I need something comparable to what I have now

[bladeder]

I bought my current skates several years ago from you. They are K2's, and the model name is MOD [?something?]. I believe they were around $150 (bought as last year's model on a sale). They came with 80mm/82a wheels and ABEC 7 bearings. I switched the original bearings over to the Swiss Speed bearings after I got them (my preference). They've been a good skate for me and have held up pretty good. I've been skating for around 12 years. I probably fall somewhere between intermediate and advanced in terms of skating ability, and I skate for fitness/recreation mostly on paved walking/biking trails in my area.

I'm looking to get a comparable skate to what I have now but am not real familiar with what's new. I see the 90mm wheel skates and am wondering just how much of a difference that would be for me. I'll be 48 in August and don't want to kill myself, but if the difference wouldn't be too significant in terms of speed and maneuverability, I'm sure I could handle it. My skating routes take me over many crosswalks, curbs, and the pavement can be rough in spots -- some hills, but mostly flat. I prefer to stick with K2's. Any suggestions?

Also, I take a size 10 shoe, but my current K2's are size 11. They fit good - a 10 would have been too small. Would I get a size 11 for a new skate too?

Appreciate any help. My credit card is all ready to roll, just need to know what to get.

[IW Staff]

The EXO ALU skates are 80mm, but you would need to upgrade the bearing soon after as they are ABEC5. The K2 Moto is pretty cool in that it has 84mm in the back, and 80mm in the front.

The 90mm wheel skates are great and actually aid in going over cracks and bumps as they are bigger wheels. Speed is a bit faster, and you do give up a little maneuverability. Your ability level warrants the 90mm wheels, it just depends on how much you like being closer to the ground and in control for popping around corners and stuff like that. You would probably get use to them pretty quickly and enjoy the speed when you find some open space. The Moto 90 then would be good.

Hope this helps.

Thanks!

[bladeder]

For some reason, I've never been drawn toward the skates with a different front and rear wheel size - they are going to wear down to the point that it's mute, right?

I've been leaning toward the Moto 90 - I like the looks of it. Everything I read says the size should be the same as my shoe size, but that wasn't the case with my K2 Mod's, so I'm not sure what to do. My shoe size (and athletic shoe size) is definitely a 10, but my Mod's are an 11 and I can't imagine them being any smaller. Did Mod's run smaller or should I stick with an 11? I just don't want to go through the hassle of having to send them back if they don't fit. Unfortunately, there are no stores out here in the San Fran east bay where I can go try on a higher end pair of K2's and if I wait until I can get into San Fran next to do it, June will be over and I was hoping to order them now.

The other thing I don't understand is the "Yes, I want the BSB Abec 9 Bearings for $10" at the bottom of the order screen. Is that an upgrade? (don't laugh, it's been awhile since I bought new skates let alone bearings).

My credit card is starting to jump up & down in my wallet.

[IW Staff]

Skate size is a preference, so stick with what you know. If 1/2 size larger on your last pair, then a 1/2 size larger on this one should hold true.

Hi-Lo. I skate 100/90 and like it. Keeps my momentum going forward and speed high when upright. Your front wheels will wear out faster than all others regardless, so rotating is still needed.

Bearings. BSB is just a great brand. Bones probably my #1, with BSB #2 in my opinion. The deal for $10 is outstanding and all should take advantage of it so that you can have them when you need them. Skating the stock bearings first naturally as they are good bearings. Then popping in the BSB's when you need to.

Thanks,
Stan

[bladeder]

ok, my credit card is done jumping - order has been placed for the Moto 90's with the upgraded bearings. really hoping i got the right size - went with what my K2 MODs are now (size 11) which is a whole size up from what I regularly take. was debating going with a 10.5, but i can't imagine having them any snugger than they already are - just not sure why they say they fit true to size when that hasn't been the case for me (it wasn't with my Rollerblade's either). so, we'll see. looking forward to delivery.

[IW Staff]

Sizing is a preference so there's no way for us or any company to tell what each person is going to want...

K2's, not uncommon to order 1/2 size larger than shoe. RB more apt to order true or even 1/2 size smaller. Just one man's opinion though and not something to put in stone.

IW

[bladeder]

well, as I feared ... ... ... too big :( My heel barely touches the back of the boot. Should have went with my true shoe size (10) versus what I take in the K2 Mod's I have now (11). The Mod's must have run smaller than these Moto 90's.

So, back they have gone - you should see them tomorrow afternoon. I requested a size 10 - debated going with a 10.5, but considering the amount of room I have in the front and back of the boot, I think even a 10.5 would be too big.

In case anyone is reading this that is debating what size to get in a Moto 90, I'd recommend you start with your true shoe size regardless of what your current K2 size may be.