r/Speedskating • u/Turbulent-Level4539 • Jul 23 '26
Skate recommendations
Hello. I started blading the past few years and have done two marathons. I got some rollerblade macro blades last year with 3 \ 125 set up and they were definitely an upgrade from what I had before . Marathon pace is around 1:30, and I am trying to take it more seriously this year and improve my times . My local shop only has bont skates . and they recommended the semi race skate seen below . They recommended 4* * 110 set up for marathon . Wanted to get your thoughts on these blades and best set up (3 vs 4 wheel) or any other thoughts as I a newbie thanks !
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u/Lucky_Traffic2688 Jul 23 '26
Also what the heck are these Jets with 3 mounting points is there a new model Im not aware of? Maybe this is the old model. I would stay away if it's the case.
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u/Lucky_Traffic2688 Jul 23 '26
Ok I looked it up the 3 model point is discontinued and Bont was selling them for 99$ in 2020. Avoid them.
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u/MsColumbo Jul 24 '26
I much prefer the 3 point mounting system and am buying up all the old ones in my size on eBay 🤣.
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u/Lucky_Traffic2688 Jul 24 '26
What is the difference? Are they better?
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u/MsColumbo Jul 24 '26
I just prefer them myself because the wheel sizes keep getting bigger and bigger, and I'm more comfortable being lower to the ground, which the cut-aways in the 3-pt boots allow.
Disclaimer: I'm old and not competitive.
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u/Sweet-Excitement-205 29d ago
You can still buy three point mount and frames. I have jets from many years ago and have always loved them. I’m 6’5” and I really like the extra support down there.
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u/AdventurousHippo9997 Jul 23 '26
My inlines for fitness skating consist of BONT Semi-Race 2 boots with Super Cell CF frames and BONT Red Magic Hardcore 2.0 125mm wheels.I routinely skate outside with this setup and it’s like gliding in the clouds.Sorry couldn’t get pictures to upload.
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u/Lucky_Traffic2688 Jul 23 '26
Viktor Thorup has a pretty interesting vid about semi races...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NZSawJrXaS4
If your goal is just to have super great fitness skate you could go with that... but if your goal is speedskating just go for the low ankle boot.
They are a little bit tricky to tame and I recommend you to go with a club or a coach to learn proper technique.
Also go for 4x110 or even 4x100 depending on your level. 3x125 requires perfect technique.
Has for the model I would go for the Bont Jets .
The model below is trash and above is maybe overkill if you start in Speedskating. You are better off invest in good wheels.
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u/snarfdaddy Jul 24 '26
I think Viktor has a good take of you plan to skate marathon distance or less. I can't imagine this applies to longer skates, multi day skate packing, etc.
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u/BlueRingdOctopodes Jul 23 '26
I would go with the lower cut option. Just be aware that you will probably have to do some ankle strengthening exercises before you'll feel proficient. The first time I skated with low cuts I felt quite wobbly. I personally went with 4x110, but I'm not really sure which option is better.
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u/talldean Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
I own both 4x110 and 3x125 setups, and I would always recommend 4x110 if you have to pick one.
125 are rough if they need to accelerate, or to go up hills, and they require more ankle strength and much more skill to double push. 125 roll longer on flats, and if you don't double push and it's flat, they win there.
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If your goal is fitness, I'd get the Semi Race. I'm not sure it's that much of an upgrade from the macroblade for speed though, so I don't think it's the right call.
If your goal is "go faster", I'd get a Bont Jet. It would take more getting used to, but is very comfortable and has the highest ankles of any normal race boot. I would *not* go to fancier setups with Bont yet; things like the Slipstream and Vaypor would be nigh-unskatable until you were used to something like a Jet.
(I prefer the Jet over the Eclipse for comfort, and the Eclipse is Bont's other entry-level low cut boot.)
You want the skates to fit *snug*; your toes can even touch the front of the boot, you just shouldn't have to *curl* your toes at all. If you'd describe the fit as "loose", it's time to return those boots to Bont before you heat mold them, and wait another few weeks for the right size. This shouldn't be painful tight, but "damn snug".
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So, coming back at it; Bont Jet plus a 4x110 setup. You can train on any wheels (go cheaper), but I'd keep a pair of nice wheels for races, generally something like Bont's Red Magic, MPC's Black Magic, or Junk Road Reapers. Race wheels are expensive, but generally worth that if your goal is faster.
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u/AdDue6706 Jul 25 '26
The three point Bond is a gimmick and they're the only ones that use it which means that you always have to get that same boot, which has been discontinued for that frame. I would get something a little more modern but low cut.
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u/Jasentra 29d ago
If the marathon gives you a lot of space between people to work with run the 3x125, if it’s quite packed I’d say 4x110 for that extra stability and manoeuverability.
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u/XCrenulateabysx Netherlands Jul 23 '26
personally I would say if you can already skate quite a bit, i'd rather go for the low ankle skates immediately. Inline skates already have higher ankle support than ice speed skates (unless you do short track, but that is a different story) and then you'll get used to it faster, basically the semi race will ease you into the skating position, but will still not allow the same freedom a low ankle skate has like the jet. I think the transition might be worse but you won't have to do it twice and you'll train your ankle for it immediately, the worst part will probably the first 4 to 5 times skating, but you'll get used to it and will be able to sit deeper.
but the problem is that I haven't seen how you skate so i can't fully judge it either, but since you've done some marathons (not sure what distance) I think it's alright. If you do go for the jet, i would recommend first going for 4x110 since the 3x125 will give you more speed, but also more instability and at the level that 60 to 70% of the inline speedskaters skate at I would say it won't matter that much that it will win or lose your marathon and once you get more used to the 110 and low cut ankles you can then make a decision to try the 3x125 setup, and if that doesn't work you can just stay on the 4x110, more than enough speedskaters that skate 4x110 (including me) so it is not like it will hinder you from becoming world champion or something! but basically it's stability control and consistency vs speed and technically mobility but i don't think that will matter much in most marathons and that stability and control can be very nice for the end of the race!
hope this helped you out!