GUIDE TO SKATE SHOPPING
SKATES
There are two main types of roller skates (or quad skates) that you will see on our track. We refer to them as boot skates and derby skates.
Boot skates are typically recreational, just for fun! They have a high cut, longer laces, often include a heel and are typically sold with wheels suitable for the outdoors. Derby skates feature a low cut boot, a little extra padding, a larger toe stop and a strap to hold the skater’s foot in place. The type of skate you choose will simply be determined by the type of skating you wish to do.
For a proper guide to getting the right sized boot/skate, please check out lucky skates size guide
WHEELS
Wheels come in a range of sizes and hardness levels.
You will find size differences in the width and height of wheels, but the inner opening (for the bearing) will stay the same. This measurement is measured in millimetres and is indicated with the abbreviation ‘mm’. The most common derby wheel size is 62 mm, whereas the most common boot / outdoor wheel size is 65 mm.
The hardness of your wheels is listed as a number, followed by the letter A. The higher the number, the harder the wheel and the less grip it has. For indoor skating (like Skate Fit), a harder wheel (over 90A hardness) will give you more ‘roll’ on the smooth surface. For outdoor skating, a softer wheel (under 90A hardness) absorbs more shock on uneven surfaces and will give you more grip.
In case you’re not already confused, there is also a middle category of wheels called ‘hybrid’ – wheels that are marketed as being suitable for both indoor and outdoor skating. These wheels are usually around 85A hardness and used more on beginner skates. Once you have found your feet, we recommend switching to wheels that are most suitable for the type of skating you will be doing most often. Or, just switch your wheels if you are doing different types of skating.
The other thing for people to consider is their body size... in relation to the floor surface, generally skaters in larger/heavier bodies use harder wheels than those in smaller/lighter bodies on the same surface, but of course personal preference comes into it as well!
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
As much as we might not want to admit it, we spend a lot of time falling. So, doing it safely and properly protected is crucial! Let’s start from the head down.
Helmet: There are endless beautiful colours and patterns available (and always the option to personalise with your own stickers!) but our main advice here is get one that fits, and is comfortable. Brands to look out for are S1 and Triple 8, with the option for adding a visor if you plan to go on to play roller derby.
Mouth Guard: This is a non-negotiable on the track and must be worn from the moment you stand up on your skates. We use and recommend SISU Mouth Guards as they are very thin, very strong, easily moulded to the shape of your mouth and come in adult and youth sizes.
Elbow Pads: It might seem like a weird thing to be protecting, but if you take a fall and slide on an elbow, then skin burn is a very real possibility; not to mention a bruising or even broken bones. Most of our skaters wear 187 Killer Pads or Triple 8, but you should look for something that fits well, doesn’t slip and isn’t too tight.
Wrist Guards: Depending on whether you choose to progress to playing Roller Derby, your preference for wrist guards might change. Derby wrist guards are typically a little slimmer, as our skaters need to be able to brace against each other in a jam. For recreational skating, you want something that offers you as much protection as possible.
Knee Pads: We can give you brand recommendations until we are blue in the face (most of our skaters wear 187 Killer Pads or Triple 8) but the main thing you are looking for is padding and comfort. And padding.
Please also remember when buying elbow and knee pads they will be tight to start with, but they will stretch after a while.
You will need to cover your PPE with felt or Teflon to help prevent scratching the floors. Please make sure the whole cap is covered. Felt can be found at spotlight (self sticking) and Teflon tape at most skate stores: like Skate Society
Toe guards are also needed, these cover the toe of the boat, to protect the boat and the inside floors. These can be found at most skate shops. If you do not have a toe guard you can use a soft tape like Hockey tape or the felt you used on your PPE, just make sure the
SKATE RETAILERS
So you know what you want, where do you start looking?
We use and recommend Bayside Blades. It is worth taking the time to go down to their store and try items on in person. They will ensure you are correctly fitted and comfortable before walking (or skating!) out the door
Toe Stops.
For skate fit, we recommend using adjustable toe stops, as this makes it easier to stop on your toe stops at skate fit. If you have blot on toe stops you can still do these stops, it’s just a little more tricky because the blot on toe stops are high mounted and can not be lowered.