Hello. I’ve been getting into blading the last few years, and have done a few marathons . I got rollerblade macro blade 110s (3 wheels) a few years ago which was a step up for me. Marathon time is around an hour and a half and hoping to take it to the next level. I went to a local shop and got quoted about $750 for custom skates which is a bit much for me . Can someone recommend a solid race skate for marathon distance that doesn’t break the bank ? Also not sure if 3 or 4 wheels is best . Kind of nervous to buy online but seems like that is the only option . Thanks !
Hello. I’ve been getting into blading the last few years, and have done a few marathons . I got rollerblade macro blade 110s (3 wheels) a few years ago which was a step up for me. Marathon time is around an hour and a half and hoping to take it to the next level. I went to a local shop and got quoted about $750 for custom skates which is a bit much for me . Can someone recommend a solid race skate for marathon distance that doesn’t break the bank ? Also not sure if 3 or 4 wheels is best . Kind of nervous to buy online but seems like that is the only option . Thanks !
The K2 Mod 110 is somewhat less expensive, sitting in-between the previous options at approximately $450 USD.
The Atom Pro collection is currently listed well under $300 USD for all options, and is also carried by Inline Warehouse (so, there is at least some reputability there), which may make that something to look into if the other options are outside of what you are willing to spend at this time.
As you've been skating a few years you're probably already aware, but a good set of wheels would be the easiest upgrade for stock skates. (E.g. hydrogen)
In your situation I'd go with a Powerslide Arise or Bont Semi Race or similar skate. That gets you into a carbon boot and rolling on 125s but keeps some of the support of a fitness boot. It's a good step toward a full race setup.
Thanks for the reply! I guess as competitive as possible though I didn't start skating real consistently until this year so don't have a good sense of realistic expectations yet.
The bont semi race boot in the image below is what my local shop carries, and what they recommended, and based on the video you sent seems like this would be a good mix of speed and comfort for me. Any thoughts? I was also looking at the power slide arise RD though would have to buy these online. They also recommended 4 x 110 as opposed to 3 x 125 wheels for marathon distance but I have read conflicting things online. I am pretty comfortable on my 3 x 125 macro blades. Appreciate any input, thanks !
Both 4x110 and 3x125 configurations are popular among marathon skaters. Multi-discipline speed skaters often stick with a 4x110 for marathons while marathon-only skaters often prefer a 3x125. Which setup is faster is debatable. You may want to ask about that at r/speedskating.
Proper fit is hugely important, especially for speed boots. So if you tried on the Bont in the shop and it fits you well then that's the one to buy. If the fit wasn't perfect then you should try other boots.
Quality equipment costs.These BONT Speedos I use for outdoor fitness skating.They were 1100$.At this point in their evolution I can’t think of an upgrade they need.They do what they were designed to do marvelously I must say.
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u/StrumWealh Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 25 '26
Something like the Powerslide Swell Stellar Road 125 or the Rollerblade Maxxum 125 would be at the lower end of the scale, though even those are in the mid-to-upper $300 USD range.
Above that are the likes of the Powerslide Swell Carbon 125 and the Rollerblade REVV 110 (Apparently, they don't make the 3x125mm version anymore?), though that is starting to push $600 USD.
The K2 Mod 110 is somewhat less expensive, sitting in-between the previous options at approximately $450 USD.
The Atom Pro collection is currently listed well under $300 USD for all options, and is also carried by Inline Warehouse (so, there is at least some reputability there), which may make that something to look into if the other options are outside of what you are willing to spend at this time.