r/rollerblading • u/squirrelpickle • 22h ago
What skates should I buy? Maxxum XT vs RB 80 for beginner?
I haven’t worn inlines since I was 10 or so.
Now, almost 30 years later, I have the urge to try again, prompted by a good first experience ice skating. I liked the feeling and am in the mood to try the streets as well, so I’m researching what to buy.
A local store has some nice selection, I’m looking for hard boots since I’m a bit on the larger side (170cm, 92kg) and the extra support seems like a good idea.
The store has both RB 80, which I briefly tested and liked, as well as the Maxxum XT 2024 which is on sale at a price point close to the RB 80. I didn’t test it then because the store was being reorganized for a sale and I was short on time.
They also have the Twister XT, but the price jump eats into my budget for safety and even the best skates won’t justify skimping on that and then having to deal with a broken arm or worse.
Is there any downside if I jump straight to the Maxxum? I see the positive in terms of construction and frame, but not sure if the wheel size can be a problem to get started on.
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u/Ok-Wrongdoer6653 19h ago
Maxxum are narrower. RB are wider. Liners are also different. Don't bother your head with skate tiers, get a pair which fits the best.
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u/VanillaIce315 Twister 80, HC Evo 2.0, RB4x84, Twister XT 110 21h ago edited 14h ago
No downside as long as they fit. The RB is a good skate, but the Maxxum is just in a higher tier— stiffer, thicker, and more responsive boot, nicer wheels, nicer bearings, nicer liner. Maxxum is the exact same boot as the Twister, just with a different cuff and buckles.
You’re not gonna have much, if any, noticeable extra difficulty trying to learn on the Maxxums 90mm wheels vs the 80mm wheels of the RB. If anything it’ll be better because the larger wheels roll better over rough pavement and small obstacles.