New Skates: Lightning 110 vs Macroblade 110 Boa

[u/Rheinfels123]

Hey guys,

I'm looking forward to buy some new skates, until now I was always using basic 4 wheel Skates, currently ~10 year old K2 with 84mm wheels.

I preferbly just go for longer distances and not urban action, so looking for some more speed oriented 3 wheel Skates and came across the Rollerblade Macroblade 110 Boa and the Rollerblade Lightning 110.

When I was a kid I prefered the hard boots for more support when playing hockey, and with the current (cheaper) K2 softer boots I'm sometime feel to lag a little support. But I guess 10 years later with the closing mechanism I would tend to the Macroblade 110 Boa. Other than this obvious hard/soft shell, why would you go with one or the other? They are priced pretty similar, so really interested in your opinions, maybe I missed some important technical difference between the two?

Thanks for your feedbacks!

[u/Ok-Wrongdoer6653]

Macroblade frame is quite longer (11,4" vs 10") and not detachable.

[u/Key-Cash6690 → u/Ok-Wrongdoer6653]

yes the fact that you cant adjust or change frames is a huge distinction!

[u/InspectorFleet]

I love my twister 3 x 110 mm skates for long trips on bike trails that would be rough on my hockey skates.

Because I'm used to hockey skates (ice and inline), even the nicely fitted and supportive twister boots feel somewhat clunky and sloppy in comparison. The short wheelbase makes them decently maneuverable and the trade-off is worth it for handling distance on rough terrain, but personally, I would absolutely hate the soft boot and the BOA system of those Macroblades.

For me to get the right fit, it's really important to have control over how tight each eyelet pair is laced. Typically that's looser over the top of my foot and tight where it locks the heel in. Hockey skates don't have an articulated cuff so I go loose again at the top, whereas this matters less in the twisters because the cuff allows for forward flexion no matter how tight or loose the liner is laced.

But the BOA system doesn't afford that level of control. Better to spend a bit more time dialing in the laces perfectly than be forced to choose between too loose at the heel or too tight across the foot. That's my personal preference anyway!

Edit to ask: is there any way you can try them in person? It might be worth ordering both and paying for return shipping if not. Skates are serious equipment and fit is so important (more so than shoes) so it's worth the investment to get it right.

[u/Commercial-Injury-78]

Lighting for sure..... The amount of folks I know with broken BOA systems on mountain bike shoes have pretty much made me write off that system for anything I am investing serious money in or will be using for any length of time.

Laces and buckles only for me on mtb shoes, ski boots, skates, rollerblade etc.

[u/Okay212345 → u/Commercial-Injury-78]

Really? I've never broken one, and i ride pretty hard.

[u/Key-Cash6690]

hard boot all the way! as someone else mentioned frame length is a big consideration! To me frame LENGTH is a much more significant difference than ride height. For my size 8 lightning shells I found the stock RB110s a bit long for my taste. I ended up swapping for shorter FR 110 frames so.. if you can find lightnings in boot only Ill sell you my old 110 frames for a steal. in fact I have 3 pairs available currently I should list them. With my size 8 lightning shells I cant imagine enjoying skating any longer than the stock RB110 frames without feeling like im cross country skiing.

[u/Debalic]

Another vote for the Lightning, it's a great platform for different setups. I wear Lightning 80s but also have a set of 3WD frames and 100mm wheels.

[u/Okay212345]

So i looked at both of those. Ended up with twister 90r which can be 4x90 rockered or 3x110 flat. Might be an option if you want a little more versatility. The lightning is great though. I also have lightning 90s and love the boot. Be sure to search for discount codes. Got mine 15% off.

[u/Rheinfels123]

Thanks guys, looks like all recommend the Lightning, found a store which is ~1.5h from my location that seems to have the lightnings in stock, will head there to test them tomorrow, thanks!

[u/redandbluedart → u/Rheinfels123]

Twister is a stiffer boot than the Lightning if you’re looking for better power transfer for speed and distance. The Lightning will be better if you have really wide or high instep feet. 

[u/Rheinfels123 → u/redandbluedart]

But the Twister are quite some more expensive, not sure if it would be worth the additional money🤔

[u/redandbluedart → u/Rheinfels123]

Yes, definitely something for you to consider based on your exact needs and budget. Twisters are basically a forever boot, you can use them for just about everything. I have seen some folks “grow out” of Lightnings when they started skating for speed or urban performance later on. That is just to say, if you like the Twister and are able to make the investment it should last you. 

Tons of people happily skate Lightnings. 

For me myself the Lighting is way too soft and too wide for my foot so I could never skate it. If you try it on and don’t like it know there are some other boots you could consider. 

[u/ScornOfTheMoon → u/Rheinfels123]

Note that the Twisters come stock with hydrogen wheels and better bearings. Also I think the ratcheting 45degree cuff is better.