TYPES OF SKATES
There are many different skates on the market but there
are basically only a handful of different TYPES of skates.
This training is going to explain the different types
of skates so that you will be able to decide what kind
of skate you will need to buy.
Basically, skates can be broken down into 2 major types:
Quad Skates & Inline Skates
Quad Skates
Let’s start off with explaining what Quad means.
Quad simply means that the skate has 4 wheels, 1 in
each corner of the bottom of the skate. Quad skates
have always been considered the “traditional”
skate and this is what most skaters rent when they
go to their local skating rink.
Quad Skates are great for those wanting to go fast,
perform skating tricks, jam (dancing on skates), play
roller derby, skate outside, artistic skate (type
of dancing on skates), or just those wanting an all-around
rink skate.
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are 5 different types of Quad Skates: |
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Quad
Speed Skates
These skates are meant to go fast and because
of their design they are very popular skates.
Quad Speed Skates feature low cut shoes (boot)
that fits just like tennis shoes that help with
going around corners. These skates are very popular
because of the freedom of movement that they provide
in the ankles thus being popular for jam (dance)
skating and of course speed skating. These skates
also feature speed style wheels and bearings (piece
that makes your wheel spin) that enables skaters
to skate faster and longer. |
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Outdoor
Skates
These skates are simply meant for the outdoors.
Outdoor skates come in either low top or high top boots and the wheels are specifically
designed to skate outdoors where the ground is
not as smooth. |
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Recreational
Skates
Recreational Skates are also sometimes referred
to as Artistic Skates. These are traditional style
skates that are for those wanting to artistically
dance, usually in a skating rink, kind of like
ice skaters but instead of a blade they have wheels.
These skates feature high boots that allow for
good control while performing spins or jumps.
The wheels are more narrow which allow for easy
turning and maneuverability. |
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Adult
Skates
Adult Skates are a selection of skates that have
been proven to be well liked by the adult crowd.
Who says kids have to have all the fun? |
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Roller
Derby Skates
The sport of Roller Derby dates back to the 1930s
and is quickly gaining in popularity. These skates
are designed to take the abuse that is experienced
by participating in the sport. Roller Derby Skates
require durability but also a skate that can get
up to fast levels very quickly as well as hold
through tight turns. |
Inline Skates
Inline Skates are very popular skates, especially
for those wanting to skate outdoors as well as those
wanting to speed skate. Inline Skates feature wheels
that are, well, in line with each other. Inline Skates
have anywhere from 3 to 5 wheels per pair of skate.
| There
are 4 types of Inline Skates: |

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Racing
Skates
Racing Inline Skates are skates that were designed
to go fast, simply put. The shoe (boot) is designed
so that it fits as close to your foot as possible
allowing you the least amount of wind resistance
as possible. The wheels of these skates are easily
interchangeable to allow the skater to skate indoors
or outdoors. |
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Fitness
Inline Skates
As the name suggests, these skates are designed
for the skater who wants a good pair of skates
to exercise in, usually outdoors. The shoes (boots)
are high top which offers excellent foot and ankle
support. These skates are also very comfortable
so that the skater can skater for longer periods
of time. |
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Aggressive
Skates
These skates are built very durable and are designed
for the skater who likes to perform tricks, usually
outdoors. |
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Hockey
Skates
These are skates that are made for those playing
the sport of Roller Hockey. Roller Hockey is a
very popular sport, especially among youth and
young adults. These skater were designed to hold
up to the abuse due to the nature of the sport.
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