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Archive-name: sports/skating/inline-faq/part10 See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge _r.s.s.inline FAQ: Marketplace - Skate Reviews_
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MARKETPLACE - SKATE REVIEWS
(last changed Tuesday, 17-Sep-96 18:39:06 MDT)
NOTE: While these reviews include many facts and first-hand experience,
much of the text here is necessarily opinion. Additionally the in-line
market is changing rapidly, so prices and specifications may be out of
date.
Also, many of these skate models are older skates. Reviews for newer models
are added when they become available.
Feel free to use the product review form for your convenience.
Table of contents
_skate reviews_
* Bauer
* Bauer
* Bauer F/3 1996
* Bauer F2
* Bauer F2
* Bauer F3
* Bauer F3 (Force Mult. brake)
* Bauer F40
* Bauer H3 (Hockey 3)
* Bauer Hx/s 1996
* Bauer Pro Comps 1996
* Bauer XS5 (street skates)
* Bauer f3
* CCM 95 Sears Special
* CCM RH555 Tacks
* K2 Extreme Workout
* K2 Fatty
* K2 VO2 Max
* K2 fatty
* K2 k2 fatty/1996
* Oxygen 1995 KR .05
* Oxygen AR 3.1
* Oxygen Kr 1.1 1996
* Oxygen XE Jr.
* Oxygen Xenon 1.1
* Pro-Tec Aggresive Helmet
* Roces FCO Jr. (Rome Jr.)
* Roces MOW (Moscow)
* Roces Street
* Roces Street
* Roces Street
* Roces Street (96)
* Roces Street (96)
* Roller Derby BX 5000
* Rollerblade 1994 Aeroblade w/ABT
* Rollerblade 1995 Macroblade
* Rollerblade Boxcar '95 or'96
* Rollerblade Bravoblade GL (93?)
* Rollerblade Bravoblade GL 96
* Rollerblade Bravoblade GL 96
* Rollerblade Bravoblade GLX (96)
* Rollerblade CoolBlade
* Rollerblade Fusion
* Rollerblade Lightning
* Rollerblade Lightning TRS
* Rollerblade Macroblade Equipes
* Rollerblade Powerblade 1994
* Rollerblade Racerblade
* Rollerblade Spiritblade 1996
* Rollerblade TarMac CE '96
* Rollerblade Tarmac /CE '95
* Rollerblade VTX 5000
* Spoga Turbine
* Ultra Wheels Millenium 96
* tecnica
Reviews of real old skates
_________________________________________________________________
skate reviews
Reviewer: ()
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Bauer
_Model:_
_Purchase Price:_
_Store:_ (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ none/none
_Used for how long:_
_Pros:_
_Cons:_
_Comments:_
_Rating:_
Reviewer: ()
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Bauer
_Model:_
_Purchase Price:_
_Store:_ (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ /
_Used for how long:_
_Pros:_
_Cons:_
_Comments:_
_Rating:_
Reviewer: Brian Yuen (byuen@ofc.com)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Bauer
_Model:_ F/3 1996
_Purchase Price:_ $139.99
_Store:_ Shenk and Tittle (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ Carlisle Plaza Mall, (717)258-0520
_Purchase Date:_ 04/1996
_Used for how long:_ Couple of Months
_Pros:_
Good Suport O.K. Price Rockering Feature Lace and buckle
_Cons:_
Wheels Rattle (left and right). Faulty wheel hub design.
_Comments:_
The skates are pretty decent, but the employees at the shop
where I got it did not know much about skates. I recommend
FUNTASTIKS at Mechanisburg location.
_Rating:_ 7
Reviewer: Todd Robertson (Brtn15@aol.com)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Bauer
_Model:_ F2
_Purchase Price:_ $100
_Store:_ Lechmere (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ 06/1995
_Used for how long:_ a year
_Pros:_
Comfortable, good price, nice airflow, and a strong design. But
grind plates are a pain to put on, wheels that come on it bite,
only buckles, and spacers fall out!!! Don't buy these unless
your a rec skater not fit for the abuse of aggro skating!
_Cons:_
_Comments:_
_Rating:_
Reviewer: Crispin Cornect (demonica@fox.nstn.ca)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Bauer
_Model:_ F2
_Purchase Price:_ 100
_Store:_ Cleve's Sporting Goods (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ n/i, n/i
_Purchase Date:_ 04/1996
_Used for how long:_ 3 months
_Pros:_
I bought my F2s without the slightest idea of how to skate and
I must say they are easy for the begginner. They have a two
buckle, molded plastic frame with a comfortable liner. the
frame is rockerable (you can also shorten/lengthen the wheel
base) and comes with nylon spacers. The 72mm, 78A wheels give a
smooth ride and can span most minor road hazards. the ABEC 1
bearings and heel brake finish it off. I thought it was a good,
low entry skate.
_Cons:_
For what it is, its good. I learned how to skate with it and I
found it user friendly, but it isn't something you can
cross-upgrade. the frame is sculpted and won't accept
aftermarket grind plates, The boot is molded platic with too
much ventilation for me to try putting on soul plates. Lace
instead of a buckle on the bottom would have been great - you
would have much more support for street.
_Comments:_
If you're recreational to the core, then this is a great skate,
but that is all it is - a great recreational skate.
_Rating:_ rec: 8.5 street: 2.5
Reviewer: ()
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Bauer
_Model:_ F3
_Purchase Price:_ 99.99
_Store:_ oshmans (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ none/none
_Used for how long:_ 6 months
_Pros:_
_Cons:_
_Comments:_
_Rating:_
Reviewer: Paul Leong (cd307@torfree.net)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Bauer
_Model:_ F3 (Force Mult. brake)
_Purchase Price:_ CDN$130 Tax
_Store:_ (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ 07/1995
_Used for how long:_ 1 year
_Pros:_
The brake is relatively easy to use with the "Force Multiplier"
system. Decent components with ABEC-1 bearings and wheel
compound suitable for road use (for the recreational/beginner
skater)
_Cons:_
The brake hinge can be become loose after a few skates - not
enough to be a problem but annoying as it rattles when skating.
_Comments:_
_Rating:_ 6
Reviewer: Bob Reed ()
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Bauer
_Model:_ F40
_Purchase Price:_ $130
_Store:_ Dick's Sporting Goods (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ Southland Shopping Center Middleburg Hts. OH 44130,
(216) 886-2600
_Purchase Date:_ 06/1996
_Used for how long:_ about 2 months
_Pros:_
Good, strong supported fit with the ASYM CUFF. I like the
removeable liner and the two buckle/one strap closure.
_Cons:_
Wheel size is fixed. These skates come with a 72 mm wheel and
will not hold anything larger. Obviously, this is not a bad
thing if you intend to put smaller wheels on your skates.
_Comments:_
Skates also come with a standard brake (which I find to be a
Pro) and ABEC-1 bearings. So far the Bauer F40 has met my needs
for exercise/recreational skating.
_Rating:_ 8 because of wheel size issue and ABEC-1 bearings
Reviewer: Jim Kiraly (kiraly@cse.utoledu.edu)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Bauer
_Model:_ H3 (Hockey 3)
_Purchase Price:_ $149.99
_Store:_ Play it Again Sports (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ 04/1994
_Used for how long:_ 3-4 months
_Pros:_
- All laces, nice fitting boot, includes toe guards, rockerable
chasis, solid feeling while skating, nice beginner skates (was
for me anyhow). Stock equipment: Narrow radius, vented core,
72mm/78A wheels. ABEC-1 Bearings (China) Aluminum Threaded
Spaces Big headed axel bolts. Bauer Super-Light Chasis
_Cons:_
The stock wheels are narrow radius, and cheap. The wheels
started to seperate from the hubs after 2 months of everyday
usage. The wear on the wheels was ok. The chasis is easily
deformed by over tightening of the axels, and the bearing
spacers fit too tightly into the bearings, to the point that
they are hard (or in two cases impossible) to seperate. The
chasis only accepts 72mm wheels.
_Comments:_
Other than the problems with the frame and the stock equipment
I really like this skate. I used these to learn how to skate
in, so thy have taken quite a bit of punishment from falling
and such, but have held up well. I would recommend these to
someone looking for an all-purpose mid-range skate. Look to
upgrade the wheels and axels sooner than later.
_Rating:_ 7
Reviewer: Dominic ()
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Bauer
_Model:_ Hx/s 1996
_Purchase Price:_ A$399
_Store:_ BladeWorx (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ /
_Used for how long:_ 4 months
_Pros:_
Really comfy liner (Clarino), sturdy frame, good for hockey,
tucks away the laces and stick-out part of the buckle thing
nicely
_Cons:_
Terrible for grinding. Could do with better stock wheels, and
more ankle support
_Comments:_
good if you like hockey but don't want a stiched leather boot,
so you can use it on ramps.
_Rating:_ 7
Reviewer: Bieu (bieu@express.ca)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Bauer
_Model:_ Pro Comps 1996
_Purchase Price:_ $369 CDN
_Store:_ SportMart (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ National Chain, 604-
_Purchase Date:_ 04/1996
_Used for how long:_ 3 months
_Pros:_
The '96 version of the Pro Comp in Canada was released with
TwinCam ABEC-5 bearings, and 76mm wheels. Excellent fitting
hockey skate, very responsive with aluminum chasis. Better than
my CCM 555 Pumps
_Cons:_
Very stiff with Carbon fibre reenforcing, took a little longer
to break in. Not cheap.
_Comments:_
If you have the bucks to spare these really are the best roller
hockey skates that I have used, and I have tried many different
pairs. They are a little more expensive than most skates, but
when you check out the feature set, ABEC-5, 76mm Hyper wheels,
7000 aluminum chasis, they are well worth the price.
_Rating:_ 9.5 - 10
Reviewer: Amy Ryan (ryan@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Bauer
_Model:_ XS5 (street skates)
_Purchase Price:_ $129.99 first new pair, $ 30.00 second used pair
_Store:_ Johnston's Sporting Goods / Pelican Ski and Pool Shop (local
store)
_Location/Phone:_ University Ave., Champaign IL / Route 22 , East
Brunswick, NJ,
_Purchase Date:_ 07/1993
_Used for how long:_ Just over a year
_Pros:_
made in small sizes** in the 1993 line decent wheels (hypers
72mm 78A dur.) rockerability (3 wheel model.. front and back
move horizontally, middle goes up and down) brake foot is
swappable for lefties and righties comes with 72 mm wheel, can
hold upto 76 mm with the rockers adjusted
_Cons:_
1994 line doesn't come in very small sizes NMB bearings.. not
exactly quick slow skates. all laces new bauer brakes wear out
easily
_Comments:_
I added a top buckle for ~$25 dollars. this was a tremendous
improvement on the skate. I also added a hopup kit, speed
increase was incredible the smaller sizes (atleast I purchased
a second pair of these skates because the chassis of the first
pair cracked by the front wheel. Although, the first skates
broke, I still feel confident in Bauer and bought an identical
pair. I am sending the first pair in to be looked at by Bauer.
They said they may be able to replace the broken chassis. If
you are buying ANY skates, please look carefully at the chassis
before purchasing it. Remember you need a stronger chassis for
grinds, slides and jumps than you do for casual skating. My
rating for these skates hasn't changed because of this problem.
_Rating:_ 8 for regular skates, 9 for small feeted persons
Reviewer: ()
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Bauer
_Model:_ f3
_Purchase Price:_
_Store:_ (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ none/none
_Used for how long:_
_Pros:_
_Cons:_
_Comments:_
_Rating:_
Reviewer: Dave Warfield (dwarfield@ea.com)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ CCM
_Model:_ 95 Sears Special
_Purchase Price:_ $59 (cdn)
_Store:_ Sears (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ Metrotown, Burnaby,
_Purchase Date:_ 12/1995
_Used for how long:_ 3 months
_Pros:_
It was cheap and got me started, didn't have to rent or borrow
anymore. They will look good when I trade them in.
_Cons:_
The rivets through the bottom of the boot were uncomfortable as
hell, and I had to make a special foam insert to stand in them
for more than 10 minutes. The cheap (not even rated) Bearings
are already blown, even in the first few weeks I slowed down
going down a hill. The wheels mount to plastic, and it feels
like it flexes when turning sharp.
_Comments:_
Uses bearings that have a spacer as part of the bearing, so to
replace them with ABEC bearings, you have to buy a new axle
kit.
_Rating:_ 4
Reviewer: Jim Kiraly (kiraly@cse.utoledo.edu)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ CCM
_Model:_ RH555 Tacks
_Purchase Price:_ $260
_Store:_ Tam-O-Shanter (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ Sylvania, Ohio,
_Purchase Date:_ 07/1994
_Used for how long:_ since July 31, 1994
_Pros:_
Reebok Insta-Pump, provides a nice firm fit around the ankle.
All lace. Stock Equipment: Kryptonics Tri-Spoked core, 72mm/82A
Powerplay Wheels German GMN ABEC-3 bearings Non-threaded
aluminum spacers. Small headed axel bolts. Aluminum frame
spacers. Slightly rockered frame nylon/glass-reinforced frame.
The frame is easily removable for easy maintanence. Frames will
take 82mm wheels.
_Cons:_
Axle holes in the frame will not allow for axel kits such as
the Hyper Hop Up Kit to be used. The frame is non-adjustable
(rockered/unrockered).
_Comments:_
I like these a lot. I would recommend these skates for anyone
looking into rec/hockey skates.
_Rating:_ 9.5
Reviewer: Marty Gold (mgold@smtplink.mssm.edu)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ K2
_Model:_ Extreme Workout
_Purchase Price:_ $300
_Store:_ Emilio's Ski Shops (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ 112-32 Queens Blvd., Flushing, NY, 718-544-0404
_Purchase Date:_ 06/1994
_Used for how long:_ 6 weeks/200+ miles
_Pros:_
1 - A reasonably priced entry-level racing skate with the
addition of the 5th wheel. 2 - Can be used with only 4 wheels
which is helpful when getting used to the longer frame (5th
wheel can be added later). 3 - The sneaker-like construction
(no liner, padding and boot are one piece) provides added
comfort especially when utilized as a cross-training skate. Yet
solid construction provides greater ankle support than other
racing skates. 4 - Combined laces and upper buckle closure
allows greater adjustability. 5 - Heel brake can be worn on
either left or right skate by moving bracket. 6 - Axle is the
screw type which prevents over-tightening.
_Cons:_
1 - Skate is on the heavy side, especially with the addition of
the fifth wheel (wheel, axle, spacers and bearings. 2 - The
heel brake and bracket are long and can be clumsy when
attempting cross-overs. 3 - The brake is extremely soft and
requires frequent replacement. My first replacement was
necessary after approx. 5 weeks. When speaking with K2 they
informed me that the break was designed soft to provide extra
stopping power. 4 - The bearings were ABEC-1, for the price one
would expect 3's 5 - The buckles/laces have a tendency to
loosen up once in a while. skating. (Laces are unwaxed-nylon
and can be replaced with waxed to hold better) 6 - The axles
are removed via an allen/hex key (provided) but while
attempting to reposition the wheels to accommodate the fifth
wheel the key caused the screw-head to round out requiring a
new axle.
_Comments:_
At the time of this writing, replacement parts had not yet been
shipped to local dealers due to backlog, but K2 was very
accommodating about mailing the replacement parts directly to
me. I would like to stress the comfort aspect of this skate. I
have been preparing for a long-distance marathon, skating on
average of 20 miles a day/6 days a week and have found the
skates to be extremely comfortable and provide strong ankle
support. Although, I have been considering the addition of
ankle straps since road workouts are stressful on the ankles
(potholes, traffic, etc.).
Description: mid-cuff 4 wheel skate convertible to 5 wheels
with the purchase of additional axle and wheel assembly.
Wheels: Hyper Wheels: Cross-Trainers X-360 [77.5MM], Durometer
78-A Bearings: Twincam ABEC-1, Serviceable Spacers: Aluminum
Frame: Glass composite
_Rating:_ 8
Reviewer: Nick Bargnesi (nbargnes@zoo.uvm.edu)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ K2
_Model:_ Fatty
_Purchase Price:_ $240
_Store:_ Skirack (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ Main Street Burlington, VT 05405,
_Purchase Date:_ 11/1996
_Used for how long:_
_Pros:_
_THESE ARE THE BEST AGGRESSIVE SKATES I'VE EVER USED. IN
COMPARISON TO ARGON (OXYGEN) OR FRONTSIDES (BAUER) THERE
LITEWEIGHT AND SO PHUN TO HAVE ON YOUR FEET...
Cons:_
$240.00 IS A BIT EXPENSIVE...
_Comments:_
BUY THESE!
_Rating:_ 9.7
Reviewer: Evan Ludeman (ludeman@gate.net)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ K2
_Model:_ VO2 Max
_Purchase Price:_ $249
_Store:_ (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ 07/1996
_Used for how long:_ one week (~55 miles)
_Pros:_
These skates are comfortable, fast and quiet. The quality of
components and materials is quite good, as expected in this
price range. Mid height boot/cuff allows more freedom of
movement than most rec skates, but still provides adequate
ankle support for intermediate skaters. Traditional heel brake
works well (and quietly), although the early indications are
that K2 brakes won't last as well as RB. Standard equipment
includes Hyper cross fit 77.5mm/78A wheels and Twin Cam abec 3
bearings with detachable shields.
_Cons:_
These skates really deserve a better name!! The wheelbase could
also stand to be about 1/2" longer for extra stability at the
speeds these skates so willingly provide. The reduced ankle
support of this skate compared to most rec skates may expose
weaknesses in your form initially.
_Comments:_
The K2 soft boot is an interesting alternative to more
traditional hard shell skates. They work really well for
certain people and applications, but as usual, your mileage may
vary.
_Rating:_ 9
Reviewer: ()
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ K2
_Model:_ fatty
_Purchase Price:_
_Store:_ (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ /
_Used for how long:_
_Pros:_
_Cons:_
_Comments:_
_Rating:_
Reviewer: andy berg (dons84928s@aol.com)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ K2
_Model:_ k2 fatty/1996
_Purchase Price:_ $269.00
_Store:_ boulder ski deals (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ pearl street in boulder CO, (303)-???-????
_Purchase Date:_ /1996
_Used for how long:_ 2 1/2 months
_Pros:_
verry COMFORTABLE good bearings big soul spot VERRY
comfortable!
_Cons:_
_Comments:_
_Rating:_
Reviewer: Bill Smith (mugwump@magicnet.net)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Oxygen
_Model:_ 1995 KR .05
_Purchase Price:_ 169.00
_Store:_ University Surf & Skate (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ 02/1996
_Used for how long:_ 4 months
_Pros:_
Great intermediate level skate. For the novice skater, it
provides a higher level of control and more feel of the wheels
than an entry level skate without demanding expert balance and
technique. The buckles work very well. With the addition of a
high quality spacer, they have been quite quick, even with the
stock 72mm78As. Replacing the stock wheels with Adrenaline 78As
has really helped, too, both in speed and maneuverability.
_Cons:_
The PBS (Power Braking System) is not all that effective and
takes up a lot of space at the back of the skate. The braking
system is also far noisier than any other I've used, which can
be good or bad, depending if you need to warn people you're
coming. The shells hold the ankle and foot nicely, but I did
have quite a few blisters from the liner at first, particularly
at the top just above the strap. I wrapped my lower leg in an
Ace bandage, and it was no problem after that. I've also had
problems with my big toes pressing the liner through the
airvent, resulting in some unpleasant sore spots.
_Comments:_
I like these skates a lot, although they are not what I would
call comfortable. I wouldn't want to go on 20 mile skate trips
in them, but for 5-6 miles they're great. Compared to the
others I've tried in the same price range, they've been
terrific.
_Rating:_ 6-7
Reviewer: mAd HaTtEr ()
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Oxygen
_Model:_ AR 3.1
_Purchase Price:_ 199.99
_Store:_ Go Skate (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ 01/1996
_Used for how long:_ 7 months
_Pros:_
Very durable shell,it comes with soul and regular grind plates
it is one of the best aggersive inline skates i have ever used
(which is alot at least two pairs a year. I have been using
mine for 7 months and still in great condition.als it comes
with Kryptonoic Boulders and abec 3 bearings. Also very
cofromtible
_Cons:_
NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE
_Comments:_
_Rating:_ 11
Reviewer: Ron Jovellanos ()
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Oxygen
_Model:_ Kr 1.1 1996
_Purchase Price:_ $230
_Store:_ Chris T Sports (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ Philippines,
_Purchase Date:_ 04/1996
_Used for how long:_ 5 months
_Pros:_
Everything was great with this skate. Looks great, works great,
feels great. Even though I bought a pair which was two sizes
bigger than my shoe size ('coz it was the only pair available
in the store and perhaps in this country for that matter), it
never felt uncomfortably large for me. The ventilation and the
liner has been the most comfortable I've ever tried. Equipped
with 78mm 78A Hyper Shocks and NMB ABEC-5 bearings with
aluminum spacers -- perfect equipment. I skate from 2 to as
much as 5 hours on this without my feet feeling tired or hot.
AutoRock option also a plus, and so is the removable aluminum
frame. Nice titanium gray color -- looks menacingly serious. It
sets the skate apart from the multicolored recreational and
cross-training skates in the industry. MAKE MINE OXYGEN.
_Cons:_
Power Braking System is noisy.
_Comments:_
Mr. Skerbinjek did excellent in this design. And the Customer
Service Dept. of Koflach Austria has been very approachable.
_Rating:_ 9.5
Reviewer: Keith Smith (ksmith@unix3.netaxs.com)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Oxygen
_Model:_ XE Jr.
_Purchase Price:_
_Store:_ (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ 01/1996
_Used for how long:_ 1 month
_Pros:_
The XE Jr, as the name implies, is a "junior" skate that comes
with 64mm standard-thickness junior wheels. It also has the
"power braking system" as do the adult skates made by Oxygen,
and also has a well-designed "memory closure system" with
latching buckles. This is a one piece frame/body design. It is
a very sporty looking skate. It is black with a blue-and-black
liner and red spoked wheels and red and yellow accents. The
size 21.5 skate, which is what I purchased, comes with two sets
of liners so in American sizes the boot is good for size 2 thru
3-1/2.
My overall impression is that this is a very well thought out
childrens' skate..... the best that I have seen so far. It is a
four wheel skate and due to its "unibody" design it is quite
low-slung, but will accept an unusually large wheel for a
kiddie skate. With the PBS brake removed, this skate will
accept a 72mm wheel with no problem. With the PBS brake in
place, the skate will accept a 68mm wheel w/o modification.
_Cons:_
The only downside that I can see to this otherwise wonderful
childrens' skate is the choice of bearings and bearing
alignment inserts (see drawing) chosen by the manufacturer. The
bearings are so-called precision bearings and have a larger
inside diameter than the typical abec-1's or abec-3's that you
are likely to want to replace them with. The problem is
compounded by the fact that the bearing alignment inserts are
sized to fit this larger-than-standard inside diameter.
_Comments:_
The short story here is if you wish to upgrade the bearings,
then you must replace the inserts too b/c the factory inserts
will not fit your replacement bearings. The good news is that
there are skates that use abec-rated bearings and have the same
spacer-and-insert wheel mounting system as the XE Jr. The CCM
Eagle and the Performance Attack are two examples that come to
mind. The bearing alignment inserts from either of these skates
are just the ticket when it is time to upgrade the XE Jr. with
better bearings. These inserts are available from Performance
Bicycle Shop for $0.50 each. I suspect that you can also get
them from a CCM dealer for a similar price. In my case, I used
the inserts from an old pair of Roller Derby Chargers. These
inserts make for a very snug fit in a set of Boss abec-3's, but
they do fit. I swapped the Oxygen bearings and inserts into the
Chargers (after cutting down the inserts with a utility knife
so they would fit the narrower wheels, of course).
crummy ascii drawing
++ +--------------+ ++
||---------+ | | +---------||
|| | | | | || bearing alignment
|| | | | | || insert (2)
||---------+ | | +---------||
++ +--------------+ ++
"floating" bearing
spacer
_Rating:_
Reviewer: Jack Mardack (mardack@inch.com)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Oxygen
_Model:_ Xenon 1.1
_Purchase Price:_ $155
_Store:_ (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ 6th Avenue & 8th St. in the Village, NYC,
_Purchase Date:_ 06/1996
_Used for how long:_ 1 month
_Pros:_
Pretty decent value, though I've seen it retail for as much as
$180. Good-looking skate. Highly adjustable fit. PBS brake
works fairly well.
_Cons:_
Boot is not articulated, so no ankle pivot is possible. Hard to
squat. Wheels wore out REAL fast,too fast evebn for 78's. Axle
nuts are held in place by nylon bushings which strip easily.
The brake/axle assembly is especially troublesome in this
regard. Strap clips have a tendency to fall out of the boot.
_Comments:_
Perhaps a good skate for the very occassional skater on a
budget. If Oxygen remedied the axle nut problem (which is
present in their entire line), I would rate the skate 2 points
higher.
_Rating:_ 5
Reviewer: ()
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Pro-Tec
_Model:_ Aggresive Helmet
_Purchase Price:_ $49.00
_Store:_ Got it from a friend (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ 11/1995
_Used for how long:_ 7 months
_Pros:_
This helmet is great, Im sure i could get get on the ground
bang my head at least 100 times on the concrete without any
injuries except whiplash and a tired neck
_Cons:_
NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONENONE
NONE NONE
_Comments:_
This helmet is great for aggro skating
_Rating:_ 10
Reviewer: Amy Ryan (eighmi@uiuc.edu)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Roces
_Model:_ FCO Jr. (Rome Jr.)
_Purchase Price:_ $80-100
_Store:_ Campus Skate Company (mail-order)
_Location/Phone:_ , 503-683-3516
_Purchase Date:_ 02/1995
_Used for how long:_ 3 Months
_Pros:_
made in small sizes one of the few small skates that hold 72mm
wheels with 4 wheels durable boot one buckle / lace setup
_Cons:_
Just plain lousy wheels to start (64mm 85A). Slow bearings
(unrated??) Not rockerable. slow skates.
_Comments:_
Though the wheels are bearings are slow and lousy to start on,
that can easily be fixed with new wheels, bearings, and a hopup
kit. this puts the skates closer to the $150 range. Not bad for
a small skate. Probably the best you can do in the 1995 line of
skates for small feet. (note i said small, not growing)
_Rating:_
Reviewer: Sergey Levin (slevin@telico.bioc.aecom.yu.edu)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Roces
_Model:_ MOW (Moscow)
_Purchase Price:_ $125
_Store:_ Roller King (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ Canal St X 6Ave, NY, NY,
_Purchase Date:_ 07/1994
_Used for how long:_ 1 year
_Pros:_
Very strong frame, very jumpy.
_Cons:_
Heavy. Could use better wheels
_Comments:_
_Rating:_ With original wheels-7 with new wheels 8
Reviewer: Matt Brock (valrock@ktc.com)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Roces
_Model:_ Street
_Purchase Price:_ $119.oo
_Store:_ Sun N' Ski Sports (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ 02/1996
_Used for how long:_ 6 weeks
_Pros:_
This skate is slightly heavy, comes with nice wheelss (Hyper
Dwarfs)) with upgrading it should be a pretty good skate
_Cons:_
It doesn't come with any rivet protection, for soul grinding,
although a soul grind plate can be bought for about 7$. The
frame seems to wear away when missing the grind plate and
lading on the front and middle wheels.
_Comments:_
This skate is a pretty good skate with some goog featurs and
bad features
_Rating:_ 7
Reviewer: Neural (neural@cafesurf.co.uk)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Roces
_Model:_ Street
_Purchase Price:_ �150.00 Uk
_Store:_ DAI lesuire (mail-order)
_Location/Phone:_ .., ..
_Purchase Date:_ 01/1996
_Used for how long:_ 6 months
_Pros:_
Cool wheels... Decent Sock... Don't crack when you land so you
don't go OshitOshitOshit... there goes another 150 :(
_Cons:_
Could do with a decent lightness, and be lower to the ground.
_Comments:_
_Rating:_ 7
Reviewer: J T ()
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Roces
_Model:_ Street
_Purchase Price:_ 65$
_Store:_ Scheels (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ /
_Used for how long:_ 3 months
_Pros:_
There light confortable and easy to grind with
_Cons:_
There is none other than there a little heavy but you have to
be a man and jump higher
_Comments:_
THERE THE BEST SKATES YOU CAN BY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROCES ARE
NUMBER ONE
_Rating:_ 10
Reviewer: Phil Tooley (dtooley@cbcc.bcwan.net)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Roces
_Model:_ Street (96)
_Purchase Price:_ $179.95
_Store:_ Rollerwarehouse (mail-order)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ 07/1996
_Used for how long:_ 3 weeks
_Pros:_
This skate is fairly cheap, has a pretty good soul size, and is
a great skate for ramps and rails.
_Cons:_
The grind plates are not that good, middle wheels are too big.
_Comments:_
If you buy these skates I suggest that you get Randy
"roadhouse" Spizer wheels for the middle and Senate metal
wrenches grind plates.
_Rating:_ 9
Reviewer: Phil Tooley (dtooley@cbcc.bcwan.net)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Roces
_Model:_ Street (96)
_Purchase Price:_ $179.95
_Store:_ Rollerwarehouse (mail-order)
_Location/Phone:_ ,
_Purchase Date:_ 07/1996
_Used for how long:_ 3 weeks
_Pros:_
This skate has a fairly cheap price, a pretty good soul size,
and is a great skate for ramps and rails.
_Cons:_
The grind plates are not that good, and the middle wheels are
too big for grinding good.
_Comments:_
If you buy this skate I would suggest that you get Randy
"roadhouse" Spizer 47mm wheels for the middle and Senate metal
wrenches grind plates. (this is what i've got for them).
_Rating:_ 9
Reviewer: Ana & Rick Langlois (rickjl@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu)
_Product Type:_ skate
_Brand:_ Roller Derby
_Model:_ BX 5000
_Purchase Price:_ $149.00 + tax, (U.S.)
_Store:_ MC Mages Sporting goods (local store)
_Location/Phone:_ Chicago, IL,
_Purchase Date:_ 03/1994
_Used for how long:_ 12 weeks
_Pros:_
Comfortable fit, quality construction and components. Large
brake, good styling, fast, GREAT price.
_Cons:_
Boot shell not hinged. Some may not like the black w/pink color
scheme.
_Comments:_
Very, very good skate for the price.
*BOOT*
\ ______ /
\ \____/
_Rating:_
9
Reviewer: Robert Schmunk (pcrxs@nasagiss.giss.nasa.gov)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
1994 Aeroblade w/ABT
_Purchase Price:_
$299 - 10% NYRSA discount + 8.25% NYC sales tax
_Store:_
Blades Second Ave. (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
New York, NY.,
_Purchase Date:_
12/1994
_Used for how long:_
1 month, avg 3 times per week
_Pros:_
Compared to my 1993 Lightning TRSes, lighter in weight, vented,
and holds larger wheels. All of this means that the Aeros are a
*lot* faster, and even when I'm standing still, I almost feel
like dancing around.
The three-buckle system allows quicker entry and exit, handy
during shopping or other intermittent non-skate activity. I now
consider myself an advocate of buckles in the buckles-vs-laces
argument, provided one is not engaged in radical skating activity
which might destroy the buckles.
The pump used to inflate the liner for a snugger fit around the
heel seems fairly useful, although once I'm out on the road, I
don't particularly notice whether I "pumped up" or not.
_Cons:_
I removed the ABT brake before I took the skates out for the first
time, so I can't comment on how (non)useful it might be. However, just
trying the skates out in the store, the ABT mounting got in the way
when I tried some forward/sideways/backwards transitions. I skate
brakeless, but two friends of mine who also got Aeros in the past
month, have replaced the ABTs with the brakes from their older
Rollerblades. (Give Rollerblade credit for not re-designing this
capability out of the skate.) New skaters probably won't even
realize that there's a "problem".
The frames aren't as rigid as on my TRSes and seem to be putting a
little sideways pressure on the axle of the second wheel (from the
front) so that those the axles put up a small fight when you're
trying to remove them for wheel rotation.
After the second day of skating on the new skates, I had one bearing
start to lock up on me. I had skated for about five blocks on a
slightly moist street on that second day, but all the other bearings
were okay, so I can't quite decide if it was a bad bearing from the
get-go or just bad luck.
The Aeros are definitely narrower than my old TRSes, so that people
with wide feet may find them unwearable. (Macroblades seem to be
even narrower, but I understand that Bravoblades are a bit wider.)
I've had a little trouble around the bottom of the rear half of my
feet, but this seems to come and go depending on if I've been dinking
around with the liner.
After one month of mixed slalom and street skating (no stair bashing
or curb grinding), one of the stock (77mm/78A) wheels is showing
signs it will come apart *very* soon and I have ordered my first of
replacement wheels (80mm/82A).
_Comments:_
An excellent skate for slalom skating and for tooling about town,
especially group skate activities, in which I found they make a
noticeable difference in whether you're at the front or back of
the pack. Also a good exercise skate for those who have not moved
up to 5-wheel or long-frame 4-wheel skates.
There are a few features which suggest that they could not handle
serious abuse (note my comment above about the non-rigid frame),
but they can apparently sustain quite a bit, as I have one friend
who does occasional stair bashing and curb grinding in his 1992
or 1993 version of this model.
Be sure to test out the pump system thorughly when purchasing a
pair, as one friend who purchased a pair found that one local
store had several pairs with one or both pumps somehow screwed up.
My rating below would be a 9/10 if I hadn't had to replace a
bearing and my wheels so soon.
Two months after writing the above review, I would like to note
that I have grown to increasingly depend on the pump heel-
retention feature. These days, my heels feel naked and the skates
feel just a little sloppy unless I have given each side 3 pumps
before I hit the road. I've heard complaints about other heel-
retention systems, but this this one. So upgrade my rating from
8 to 9.
_Rating:_
8
Reviewer: Jeff Gebler (DX2000@aol.com)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
1995 Macroblade
_Purchase Price:_
$180
_Store:_
Sportmart (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
Calumet City IL,
_Purchase Date:_
01/1996
_Used for how long:_
a couple of days
_Pros:_
Good liner, wheels, boot, frame and bearings.
_Cons:_
Plastic spacers
_Comments:_
I changed the wheels and bearing after a couple of uses
to Fatboy whells and ABEC-1 bearings because I didn't want to mess up the
wheels and bearing that came with the skates. (the road still have salt and
water on them from the winter)
_Rating:_
9.5
Reviewer: Mike Letourneau (letour@lenti.med.umn.edu)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
Boxcar '95 or'96
_Purchase Price:_
$180
_Store:_
Maseys (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
Off Vetrerens in Meterie LA,
_Purchase Date:_
04/1996
_Used for how long:_
2 mouths
_Pros:_
soild boot,good wheel setup for grinding
_Cons:_
wheels too hard for street
_Comments:_
cheap
_Rating:_
8.5
Reviewer: Jeremy (rainorwb@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
Bravoblade GL (93?)
_Purchase Price:_
160
_Store:_
sport chek (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
,
_Purchase Date:_
12/1993
_Used for how long:_
3 years
_Pros:_
-Memory buckles
-killer liner
_Cons:_
frame dosen't accomadate grind plates (my frame is now trash)
i guess they're pretty good. i don't think it's worth to spend that
extra bit to get the GLX, but don't cheap out and get the regular Bravoblades.h
e
_Comments:_
very comfortable once they're broken in
_Rating:_
excellent
Reviewer: Joao Paulo Nabais (Jpn@mail.telepac.pt)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
Bravoblade GL 96
_Purchase Price:_
$200
_Store:_
Benetton Sports systems (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
Lisbon,
_Purchase Date:_
11/1995
_Used for how long:_
9 months
_Pros:_
As a beginner I quite enjoyed the ABT brake, nevertheless it should be taken of
f
after a few months to allow a further evolution of one's skating techniques.
The brake is very durable and doesn't wear out easily, actually, so as the whee
ls
The ABEC 1 Bearings are very good and need little maintenance.
_Cons:_
The plastic boot is very easily scratched, perhaps a nylon one should be more
appropriate.
Another con is definitly its weight when compared with recent K2 Skates.
_Comments:_
Great skates to start, the ABT brake gave me a good control when I knew little
of inline skating. As I mentioned before its weight makes jumps somewhat
harder. My final conclusion is that I'm quite happy with them. Nonetheless
I'm planning on buying a K2 top product.
_Rating:_
7-8
Reviewer: Joao Paulo Nabais (Jpn@mail.telepac.pt)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
Bravoblade GL 96
_Purchase Price:_
$200
_Store:_
Benetton Sports systems (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
Lisbon,
_Purchase Date:_
11/1995
_Used for how long:_
9 months
_Pros:_
As a beginner I quite enjoyed the ABT brake, nevertheless it should be taken of
f
after a few months to allow a further evolution of one's skating techniques.
The brake is very durable and doesn't wear out easily, actually, so as the whee
ls
The ABEC 1 Bearings are very good and need little maintenance.
_Cons:_
The plastic boot is very easily scratched, perhaps a nylon one should be more
appropriate.
Another con is definitly its weight when compared with recent K2 Skates.
_Comments:_
Great skates to start, the ABT brake gave me a good control when I knew little
of inline skating. As I mentioned before its weight makes jumps somewhat
harder. My final conclusion is that I'm quite happy with them. Nonetheless
I'm planning on buying a K2 top product.
_Rating:_
7-8
Reviewer: Eric Lundberg (elundber@ucsd.edu)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
Bravoblade GLX (96)
_Purchase Price:_
$198 + tax and tip :-)
_Store:_
Play It Again Sports (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
By Mira Mesa and 15 in San Diego, ???-????
_Purchase Date:_
05/1996
_Used for how long:_
Couple of months
_Pros:_
Fit me well, _and_ they came in my size 12.5 (shoe) Which an unfortunate numbe
r of skates don't. (Or at least are not stocked locally) Vented, and the pair
I got came with 76mm wheels instead of the 72mms which I saw in the same model
at the other stores I looked at. They take up to a 77mm I think. Came with ABE
C 1 rocks and are pretty light. I like the ABT brake as you can stop _fast_ ev
en while hauling ass.
_Cons:_
Better Bearing spacers, but then again most off the shelf models could use em..
.
_Comments:_
When I first started wearing them the middle outside edge of my feet felt sorta
constricted (dead), but I think this is more due to myself not wearing anythin
g on my feet besides overly large beat up van-like shoes for years, and I'm not
used to the confinement. The problem is no longer with me, as I've worn them
in pretty well know. Another thing to remember is that they are vented, which
is nice as they are cool and makes them light. And since they are pretty light
it easy to hop things in them. However they are a rec skate and I don't think
they will stand up to the kind of beating that trick skating would give them.
Though maybe if you got a hop up kit you could use them that way.
_Rating:_
A contented nine out of ten.
Reviewer: Marianne Sedacki (MareS1@aol.com)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
CoolBlade
_Purchase Price:_
$249
_Store:_
Sportmart (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
Rte 45 (LaGrange Rd), Orland Park, IL ,
_Purchase Date:_
06/1994
_Used for how long:_
June 9, 1994
_Pros:_
3 buckles--good fit. Vented boot--niice. 80A hardness on the wheels that came
with--perfect hardness for me. ABT brake easy
for beginners, didn't feel like I was going to fall down when
braking. I like the fit...after I broke them in, that is. The ABT
brake is good for beginner's, altho many fellow skaters complain
that the ABT is a money making gimmick--I've tried the regular brake
and I prefer the ABT. The vented boot is nice for those very warm
days, altho it isn't as wonderful as walking in sandals! :)
_Cons:_
The ABT brake sometimes gets in the way doing backwards cross-overs with the br
aking boot. The ABT brake can be cumbersome when doing any maintenance on the
wheels.
_Comments:_
Overall I'm quite happy with my investment.
_Rating:_
8.5
Reviewer: John Kealy (jpkealy@ix.netcom.com)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
Fusion
_Purchase Price:_
around $250
_Store:_
(local store)
_Location/Phone:_
,
_Purchase Date:_
none/none
_Used for how long:_
5 months
_Pros:_
Long frame allows for longer strides
Stock wheels are 77mm and can upgrade to 80mm
Incredible flex between cuff and boot
Soft comfortable liners
Adjustable frame for lateral adjustments
Comes with Blackhole Killer Bees ABEC 3 bearings
Direct vents that keep the feet fairly cool
ABT brake comes with a micro-adjustment dial for different level of skaters and
different terrains (ie. big hills)
Can purchase the skate in womans sizes that come with a lower and wider cuff to
accomidate her lower calf muscles
Shell wraps around entire foot and prevents that pinching feeling that you get
from other skates
_Cons:_
Cuff is a little too high
_Comments:_
This is great skate for anyone who truly enjoys in-line skating.
The Fusion has allowed me to go from general rec skating to serious cross-train
ing without having to change or adjust anything.
I would not use this skate for any aggressive skating like hockey and stunts, b
ut it will allow you to do anything else.
_Rating:_
9.5
Reviewer: D. James Stein (stein.3@osu.edu)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
Lightning
_Purchase Price:_
$147.95
_Store:_
Play It Again Sports (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
?, ?
_Purchase Date:_
03/1996
_Used for how long:_
Three months
_Pros:_
Outstanding skate for the price. Light, comfy. Lotsa add-ons (rail guards, etc.
) Extremely durable.
_Cons:_
No vents -> air flow is not very good. Straps can't be tightened a lot without
significant ankle constriction. Hard to clean some spots. Foot pad slips around
sometimes and it's hard to keep it flat when you're putting your foot in.
_Comments:_
I *love* these skates. I enjoyed them so much that three friends bought the sam
e exact pair of skates in the next month. The pros far outweigh the cons.
_Rating:_
8.9
Reviewer: Scott Weintraub (scottw@wam.umd.edu)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
Lightning TRS
_Purchase Price:_
$180
_Store:_
Herman's Sporting Goods (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
,
_Purchase Date:_
11/1993
_Used for how long:_
9 months
_Pros:_
Incredibly durable. Most accesseries are made to fit it. Priced nicely. Great
for almost any kind of skating: street, vert, hockey, recreation/fitness, tr
ansportation, etc.
_Cons:_
A little heavy, but not too heavy. Fits well, but not as well as some of the ot
her skates on the market. Kinda ugly. A friend of mine owns a pair of '94s an
d I noticed that the plastic between the wheels is a little thinner. Looks lik
e Rollerblade, Inc. cut back a little bit.
_Comments:_
The Lightning TRS comes with rather low-grade components (ABEC-1 bearings, pla
stic rockers, no hop-up kit) but you're really paying for the durable boot and
frame. The bearings, axels, and rockers can all be easily upgraded. So, if yo
u put a little more money into them, they can potentially be one of the best
skates out there. If you want to get into street or vert skating,
this skate has pretty much become the industry standard (Although
two new skates, the Tarmac CE from Rollerblade and the Moscow Ramp
from Roces, might change that). If you want to get into hockey, this
is a fantastic, low-budget skate to look into. It sure can take a
beating.
_Rating:_
For street/vert: 9 For hockey: 8
For recreation/fitness/transportation: 7
Reviewer: Timothy Chen (babyduck@medisg.Stanford.EDU)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
Macroblade Equipes
_Purchase Price:_
_Store:_
Nuvo Colors (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
San Mateo, CA,
_Purchase Date:_
06/1994
_Used for how long:_
'bout a year
_Pros:_
Easy in, convenient carrying straps, easy out, high ankle support
_Cons:_
High ankle support prevents you from doing high jumps... at least for me. Ther
e are also kind of heavy, and cannot accelerate as quickly as other blades I've
noticed.
_Comments:_
Great Blades, love 'em.
_Rating:_
9
Reviewer: Khairul Khalifah (khalifah@studsys.mscs.mu.edu)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
Powerblade 1994
_Purchase Price:_
US$179
_Store:_
Tres Bon Blades (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
11029 N. Pt Washington Rd 13W Mequon, WI, 414 241 1194
_Purchase Date:_
06/1995
_Used for how long:_
I year
_Pros:_
The boot is very comfortable, with lots of genuine leather and anti-abrasion pa
nels all round. Very durable. Also, the tongue portion is adequately padded to
enhance fit. The spokeless Rollerblade HPH 81A wheels are heavy, but long lasti
ng. Comes with serviceable Killer Bees bearings.
Powerblade is now known as the '96 Enforcer.
_Cons:_
As with most stitched leather boots, Powerblade takes a while to break-in. The
non-marking hardware (i.e. plastic coated axle nuts) scrape the pavement easily
during hard turns because they jut out from the frame too much.
Would've been better if the comfy boots came with aluminum frames instead of th
e same glass-filled nylon jobs used on rec/aggro skates such as Lightnings.
_Comments:_
_Rating:_
8.7
Reviewer: William W. Thigpen - RC (thigpen@pioneer.arc.nasa.gov)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
Racerblade
_Purchase Price:_
N/A
_Store:_
Rollerblade (Blade for Breath award) (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
,
_Purchase Date:_
03/1993
_Used for how long:_
I skate between 50 and 200 miles/week year round
_Pros:_
There are a number of things I like about this skate, however,
I've only had the TRS's to compare them against. I like to commute on skates
(12.5 miles each way), so I need a skate that is comfortable and has good
speed to it. From the first time I put on the Racerblades, I was able to go
several hours in them. I upgraded the bearings to bones and upgraded the axle
system... before I used them the first time, so I can't speak to the off the
shelf quality of the running gear. For me, the brake is an important feature
and it seems like most five wheel skates don't have that as an option. I'm
still working on my form, so I'm not very competitive in races yet, however,
I did notice a significant differance on who I could keep up with on these
skates. They hold a good line on downhill portions with no wobble. Overall, I
like these skates and would recommend them.
_Cons:_
They are a little heavy, you can't change the position of the
frame, and they are a little high on the ankle
_Comments:_
I think that this is a good entry level race skate,
however, I am already ancy to upgrade to a different skate...I guess you
could say that 5000 miles is enough for any skate, however, my wife thinks
under two years is not long enough.
_Rating:_
9.5
Reviewer: Steve Chew (schew01@barney.poly.edu)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
Spiritblade 1996
_Purchase Price:_
99.95
_Store:_
NYC Skate (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
,
_Purchase Date:_
05/1996
_Used for how long:_
4 months
_Pros:_
The huge front and side vents keeps your feet dry even after hours of skating.
They are very light. The softer wheels make the ride easier. It uses a brake
pad that is available in many stores. Two straps make the skates easy to get o
n and off. It's pretty strong considering its a vented boot. Comes with ABEC-
1 serviceable bearings. The boot is comfortable and not too narrow. Great loo
king shell. Low price. The screws for the axle are grooved to prevent over-ti
ghtening. You get an even tightness for all the wheels.
_Cons:_
The shiny boot looses its shine after a couple of days out in the sun. The she
ll is made of soft materials. Crashes and impacts with benches and curbs resul
t in deep grooves and scratches on the boot. The hook used to hold the liner i
n place sometimes gets caught with the liner after jumping or doing stunts, mak
ing it necessary to sit down and straighten out the liner.
_Comments:_
Overall, this is a very good skate for beginners and intermediate skaters. I h
aven't had problems jumping (low heights) or doing stunts on these blades. You
might consider buying some aluminum spacers to replace the plastic spacers. I
t makes blading more fun and less tiring.
_Rating:_
8
Reviewer: Adam Hickey (explosion@earthlink.net)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
TarMac CE '96
_Purchase Price:_
$230
_Store:_
Tourque Center (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
,
_Purchase Date:_
03/1996
_Used for how long:_
4 months
_Pros:_
-Very comfortable when the boot molded to your foot.
-EXTREMELY DURABLE. Never had a problem with them.
-Came with good wheels (Black Hole Fat Free)
-Good bearings (A-BEC 3)
-Power Strap for extra support
_Cons:_
-At first the boot is very stiff and feels bad for a few days.
-Power Strap rips easily
-Plasic spacers
-Didnt like metal grind plate
_Comments:_
I told you just about everything I know about the skates
_Rating:_
9.7
Reviewer: Marco Zamboni (zamboni@tech.chem.ethz.ch)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
Tarmac /CE '95
_Purchase Price:_
350 000 Lit
_Store:_
Longoni (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
Barzano (Como) - Italy,
_Purchase Date:_
06/1996
_Used for how long:_
2 months
_Pros:_
very confortable
absoluty good wheels (Hyper 56/88)
power straps included
interior laces
_Cons:_
powerr straps can go kaputt very fast, after some bad grinds
grind plate is in unusable (for me)
_Comments:_
changing the grind plate with a teflon one
_Rating:_
8
Reviewer: Caesar Primus (cprimus@clam.rutgers.edu)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Rollerblade
_Model:_
VTX 5000
_Purchase Price:_
$145
_Store:_
Local sports chain (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
,
_Purchase Date:_
04/1995
_Used for how long:_
4 months
_Pros:_
+ Memory Closure System outstanding; once set, never have to
worry about finding the proper tightness, like with laces
+ Comfort, comfort, comfort
+ Feels like putting on your shoes/sneakers
+ solid construction; feels and looks sturdy
_Cons:_
_Comments:_
I've worn/tried on other skates and this feels as
if it were made for me; easy to put on and take off, I'd recommend these with
no reservations or hesitation; if one can purchase them on sale (as I did), do
it!
_Rating:_
10
Reviewer: Kenneth Wong (Art40247@leonis.nus.sg)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Spoga
_Model:_
Turbine
_Purchase Price:_
$200
_Store:_
Gallen Sports (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
,
_Purchase Date:_
02/1995
_Used for how long:_
1 month
_Pros:_
Zytel Dupont frame (bloody tuff frame)
SKF ABEC-5 bearings (Made in Italy)
Rockering capability
Very thick and tuff inner boot
Can be converted from 3-buckle to lace and ankle buckle or just laces
_Cons:_
Rather heavy
Buckles may apply too much pressure on some parts of foot (ouch)
Frame is not rigid enough for stunts.
_Comments:_
This blade may not be available in some places. In Singapore , it's
marketed under the Spoga brand but I don't know about overseas. It's
still called the Turbine no matter which label they use cos only one
company produces it. The Turbine is NOT a serious stunt blade but it can
take hell of a thrashing. The ABEC-5 bearings may not seem fast at first
but after wearing it in for 1 week, they spun like crazy. The inner boot
is very cushy and hasn't flattened out on me yet. The unique frame design
allows the user a lot of options and is good for recreational, speed and
even hockey. Has good alue for money.
_Rating:_
8.5
Reviewer: Morten Nissov (mn@emi.dtu.dk)
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
Ultra Wheels
_Model:_
Millenium 96
_Purchase Price:_
2100 dkr
_Store:_
Surf og Ski (local store)
_Location/Phone:_
Gentofte, Denmark,
_Purchase Date:_
05/1996
_Used for how long:_
1 month
_Pros:_
+ Good fit especially for wide feet.
+ Large wheels (80 mm Hyper).
+ Good bearings (Twincam TK ABEC 5).
+ Coolmax inner boot makes them moderate warm/cool.
+ Good brake: the DBS-XT brake which is a heigth and resistence
adjustable disc brake.
_Cons:_
+ Buckle design could be improved - if the buckle in the middle
is tightened to much the platic on the tongue of the inner
boot hurts the upper part of the foot.
+ The cooling could be better: a perforated sole (Fusion MX)
would be nice.
+ Shock absorption is missing, see the sorbothane treatment
below.
_Comments:_
A very good skate for a reasonable price. I consider the UW to be comparable to
K2 VO2max and Rollerblade Fusion MX in quality and somewhat cheaper. It was t
he only skate that my somewhat wide feet could fit comfortably into except for
the K2 VO2max which also fitted nicely (but I wanted a plastic boot so that I w
ould not ruin them by falling). And it accepts 82 mm wheels as far as I know.
I improved the fit by inserting sorbothane heel caps in the plastic boot: it ra
ised my heel a bit and made them just a bit more comfortable.
For fitness and cross training I will highly recommend it: good for many kilome
ters.
_Rating:_
9
Reviewer: ()
_Product Type:_
skate
_Brand:_
tecnica
_Model:_
_Purchase Price:_
_Store:_
(local store)
_Location/Phone:_
,
_Purchase Date:_
/
_Used for how long:_
_Pros:_
_Cons:_
_Comments:_
_Rating:_
_________________________________________________________________
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My personal rating: 1 to 10 (10 = Best)
Feel free to use non-integer ratings (5.6) or a range (6.5 to 7).
_________________________________________________________________
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Copyright � 1991-1996 Anthony D. Chen (adchen@skatefaq.com)
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Last Update March 27 2014 @ 02:12 PM
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