How to Buy Roller Blades

By Cheryl Cirelli

Rollerblading or in-line skating is one of the most popular recreational activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This fun form of exercise requires a proper pair of roller blades. The type of roller blades that you purchase depends on your intended use, the type of skater you are, as well as where you plan on using them. Here is some information that you can use to help you select the right pair, as well as suggestions for where you can purchase them.

Types of Roller Blades

There are four main types of roller blades available on the market:

Recreational: These in-line skates are designed for basic recreational use. They are great for those who want to skate around the park for fitness or take a casual run around the block.
Speed: This type of roller blade is sleeker in design and is made for racing. They are lightweight, longer in length and have no braking system.
Hockey: Choose this skate if you play roller hockey. It is designed much like an ice hockey skate and is durable in its construction. It has a lace-up front, smaller wheels and no braking system.
Aggressive: These blades are sometimes referred to as stunt blades. They are designed for those who want to show off on their skates and do tricks similar to the moves of a skateboarder. They are sturdy and solid in construction and have small, hard wheels.
Women's: This design has a narrower heel, higher arch and a wider forefoot to better suit a woman's foot. It is also cut a bit lower in the back to fit the calf.

What You Need to Know About Roller Blade Parts

To get a better understanding of how a roller blade is designed, it is a good idea to understand the basic parts. This knowledge will help when you begin shopping for your perfect pair. Some basic parts of a roller blade are:

Fastenings: Clips are usually used to keep the skate secure, but you can still sometimes find laces, which can be fastened more tightly and evenly, good for speed and aggressive rollerbladers.
Wheel frame: the wheels sit on a frame that connects the wheels to the boot. This frame is usually made of polycarbonate or reinforced nylon. It needs to be stiff and lightweight for best performance. Most recreational users don't need to worry about this.
Wheels: Probably the most important part of the roller blade is the wheels, which are almost universally made of plastic in different hardnesses, known as durometer. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. A popular duometer measurement is 78A. Wheels also have different diameters; between 70 and 78 millimeters are the most common measurements.
Bearings: Most roller blade shoppers only need to know that loud bearings should be avoided. Good bearings are quiet.
Footbed: Look for a skate that is built like a shoe. If the footbed is cardboard or a similar cheap material, pass.

Roller Blade Shopping Tips

Once you've figured out the type of roller blades you want, it's time to begin shopping. You should wear heavy socks like you would be wearing while roller blading, and be prepared to try on both skates and go for a little spin around the store. Trying them out is the only way that you will know if the blades are comfortable.

Shopping Considerations

When trying on different pairs of roller blades, follow the same routine you would with buying a pair of shoes or sneakers. Roller blades should provide good support and there should be some room in the toe area. They should never feel tight or constricting.

Try to talk to the salesperson in the sporting goods or in-line skate shop about the most popular brands, makes and models. You can inquire about upcoming sales and current promotions to help save on cost. A well-trained salesperson can help you determine what is best for you based on your specific needs and budget.

Some of the top brands of in-line skates are:

Try Them On

Never order a pair of roller blades without first trying them on. If you find a good deal on a pair of roller blades from an online retailer, try to find that specific pair at a store near you to try on, then go and buy them online. Every skate will fit differently so it is important to find the best fit possible for both comfort and safety.

Other Equipment

Remember that there are other pieces of equipment that are necessary for roller blading. For example, you may want to invest in a helmet and knee and elbow pads for added safety.

Set A Budget

Roller blades can be found in a variety of prices. The lowest price blades are ones that are made from plastic and are basic in design. The higher priced pairs may be constructed from high quality materials and feature more elaborate braking systems. On average, expect to pay around $60 to $100 for a pair of recreational blades. For those more serious of the sport and needing performance type of skate, prices can be over $200 for a pair.

Purchasing Options

Roller blades can be purchased at Academy Sports and other sporting goods stores, local bike shops, skate shops and even at some toy stores. If you find a pair locally that fits you but prefer to shop online, you can check out the following sites:

Skatebuys has a terrific selection of inline skates and equipment, including skates designed for women, juniors, aggressive skaters, and hockey players.
Amazon.com has long been one of the most popular places to shop online. Their skating section, located in the Sports & Outdoors department, has an excellent array of inline skates for men, women and children.
The Sports Authority allows you to search for the rollerblades you want by size, brand or price. You can also find instructional DVDs, helmets and more.

You can also purchase used skates to save on cost. You can often find roller blades on sites such as Craigslist and at used sporting goods stores like Play it Again Sports, if you are lucky enough to have a location in your area.

What Works For You

There is no set rule on what type or brand of roller blades to purchase. Your final decision should be what works best for you and your specific needs. Keep comfort and safety as your top priorities when shopping and choose the pair that you feel most comfortable in. You may have to try on several pairs until you find the one that feels the best.