Matter wheels - green, red, yellow?

[ephraim]

I'm thinking about replacing the stock 90mm wheels on my new Salomons with some harder Matters. The Matter web site's not easy to navigate, but I think it says the yellow (86a) wheels are intended for very smooth surfaces such as polished concrete, like you'd find at a roller rink. The red (85a) wheels can be used on smooth outdoor surfaces -- would that include asphalt-paved trails, do you think? I hesitate to pick the green (83a) wheels because they're not much harder than the stock wheels, which feel annoyingly slow.

[IW Staff]

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

You can read about them on our site as well. All would be an improvement as Matter wheels are great. You may want to check out bearings though. I've heard many not happy with the bearings on their Salomon's. Changing those and wheels and you'll be sailing. Great boots/frames on the Salomon skates. Wheels are pretty good too. Bearings I've heard have been slow or take a while to get going. I would change those first.

Thanks,
Stan @ IW

[ephraim]

I'd expect the bearings to be broken in after a couple of hundred miles. It's been unusually warm in the northeast this year, so I was still skating this morning -- not a snowflake in sight. I'm going by feel in thinking that the wheels are absorbing the energy, but it could be the bearings. It's hard to distinguish, short of changing out one or the other.

[IW Staff]

The Red wheels are discontinued and the Yellow are very hard, very fast and great on smooth surfaces, indoor track, etc... They are so hard that they hold up outside great as they are durable. The hardness makes it so that you feel more of the bumps however.

The Green wheels are good for outdoor surfaces and are much better than the Salomon wheels even if near the same hardness. If looking for speed, then yellow. For more absorption, then green. They got rid of red and are stating the yellow more universal than previously advertised. Most went green or yellow apparently so they eliminated the red. The red was always the best seller here at IW, so go figure.

Matter wheels are better than any other wheels out there regardless of which hardness you go with.

Bearings... Those you have are most definitely broken in and I see that you went with the BSB ABEC 9 bearings. I think you'll enjoy those and notice a difference. My favorite brand are the Bones brand bearings. Bones Swiss are excellent at the $64 range. Someday try those out if you can. With this new setup, you'll definitely have some more speed. As mentioned, heard several comments from folks in regards to bearings on the Salomon's saying they were a bit sluggish. Once changed, they enjoyed the skates greatly and I feel you will as well. Thanks!

Stan @ IW

[ephraim]

I gave the new wheels and bearings a trial run yesterday afternoon despite the cold and early darkness -- with snow, sleet, and real cold in the forecast, this might be the end until spring. I love 'em. The yellow Matter wheels aren't too hard on asphalt, as I worried they might be. The ride is smooth and quick, with none of the annoying drag that bothered me on the stock Salomon wheels and bearings. I'm looking forward to the new season.

[tim99]

Darn. I was going to buy the red ones!

IW Staff, thank you for your advice on skates and wheels. I got K2 VO2 Max skates based on some of your recomendations here and love them, and I plan on getting some Matter wheels.

I guess I will get some green for training, and some yellow for racing. My training is on fairly rough surfaces.

Tim.

[IW Staff]

from both of you. The Matter wheels are impressive no matter which hardness you go with. I'm always comfortable when recommending them as I haven't heard any negatives yet.

Happy Trails

Stan @ IW

[BWI-Sheldon]

The only drawback with Matters Red and Yellow are the wet surface traction. Also my opinion is to go with the Bones or BSB Swiss bearings that have the plastic ball retainer. They are easier to clean and roll much better. The difference between original manufacturers bearings and these can mean up to 2 mph, believe it or not. That was the case with me when I switch from Rollerblades ABEC 7 to Bones Swiss 6.

[BWI-Sheldon]

I gave the new wheels and bearings a trial run yesterday afternoon despite the cold and early darkness -- .................... I'm looking forward to the new season.

Considering you are from the northeast, and your name, we might have a lot in common. As for a pretty decent speed skater myself, who skates 15 – 25 miles religiously 6 days a week, you could e-mail me for advice or skating tips.

[idontowninlines]

I don't know if you got them yet, but I highly recommend that you get matter juice in white (or natural). It provides excellent performance, looks, and life. I also highly suggest that u get the new EMT hubs for the juice wheels. They really do make a difference. If u need more explained, I'll be more more than willing. =)