Help chosing freestyle/slalom skates

[mch]

Hello.

I have some trouble chosing between some blades I've read about and I really like.
Actually, I'm looking for a comfortable, fast, good, nice looking and long lasting pair of skates.

I'm looking for a freestyle/slalom skate with:
- wheels not smaller than 80mm
- good bearings (fast ones, abec 7 maybe)

I've been looking on the web and I LOVED the new Roces ASP 100. Unfortunately, I can't get them on the US. So those skates are not an option.

Then I saw the Twister II Pro and the new Twister III. I've read that they are somehow a bit uncomfortable, but still good. The only thing is that I don't find them good looking. But w.e. thats just a detail.

I saw the K2 Soul 5 and Soul 7. And they look great. But I don't know anything about them. I find the Soul 5's more attractive than the Soul 7's.

I also saw the K2 Frontman, and I really like them. The problem is that some ppl say they are too wide and heavy for slalom or freeriding.

Finally I read something about the "Seba FR1's" and ppl said that they are awesome. I didn't even know this brand existed before I read about them.
They look very good actually and I would like to know more about them.

So here is my question.. Wich one of these 6 skates would be the best choice?

Rollerblade Twister II Pro (****)
Rollerblade Twister III (**)
K2 Frontman (***)
K2 Soul 5 (***)
K2 Soul 7 (**)
Seba FR1 (*****)

Thanks!
Richard

ps. the "(***)" represent my interest

[IW Staff]

Normally those doing freestyle like a smaller wheel (76-80mm) so as to maximize control and maneuverability.

The new K2 Dirty Rat skate for example is one they designed with freestylers in mind. Of the ones mentioned, most are no longer available, and I'm not familiar with the Seba unfortunately.

The K2 Frontman would be a good one, but again, none of those K2's are available any longer. The Twister skate has been the most popular. With K2 or RB you'll have accessibility to parts easily too (axles, brake pads, brake housings, buckles) if needed. Going to Seba, who knows...

So I would stick with the Twister skate or check out the Dirty Rat. Just my opinion. Thanks.

IW

[carlos85]

On this site, the Twister II's are the only decent slalom skate they carry. I bought the Twister II's from IW a couple months ago and they were uncomfortable at first but after about four sessions on them the liner broke in a bit and they're more comfortable now.

I also own the K2 Soul 7 and while they will suffice for slalom, when compared to the Twister, the level of foot support is night and day. I tried the Frontman for a day before giving up on them because they were heavy, wide and the cuff was too stiff. They'd probably be okay for Freeriding, but not for slalom in my opinion.

Seba has a new U.S. distributor here: http://www.skatecrazy.net/ where you can find more info on those skates and you can find a dedicated freestyle forum here: http://www.freestyleskaters.org/forum/ with good info on freestyle specific equipment.

If you intend to buy from IW I would suggest the Twister II. I've not tried the K2 Dirty Rat but from what I can see in IW's product description page for the skate it doesn't look very supportive and the frame looks long for slalom skating. IW has great shipping and return policies so you could always try both on and return the one you don't like (so long as you don't put any actual wear on the skates).

[LIskater]

How do the Twister II's fit? Pretty much true to size? I read some posts elsewhere by people who were having comfort issues with them.

On this site, the Twister II's are the only decent slalom skate they carry. I bought the Twister II's from IW a couple months ago and they were uncomfortable at first but after about four sessions on them the liner broke in a bit and they're more comfortable now.

I also own the K2 Soul 7 and while they will suffice for slalom, when compared to the Twister, the level of foot support is night and day. I tried the Frontman for a day before giving up on them because they were heavy, wide and the cuff was too stiff. They'd probably be okay for Freeriding, but not for slalom in my opinion.

Seba has a new U.S. distributor here: http://www.skatecrazy.net/ where you can find more info on those skates and you can find a dedicated freestyle forum here: http://www.freestyleskaters.org/forum/ with good info on freestyle specific equipment.

If you intend to buy from IW I would suggest the Twister II. I've not tried the K2 Dirty Rat but from what I can see in IW's product description page for the skate it doesn't look very supportive and the frame looks long for slalom skating. IW has great shipping and return policies so you could always try both on and return the one you don't like (so long as you don't put any actual wear on the skates).

[carlos85]

How do the Twister II's fit? Pretty much true to size? I read some posts elsewhere by people who were having comfort issues with them.

I've read of varying experiences with them. In my case, I wear a men's size 9 shoe and have a bunion on my right toe and the size 9 Twister II worked out fine. I was concerned about the width due to my bunion but that turned out to be a non-issue. The only problem I had was the left skate seemed a big short at first and my left big toe was pushing too much against the end. But after a few sessions the liner broke in a bit and the skates fit fine now. They are a bit snug, but for the type of skates they are, that's to be expected.

I would suggest ordering true to size and try them on, see how they fit. If they are snug at first (but not too snug) I'd say keep them as the liner will break in and give you more room once you've used them for a while. If you're too uncomfortable with the initial fit, you can always return them for free and get the next size up shipped to you at no additional cost.

[mch]

Hey guys, thanks for the support.
I'll go take a look to those links Carlos, thanks a lot!

Thanks for your advice Stan! I'll consider it.