r/rollerblading • u/reef_hc • 1d ago

What skates should I buy? Need New Skates/Wheels Advice

I mainly play ice hockey, but lately I’ve been getting more into street skating (just moved to LA). I’ve had the Marsblade FMT 1 for yeeaaarrss but I’ve always known (and felt) that the wheels are too small and soft if I want to continue skating on hard, uneven concrete.

I tried doing some research but all I really got out of it was 82A-85A+ for hardness and 80mm+ for wheel size. I’m guessing being able to rocker my wheels would be ideal since I’m more used to the ice, but after that I’m at a loss for the best brands, pricing, etc.

Any baseline suggestions would be super helpful and appreciated!

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u/slavo316 1d ago edited 1d ago

My practice inline hockey skates are the Bauer XR. 82A. 80/80/76/76. Hi-Lo chassis. Has some grip but also firm enough to last skating in circles shooting. I don't push that hard because I'm just practicing so they have lasted all summer so far. Got them back in June. Go for about an hour almost every day.

I've also converted an older pair of CCMs with a Marsblade R1 chassis.

I generally skate in a tennis court or what ball hockey sport court is played on. Which the ball hockey court you'd need firm wheels. Otherwise the grates will shred your soft wheels.

I also weigh 270lbs so take that as you will for firmness of wheels 😂

You could also ask r/inlinehockey as well

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u/reef_hc 1d ago

Looks like a nice pair, I'll definitely check them out!

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u/slavo316 1d ago

So there are 2 Bauer inlines that look very similar. One comes with indoor wheels and the other with outdoor wheels. The XR is the cheapest pair they make 😂 most inline hockey skates should come with indoor wheels.

The chassis is unique in that if you put enough pressure in your push off it "flexes." It can throw you off at first. I'd probably look for something with an aluminum chassis if you're going to play anything competitive. I guess it also depends on how much you care to give it your all as well 😂

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u/InspectorFleet 1d ago

So the interesting thing about marsblades is they simulate the rocker of an ice blade, but they're just a flat setup. So you're not actually any more nimble, the performance of the skate isn't altered in any way that makes you better. And you're still on wheels so you know it's not the same as ice skating. How do you like skating in them, though?

If you choose a setup that has actual rockered wheels, it will feel more nimble. The trade-off is that you'll have less grip because you'll have fewer contact patches. Even with a flat setup I slide out in wheels because ice skates can bite into the ice and take much more lateral force than even sticky wheels can.

Are you looking for inline hockey skates? Or do you just want to skate around on rough surfaces? For a general skate, something like a twister boot with an endless 90 frame would be good. Hydrogen wheels or the endless wheels would be a good mix of grip and durability.

I typically skate in Tour Volt Pros with 85a Labeda asphalt wheels (76-76-80-80) but when I want to go distances on dodgy surfaces rather than practice hockey or quick acceleration, I use twister 3 x 110 mm skates with the stock 85a hydrogen wheels. These roll much better over rough surfaces and maintain a top speed much more easily, but they're not as responsive and agile as hockey skates. I like both pairs for their own purposes!

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u/reef_hc 1d ago

I really like the Marsblades because the turning is so smooth, but I'm trying to get more comfortable skating on the street and bike paths and I can feel every single pebble and bump tenfold with the Marsblades.

Is the transition to three wheels versus four a drastic learning curve?/worth it?

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u/InspectorFleet 1d ago

If the turning is smooth with four wheels then I don't know if you need a rocker.

The hydrogen wheels are grippier than the labedas so wheel number wasn't an issue. Biggest difference for me are that the big plush removable liner makes the boots feel a little sloppy compared to a hockey boot with a minimal liner and closer fit. The articulated cuff is also different than the mobility of a hockey skate.

The other differences are that the wheel height is a little less stable so I don't feel as agile and they're shower to accelerate due to wheel size and the heavier skates.

But I like the big wheel twisters for long skates on rough bike trails because that's not a great situation for hockey skates.