ckmost
05-21-2007, 07:43 AM
I finally have found the “it” online retailer for my inline skating needs, that is the one I feel offers the best value and customer service, thank you Inline Warehouse. Now to figure out what to buy. After reading the forums through I still have some questions, here is a little background.
I currently own a pair of Ultra Wheel Millennium skates (80mm Abec-7, hard-boot), at the time were among the best (10 yrs ago). I have enjoyed these skates; however, I think everyone would agree they are very dated. I have flat feet and relatively thin ankles/feet in comparison with my frame (170lbs). Recently, I discovered this fantastic trail that spans about 45 miles and have started skating once again for fitness and enjoyment. On my second day after a 25 mile trek, I felt as if my feet were bleeding, I’m still walking funny a few days later. I would like to be able to blade at least 10 hours a week. I would rate myself as a rusty intermediate skater with lower level advance skater potential :) (hey I set my goals low to achieve them, I’ll strive for pro later). My fitness level would be a bit above average (working on that) and I’m in my late 20’s (ok hell I turn 30 this year, my youth is gone!)
What is important to me is:
1) Comfort
2) Speed ( at least enough to keep up with a casual biker)
3) Reasonable maneuverability for casual outings
I’ve been looking at the higher end K2 and Rollerblade skates with $250 being my limit (not that I would not mind saving a few bucks on a “smart” buy). Skates of interest are:
K2: (1) Moto 90, (2) Moto Extreme, and (3) Radical 90 (close-out).
Rollerblade: (1) Crossfire II 4d or (2) Crossfire 4D Skates Men's '06 (close-out price with upgraded Bones Super Swiss Bearings).
Rollerblades memory foam lining is appealing to my feets (have a memory foam bed and love it). I also read something about a shock absorption system (can’t find any specs on that though). My general feeling is that the RB skate would be more comfortable. I also like the 4D feature that would give me a little more flexibility in the use. One fear is the durability of the closure system. If it comes down to the 2 RB skates I guess it comes down to the bearings, I really have no idea how the SG rating system compares to ILQ or Swiss.
As far as the K2 skates go I like the idea of 100mm wheels on the Extreme, but not sure what to think about the Hi-Lo setup and don’t know how the heck tire rotation is supposed to workout, also would like to know how this feels when you are cruising in a upright position (do you feel like you falling over). What I really need to know is the main difference between the Moto 90 and Radical 90 in terms of performance and handling.
So I guess there is just some pieces of information I’m missing to be able to make a decision:
- Differences in the SG vs. ILQ vs. Swiss (e.g. Bones) bearings and practical impact.
- Comfort difference between RB and K2 (your opinion) (does RB have shocks?)
- Comfort difference between K2’s Moto vs. Radical
- Performance difference between K2’s Moto vs. Radical
- Performance difference between RB and K2
- Frame length specification for K2 skates (e.g. 300mm)
If you made it this far down the post I greatly appreciate your time and consideration of answering this post. Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thank you again.
Regards,
Chris
(hell I miss spelled the title, now everyone gona think i not edumacated:(
I currently own a pair of Ultra Wheel Millennium skates (80mm Abec-7, hard-boot), at the time were among the best (10 yrs ago). I have enjoyed these skates; however, I think everyone would agree they are very dated. I have flat feet and relatively thin ankles/feet in comparison with my frame (170lbs). Recently, I discovered this fantastic trail that spans about 45 miles and have started skating once again for fitness and enjoyment. On my second day after a 25 mile trek, I felt as if my feet were bleeding, I’m still walking funny a few days later. I would like to be able to blade at least 10 hours a week. I would rate myself as a rusty intermediate skater with lower level advance skater potential :) (hey I set my goals low to achieve them, I’ll strive for pro later). My fitness level would be a bit above average (working on that) and I’m in my late 20’s (ok hell I turn 30 this year, my youth is gone!)
What is important to me is:
1) Comfort
2) Speed ( at least enough to keep up with a casual biker)
3) Reasonable maneuverability for casual outings
I’ve been looking at the higher end K2 and Rollerblade skates with $250 being my limit (not that I would not mind saving a few bucks on a “smart” buy). Skates of interest are:
K2: (1) Moto 90, (2) Moto Extreme, and (3) Radical 90 (close-out).
Rollerblade: (1) Crossfire II 4d or (2) Crossfire 4D Skates Men's '06 (close-out price with upgraded Bones Super Swiss Bearings).
Rollerblades memory foam lining is appealing to my feets (have a memory foam bed and love it). I also read something about a shock absorption system (can’t find any specs on that though). My general feeling is that the RB skate would be more comfortable. I also like the 4D feature that would give me a little more flexibility in the use. One fear is the durability of the closure system. If it comes down to the 2 RB skates I guess it comes down to the bearings, I really have no idea how the SG rating system compares to ILQ or Swiss.
As far as the K2 skates go I like the idea of 100mm wheels on the Extreme, but not sure what to think about the Hi-Lo setup and don’t know how the heck tire rotation is supposed to workout, also would like to know how this feels when you are cruising in a upright position (do you feel like you falling over). What I really need to know is the main difference between the Moto 90 and Radical 90 in terms of performance and handling.
So I guess there is just some pieces of information I’m missing to be able to make a decision:
- Differences in the SG vs. ILQ vs. Swiss (e.g. Bones) bearings and practical impact.
- Comfort difference between RB and K2 (your opinion) (does RB have shocks?)
- Comfort difference between K2’s Moto vs. Radical
- Performance difference between K2’s Moto vs. Radical
- Performance difference between RB and K2
- Frame length specification for K2 skates (e.g. 300mm)
If you made it this far down the post I greatly appreciate your time and consideration of answering this post. Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thank you again.
Regards,
Chris
(hell I miss spelled the title, now everyone gona think i not edumacated:(