Are you looking to take your passion for skating to another level? Aggressive inline skating is an adrenaline-inducing sport that allows you to do all kinds of stunts on street obstacles and skate parks. The first thing you need to get to kick-start this modern sport is the right skates.
Just as skateboarding beginners need to get a quality skateboard, aggressive skating requires suitable aggressive inline skates that provide safety and efficiency when doing your tricks. These skates are ingeniously crafted, with a hard boot, dual-fit liners, and sturdy bearings. They have a reduced weight and a lower centre of gravity, allowing you to manoeuvre them with ease.
For more information on how to choose the right skates, check out the following tips before heading into the aggressive inline shop!
Aggressive Wheels
Aggressive inline skates wheels are suitable for both the skate park and the street. The normal wheel size is between 54 and 64 mm; smaller wheels help you do stunts more easily. The wheel durometer ranges from 86 to 95A; harder wheels are simpler to do slides on since they have less surface traction and won’t stick to the surface.
Bearings
Bearings are essential components of inline skates that helps the wheels spin. Since the bearings for aggressive skates are going to be subjected to a lot of strong impacts, you will need to replace them frequently with new ones. New bearings will give you an effortless roll and help you improve your stunts. You can purchase bearings as separate parts.
What are the Best Bearings for Aggressive Inline Skates?
To describe the bearings’ precision, manufacturers use the ABEC scale, which spans from 1 to 9. The bearings with a higher ABEC grade are those that offer a better rolling experience. However, their ABEC rating isn’t directly connected to your bearings’ durability. On the other hand, buying from a reputable shop will help you get durable bearings.
Skate Frames
The many types of frames on aggressive skates each allow for a distinct wheel setup. Your skating style, which you refine through time, will determine which wheel arrangement suits you the best.
Each arrangement has certain benefits:
- Anti-rocker – A set of two large wheels and two little grind wheels positioned between them. The anti-rocker setup also locks better when grinding, giving you more control. This is the most common configuration for aggressive inline roller skates.
- Flat – Comprised of four equal-sized wheels that make the skates more manoeuvrable.
- Freestyle – This arrangement consists of two wheels with no option for wheels in the middle of the frame. This enables you to grind objects that would normally be impossible to grind, such as a tree stump. It allows you to fully express your creative side.
Boots/Shell
Trick skates are made with a robust shell that is strengthened in exposed parts to resist the many beatings and severe landings in aggressive skating. This makes the tough boots more robust and extends their lives, allowing you to enjoy them for a longer period. Aggressive skate boots are also heavier than other types due to additional strengthening.
Furthermore, worn elements such as sole plates and backslide plates are frequently replaceable.
Liners
The inside boot of your aggressive inline roller skates is referred to as the liner. A decent liner supports your foot and ankle. It usually includes a thick cushion to reduce the stress of hard landings and keep you comfortable. Most models let you substitute the liner for a new one if it wears out. Furthermore, if you are dissatisfied with the initial fit, you may swap it for a better one.
Avoid needing to heat-mould the boot to change its fit by using only liners designed exclusively for aggressive skates. They are created with more cushioning, more support around the ankles, and a firmer grip on your heel to prevent a loose fit.
How to Choose the Correct Size?
For further information about the size of the model you want to buy, I always recommend reading the sizing guide on the product page. Your trick skates should fit snugly around your foot for best control when doing stunts. You will notice that they are rather tight at first, but they will break in as you use them more and more.
Protective Gear
Most sports, such as cricket, hockey, skateboarding, etc. require you to wear protective gear to avoid potentially dangerous injuries. When shopping for skates, don’t forget to check the aggressive inline skate shop for this type of equipment.
Protect yourself with a helmet, knee pads, wrist guards, and shin protection – a unique piece of equipment for aggressive skating. If you’re prone to doing dangerous tricks, try wearing impact shorts that protect your hips and tailbone. In case you fall, you will be grateful you chose the right gear.
You can wear them beneath your jeans if you want to keep them hidden. Aggressive skating is an intense activity with a potential danger of falling, so make sure you stay safe to enjoy this sport for many years to come.
What is Power Blading?
Power blading is a sub-style close to aggressive inline skating, with the exception that you skate faster. It’s similar to parkour on skates. Power blading skates are mainly utilized in urban areas for stunts such as leaping downstairs and the likes.
Power blade skates include an aggressive boot with a flat setup frame and larger wheels similar to free skates. This allows you to perform stunts while going at high speeds, and you will be less impacted by the road surface. The wheel size is typically between 60 and 80 mm.
