Fitness Skates (Salomon, K2 and Rollerblade)

[m1ke323]

Hi, I haven't bought a new pair of skates in a good 5 years but thats becuase my Filas have really held up. I have replaced the bearing and wheels during that time, but the boot gave out last season. The Filas I had, had 80mm wheels on them with like a half inch space between them. I don't really know anything about them becuase when i first bought them i wasn't that into skating. They have a completely soft boot with about an 8inch cuff height in the front and back from the bottom of the boot, the cuff dips a little lower on the sides. I really like this height. Also, I'm not sure if this makes much of a difference in explaining this to you but the bearings on the front wheels are directly below tip of the boot, but not out in front of it. The same goes for the rear bearings being below the rear of the boot, but not sticking out. I am try to give you a feel for how long the frame is. My wheel to wheel measurement is 14.5in, but they are really worn down.

Anyways, I wanted to explain what my old skates were like because i really liked them. I don't race at all, and I will just use them for training as well as going to class.

I am interested in these so far:
Salomon Motion 9 ti
Salomon Motion 90 Pro
Salomon Pilot 9 Pro 2
Rollerblade Lightning 6
K2 V02 Max

I have never ridden on anything larger then 80mm wheels but would like to add a bit of speed and smoothness to my skates. I am also not so sure about the high/low setup that salmond has, what do you guys think of it? I am also open to any suggestions about other skate. I wish there was a good place I could try these skates on but the place in town only carries the Rollerblade Lightnings. I have a wider foot and wear a size 11. I am 6ft and 195lbs. Thanks for any help you can offer.

I have been reading alot of review this weekend and am really interested in the K2's, I am wondering how they compare to my 14.5in wheel to wheel measurement though. I also like the Salomon Motion 90's and 9ti, I like the quick lacing system they have.

Mike

[IW Staff]

All skates are great choices. My choice would be the VO2 Max. The hi lo thing works fine, but it is a little tricky buying wheels. Salomon has wheel packs set up for those and we sell wheels individually so it isn't too bad to get replacements. I really like the K2 line though and have found they fit my feet real well and am confident you'll like them as well.

Thanks for the post!
Stan

[m1ke323]

Thanks for the help Stan. I have ruled everything out on my list except for the V02 Max, but I now added the Rollerblade Lightning 2006. It looks really slick and a slightly lower cuff height and longer frame. I hope to find a local skate shop in Minneapolis to try some of these skates on. But I will be coming back here to order the skates.

K2 V02 Max
Rollerblade Lightning (the 4x90mm ones) 2006 - I like the lower cuff, but how low is it?

How do the cuff heights compare, my cuff on the Filas is roughly (7.5 - 8) inches from the boot sole.? Also can you explain how the frame lengths are measured, my total length on my filas is 14.5in with worn down wheels.

Thanks a lot, you help is much appreciated.

Mike

[pingvuiini]

Question: Are the Rollerblade Lightning 2006 skates which you speak of the same thing as the Rollerblade Lightning 6??? (Link: http://www.rollerblade.com/prodotti/fit_scheda.php?idProdotto=71&idS=1&idC=2 Thanks for clearing up my confusion.


I too am looking at the K2 V02 MAX and Rollerblade Lightning 6. I currently have Rollerblade Aero 90 TFS skates. I really love the features of this skate: 90mm wheels, short frame, TFS quick lace system. But the external support bar that goes along the instep of the foot causes SEVERE blistering. Enough blistering that I can't even ride the skates anymore. (I am a size 9.5, but they only had size 8 and 9, so I took a chance and bought the size 9s. I thought my toes would suffer, but they came out fine. As mentioned, its the instep that is killing me). If there are any modifications that can be done to my Aero 90's to alleviate this problem, I'd be grateful to hear them. If not, I will take a closer look at the V02 MAX and Lightning 6. Thanks for any feedback.

[m1ke323]

nope, i was considering the 2005 Rollerblade Lightning 6's as well but the ones i was refering to up top are just the Rollerblade Lightnings (they are the 2006 model of the ones you showed me). Here is a link of them http://inlineplanet.com/five/lightning.html

[IW Staff]

You can see the 2006 Lightning skates on our site and they are avaialble to order. Many have reserved them in anticipation of their release. The date on the site is March, but I imagine they will be released a bit earlier than that.

Thanks!

[m1ke323]

Most of the 2006 Lightning Skates are in the store, but I couldn't find the 90mm Lightnings. Will you be carrying the 4 x 90mm Lightnings?

[IW Staff]

We will be carrying the 2006 Lightning. Sorry for the delay as I was on vacation. They are slated for March 15th arrival. The other skates came early, so we're hoping those will arrive early as well.

Thanks!