Need advice on choosing skates

[Bob D]

Hi. I am looking for some skates. I am not too experienced, so I am looking at something around the 80mm wheel size. What is the difference in these three skates: Rollerblade Astro 50, K2 Soul 7,and K2 Exo Alu? I will be skating mostly on city streets and sidewalks, and some paved bike paths if I can find any. I can spend a little more if there is something better around the $150 range.

Thanks,
Bob D.

[IW Staff]

All good choices for your level. The Astro has a new adjustable brake that RB came out with this year and seems pretty nice. Both the Astro 50 and Exo Alu would be good choices in my opinion. The Astro 50 can be upgraded to 84mm wheels later on for more speed if wanted. I'm thinking the Exo can too, and I'll work on writing more description for that as soon as I'm done with this.

The Soul is a good skate too and very popular. I just think the Exo or Astro would serve you better. Again, just my opinion.

Thanks for the post.