Rollerblade Freeskate Range

In current times there are around 60 inline skate manufacturers, but Rollerblade is the company that introduced the first boot with polyurethane wheels and the first heel brakes. This happened back in the 1980’s when Rollerblade was basically the only inline skate manufacturer that existed. Today they are still going strong as one of the biggest manufactures in the world, sending skates to all corners of the globe. Over this time they have created some amazing Freeskates. In this blog we are going to take a look at which ones are available today and what the differences are between them.

Q&A's

What is the difference between an FRX and a FR1?
The key differences between an FRX and a FR1 are:

• The FR1 features metal mounting plates where the frame attaches to the skate whereas the FRX has only plastic. This allows for more power transfer in your skating strides on the FR1 as well as extra durability and strength.
• The FR1 has adjustable straps so you can get that perfect fit and more responsiveness when you skate whereas the FRX just has a velcro strap.
• The FR1 features a metal top buckle and the FRX has a standard plastic one.
• The FR1 has an adjustable cuff which can be moved up/down/left/right to suit your skating style whereas the FRX has a standard cuff which will always sit in the same position.
• The FR1 comes with the FR 4D Frame which is stronger than the FRX standard 80mm frame. The FRX frame has the option to rocker the wheels which the 4D does not.
• The FR1 comes with better bearings that are stronger, longer lasting and faster.
• The FR1 has Street Invader wheels at 84A which are softer than the FR Street Kings that come with the FRX at 85A
• The FR1 comes with an added shock absorber under the heel of the liner which the FRX does not feature.

What is the difference between an FRX and FX3?
The key differences between an FRX and a FR1 are:

• The FR1's straps are adjustable at both sides whereas the FR3 only has that option on the outside.
• The FR1 features a metal top buckle and the FR3 has a standard plastic one.
• The FR1 has an adjustable cuff which can be moved up/down/left/right to suit your skating style whereas the FR3 has a standard cuff which will always sit in the same position.
• The FR1 comes with the FR 4D Frame which is stronger than the FR3 standard 80mm frame. The FR3 frame has the option to rocker the wheels which the 4D does not.
• The FR1 comes with better bearings that are stronger, longer lasting and faster.
• The FR1 has Street Invader wheels at 84A which are softer than the FR Street Kings that come with the FR3 at 85A
• The FR1 comes with an added shock absorber under the heel of the liner which the FR3 does not feature.

What socks should you wear with the FRX boot?
When skating it is ideal to have a sock that comes up your leg higher than the skate itself to avoid rubbing. Otherwise you can choose between a thick or thin sock depending on your fit and requirements. A thinner sock will be more responsive if the skate fits you correctly. If the skate is slightly too big then nice thick socks could help fill out some space. The less space you have between your foot and the skate the better as it stops your foot from moving around inside the skate which will make your skating strides less efficient. 

The next thing to consider is sweat. Your feet can become extremely warm inside those boots so it's a good idea to wear sports socks that absorb sweat better to avoid your feet being damp for long periods of time. 

 

Why do some skates have a gap between the wheels?
You may notice that some frames have larger gaps between each wheel than others. The closer the wheels are together then the easier it will be to turn. The further the wheels are apart the more stable the skate will become at higher speeds. For slalom and wizard skating you will see frames that have the wheels almost touching to make those tight turning manoeuvres possible whereas for speed and downhill skating you will see the wheels spread apart. This helps improve the length of the wheelbase which will give you more power in your strides. Also, in regards to stability, when you go really fast with wheels that are close together you can sometimes experience speed wobble where your legs start to shake. Having the wheels further apart helps avoid this. Most frames come with equal spacing between each wheel but some Tri skate frames have the front wheel further apart from the middle wheel than the rear. 

Which skate is better for Slalom between the FR1 and the FR2?
If you are choosing between the FR1 and FR2 with the intention of performing slalom moves then I'd consider going for the FR2. The FR2 comes with a rockerable frame which will allow you to perform those tight turns more easily. Just take the front and rear axles out and turn them upside down. Once you put them back in and tighten them up your front and rear wheel will be raised off the ground slightly. You can later add one of these frames to a FR1 if you buy one separately. This would allow you to have a stronger rockered frame like the FR 4D rockered frame which comes with the wheels automatically raised without the option of lowering them.

RB Cruiser
The new 2021 Rollerblade RB Cruiser Inline Skates are the latest version of one of our best sellers. The specification on the new model is the same as last year's skate with the only real difference being a new funky patterned liner. When a skate is this good, why change it.

Its hard shell provides excellent support but the fit is also very forgiving, wide or narrow foot; these boots seem to leave nearly every customer happy which is why the RB 80 was hands down our best selling skate over the last 4 years.

The best thing about the Rollerblade RB Cruiser is it's versatility, it makes an excellent recreational skate but is also a very capable freestyle/urban skate too. If you want to do a bit of slalom these skates will do the job and they are also 3WD ready meaning if you want speed you can add a 3 wheeled frame kit with bigger wheels.

This skate is a good choice for someone who is just starting their skating journey, someone who is restarting their skating journey or for someone who simply needs something to get them rolling at a cheaper price whilst keeping the quality. These skates come with RB SG7 bearings in some RB Urban 80mm wheels and with an extra set of laces in the box. The heel brake is removable and you will receive a replacement axel and tool in the box to make this change nice and easy. 

RB Pro X
The Rollerblade RB Pro X are a brand new model for 2021, they replace last years RB80 Pro and have upgrades including an improved frame, a more advanced liner and a better closure system.

The RB X Pro sits in the range above the RB Cruiser so if you want something similar to the RB Cruiser but you need stronger buckles and frames for more advanced skating and durability then this makes a great choice. It is suitable for any level of skater from a complete novice to a seasoned pro and that is what makes it so good.

Let's get down to the details. A new anatomical and sublimated liner with a training footbed creates ideal support when skating. This paired with the 45° dual-buckle/lace closure system allows you to get exactly the tightness and fit you require. This is a great upgrade as the buckle on the RB Cruiser is not the strongest and can’t withstand many hits.

Below the boot you get a 243mm/9.6” extruded aluminium frame with lateral sliders allowing you to customize the frame position under your foot, great for people who like to tweak their setup. The RB X Pro is completed with durable 80mm/85A Supreme Urban wheels and fast Twincam ILQ-7 Plus bearings. Finally a brake is included in the box along with a skate tool and an extra set of laces.

RB 310 3WD
If you are looking for a versatile and fast urban skate this could be just what you need. This skate features the same shell as the Cruiser and Pro X models. The RB 110 is designed for all skating environments and provides an anatomical and sublimated liner and paired with top eyelets and a training footbed for ideal support. Moulded-boot comfort and a durable hard sheet skate provide performance and speed. This skate is a great option for those who are looking for a cheaper tri skate option rather than upgrading their current skate setup to a tri skate. If you don’t need the best frames and wheels on the market but you want to give try skates a go then these skates can come up cheaper than purchasing those aftermarket frames and wheels. The wheels are the Supreme 110mm 85A with RB SG7 bearings inside. This skate also features the extra lace hole found on the new Pro X model for added ankle support.

RB Twister XT
The Twister XT is a durable urban skate that also has plenty of features to ensure comfort and stability on city streets. This skate is here to combat all the size issues people experienced with the RB Twister Edge skates. The all new fit features a modified, lighter shell and a footboard sizer, which allows skaters to ensure a performance fit. The Skate Liner Plus with Performance Skate Insole Plus improves the skate stance and skate ability with upgraded cushioning, improved wrapping, more breathability and shock-absorbing padding in the heel. This extra insole also comes in handy if you find that the skate has become too big overtime. You can shove in that extra insole to get that original tight fit once again. The V-cut liner ensures additional range of motion while the Comfort Flex Tongue facilitates support and flex.

The secure closure system includes a locking cuff buckle, 45 degree micro-buckle and extended lacing into the liner; Anti-Torsion Box technology utilises aluminium plates and team up with the 243mm alu frames for maximum power transfer and control. 80mm Hydrogen wheels paired with ILQ-9 Classic Plus bearings provide excellent grip and speed.

All of the models above are great skate choices for all levels. I guess specifically the XT will be more durable than the rest but the Cruiser, 3WD and Pro X skates will be more accommodating for a wider foot. The Pro X can definitely take a beating though. They have been skated by our team rider Si Coburn and he really put them to the test. He is currently skating the Twister XT at the moment and so far he has been enjoying them just as much. Check out Si on Youtube and Instagram at the links below to see him skating in the Rollerblade skates.

Check out our Rollerblade range here.

Check out store rider and Rollerblade rider Si Coburn over on his Instagram and Youtube.