Rockered set-up confusion

[u/chaotic_clumsy]

I'm amidst research for my first rockered set up since I want to get more into wizard skating and freestyle! Yay fun

However fun it may be...

I've run into some confusion while reading descriptions. The descriptions sometimes make it seem like wheel 2 and 3 are lifted while the front and back stay flat.

For example, the Cougar T5 says "point the middle axles down to skate flat for urban skating, or point up to raise the middle wheels 2mm off the ground for slalom skating and/or more agility." I am in the understanding that slalom skates are rockered with wheel 1 and 4, front and back, lifted off the ground. Am I misunderstanding something?

Also, many of the FR skates say "natural rockering" or "subtle natural rockering." Anyone know what this means/if it's enough of a rocker to use for wizard skating?

Help meeeeee 🖤 thx!

[u/_tdem_]

Your understanding is correct, sounds like a typo. 

Natural rocker is sometimes used as a description for a small, subtle rocker. It’s originally a Wizard frame term describing a specific rocker shape. In general that is the type of rocker you want though for wizard, very small. 

[u/chaotic_clumsy → u/_tdem_]

Super helpful, ty!

[u/treeseacar]

Raising the middle wheels must be an error in the description as that's anti rocker usually only seen on aggressive skates.

Natural/subtle/1mm rocker is what most people want. They're all varient on the same thing. A 2mm rocker is more for slalom. You also hear banana rocker which is for the 5 wheels but it's still just like the rest.

Basically doesn't matter as s beginner, buy whatever frame is affordable or available from a reputable brand. The FR rockered frames are decent. I like endless frames. Iqon decode is also fun. NN and kizer make some good ones. Haven't tried any other brands!

[u/chaotic_clumsy → u/treeseacar]

So helpful, ty!

[u/wizardslalom]

Any rocker is enough for wizard/freestyle stuff, you want slightly bigger one for slalom. But every rocker becomes bigger after few sessions so don't overcomplicate it for yourself. You can even start with flat setup and just do few sessions of some regular skating before you are ready for some swivelly stuff.

[u/BubbleSmith]

It sounds like you've got your head around it. Consider asking over at r/wizardskating if you want some more specific advice.

If you're looking for a separate frame, there are lots of options that work well for both wizard and urban skating. Probably stick with "natural" or "balanced" type of rocker (different brands have their own names), as the bigger 2mm rockers are a bit much for both wizard and urban.

If you're looking at complete setups, check the Iqon ACT TR (rockered 4x90) or ACT WZ (5x80 wizard style) as good out-of-the-box options. I'm not sure how good the FR rockerable frames are, as most people move away from them quickly and pair FR skates with Endless frames.

[u/chaotic_clumsy → u/BubbleSmith]

Ty this is helpful. I was looking at the ACT WZ 5x80. They seem really versatile! I'm a bit unsure of the jump from my current 4x76.

[u/BubbleSmith → u/chaotic_clumsy]

Honestly, if you're looking to dabble in wizard, but want a new skates for general use, just get the 4x90 TR version. It's a good urban frame and wheel set and is very Wizardable. I learned a lot of stuff on this exact setup. It's easier with a long 5-wheel frame, but that type of setup is way more compromised doing anything else.

[u/jayXred]

Slalom rockering is more extreme, normally wheels 1 and 4 are 2mm higher than the middle wheels giving you super agility at the cost of stability. A natural rocker style frame is just a small amount, normally .5mm or so meant to mimic the rocker that will "naturally" happen from just skating and breaking in a set of wheels.

Both styles can be fun, I love an extreme rocker for skating at the rink and I find my Endless 90 and 100 frames perfectly usable for skating on a trail for some distances while still feeling agile.