Hi!
So, I used to play hockey at school/uni, mostly on ‘banana’ rockered freestyle inlines.
Now I’m somewhat older - it’s been a while since I’ve been on blades, but I’ve regularly skated on ice, I would say I’m intermediate but more used to ice than tarmac.
My son is getting into in-line skating and I’d like to put on some wheels again so we can knock a puck about.
What would be a good (but not bank breaking) skate for me? I’d like a hockey stance but I’m thinking I might need something I can rocker (or just buy different wheel sizes I guess?).
Any suggestions hugely appreciated.
You’re welcome!
I’m curious which setup you’ll end up with and if it works out for you. So if you have the time, please feel free to share.
Also, if you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Anyway, good luck, I hope you and your son have fun!
I definitely will. So far I’m learning (I’ve been calling a lot of skate shops) that the HI-LO chassis of a typical hockey skate + rockering = not recommended unless you really know what you’re doing.
I’m also learning that even lower end skates have come a long long way since my 1990s Bauers.
Right, so:
I spoke with a lot of people and eventually ended up chatting with someone who supplies a serious league.
He gave me loads of advice - I would’ve bought from him if they’d been able to get my size, but instead I got…
A pair of X3.5 Bauers. Bottom of the ‘Vapor’ range but there’s no way I need the top spec.
I could’ve gone with something even cheaper but these were at my budget and skates are something I vaguely recall not wanting to cheap out on.
I haven’t rockered. Just gone with the ‘hi-lo’ of 80-80-76-76.
Feels like flying. So smooth. I’m a bit Bambi still, until I get used to being on tarmac. Still training the lad with me wearing shoes until I feel confident enough to catch a fall like I can on ice.
Will report back with a longer term review if anyone’s interested.
Seems like a decent pair of skates, glad you found something that works well for you!
Can you maybe explain the wheel setup? I guess with 80-80-76-76 you are referring to different sizes; what benefits do you gain from this arrangement compared to a flat setup?
Will report back with a longer term review if anyone’s interested.
If you like to, please do!
Ah yes, so 80-80-76-76 is wheel diameter in mm. Back 2, to front 2 wheels.
Pitches your weight forward in an aggressive or ‘ready’ stance much as you would in hockey, with a stick etc.
Comes into its own when sprinting too.