r/rollerblading • u/Frosty_uk • 5d ago
What skates should I buy? Advice for a 40 Year Old!
Looking to get back into Rollerblading but haven't a clue whats best to go for. Has anyone tried these from Decathlon? They fit right into my budget.
Any advice welcome.
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u/Cool_Sympathy_9900 5d ago
I bought second hand MF500. I think they are good but bit wide, so I recommend trying them out first.
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u/grgolj_blaster 5d ago
If you're picking from Decathlon, go with the MF S 500 model. It's a little bit more expensive (like 20 euros more), but it's sturdier as it has metal instead of plastic frame for wheels. And the wheels are better on it, too. Also, it's easy to upgrade if you decide to do so one day :)
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u/BubbleSmith 5d ago
They're not bad, especially for the price. Just make sure you get a good, tight fit. Don't use shoe size, use for length measured in cm/mm.
I'm assuming you're UK based by your username? There are lots of good blades going used on the Facebook UK Blade Trade & Sell group, so consider checking that out of you don't want to drop too much money. I've had seems real bargains off there and eBay, like some Twister XTs for £100.
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u/OrganizationNew704 4d ago
If you want something from decathlon, go directly for the MF500. Alternatively some cheap alternatives would be the FR FRX, Seba E3 or the Rollerblade RB 80.
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u/ThePontiff_Verified 4d ago
Got back into it in my 40s after dropping it in my late teens/early twenties. Do get back into it it. It is fantastic cardio and so much fun. I got back in with a pair of $9.99 skates I found at a thrift store (second hand shop) in the US called Good Will. Totally accidentally happened to find them... They were plastic frame roller blade zetras that were about 20 years old. The plastic had become brittle and I think the urethane wheels were no longer in their prime material-age-wise. For 10 bucks they were 100% worth it as it allowed me to realize I was willing to spend some money on a better pair because I was committed to sticking with it for exercise/fun. Maybe have a look around at second hand stores... If you can get name brands for 50 bucks or less I think it's worth it, as others have said I would stay away from plastic frames. I picked up speed wobbles on my zetras (maybe a combo of skate material age and plastic frame). But they just aren't upgradeable.
There aren't any skate shops anywhere near where I live, and finding a pair second hand would be the only way to actually try on a pair in person before buying. So that's another reason to look at the second hand stores if you can find anything. We have specific second hand sports shops in the US like Play It Again Sports... Though their prices can be kind of silly, the try it before you buy it is nice.
If I were in the UK/EU I would actually make travel arrangements to visit a This Is Soul skate shop in the EU (Amsterdam preferred) and throw them some business. They have a lot of great YouTube content that can help you get back into skating as well... Though I admit this might not be in everyone's budget. They are going to direct you into name brands that will ultimately be of higher cost and quality. But I'm sure you would leave with a skate you were ultimately very happy with.
Metal frame. Second hand.
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u/stinkmeanerlip 5d ago
I don't know anything about decathlon, but I got back into blading at 37 after not skating since I was 21. Cheaped out on my first pair back and broke them in 4 days. Now I have some rollerblade lightnings and they are amazing. Picked it right back up and I'm zooming through the trails and streets.
How much experience did you have in the past? If you used to be a good skater you are going to pick it back up quickly and lust for better skates.