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Inline Skates

Inline skating, or "rollerblading" as it is popularly called, involves skates with five to two wheels aligned in a row.  Many people skate just for fun, but there are many different types for many different activities. Below we will guide you through what you need to know when you are buying skates.  Whether you're new to the club or buying replacements, this guide will help you through the decision making process. Don't forget that you need some pads and a helmet for your protection!

Skate Style and Types

Before anything, decide how you want to use your skatestraining, or general fitness. Here are some suggestions based on how you might plan to skate, from basic recreational skates to specialized skates for hockey or doing tricks.

Sizing

Getting the right fit can be hard if you order online, but it is less expensive. Your best bet is to try skates on in a store and then get your savings onlinejust do the salesperson a favor and don't go spending two hours trying on every pair just to tell him or her, thanks, but you're buying online. When trying skates on you should be able to wiggle your toes just slightly with your heels against the back of the skate. If your feet feel like they are floating or if your toes hit the front of the skate, you need a different size. You want them to be snug, but not pinching or chaffing. Move around a bit, re-tighten the skates and move around some more. Keep in mind that most of the skates in stores will be of the recreational type, not speed or trick skates. * For guys with big feet, try the Lotus Recreational Inline Skate. * For semi4wheel'>Tour 800 4wheel skates for youths.

Cost

There is nothing like a blister or strained ankle to deter you from skating, and the less pain you get from your skates, the more likely you will be to use them. Anything around $100-$120 is usually a safe choice for the recreational skater who wants good quality skates. However, if you look for skates that are on sale or clearance, you can get skates of the same quality for a discounted price. Don't forget to add on the costs of safety gear, such as helmets, Skate Construction There are two types of inline skates to choose from, either hard shell or soft boot. The hard shell construction consists of molded plastic so they look similar to a ski boot. The lower half covers and protects the foot, while the upper half wraps around and supports the ankle. The two halves are connected with a hinge system that allows the ankle and boot to flex forward naturally. The uppers on recreational skates are usually made from synthetic materials, while hockey skates are usually made of leather composites. As for soft boots, they are made with an external (and sometimes internal) plastic cuff to provide support, like a hiking boot. They provide a good fit and performance, plus they are very breathable and lightweight, and they are generally secured by laces.  You might hear talk about frames, which are what hold skate components in place. Most recreational frames are made of aluminum, nylon, or fiberglass composites. While metal frames are stiffer, faster, and lighter, they are also more pricey. Finally, make sure the skates frames are compatible with the way you plan on using them. Here are some of the replaceable parts on a skate. !