The popularity of speed inline skates can be attributed to the affordability of equipment, the potential for cardio exercise, and the value of the sport for recreational and professional use. When shopping for a pair of roller skating skates, you might want a comfortable skating boot, but the wheels may not be suitable for your skating needs. You may also buy a cheaper skating boot and replace the skating accessories later. It is important to focus on the wheel hardness and size, bearings and ankle support to ensure maneuverability and speed.
Wheels and Speed
Replace the wheels on your inline speed skates with ones that meet your skating needs and preferences. Larger and harder skating wheels allow you to accelerate faster but you will feel every bump on the road. Smaller and softer wheels absorb shocks but will wear a lot faster. The harder the wheel on your speed inline skates, the faster the ride. Recreational skaters will have a wheel hardness of 78 to 82A. Speed inline skates should have a wheel hardness of 90A. The height of the wheels are measured in millimeters. Speed inline skaters should have wheels 100 millimeters tall.
Wheel Bearings and Acceleration
Select the proper wheel bearings that will ensure quick acceleration. Wheel bearings are the nut in the wheels that make the wheels turn. The higher the number on the bearings, the faster the wheels turn. Test out the bearings that come with your inline speed skates. If you need something slower or faster, change the bearings so that it is suitable to your skating needs and preferences.
Remove Inline Skate Brakes
Remove the obtrusive skate brakes when ready. The brake is there to ensure your safety but it may also adds unnecessary weight and bulk to your inline speed skate, which hinders your acceleration and speed. Learn how to utilize the T-stop and power slide to stop your skates without a brake. Do not remove the brakes until you are comfortable in braking using other methods.
Inline Speed Skate Ankle Support
Decide if the laces that came with the skates are long enough to provide ample ankle support. Change the laces if it does not allow you to tie a proper knot. There should be enough lace to tie a knot and subsequently securing the boot to your foot and ankles.
Speed Inline Skates and Safety
According to a study made by the United States Library of Medicine, skateboarding injuries are eight times more likely to be severe compared to inline skaters' injuries. However, If you are going to skate, there is always the chance of you experiencing a fall. Wearing a helmet, kneepads, and other protective gear is common knowledge. There are a few exercises and techniques to help lower the chance of injuries while riding on your inline speed skate.
- If you feel like you are about to fall, bend forwards and fall on your kneepads and wristguards. You will slide for a bit, and you may feel foolish in doing this, but this is a good alternative to falling on your head.
- It's okay to stop on grass. Have you ever skated too fast and did not know how to stop? One way to stop is to go on grass. Swerve from the pavement and head for a batch of grass. The substrate will help stop you. Also, falling on grass is less painful than falling on pavement.
- Do not lean back or you may hit your head.
Kaiser Castro - Kaiser Castro has been a professional freelance writer for Trails.com, Livestrong.com, and eHow. By utilizing his degree in Business ...
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