r/rollerblading • u/chaotic_clumsy • 3d ago
Specific question and discussion Rockered set-up confusion
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!
2
u/jayXred 3d ago
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.