Skating for fitness/ and skate recommendation

[jetoney]

Hello,
I am looking into getting back into inline skating for fitness purposes.
I did skate for approx. 12yrs(off and on) and am probably somewhere in the
intermediate/semi-advanced category. I had a back injury about 8 yrs ago, and it was recommended to me as one form of exercise that I could possibly do w/ minimal impact.
I did skate after the injury but, have not skated in 3yrs.
I use to use Rollerblade(don't remember model), hardboot style skates, and they were cutting edge at the time, however, I am clueless at this point, with all the options out there.
I am thinking about the Soloman or K2 brands at this time, and will probably spend somewhere around $150-175. I have not been out to try any of these skates on, as the only decent shop that I know of is Sport Chalet, (as far as selection); it's nowhere near what you guys carry there.
I need something comfortable, as I do tend to ride different types of terrain(asphalt trails, street, etc etc.)
I am about 5'10--200lbs at this point w/ a wider than average size 10 foot(ball area).
I am thinking about a liner as well for support and comfort, so I assume I will need to go a little bigger with the skate(?)

Please recommend a fitness skate(and liner), that I can hit about 50 to 100 miles a week(eventually), and that will hold up to a little aggressive skating now and then.

Thanks in advance,

JT

[Roz]

Erm I am no expert but I don't know of anything you would regard as a 'fitness skate' that would stand up to aggro skating at all.

However, if you want a brilliantly versatile skate that's fast, responsive and would stand up to stair rides, ramps, and pretty much anything you throw at it - I'd recommend these:

http://www.inlinewarehouse.com/descpage.html?PCODE=SC3

It's even within your price range too - but they were twice that price not so long ago :D

[jetoney]

Roz,
Thanks for the input.
I think my days of "Aggro skating" are behind me as my back injury wouldn't take ramps,jumps, etc etc. at this point.
Not saying I probably won't attempt it every now and then :-)

I guess I am curious as to what "fitness" skates are capapble of these days. I realize the boot is softer, therefore probably less durable to that kind of punishment. I honestly will probably just be doing distance, and mostly flat skating for exercise.

Thanks in advance for the input,

JT

[IW Staff]

I would check out the Salomon Pilot 9 series. Great skates. There are some availalble on closeout from 2004 and then there are the 2005 with even bigger wheels.

The Pilot 9 Pro from 2004 for $175 is a great skate that is getting into the bigger wheels and very fun. The Pilot 9 Ti is all the way down to $129 and has 80mm wheels. Both will cater better to a wider foot and are great skates. If wanting to step up, get the Pro as it has 84mm wheels. Faster and better for the longer skates.

As for aggressive skating. The Salomon Crossmax SLab is a FSK (Freeskate) that is a little heavier, but has a UFS frame. You can throw on any UFS aggressive frame and essentially have an aggressive skate. Aggressive frames are from $12 on up to $55 mainly. So if still wanting to flirt with aggressive, that would be a good skate. The Crossmax SLab is fairly expensive however at $299 as the 2005 are all that are available.

Thanks for the post!

Stan @ IW

[Roz]

The crossmax 3 (link above) would do the same at half the price. The only upgrades on the s lab (which are the skates I use) is the ankle strap is a ratchet strap and not velcro.

Some people think they've upgraded the liner a bit too though