Rollerblade Lightning 4 vs K2 VO2 Max

[sdovala]

Hi guys!
I want to order the Rollerblade Lightning 4 or the K2 VO2 Max... I just cant decide! Can you tell me a bit about the skates including your thoughts about the cuff heights and the frame quality? The Lightning looks to be a great value with it's extruded frame... is it?
Both skates are the same price and both have very short frames that can take four 90mm wheels. I've never owned a Rollerblade brand skate and I am a bit worried about the quality and about Rollerblade staying in business. I have emailed them more than once with questions (about the Lightning 4) and never got a response... are they DOA?
K2, on the other hand, has ben very professional and speedy in answering my questions, I like that!
Please give me the inside scoop!

Thank You-
-Steve

[IW Staff]

Great choices and tough decision. Both are very similar skates actually. Some people's feet just feel better in K2 than a RB or vice versa. Or Salomon even. If you have had one brand in the past and liked it, I would stick with that as the boot mold will be similar and comfortable.

The VO2 Max comes with 90mm wheels and the Lightning 4 is upgradable to 90mm. So if wanting the big wheels right away, perhaps the K2.

Other than that, cuff and frame are pretty darn close. It just comes down to which boot feels better on your feet and what wheels you want. K2 skate has a bit better wheels and an ILQ 9 bearings verses a 7 for the Lightning. But again, anything the VO2 max has, the Light 4 can be upgraded to (wheels/bearings). So it comes down to feel which only can know.

Hope that helps even though I put most back on you.

Thanks for the post - Stan @ IW

[sdovala]

Stan,
Thanks for the reply!

Both skates will fit me just fine. I have experimented a lot with that.

I have a set of Hyper 90mm Mach 2 wheels waiting so the wheels don't matter to me.

I take it then, that both skates have extruded frames and one piece 8mm speed axles. Thats a "must have feature" because I rotate after every skate.

And Rollerblade, are they doing ok as a company? Do they respond when you email them?

I am leaning towards the K2..

Thanks again!
Steve

[IW Staff]

so if that swings you. Rollerblade is the skate.

Stan @ IW

[sdovala]

Stan,

If what swings me? I don't think your entire last post made it to the message board.

Steve

[sdovala]

Stan-

Oops, sorry, I do understand now! The VO2 Max has a cast frame with two piece axles.

You not commenting on Rollerblade's future speaks volumes!

Thanks again,

Steve :)

[IW Staff]

Not intended....just missed the question. Sorry...

Rollerblade is doing fine. . They too have larger wheels this year and all that good stuff. They are our #1 dealer for aggressive skates, and probably #3 in fitness. K2 and Salomon are doing real well for 2005 in fitness. The Lightning skates are doing real well for Rollerblade.

Haven't heard anything bad. They did recently shorten their warranty from 12 months to 6 months. But again, seem to be doing real well. It's a little early to see how things go for 2005, but I expect Salomon and K2 to out perform RB.

Thanks again.

Stan