5X84mm versus 4X90mm or 4X100mm

[LIRTSAskater]

I've been skating with Rollerblade Lightning 05s and really love them, but I want to move up and start training a little more rigorously. How do five wheel fitness skates compare to the new four wheel 90mm or 100mm models? What about bearings?

I skate along a pretty straight beach path (a few hard curves here and there) which is mostly fairly level or gently graded. There are three bridges which offer a definite change of pace, though. A real consideration is the wind, which can make the path hell on a bad day, especially if you're fighting it on the way back. I'd be particularly interested in opinions as to skates which might enable me to complete the path in reasonable time on a windy day.

[cowdoc]

This is a response to LIRTSA's questions about skating hills w/ 5 v 4 wheel skates. I've been skating for 9 yrs and currently do about an hour daily on a variety of terrains and in always variable winds. Over the past 8 months I've been skating w/ the 5 wheel 80mm wheel Rollerblade Lightning 07's. I moved to them from the 4 wheel K2 Mod GTM's and Lightning 05's. I feel wheel number is helpful in hill ascent (more power) and stability. I'm not interested in monitoring speed (as the debate over the 4X100mm v. 5X84 is centered on). All models give me plenty of speed but the comfort and stability of the 07's help alot on my 8-12 mile daily skate. The 5th wheel has saved my butt several times from small stone encounters. As for the winds, it's part of the scenery, and it cuts both ways. It pushes you and you push it! A stiff headwind can be looked at as "turbocharging" your lungs! I know how "defeating" winds can be to a fatigued skater but I guess I just take it with the rest of the obstacles to a workout. Hope this helps.

[IW Staff]

Cowdoc makes great points and there really is no wrong decision. It mainly comes down to personal preference. The 4 wheelers say they are the way to go, and the 5 wheelers say the same.

I personally like the 4 wheel skates in 84mm - 90mm. Radical 90 being the largest I've spent any considerable time on. I just don't like the feel of skis on my feet with the long 5-wheel chassis. Others love it and will never go 4 wheels again. So.... try it. You may be a five-wheeler waiting to get out : )

IW

[LIRTSAskater]

Thanks for your insights to both of you.

I think I will try the 5 wheelers since at this stage I'm more interested in getting an edge on staying a bit faster a bit longer rather than sprinting. Cowdoc mentions more power with the fivers uphill, and I'm thinking this will mean more steady power against the wind, too. This edge will hopefully enable me to start skating with some other guys in my club without killing myself.

My choice is now as to boot style. Do I stick with a low fitness-style boot or move to a speed boot? Will a speed boot enhance the edge a 5 wheel blade will give? I skate a 9 mile course almost every day, sometimes 2 or 3 times in a session. I'm about 5' 10, like cowdoc. Will the racing boot enable better efficiency? Will the absence of ankle support (I use Rollerblade Lightning 05's now) start to bother me at longer distances?

[IW Staff]

Unfortunately that is a question that you will need to decide on.

You sound like an experienced skater that would do well in a 'speed' boot. They would provide more flexibility so that you can use your edges more. The stability of the higher cuff is gone, but the need for that depends on how well adapted of a skater you are.

Myeslf, I like having a little support up top. When I get tired and lazy on my skates, it's nice to have to help me cheat and relax more. For someone skating as much as you are, your muscle memory will provide ease in skating either I imagine.

Thanks again for the post!

Stan @ IW