Good beginner rollerbaldes?

Ok, I plan to start rollerblading. Anybody have any suggestions for a good set that aren't $100 and will be good to learn on? I'm in pretty good shape and am looking for another activity to add to my aerobic workout.

I'm looking for a skate that will be easy to learn to control, last a while, and be comfortable for 20-30 miles per session. And possibly easy to get a hold of.

I've never rollerbladed before.

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks!

[super gerbil]

I would probably go to any local department store. Or you can always shop online and they will deliver it for you

[Zitch]

It's been a while since I've had a "starter" set of roller blades (I have $300 to $500 hockey roller and ice skates currently lying around my apartment right now...), but I started rollerblading on Rollerblade Lightnings. I found they were comfortable, decent durability, and at a good price at $100 in 1996. I don't know if the company is still around, and if you can find these. Last I remember, most of the skates at around $70 on up were pretty good for recreational skating. I can't tell you much about anything current though.

I'm assuming you're getting some good pads. A beginner skater can hit 15 mph easily on a small slope. In a full sprint, I was able to hit 30 mph (skating next to a car who was measuring me) before I tired out. At these speeds, you need to have some pads and a helmet to be able to walk away from a fall... Wish I learned that earlier. My left knee now makes funny noises when I move it...

As for never rollerbladed before, good luck. I had the advantage of knowing how to ice skate before rollerblading (and playing street hockey...). They are mostly the same with some important differences (important enough that you could break your ankle if you do both and forget these differences....)

Have fun,

Zitch

[Mike]

I wouldn't recommend a "beginner" pair of skates for a trip that long. You'll regret it at about 15 miles or so.
I would find a local blade shop and go talk to them. Because if you get a beginner pair of skates, the chances are they aren't going to be up to skating those distances.

The most important pads? Helmet, knee pads, and wrist protectors.

[Gutter Ball]

"Rollerblade" makes excellent skates. I have a set of GLX's (waaaay old) and they're still working fine. Last I saw, they had lots of newer and better models available for under $200CAN. Their ABT braking system is excellent for beginners and you can take the brake off when you're comfortable stopping via other means (IE trees, grass, poles.....haha, jk!) Not sure what's available for $100US, but I'm with Mike, don't get a Walmart pair! Unless you want blisters (from poor padding) and backpain (from poor arch support). K2 makes decent ones too. Good luck!

[Mike]

I'm a fan of Roces and K2 skates myself.

Well, thanks for all the info! I've read a few online articles as well, and since there are no skate shops (no bike shops, either), I am a bit limited. The local sporting good stores have some stuff. Do you think Ultrawheels would be a good pair? I've been looking at some localally available Hybrid types.

I was planning to get the kneepads, wristguards to use with my helmet as well as elbowpads, just to be safe.

The Ultrawheels are in the $80 - $130 range.

[Mike]

I really wouldn't get Ultrawheels... Your feet will really not appreciate a long trip in a pair of Ultrawheels.
Of course my preference is Roces and K2, but you won't like the price tag on them.

[Zitch]

Heh, my preference is Bauer, but you really won't like the price tags on those

Plus the skates I get are hockey skates: Slight rocker (two middle wheels lowered to create a "curve") and shorter wheelbase for better agility at the expense of stability, Less ankle support for more ankle mobility (which adds to agility, but more injury prone), and usually an Aircraft grade aluminum for the chassis and much of the boot (usually just the sole) composed of hard plastic and kevlar for durability at the expense of, well, cheapness.

I would concur with not getting a "Walmart" pair if you're gonna do 20-30 mile-long sessions. Apparently there are others know more about the more "recreational" skates here.

[Mike]

Bauer makes good skates. I have a pair of their ice skates I believe.
Definetely don't want to do a 20-30 mile skate with those either.

Yeah going on a long distance trip with Ultrawheels wouldn't be a good idea. You'll seriously regret it after one trip that distance.