EQUIPMENT
(Thanks
to Paul Lutomski of the
Information about acquiring equipment, and links to additional information are
at the bottom of this page.)
Inline speed skates consist of four main
components; 1) Boots, 2) Frames, 3) Wheels and 4) Bearings
BOOTS
The boot is often the most
important and expensive component. However, it is usually not necessary to
spend a lot of money to have a boot that performs well. Many top skaters are
using boots in the medium cost range. Popular speed boot brands include Bont,
Hyper, Mogema, Riedell, Simmons, Powerslide, Canarium, and Verducci. The ankle, heel and sole of boots
are a hard molded shell usually made of carbon fiber composites for lightness
and strength. Some shells are heat moldable for a customized fit. The upper
portion of the boot is usually leather. Most boots
have some inner padding often made of neoprene or other foam covered in
leather. All have laces and lace covers. Laces can stretch while skating so
some speed boot styles have a replaceable buckle system for extra security and
on-the-fly adjustment capability. The bottom of the hard molded shell has
mounting blocks built in, to accommodate the frames. Mounting blocks vary by
boot. Look for a mounting system that allows front to back and side-to-side
adjustability (Though most frames also adjust side-to-side).
When getting skates, most important
is that the boots fit well and are comfortable, because most skaters spend many
hours when the boots put much pressure on their feet. New boots often cause blisters and other
soreness unless feet are hardened gradually.
So skating equipment may also include blister pads, duct tape, horse
wrap tape, etc.; contact an experienced skater for more information.
The fit of boots sometimes can be
improved by heat molding, although many skaters prefer to skate their boots as
received for several hours to determine if molding is needed, it’s best not
done if not needed. Here is some
information about how to mold, written for a specific brand of boots, but
applicable to many others.
FRAMES
The frame is the structure attached
to the bottom of the boot. Frames are usually made of aircraft quality aluminum
stock and come in three, four, or five wheel models that are made to
accommodate a variety of wheel sizes and configurations from 80mm to 100mm.
Frames can vary in length from front to back, depending on the number of
wheels, wheel size, and other design factors valued by the manufacturer.
Skaters typically chose frame designs and lengths to suit their age, strength,
skating style, or just what "Feels" right. A common configuration is
a 5-wheel frame for 84mm wheels. Most frames have two or three slots in front
and back to offer both front to back and side-to-side adjustability. Speed
skating frames usually have one-piece axles that insert on one side of the
frame and screw into the other side of the frame to attach the wheel and
bearing assembly.
Here’s
a chart listing some frame sizes available.
Here
are ideas regarding how to select a frame (more ideas are linked to on the top
line of that page).
WHEELS
Wheels vary in size, hardness (A
compression measurement called "Durometer"), and the type of bearings
the hubs were designed to hold. Wheels come in many sizes, starting with 76mm,
which very few speed skaters still use, to 100mm. However, many outdoor skaters
are considering the 100mm wheels for the faster "Roll". Currently the
most popular size, both indoor and outdoor, is 84mm. Larger wheels take a
little more effort while accelerating to top speed, but have more momentum and
are therefore easier to keep spinning at the faster rate ("Roll").
Hardness is roughly described by a wheel’s durometer rating. Different
durometer wheels react differently in use. Depending on the surface, a softer
wheel may provide more grip and less vibration, but
may not Roll as fast as a hard wheel. Durometer ratings usually range from 78A
to 93A, with the lower number being a softer wheel. Softer wheels usually have
better grip and are generally used outdoors to reduce vibration, and add
overall rolling comfort and stability on a rougher course. Another property of
softer wheels that partially compensates for the lost "Roll" is an
effect called "Rebound." Rebound refers to the wheel’s tendency to
return forward energy into the wheel while rolling. The most popular indoor
racing wheels are usually 84mm in diameter and have a durometer of 90a to 93a.
Outdoor wheels durometer may range from about 82a to 85a, depending on the
surface and the skater’s personal preference. The wheel hub (Center) holds the
bearings. Most wheels have a spoked hard plastic hub
that helps decrease the weight of the wheel.
BEARINGS
Bearings are another piece of speed
skating equipment that vary widely. There is
considerable discussion in the inline speed skating community as to what works
best among variables like size, number of balls, size of balls, materials, and
lubricants to use. In general, bearings are made of either steel or ceramic.
Both are fine choices if maintained well. Some speed skaters choose ceramic
because ceramic is a material that does not deform as easily in heat, is very
durable, and can last longer than steel. However, a good set of steel bearings
can perform very well if properly maintained. Ceramic bearings are also usually
about twice as expensive. Bearings also generally come in 2 sizes, either 608,
which is most common, or 688 which is smaller in diameter and lighter because
less material is used. The smaller size bearings are commonly referred to as
"Mini-bearings." Most speed skaters prefer to lubricate with a very thin/light oil, or similar, rather than a thick
grease which shows movement.
More information about bearings is here Information
about cleaning bearings is here
ACQUIRING EQUIPMENT
Equipment vendors sell on-line, some
speed teams and rinks sell equipment, and some vendors have booths at larger
skate meets. Used equipment can be purchased on speed skating websites as well
as the popular online auction sites, such as eBay. Most skate equipment can be purchased remotely
(such as via web) with confidence, but, for boots, some skaters prefer to try
their fit before selecting. Usually the
best way to get equipment is to ask experienced local skaters their
recommendations.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT EQUIPMENT SELECTION AND
CARE
Bont and especially at the bottom of this page
Hyper (not much advice here, but a good explanation of a
broad and popular product line)
Swatskates (includes
Many equipment vendors have web
sites with information about their products.
.