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View Full Version : K2 Radical 90s vs. Rollerblade Lightning 4s vs. ???


yirm
09-11-2005, 04:37 PM
I'm interested in 90mm wheels, speed, tolerance to bad sidewalks, etc. (city commuting), endurance, comfort. I skate 12-14 miles (depending on route) home from work 5 days a week (weather and schedule permitting).

Right now I have Pilot 9 Pros. I've had them since April. It took about 2 months before they were really comfortable. And I still get horrible blisters, but the other aches and stuff are gone. It took me a while to get used to the lower cuff. The Racial 90s look like they have an even lower cuff. Once I get used to a lower cuff (ankles strengthen up accordingly), will I like it better?

I noticed the lightning 4s (surprisingly) have standard bearings rather than micro. Does that make a difference vs. the ILQ 9, and if so, how much?

Regarding ILQ 9s, I have to say that so far I like them a lot in my Pilot 9s. I clean the frames and the outside of the bearings everytime I rotate the wheels, but have never opened the bearings up. Ever so often, I feel light grinding in one or other of the wheels. But it always seems to work it's way out. I've read that grease packing has a way of expelling water and dirt. Is that what I'm experiencing?

But I digress. The real purpose of this post is recommendations for someone who likes speed, skates 12-14 miles a day in mixed path/city environment.

IW Staff
09-12-2005, 08:01 PM
Both great skates and it comes down to preference. One will like one more than other and you may get a different answer as you go from one person to the next.

I prefer and would recommend the Radical 90. It feels better on my feet and I love them. I know many that enjoy the LIght 4 as well.

Micro vs Std I wouldn't concern yourself with. Standards can be just as fast. The grease pack ILQ's are nice. Bones Swiss are my favorite.

IW