Skates

[Lolita Black]

Hey guys and dolls, once again I've come back with another question. I am interested in buying derby skates, but I'm not sure which brand or brands would be good,so I was hoping someone would be so kind as to point me in the right direction. I'm very new to this and am also interested in what any of you guys use to cover the toes of your skates with (I know tape but I've seen people add more stuff to it). Links would also help direct me. Thanks for reading :) please help. Anything would be helpful I'm sure.

[Lolita Black]

Whoops, I forgot to add that I'm looking for sktes that have a mix of speed and stability. Thankies!

[Tessa LeTaunt {★}]

When it came to choosing my skates, I had the amazing opportunity to go through one of usaskates.com's main warehouse and distribution centers. They generally don't let people do that, but when I called them up and explained I was looking for a pair of derby skates, they let me set up an appointment, and even test out skates there. =0D

A very popular brand used in derby, is Riedell. They have a line of track quads, which is what most ladies that derby go with. It's a trusted brand, and this particular style has been around for for-ev-er. They are a little more on the pricey side, but would definitely be worth it, IMO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I went with Rock brand skates, though. I LOVE the extra padding in the tongue, which came in super handy with slides and kneels. The skates themselves are made by Sure Grip International, so they came with a pair of Sure Grip wheels, which I also LOVE. They hug the track like no one's business, but not so much as to slow you down at all. Plus, they're pink, and a portion of the proceeds from my purchase went towards the American Breast Cancer Foundation. They also came with a pink toe cover.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The main thing to keep in mind when shopping for skates, is that it's all in the bearings! My Rocks came with a very unacceptable ABEC 5 something-or-anothers. I quickly replaced them with some Bones Swiss brand bearings, which although are very expensive (especially because quads require 4 bearings per wheel, as opposed to say a skateboard, which only takes one), are also VERY worth it. The Riedell skates say they come loaded with an ABEC 9 rated bearing, so those should be alright, but don't take my word for it! Also, once you actually do start practicing and playing, be sure to clean your bearings often. You can buy bearing oil at any skateboard shop, which doubles as a cleaner. Lots of girls flying around on a rink and/or track=lots of loose hair for your wheels to pick up. Ew, right? Lol.

 

Hope I helped some!

[Tessa LeTaunt {★}]

Totally meant 2 bearings per wheel. I need to start proof reading before my editing time is up. =0p

[Lolita Black]

Thanks Tessa, that did help, I found some skates that seem promising. They are Riedell R3 skates  with padding but the bearings are ABEC 5, not great and they are kinda on sale which is helpful as I am a poor student lol. But i wanted to get your opinion on these skates Tessa, before i buy, i really am appreciative of your opinion and your help. :) Here's the link:

http://www.skatemall.com/twister.aspx

 

By the way I'd love to know how you protect the toes of your skates. I know toe guards are used a lot and duck tape. Do you do both or one or the other?



Tessa LeTaunt {★} said:

When it came to choosing my skates, I had the amazing opportunity to go through one of usaskates.com's main warehouse and distribution centers. They generally don't let people do that, but when I called them up and explained I was looking for a pair of derby skates, they let me set up an appointment, and even test out skates there. =0D

A very popular brand used in derby, is Riedell. They have a line of track quads, which is what most ladies that derby go with. It's a trusted brand, and this particular style has been around for for-ev-er. They are a little more on the pricey side, but would definitely be worth it, IMO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I went with Rock brand skates, though. I LOVE the extra padding in the tongue, which came in super handy with slides and kneels. The skates themselves are made by Sure Grip International, so they came with a pair of Sure Grip wheels, which I also LOVE. They hug the track like no one's business, but not so much as to slow you down at all. Plus, they're pink, and a portion of the proceeds from my purchase went towards the American Breast Cancer Foundation. They also came with a pink toe cover.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The main thing to keep in mind when shopping for skates, is that it's all in the bearings! My Rocks came with a very unacceptable ABEC 5 something-or-anothers. I quickly replaced them with some Bones Swiss brand bearings, which although are very expensive (especially because quads require 4 bearings per wheel, as opposed to say a skateboard, which only takes one), are also VERY worth it. The Riedell skates say they come loaded with an ABEC 9 rated bearing, so those should be alright, but don't take my word for it! Also, once you actually do start practicing and playing, be sure to clean your bearings often. You can buy bearing oil at any skateboard shop, which doubles as a cleaner. Lots of girls flying around on a rink and/or track=lots of loose hair for your wheels to pick up. Ew, right? Lol.

 

Hope I helped some!

[Tessa LeTaunt {★}]

The skates you linked to look promising. They're pretty much the same as mine, only the boots are a little different and don't have flames. Same brand, anyway, so I can at least assure you they'll be super comfy. =0D And the wheels are the same ones I have, only red. I really do like Sure Grip, especially their Twisters. The price is amazing, so if you're set on those, I'd say go for it! I wouldn't worry about bearings right away. It's really not too big of a deal, if it's out of your budget. They are a nice little luxury to splurge on, though, and come in handy for if and when you're the jammer.

I'd always just used the toe guards that came with my skates. I figured I'd wait until my skates were more worn before bothering with duct tape, it just made more sense, anyway. The site you linked has toe guards decently priced. Maybe snag a pair when you get your skates? http://www.skatemall.com/riedell-colored-toe-guards.aspx

 

Oh, and, as that weird little "Pivot" creature on their site suggests, be sure to order your skates a size down, as they're a men's sized skate.

Also, I noticed it gives you the option to "add toe plugs"... yeah, you'll probably be needing those, lol. Some refs will penalize for using toe stops, but it's still nice to have them there *just in case*...

 

[Lolita Black]

Thanks so much for the nifty advice Tessa, this is great help for a novice like me.

Tessa LeTaunt {★} said:

The skates you linked to look promising. They're pretty much the same as mine, only the boots are a little different and don't have flames. Same brand, anyway, so I can at least assure you they'll be super comfy. =0D And the wheels are the same ones I have, only red. I really do like Sure Grip, especially their Twisters. The price is amazing, so if you're set on those, I'd say go for it! I wouldn't worry about bearings right away. It's really not too big of a deal, if it's out of your budget. They are a nice little luxury to splurge on, though, and come in handy for if and when you're the jammer.

I'd always just used the toe guards that came with my skates. I figured I'd wait until my skates were more worn before bothering with duct tape, it just made more sense, anyway. The site you linked has toe guards decently priced. Maybe snag a pair when you get your skates? http://www.skatemall.com/riedell-colored-toe-guards.aspx

 

Oh, and, as that weird little "Pivot" creature on their site suggests, be sure to order your skates a size down, as they're a men's sized skate.

Also, I noticed it gives you the option to "add toe plugs"... yeah, you'll probably be needing those, lol. Some refs will penalize for using toe stops, but it's still nice to have them there *just in case*...