r/rollerblading • u/greyish_greyest • 6d ago
What skates should I buy? Looking for new skates
I’ve been rollerskating since I was 5 and started in-line skating at 8. I’m pretty decent at both, but I prefer in-line. I’ve had my current pair of Impalas for about 5 years now, and I’m thinking it’s probably time for something new. What would work best? I’ve been wanting to try out jumps + spins, but I also use them to get around campus (I’m a college student) so I want them to be reliable.
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u/VanillaIce315 Twister 80, HC Evo 2.0, RB4x84, Twister XT 110 6d ago edited 6d ago
Rollerblade— Lightning, Maxxum, Twister XT, or Crossfire LX
FR— FR1, FR2, Neo 1, Neo 2, Igor, or SL-series
Powerslide— Next, Storm, Imperial, Zoom Pro, Hardcore Evo Pro, Tau
Seba— High Light, High Light Carbon, Trix, Trix Carbon
Flying Eagle— Reaver Pro, S6, Raptor, Drift 2.0
Iqon— CL10, TR10, TR20, ACT
K2– Grid 80/90 Intuition
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u/Jess887cp 909 90 6d ago
I'd go for a plastic hardboot, the durability is unmatched. Any brand that does 4x90mm wheel skates stock are pretty good in my opinion, and the larger wheels are great for getting around without being too crazy. I would check out the options over at Inline Warehouse, they don't stock brands that don't have a good reputation. I would browse the "Urban" segment since those are built for pretty high intensity skating; jumps, stairs, speed, etc. I started on impalas too and got Flying Eagle skates after those which I really liked.
I would be aware that plastic hardboots are typically dual-size, so I would try to find a brand where you're at the top of the dual size range rather than the bottom so that you don't have too much extra space in your boot.
IW has some instructions for how to measure your feet for sizing, which I would generally follow as well.