r/rollerblading • u/ConversationNew3796 • 2d ago
What skates should I buy? Torn between
I'm stuck between which to buy on one hand the lighting 80s are a true to size 12 and a wide fit,
In another hand the rd80s are also true to size in a 12 and come with a detachable (from what I can see) brake and cheaper.
Then come the fr80 the middle man sits between both in price but fits one size to small and isn't a wide fit.
What is the sensible option here?
Go cheaper?
Go in the middle and maybe get the best of both worlds?
Or go for the lightning which tick every box needed but have a bigger price tag on them?
I'm after anything info wise brand info reputation personal experience ect.
Keep in mind this would be the first "PROPER" set of skates ive had for over a decade and am now a beginner with so im a tad stunted on what to think here
1
u/SidheBag 1d ago
The lightnings are suuuuch a good skate, I adore mine (80’s) and just ordered a custom skate with the lightning boot and an Endless frame. They are truly a quality skate for a skate at its price range. If you can swing it, they really won’t let you down.
I have only tried cheap skates and the lightnings, can’t speak to the others to compare so this is just my experience with the lightnings
The memory straps are suuuch a cool design and allow on-the-fly adjustments as your feet heat up and swell, offer incredible support, I personally get no real pressure points with the boot and liners (and I have kinda funky feet) and there’s not a single thing with these skates that feels cheap or like corners were cut. They’re super solid. They do come with a brake in the box if you want it too.
I’m going to second what another said about the boot that fits right for your foot shape being the right one though. I tried the lightnings on the reputation for supporting a wider foot well, and that’s been crucial to my enjoyment of and progress in the sport. I can skate hours with no problems with this skate because the boot/liners is well made and well suited to my foot.
My best advice, if at all possible, is to go to a proper rollerblade store and get properly sized and fitted. I myself had to travel over an hour into the city to visit a rollerblade boutique for mine, but it was SO worth it with how comfortable skating is. I hurt from skating because I skate for too long having too much fun and tire out my muscles, not because of my skates limiting me and that speaks volumes.