100mm skates: k2 softboot versus rollerblade

[LIskater]

I have liked Rollerblade since I started skating. My Lightning 5's are still holding up with original bearings and still fast, but it's time for me to upgrade to large wheels. I've never used K2 softboot skates and wonder what the difference will be like. I'm considering Rollerblade Speedmachine 10's or K2 Radical 100's/Radical 100 Pros. Would appreciate feedback from anyone familiar with these skates, especially both Rollerblade and K2. Thanks in advance for any shared experience.

[IW Staff]

You'll notice a lot better ventillation first off which is nice. It will feel a little different as many 'old-timers' using a hard shell have trouble thinking that a soft boot can withstand the pressures and power of skating properly. Rest assured they can and I think you'll enjoy the new soft boots. Very comfortable and cool.

Thank you!

[AceUM21]

I too have liked rollerblade since I started skating back in the early 90s. I loved my rollerblade lightnings with the hard shell and I'm surprised now to see that everything has gone to the soft shell. I stopped skating for about 8 years or so and I'm just now getting back into it. I bought the K2 Moto fitness 84s just recently and so far I'm a little disappointed with them. I feel like the lateral stability isn't as good as my old lightnings and the bearings are just ok. I definitely wouldn't want to go with any lower grade. Does anyone know what would be a comparable skate in today's market? Are there any hard shell skates out there besides hockey skates? Or maybe there is a comfortable hockey skate? Thanks.

[IW Staff]

If needing high support for a lot of maneuvering and or freestyle type skating, then a soft boot may not be best, but works for most. For trails and so forth, the soft boot is great and very comfortable.

Ace... Check out the Rollerblade Fusion series that I just put up Friday. X5 and X7. These incorporate a plastic shell like you were used to to help address some of that support for those that like to maneuver more. They provide the best of both worlds. May not be quite as light as just a soft boot, but definitely provides the support you would be seeking.

Thank you.

[poorejj]

What about the Twister II Pro skates? Are their boots like the Fusion's boots?

[IW Staff]

Twister II boot is just like the Twister 243 boot with more ventialltion than the Fusions.

Thx

[poorejj]

I read in another message board that some of the Twister 243's came with white wheels (which are better), but had a faulty buckle, like the Twister II's. I also read that some of them came with black wheels (which aren't as good as the white wheels), and a good buckle. Then I read that some of them came with both the white wheels, and good buckles.

So, which ones do you guys sale? :confused:

[IW Staff]

I'm not aware of any white wheeled Twister and believe us to have the black as pictured on our site.

I also am not aware of any problems with the black wheels and imagine if any did have white, they would of been the same wheel in a different color regardless.

The wheels are 80A. Meaning they are great for a smooth ride and absorb bumps well. Wheels aren't a huge deterrant for myself, but I realize a lot of people put emphasis on wheels. If not hard enough for your liking, they can simply be changed once they wear down. Others enjoy the smoothness of a softer wheel. Just a preference. If on bumpy or rough surfaces, naturally a 78A or 80A may wear down quicker than an 82A or harder wheel.

Thanks for the post!
Stan @ iW