of skating terrain your wheels are designed for and you skate on that terrain.

Rotation

Wheel rotation is a necessary practice regardless of the type of wheel you have, and whether you are using your wheels on the proper terrain. Wearing down of your wheels is completely normal, but can cause you major issues if it is not handled properly. What is meant by this is that you can rotate your wheels to help distribute the wear evenly. This will increase the longevity of your wheels and make your skating experience much better.

Wheel rotation on your inline skates is similar to the process of rotating wheels on a car. The process consists of removing your wheels and then positioning them in a different spot on your frame. You are welcome to re-position your wheels in any manner that you like, but the following guidelines are highly recommended to insure your wheel wear is even.

For 4-Wheel Skates: 1-3-2-4

For 4-wheel skates with wheels that are all the same size, you will want to utilize the 1-3-2-4 rotation. This method is known as the 1-3-2-4 because it requires the 1^st and 3^rd wheels on the frame to be swapped, and the 2^nd and 4^th wheels to be swapped. Additionally, it is recommended that you flip the wheels so that the side that was facing out is now facing in. To help demonstrate this rotation method, please review the following illustration:

For 5-Wheel Skates: 1-3-5-2-4

Skates with 5-wheels will be a bit tricky, so please pardon the confusion that you may have, as we will try to explain as best we can through text and illustration. To rotate wheels on a 5-wheeled skate, you will reposition the wheels in spots 1, 3, and 5. The best way to do this is to move position 1 to position 3. The wheel that was in position 3 is moved to position 5, and the wheel in position 5 is moved to position 1.

After re-positioning wheels 1, 3, 5, you can now re-position wheels 2 and 4. Swap the positions of wheels 2 and 4 in the manner illustrated below:

It is also recommended that you flip the wheels when rotating. The side of the wheel that was facing to the outside should be facing inside after rotated and flipped. This will keep the wear even and increase the longevity of your wheels. Furthermore, it creates a smoother ride. Here is a complete visual of the rotation process for a 5-wheel skate:

For 4-Wheel Hi-Lo Skates: 1-2-3-4

This rotation process is most common on roller hockey skates, as they are typically the only skate style that utilizes a Hi-Lo frame. Hi-Lo frames require a different rotation process than other 4-wheel inline skates because the wheels in the back of the skate are larger than those in the front. As a result, the wheels in the back cannot be swapped with those in the front. To rotate wheels on a Hi-Lo frame, you will use the 1-2-3-4 rotation. The wheels in positions 1 and 2 will be swapped and the wheels in positions 3 and 4 will be swapped as well. Here is a visual to help you with this process:

Replacement

At some point you will have completed all of the rotations that you can on a set of wheels. At this time you will need to replace your wheels. The real question is when is that time? How worn do your wheels have to be in order to be replaced? This question is one of many answers because wear is different from skater to skater. The best answer we can provide you is that once your skates become difficult to skate on and they no longer sit flat on the surface it is time to consider replacement. Also, if see a very noticeable angle on your wheels, it is probably time to replace your wheels.

To help you better determine if your wheels need replacement; please review the following diagram of skate wheels at different angles:

Here is a breakdown of the illustration above:

A.) Perfectly new or relatively unworn wheel will look similar to this. At this point you do not need to do anything.

B.) Early stages of a wheel with uneven wear. Consider rotation and flipping at this point. This will help to even out the wear and increase the longevity of your wheels.

C.) Advanced stages of a wheel with uneven wear. The wheel has been rotated and flipped several times and is beginning to show wear on both sides, indicated by the sharp tip being created in the middle. Should consider replacement if skating is becoming difficult.

D.) Severely warn wheel that needs to be replaced. Skating is surely difficult at this point and skating any longer may result in the core and hub cracking.

Compare your wheels to the images above to determine your best course of action. If it is time to replace them, determine the size and Durometer you need and follow the simple steps for replacing outlined below:

1.) Unscrew the axles with the proper tool (typically an Allen Wrench/Hex Key)

2.) Pop out the bearings and spacer from your old wheels (while these are out, it may be a good time for a little bearing maintenance as well)

3.) Put your bearings and spacers into your new wheels

4.) Reattach the wheels with the axles

Replacement Worksheet

To help you with maintaining your skates, please feel free to print off the Inline Wheel Rotation Worksheet provided below (click image for enlarged/printer-friendly format). This will allow you to keep track of the maintenance on your skates and, ensuring that your wheels reach their maximum life span.

Additional Media

It is our commitment to provide you with the most complete, accurate, and thorough information possible to help you make an informed decision. We encourage you to check out these additional pieces of media.

Video Tutorial: Maintaining and Caring for Inline Skates

Choosing the right aggressive skate is a very important task, one that should not be taken lightly.  We here at inlineskates.net are here to help make that decision a lot easier for you by giving you the information you need to select the right pair of aggressive skates.

Selecting the right aggressive skates is important for multiple reasons.  First off a good skate will give you the support, comfort and protection you desire.  These features will make your skating experience more enjoyable.  Secondly, having a good skate will make performing tricks easier while not being held back by your equipment with durability that will allow you to keep your skates for multiple years.

Aggressive Skate Boot Fit

The boot on the aggressive skate is the outer shell that holds the liner of your skate.  This is an important part of the skate as it will take the bulk of the abuse while you are grinding and trying other tricks.  There are multiple different types of boots and liners that go well with different skating styles and we will provide you with the examples.

Soft Shell Aggressive Skates

The soft shell aggressive skate boot is made with material that offers you support but will still give you a great flex and feel.  The soft shell skate works well for grinds together and giving you superb control so you can feel the skate as if it’s an addition to your foot.  The softer boots still give you good support, however if you are big on jumping gaps and stair sets you may want to go with a hard shell boot.

Hard Shell Aggressive Skates

The hard shell boot has been around since the beginning though new variations have come around over the years.  Typically a hard shell boot is a plastic shell that is wrapped around a removable liner.  These boots are highly protective and usually stiffer than a soft boot.  Beginner and inexpensive skates use a hard shell but some high end models offer a hard shell as well.

Skeletal Shell Aggressive Skates

These types of shells are new to the aggressive scene and use features of both soft and hard shell boots with additional features.  These wraps use sneaker type shoes called foot wraps.  This style will lighten the weight and give you more maneuverability while still giving you hard shell support.  Some skeletal shell models will actually let you use your own shoes with the shell for additional customization.

Aggressive Skate Liners

Ask any skater and you will find the most important piece of the skate is the liner.  The liner will hold the ankle tight in the skate and gives the rest of your foot the support you desire.  There are tons of different liners that are offered for the multiple skating styles.  Some people like a tight liner, others like it loose.  Most aggressive skates can be altered with aftermarket liners to alter the fit or give you additional padding and support.

Aggressive Skate Frames

The frame is the part of the skate that holds the wheels and allows you to grind.  Aggressive frames have an area between the two middle wheels that you use to grind. This area houses the "H-Block" which is the hard plastic middle piece where you lock grinds. The H Block is durable to withstand many uses.  A good frame is the key to you locking grinds and will aid in your grinding by being smooth and durable.

Styles and Brands of Frames

There are several different types and styles of frames made by the different companies.  The frame is usually the first part of the skate that needs to be replaced due to wear and tear or simply to change the look and style of the skate.  Most frames can be removed and replaced using the UFS system.  UFS means Universal Frame System that means any brand of skate can use just about all types of frames to make customizing the skate very easy.  Stock frames are both strong and durable and are typically stronger and faster for grinding.

Aggressive Skate Wheels and Bearings

The wheels and bearings are the most important part of the aggressive skate.  The wheels on the skates must be able to take the heat and abuse of hard pavement and still be able to perform on skate park obstacles.  The bearings need to be very tough to withstand all the jolts and impacts from your skate maneuvers.

Standard Wheels

Standard wheels on aggressive skates are the wheels that you actually roll on and have improved over the years.  These wheels need to be thick and durable to ensure they won’t crack and typically range in size from 50 to 60mm making them smaller than normal inline skate wheels.  Aggressive wheels also need to be very hard so they will last a while and handle the punishment and have a durometer from high 80A to low 90A.  Most aggressive wheels are made with urethane which will hold up well.  Be on the lookout for glossy plastic looking wheels that are found on cheaper skates as these wheels will slide and cracked when used.

Anti-Rocker Wheels

The two center wheels on aggressive skates are called anti-rocker and are very small and will not actually roll when you skate.  Anti-rocker wheels are basically used to help you guide your grinds and give you a bigger area to land tricks with.  These wheels range in size from 35 to 45mm with a durometer of high 90A to 100A to make them very small and hard.  These wheels were designed to touch only over extremely rough terrain and to guide your grinds.  The hard durometer of the wheel ensures the wheel will not catch and slide on a rail, curb or ledge.  A lot of skates today are sold with anti-rocker wheels already on there.

Bearings

Aggressive skating is not about speed or going fast so you may be asking why bearings are important.  The reason for this is aggressive skates are put under a lot of pressure and need a durable bearing that will not pop their seals and still perform through extensive use.  Most aggressive skates come with bearing rated at ABEC 5 which is middle of the road on a scale that goes to 9.  If the stock bearings do not perform to your needs we suggest you switch over to a Swiss or titanium bearing that will give you a superb aggressive skating experience.

Video Tutorial: Buying Aggressive Inline Skates

Buying bearings for your inline skates is not as hard as it seems.  We at inlineskates.net are here to explain the different types of bearings and hopefully it will make it easy for you to figure out which bearings are best for you.

Inline Skate Bearing Basics

Before you get started you need to know what size bearings your skates will accommodate.  Most skates out there use 8mm bearings and know how many bearings you need when comparing.  All wheels require two bearings so if you need to replace bearings for all eight wheels for example you will need a 16 pack of bearings or two eights or you get the picture.

Inline Skate Bearing Ratings

ABEC

Most bearings on the market today use the ABEC system, which is a standardized system that was designed originally for bearings that are used in machinery.  The ABEC scale runs from 1-9, the higher the bearing number the better the precision.  Other factors need to be accounted for, such as you can’t put an ABEC 9 in a 72mm wheel and expect blazing speed.  If you are going with an ABEC 9 bearing you are going to want to pair it in a wheel with a size of 90mm so you get maximum performance.

ILQ and SG

A system that was designed specifically for K2 and Rollerblade brand skates is the ILQ and SG ratings; these systems use the same number scale as the ABEC system with the higher number being the more precise bearing.

Additional Bearings

Titanium, Swiss and Ceramic bearings are also out on the market and are a higher end bearing that are typically used by folks looking for high performance.  The Titanium bearings will hold their shape longer, Ceramic bearings produce less friction so they spin faster and Swiss bearings legend has it have higher standards when being manufactured.  These types of bearings are usually found in roller hockey skates as players are looking for the maximum advantage while competing.

Insight from the Experts

Before you go shopping for a new set of bearings consider the type of skating you are doing, and even talk to others, including the pros here at inlineskates.net with our friendly Customer Service associates who can be reached at 888-271-7500.  The bearings you want to buy should reflect the type of skating you are looking to do.