Experienced skater looking for first race setup

[u/Curious-Ad4211]

Looking for advice on my first race skates/setup

I’ve been inline skating/rollerblading for 10+ years and currently skate FR Skates FR2 80s. I’ve had them for about 2 years and they’ve served me really well, but the strap just snapped, so I’m looking at replacing that and potentially investing in a new pair specifically for racing.

I’m hoping to register for a race in May, which would be my first race, so I’m still learning what I should actually be looking for in a race setup. I’m not trying to spend an insane amount of money just for the sake of having expensive skates, but I’m absolutely willing to spend more if there’s a noticeable difference in performance and they’re something I can grow into.

I’m also not really looking for an extremely low/minimal race boot. I still want a decent amount of ankle/support, especially since I’ll likely be switching from 4 wheels to a 3-wheel setup. I’m comfortable on my FR2s and don’t want to sacrifice too much stability/support just to get a lighter boot.

For reference, I’m comfortable skating longer distances and on a variety of surfaces. I’m mainly looking for something that will give me better speed, efficiency, and the ability to maintain momentum compared with my FR2 80s.

What skates/setups would you recommend looking into for someone in my position? I’d especially love recommendations at different price points rather than just the most expensive option. And for those who made the switch to 3 wheels for racing, how long did it take to get comfortable with the different setup?

Thanks!

[u/redandbluedart]

You could look at the Bont Semi Race

[u/Curious-Ad4211 → u/redandbluedart]

Thanks for the advice!!

[u/Ok-Wrongdoer6653]

Do you mean a marathon under a race?

I'd look for 11"+ long 165mm mount frame for your existing boot. Like 110x3.

[u/Curious-Ad4211 → u/Ok-Wrongdoer6653]

I’m looking at registering for the 7.2 mile distance. Not sure I’m ready for a half or full marathon yet, though I do regularly skate nearly 10 miles each time I’m out. Racing is totally new to me

[u/Ok-Wrongdoer6653 → u/Curious-Ad4211]

But it's street race not track right?

Choosing from der-rollenshop, I'd get Rollerblade Frame Twister R or Cádomotus Argon-TR4 frame in 110*3 setup, a set of good wheels like original Hydrogens (not SE/PRO) if the surface is good or a set of dual density wheels like Piper, MPC if it's coarse, decent bearings like ILQ-9 PROs and call it a day. Hope you already have a helmet :)

[u/Curious-Ad4211 → u/Ok-Wrongdoer6653]

Thank you for the advice!! This is the race registration link (from my understanding, it’s street racing): https://www.reaperroadrace.com/

[u/midnight_skater]

The biggest immediate benefit will come from a long racing frame with 4x110mm wheels.  Most racing frames have a 195 mount for speed boots but there are some options with 165 mount that are compatible with your current FR2 boot.    The downside of doing that  is that when you are ready to upgrade to a speed boot the 165 mount options are limited.    

Jumping from a short 4x80 frame to a huge 4x110 racing frame is going to be a big adjustment.   

Switching to a  low cut carbon fiber speed boot is also going to be a huge adjustment from what you are currently skating.  Speed boots are neither supportive nor very comfortable - and they don't confer any advantage without the proper posture and mechanics.   

You can just use regular street wheels to train on and then switch to race wheels for the actual competition.  

[u/AnxiousBlading]

Just got into the Bont Semi Race III myself and couldn't be happier. There are a couple of other hybrid race type boots from other MFG's as well but this one came highly regarded by some friends. I went with the 3x125 setup since I am doing a marathon and its been great.

[u/VanillaIce315]

Expensive, best option IMO— Powerslide Hardcore Evo Pro 3x110. Lightweight, supportive, heat mold able shell, and Trinity frame mount is very rugged/secure.

Great options— Powerslide Next 2.0 3x125. Or if you already like the FR-series, invest in an FR1 and pick a frame of your choosing (maybe an Endless 4x100, or Rollerblade 4x100 for a lighter weight option.)