Derby Roller Skates

Easy Roller Skate Upgrades

An easy step to take in upgrading your roller skates is by upgrading your wheels. Roller skating wheels will be classified into two primary categories, indoor and outdoor. Outdoor wheels tend to be softer and have more rebound than indoor wheels so be sure that you’re buying the right wheels for the roller skating you will be doing. If you plan on using your derby roller skate both indoors and outdoors I would suggest using outdoor wheels all around or get both types and switch them out for the type of skating you will be doing. This might sound like tedious work, but it is actually quite easy to do.

For indoor roller skates, wheel hardness ratings, also known as Durometer ratings, come in 97A, 95A and 92A. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. For indoor wheels, 97A is used for a standard indoor surface, 95A is used for more slippery surfaces, and 92A is used for extra slippery surfaces so before buying your wheels, try to determine where and what you will be skating on.

For outdoor roller skates, wheel Duromter ratings will range from 78A (the softest) to 85A (the hardest) and the choice you make will really just depend on how hard you want your wheels to be.

Wheel size can also make a difference when upgrading your roller skates. The sizes typically range from 58mm through 70mm with the most common size being 62mm. However, the larger the wheel size, the more roll you will get with the least amount of energy. Larger wheel sizes also help reduce the effects of impurities on the road. Smaller wheels are more common on indoor and artistic skates because they increase precision and maneuverability. The smaller wheels are typically better for more advanced skaters while beginners should stick with the larger wheels.

Another simple upgrade you can make for your roller skates are the plates that connect to the bottom of the boot on your skates. These plates are typically metal (aluminum) or some kind of plastic, such as high-tech nylon or vinyl. Lower-end plates tend to be metal and carry a lot of weight with them whereas more expensive, plastic or vinyl plates are lighter and easier to maneuver on. Plastic plates are not as rugged and durable if you plan on jumping on your skates. If you plan on, or if you know that you ride your skates rough I would suggest buying a metal plate. If you’re a speed skater or want a lighter skate, spend the bit of extra cash to upgrade to a high-tech nylon or vinyl plate.

Determining the right upgrades for your roller skating needs is easy with the right information and the right help. With the right upgrades comes better performance and more enjoyable skating. So don’t be afraid to upgrade!