Artistic Skating

Artistic roller skating is basically figure skating, but on roller skates. Within Artistic roller skating there are the following disciplines: Figures, Freestyle, Pairs Dance/Couple, Solo Dance, Precision (synchronized swimming for the rink) and Show Teams.

The roller skate wheels that help these skates jive are typically 55-65mm in durometer by 30-31mm in width. The smaller width allows for the wheels to be easily maneuvered. Freestyle singles skaters typically use smaller wheels compared to figure skaters and dance skaters who tend to use wheels on the larger side. Artistic skaters tend to use very hard wheels typically ranging from 97A to 103A. The Artistic wheel helps skaters perform various jumps, dance movements and other freestyle skating moves. The artistic roller skate wheel is smaller than the recreational wheels

Indoor Skating

The typical wheel size for an indoor roller skate wheel is 62mm in diameter by 35 to 44mm in width. The width of a wheel corresponds to the speed that you want to travel. Indoor skate wheel durometers are typically suggested as follows: 97A for standard surfaces, 95A for slippery surfaces and 92A for extra slippery surfaces. The wheels that are used by artistic skaters are also the wheels that are most often used by indoor recreational skaters. Recreational wheels are what many consider the traditional roller skate wheel. The wheels are designed for hard wood surfaces (90A and harder).

Outdoor Skating

The typical outdoor skate wheel is anywhere from 60-70mm in diameter and 32-42mm in width. The different sizes help give the wheel more surface area in order to make the skate more stable when skating outside and encountering different terrains. Outdoor wheels will usually have a hardness range from 78A to 85A. Outdoor roller skate wheels use softer wheels (under 90A). This makes a smoother ride on the rough surfaces. Anything over 90A hardness should be used for indoor skating.

Speed Skating

A general speed skate wheel for roller skating is 62mm in diameter by 40mm in width. Roller skate wheels for indoor speed roller skating in general are wider than other roller skate wheels. Speed skate wheels are typically on the harder side ranging from 95A to 98A. Speed roller skate wheels allow skaters to move at higher speeds with less physical effort.

So Many Choices!

Why can't I just pick the ones with the pretty colors?

If you have learned anything from above, you realize that there is a measurement for everything on a roller skate wheel. The hardness or durometer, the physical size and the width really do matter. Yes, if you're like me you're persuaded by pretty things and bright colors. But, there is more to wheel shopping than just what looks awesome. Good luck and have fun!

Now that the leaves are falling and it’s becoming a little more chilly, we are more likely to take our boots on over to the local rink to get our skate on. The RSA (Roller Skating Association International) knows this too. They kicked off their campaign this month encouraging kids and adults alike to get active and get healthy. This month, you can be sure to see a lot of rinks offering fun activities, in-rink promotions, discounts and a lot more.

Why is roller skating good exercise? Roller skating is great especially if you’re new to exercise or are coming back after a little break. You’re always at your own pace, which makes it nice to ease into a new exercise regiment. Even slow skating increases the heart rate and works multiple muscle groups. Indoors our outside, you can enjoy this fun way of staying fit all year long!

Here are a few promotions that help celebrate National Roller Skating Month. Pepsi has teamed up with the RSA to offer a Facebook Exclusive coupon just for you! Click below to get this offer!

Also, on We RollerSkate’s site, they are doing weekly giveaways from some of your favorite brands including Wicked Skate wear, and Capezio and even some iTunes gift cards.

What are you waiting for? Go out there and have fun! But, be warned…if you request a Xanadu song, you are likely to have your skating card revoked.

Technology. When dealing with a rental pair of roller skates you are very rarely dealing with up to date technology and performance. Even the most inexpensive pair of new skates will typically out perform the best rentals. Rental roller skates are designed to last a long time and for many uses but user satisfaction is not job number 1, if you’re renting a pair of roller skates you don’t typically complain about fit or feel but you should.

Look Familiar?

Sizing and Padding: Rental roller skates are so over used and abused that the padding is typically blown out and the size is not as accurate as it should be. You could ask for a size 9 and get a size 9 that’s so overly used and abused that it fits like a size 10 or even bigger. This will cause fit issues causing discomfort and even painful blisters. The padding will be almost non-existent meaning the ankle padding will also be non-existent.

More support than most rentals

So, what we’ve learned is that rental roller skates are ill performing, ill fitting and are typically smelly and gross. Here at rollerskates.net we want you to have a good experience roller skating and we think that means having the right equipment for the job. Renting skates just a few times can cost just as much as buying a new pair. Check out our great deals today and say goodbye to stinky, dirty rentals!

I was on YouTube checking out random videos when one sparked my interest; it involves two great combinations which are roller skates and ninjas. After watching the video it is clear to me that roller skates and ninjas go together very well and most ninjas could probably benefit from having some nice roller skates in their arsenal. Take a look at this gem found below; our worst fears have come true, roller skate ninjas are attacking police detectives!

Size

• Indoor Skating
• Outdoor Skating
• Artistic Skating
• Speed Skating

Durometer

• Indoor Skating
• Outdoor Skating
• Artistic Skating
• Speed Skating

Shape

Hub Materials

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Size

The diameter or height of a skate wheel is measure in millimeters (mm). Smaller wheels provide maneuverability needed for aggressive skating, artistic skating, roller dancing, and roller hockey, while wheels on the larger side will provide a smoother ride and faster speed than the smaller wheel. Larger wheels are typically used for fitness and speed skating.

Indoor Skating

• The typical size of an indoor quad skate wheel is 62mm in diameter by 35 to 44mm in width. The width of a wheel corresponds to the speed that you want to travel.

Outdoor Skating

• A typical outdoor wheel is anywhere from 60-70mm in diameter and 32-42mm in width. The varying sizes helps to give the wheel more surface area in order to make the skate more stable when skating outside and encountering different terrains.

Artistic Skating

• A typical artistic skate wheel is 55-65mmin diameter by 30-31mm in width. The smaller width allows for the wheels to be easily maneuvered. Freestyle singles skaters typically use smaller wheels compared to figure skaters and dance skaters who tend to use wheels on the larger side.

Speed Skating

• A typical speed wheel for quad skating is 62mm in diameter by 40mm in width. Quad skate wheels for indoor speed roller skating in general are wider than other quad skate wheels.

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Durometer

The hardness of a skate is also called its Durometer. These phrases are often used interchangeably, so hopefully you won’t be too confused when you come across them. The hardness of a wheel is measured on the A-scale, ranging from as soft as 74A up to 105A, which is the hardest you will likely find. Wheel Durometer will affect its durability, shock absorption, and ability to grip on an indoor or outdoor skating surface.

Indoor Skating

• Indoor skate wheel Durometers are typically suggested as follows:
  • 97A for standard surfaces
  • 95A for slippery surfaces
  • 92A for extra slippery surfaces

The wheels that are used by artistic skaters are also the wheels that are most often used by indoor recreational skaters. (See Artistic Skating below)

Outdoor Skating

• Outdoor wheels will usually have a hardness range from 78A to 85A

Artistic Skating

• Artistic skaters tend to use very hard wheels typically ranging from 97A to 103A.

Speed Skating

• Speed wheels are typically on the harder side ranging from 95A to 98A.

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Shape

Profile is often used to describe the shape of a skate. Wheels that are designed for fitness and speed skating are narrower with a round or pointed skating surface. This shape of skate is the best for fitness and speed skating because it provides the most maneuverability for turning tight corners and provides the most speed.

Hub Materials

In today’s marketplace skate wheel hubs are typically made from durable nylons or aluminum material. The hub serves as housing for the wheel’s bearings and is the central support for the wheel. The larger the hub, the lighter the wheel becomes and the less urethane is used to complete the final diameter of the wheel.

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Properly sizing your rollerskates can directly impact the amount of fun one has while skating as a poorly fitting boot can cause performance issues and be painful on the foot. In this guide you will find information regarding the proper fit of recreational and artistic skates in adults and children and also the fit of speed skates in adults and children.

Recreational and Artistic Roller Skates

We have all seen them, the standard black or white classic Recreational or Artistic Roller Skate. The Black color signifies a men’s boot as the White signifies a women’s boot. For adults sizing these styles of skates is just like a shoe as you order your current shoe size. Women looking to get into a black boot should order a size down as these are men’s sizes, men looking to get into a white boot should order a size up as these are women’s sizes.  In fitting for a half size in most recreational and artistic skates it is suggested you go up to the full size as most do not come in half sizes. (i.e: 8.5 goes up to 9)

Junior Recreational and Artistic Skates

Recreational and junior roller skates fit the same as a adults as a same as shoe size fit would be proper. As most kids will be growing fast and needing some room for growth, it is possible to go to the next size up allowing for them to get some extra time in their roller skates. When stepping up a size it is imperative to ensure that the skates are tied tight and secure offering the most support possible instilling safety in juniors skating.

Speed Skates and Jam Roller Skates

Speed skate and Jam roller skates fit very similar to artistic and recreational skates as you take the same size as your normal shoe size. The difference is these low cut speed style skates are men’s sizes only, white boot or black boot these will be in men’s sizes, it is recommended women go down a full size.  These skates are still mostly all full sizes so if you find yourself in the half size predicament it is recommended you go up to the next full size. You can tighten and snug the inside if you add aftermarket foot beds, pads or simply ensure you tighten them securely.

Children’s Speed and Jam Roller Skates

Children Speed and Jam roller skates will size the same as their shoe size.  A child looking for the most performance can stay in the same as their shoe size as others can go the next size up for an addition of growing room.  You can ensure a tight proper fit by adding an aftermarket foot bed, pads or simply by tightening them snug and secure.

Remember when car hops would bring your food on roller skates at certain drive in restaurants? Sonic does, the drive in chain Sonic is bringing back 1950′s style skating carhops and is getting a good response from its customers. As more and more Sonics pop up across the nation there are more and more available opportunities for roller skate enthusiasts to gain employment involving what they love most, rollerskating.

Sonic currently has over 3,500 drive in locations making it the largest chain of drive in restaurants in America, and they keep popping up.  If there is a Sonic in your area and you are an avid roller skater, a roller skating car hop may be a suitable second or first job if you are currently looking. With jobs being hard to come by, jobs that you can have a blast at are even harder to come by. Stop by a Sonic today, your server just may roll right up to you.

Roller skating from many perspectives may only be seen as  a recreational activity or something that is done by kids at local rinks but to the actual roller skaters out there, they know there is much, much more. Roller skating has several differing genres within its vast name that give those who take part their own individual style that fits them. But what are all these styles and what do they mean? We are here to help define and differentiate these styles so that maybe you can pick one for yourself.

Derby Skating

Derby skating or Roller derby is a crowd favorite and a historic form of roller skating and of entertainment that many of us can remember from a young age. It was a widely American contact sport for men and women but has grown to be an international mostly women’s contact sport currently. Participants skate around an oval track in formation and score points by passing members of the opposing team often getting physical in their encounters.

Jam Skating

You may remember Jam skating as a casual form of skating done on the weekends but as any other activity as times change it forms and becomes redefined. Jam skating now borrows from gymnastics, hip hop and break dancing and is an amazing show of athleticism and balance. The idea is to transform these moves from traditional dancing and activity to doing them on rollerskates fluently. Jam skating can become very competitive with tournaments forming all over for skaters to showcase their skill.

Vert Skating

Vert Roller skating is just like vert skating in skateboarding and inline skating where the participant skates on a half pipe style ramp performing tricks and transitions. Using Roller skates you can perform many in air maneuvers as well as grinding the metal coping on the top of a halfpipe. This type of skating takes a lot of skill and great overall balance on rollerskates. Vert skating can be an absolute delight to watch if ever given the opportunity.

Rink Skating

Many of  us have grown up going to the local roller rink on the weekends spending time with friends socializing and skating our worries away. Rink skating is a very social form of skating where it is almost like a roller party with everyone laughing and having a great time all while rolling around on rollerskates with music playing in the background. Many rinks offer couple skates, games, children’s skates among many other specials, what are you waiting for? Go find a rink near you and get in on some of the fun.

Dance Skating

Dance skating can be similar to Jam skating as in both you are dancing on skates although in traditional dance skating you are more fluent and choreographed. Dance skaters, either solo or in a team, get judged on the accuracy of their steps and are also judged by their rhythm and timing to the music.

Quadline Skating

If you take apart the name you can get the actual definition of this type of skating. Quadline skating is when you take a standard looking pair of Rollerskates and apply special frames and inline skate wheels to them making them more maneuverable, fast and stable. By adding these wheels and modifying these skates you can transform the feeling beneath your feet and unleash a new chapter in your rollerskating career.

Now that you have all the ammunition to make your choice of what type of skating you are mainly interested in take a look at the skate styles to see what type of skate best suits you. Get out and get rollerskating today!

Thinking about throwing your spoiled teen a sweet 16 birthday bash? You may want to make sure you steer clear of venues where psycho killers are known to lurk in the darkness.

Based on the plot of the hit MTV show “My Super Sweet 16”, it was recently turned into a movie about a spoiled girl who forced her rich father to reopen a popular roller skating rink for her 16th birthday after it was closed as a result of a murder. But Surprise! Surprise! The party didn’t exactly turn out as expected.

“My Super Psycho Sweet 16” stars Julianna Guill, Lauren McKnight, Chris Zylka, Matt Angel, and Alex Van. This movie captures the essence of teen drama and love along with some guts and gore. Plus, the cinematography is high quality, the acting isn’t half bad and the soundtrack is banging!

Besides MTV creating a made-for-TV horror flick, Rollerskates.net is proud to say it was a contributor in the creation of this film! When someone from the costume department found our website online, she contacted us asking for roller skates. We gladly agreed to help and ended up donating 15 pairs of roller skates.

Skates were needed for both the actors and their stunt doubles, so we provided Chicago roller skates for the cast. It was all perfect timing, actually. This all happened right after our site launched, so we were able to gain recognition rather quickly.

The Chicago skates that were donated were quad skates, meaning they were traditional roller skates with four wheels and a stopper, rather than inline skates. The quad skates brought an old school yet preppy feel to the movie. Get some Chicago roller skates of your own here!

The movie first aired on Oct. 23, but if you have not yet seen the movie check out MTV Nov. 28at 3:30 p.m. Maybe you can spot the roller skates provided by Rollerskates.net! However, it might be a little hard because costume design decorated the skates to fit the theme and match the characters. But that’s ok. We were glad to help out where we could. Everything turned out really nicely, or should I say, bloody?  But anyhoo, the skates looked awesome! If you don’t have your very own roller skates be sure to check out our great selection of mens, womens, boys and girls roller skates.

Click above to shop roller skates now!

The following is a list of many of the frequently asked questions about Roller skates or Roller skating. To obtain the answer to any question listed below, please click on the respective question in the list to jump to its answer.

• How do indoor and outdoor skates differ from one another?

• How do I know my size?

• I noticed that wheels are offered in different sizes, why is that?

• What does the hardness of the wheel mean?

• How many wheels do I get?

• What does ABEC stand for?

• How many bearings will I need?

• Should I buy a high top or low top boot?

• What other type of gear will I need??

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Q: How do indoor and outdoor skates differ from one another?

A: Indoor and outdoor are the same except for the wheels. Outdoor skates have softer wheels which help with going over cracks and bumps in the surface. Softer wheels have a better grip than harder wheels. Indoor wheels are harder so they can roll easily on indoor rinks and surfaces.

Q: How do I know my size?

A: Look at the size chart under the product you are interested in.

Q: I noticed that wheels are offered in different sizes, why is that?

A: The larger the wheel the more surface area you will cover with the least amount of effort. The larger wheels will move faster and will give the skater a smoother ride. Some people prefer smaller wheels, so it is a personally preference as to which wheel you like the best.

Q: What does the hardness of the wheel mean?

A: The hardness of a wheel or the durometer is typically measured on the A scale. The typically range is any where from 82A to 103A. The higher the durometer, the harder the wheel. The lower the durometer, the softer the wheel. For indoor skating it is best to get a wheel ranging from 90A to 103A and for outdoor use it is best to get a wheel that is below 90A.

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Q: How many wheels do I get?

A: When buying quad wheels, if not stated, you will receive 8 wheels.

Q: What does ABEC stand for?

A: ABEC is an acronym that is applied to bearings. ABEC stands for Annular Bearing Engineering Council. The ABEC is a rating on how “good” the bearing of a skate is. The higher the number that follows ABEC, the better the bearing is. The bearings are rated on a scale of ABEC-1, ABEC-3, ABEC-5, ABEC-7, and ABEC-9.

Q: How many bearings will I need?

A: You will need two bearings per wheel, so for quad skates you will need 16 bearings.

Q: Should I buy a high top or low top boot?

A: It is based solely on personal preference but high top boots will provide more support for the ankle and the foot. High top boots are commonly used for rhythm skating and artistic skating. Low top boots offer a wider range of motion for the ankle making it easier to move faster and do tricks. Low top boots are more popular and are commonly used for jam skating and speed skating.

Q: What other type of gear will I need?

A: To ensure a safe ride you will need knee pads, elbow pads, a helmet, and wrist guards. A backpack or fanny pack that holds a water bottle is a good idea also as you will need to stay hydrated.

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