Another Noob That Needs Help

[msad1217]

Hi there,
Love your site, and I look forward to ordering my new skates from you.

I am trying to decide whether to get performance skates or recreational skates. I know that the differences mainly from the cuf height and wheels. And that is where I am basically hung up on. I know that the rec skates will give you better ankle support but is not really ideal for longer distances.

I am a total noob to in-line skating. But I am a road cyclist and a runner, so my legs and ankles are already in excellent shape, but I am not sure how or if that relates to skating at all. When I learn how to skate, I will go longer distances, 10+ miles. I want to incorporate skating with my running and cycling training routine.

So, I am currently looking at the RB Aero 10 and the RB Crossfire. Based on my current level of fitness, but is totally new to skating, which one would you recommend? Or is there another skate that you would recommend?

Thanks for looking.

[IW Staff]

I would go with the Crossfire. It is an '06 and comes with 84mm wheels which will have great speed. Fun skates. The Aero 10 is fine too, but with 82mm. Not a huge difference. Cuff height and all that are the same pretty much. Aero 10 is on closeout so price is good though.

My choice would be the Crossfire.

Thanks for the post!

Stan

[msad1217]

Thanks Stan,

I have a follow up question.

I took my first lesson today and I used the house skates. I normally wear a 10 so I got size 10 skates, I didn’t have any problems putting the skates on, but 10 minutes into the class my feet were really sore and the instructor eventually made me go to a bigger skates, the first skate was a rollerblade and the second was K2 at size 10.5. The RB at size 10 was very snug all around; the K2 at 10.5 was also snug at the toe but did give me a little bit of more room all around.

My question is: seems I need a wider skate and wondering if the Crossfire is still the best option. Based on what I experienced do you think it is safe for me to go for a size 11? Or should I go with a different brand, K2 maybe?
Which brand/model would you recommend, something similar to the RB Crossfire?

Thanks again

[IW Staff]

Go with what feels good, so a 10.5 minimum. I like to have room in my skates and if skating a long time, like running, your feet may swell just a bit making it more snug. So a 10.5 or 11 at the most. Check out the K2 Soul skates. Those may feel nice for you. Only you will know what feels best, so I can recommend, but you'll ultimately have to decide of course.

Thanks.