Best Skates...

[PatrickQuinn]

Hey, all...

Looking to upgrade my blades. I'm probably considered a high-intermediate/low-expert skater with aspirations to get into racing (maybe). I have found that I need more ankle support in my blades. I'm also looking for a lot of speed. I'm considering the following brands/models:

Rollerblade Lightning TF Air (2006)
Rollerblade Lightning II (2007)
K2 Radical 100 Training Race (2006)
Rollerblade Marathon Carbon (2007)

Please advise.

Thanks

[chaosdsm]

Lightning II, K2 Radical 100, or Powerslide C8.

Rollerblades are narrow, K2's a little wider & better for a wide foot, but Powerslide is the way to go if you're thinking about speed. Reason being is that they are heat moldable for a semi-custom fit & are built from race boots. Heat molding will make them fit your foot a lot better which will also help in the speed category. InlineWarehouse used to have the Powerslides listed but I don't see them anymore & I was about to buy a pair of the C8's myself for training purposes... I have full custom $1500 Bont Vaypors for races, but I don't use them for training... Guess I'll have to go straight to Powerslide for them. http://www.powerslideusa.com/C8_skates.htm

[IW Staff]

I would go with either the Lightning II or TF Air so as to get more ankle support than the others. Then the decision is whether to get the 4 or 5 wheeler depending on what type of skating you'll be doing more and where.

Thanks,
IW

[PatrickQuinn]

Guys, thanks for the expert advice.

PQ