Advice for new skates for intermediate fitness skater

[metro_88]

Hello All,

I'm a 32-year-old male trying to get back in to trail and fitness skating after a summer off due to the birth of my first child.

I've skated for about twenty years and fitness skated for about five. I currently have a pair of Rollerblade Igniter 100s that I think are about the most comfortable skate I've worn, but are way, way worn out after five years and about 1,500 miles.

I'd get another pair, but I have two complaints about the Igniter 100s. First, they use 3x 100mm wheels and 1x 90mm wheel, which makes buying new wheels a pain (ideally I'd like a 4x100mm skate). Second, they do sometimes feel a bit heavy and hot, but again with the comfort they provide, maybe that's a necessary trade-off.

I skate about 300 miles per season here in Minnesota. I skate almost exclusively on outdoor trails with various impediments to get over (twigs, rocks, patches of really rough road crossings, dirt/debris on the trail) and do like to skate a race or two a year, but only for fun. I normally pace myself at about 14 MPH. I also have a slightly larger frame at 6' and about 205 lbs.

Oh, the other thing that bothers me about the Igniter skates, but is possibly something that could be remedied - if I tighten the axles too snugly, they seem to squeeze the bottom frame which then makes the bearings of the wheels rub on the frame. Only a quarter turn looser on the axles, though, makes them too loose and prone to come out while skating (yes this has happened). Maybe it's just because they're worn out that they're doing this, but I'm a bit fed up with them at the moment.

Last thought - the Igniter 100 is a higher boot. I could be talked in to going with a slightly lower boot, but wouldn't want to go down to an ankle-height sort of skate since I'm not in shape to do that and likely won't get there (and need the support).

I appreciate any opinions anyone may have!

[chacata]

Hi, you sound really ready to step on some speed boots but if not sure, a fitness/marathon style boot will be no problem. The speed boots look challenging at first but after some adjusting, the freedom of lower cuffs will be more appreciated than the support of the high boots trust me.

A skate the likes of a powerslide R4 or Seba Marathon boot are good a good option and don't be afraid to equip 110mm wheels, at 6' you have the frame for larger wheels and they will surely help overcome small obstacles easier.

[metro_88]

Originally Posted by chacata

Hi, you sound really ready to step on some speed boots but if not sure, a fitness/marathon style boot will be no problem. The speed boots look challenging at first but after some adjusting, the freedom of lower cuffs will be more appreciated than the support of the high boots trust me.

A skate the likes of a powerslide R4 or Seba Marathon boot are good a good option and don't be afraid to equip 110mm wheels, at 6' you have the frame for larger wheels and they will surely help overcome small obstacles easier.

Thank you, I appreciate your advice. I've thought a lot about moving to a speed boot, but comfort while having a bit of a poor form (yes, using the high boot to stabilize myself when tired) does sometimes save the day. I'll continue to stew on it.

I've done a few marathons (at about 1:40 pace) and don't suspect I'm going to get much faster with the amount I'm able to train, but it's always nice to move a little bit forward with training and see some progress. Maybe a shorter boot would open up my stride a bit (and force me to train those leg muscles more).

Thanks again!

[boamraces]

If you want to stick with the rollerblade brand, the tempests are nice boots. Have you considered going up to 110mm wheels?

[metro_88]

Originally Posted by boamraces

If you want to stick with the rollerblade brand, the tempests are nice boots. Have you considered going up to 110mm wheels?

Thanks! I have considered going to 110s and it's funny you mention the Tempests. I tried a pair of those last spring and even bought a set of 110 wheels so that I could send the boot back if I didn't like them.

Sure enough, they were very uncomfortable and I did send them back. The funny thing is, my hazy new-dad head can't remember what I didn't like about them - but something hurt me to the point that I said, "these aren't going to work." I know that's unhelpful, sorry.

Your comment, though, did remind me that I still have my set of MPC Black Magic 110mm wheels with about 5 miles on them. You're right, I should move to 110s so that I can use those.

[metro_88]

Originally Posted by boamraces

If you want to stick with the rollerblade brand, the tempests are nice boots. Have you considered going up to 110mm wheels?

It does look like Rollerblade is coming out with a new 2017 version of the Tempest 110s. I wonder if those would fit any better.

[slowsk8]

Originally Posted by metro_88

Hello All,

Oh, the other thing that bothers me about the Igniter skates, but is possibly something that could be remedied - if I tighten the axles too snugly, they seem to squeeze the bottom frame which then makes the bearings of the wheels rub on the frame. Only a quarter turn looser on the axles, though, makes them too loose and prone to come out while skating

Sounds like the spacers might be bad, or missing.

[metro_88]

Originally Posted by slowsk8

Sounds like the spacers might be bad, or missing.

Thank you, I appreciate the advice. I am sure they're all there, but it's possible they've worn out (is that a thing they can do?). I attempted to find replacement spacers at one point, but my eyes glazed over when I saw all the sizes available. I have no idea what I need. Maybe I should take another crack at that if I want to try to save these skates.