I wrote this post because lately, newbies on role.ro seem to be confused about what skates they should buy, so I thought I should try to share my experience (6 years of rollerblading) with you.

When you decide that you like rollerblading and want to buy new skates, it is really important to get those which will fit you the best. I'll clasify the skates by how I got along with them as premium, medium and economical (budget), and I'll try to expose my point of view, maybe you'll have an easier choice to make.

So, here they are.

Premium class

In my opinion, Remedyz and Razors are the best skates on the market. I must mention that I never tried Deshi's (except for DK1), but they don't make them anymore so it doesn't matter, and Nimhs.

For the past two years, I've been riding Remedyz (0801, 0803 and now 0702 - white FTW) and I think that these are great skates. Why? Firstly, I love their design, they look really solid and that gives me confidence. Next, everybody has heard of freedom of feet concept (one which I don't use anymore, instead I use Jugs). What's FoF ? Basically, you have great confort in Remz liners, but also good ankle support because of the strap. The liner is attached to the boot with screws, so it won't move when you're rollerblading. Flex + ankle support = love, for sure.

A pair of new Remz is usually about 300EUR with Ground Control frames.

Anyway, before that, I rode Razors (Shima6). Nice skates, nasty cuff bolts. In the mean time, Razors released the SL series, which I was tempted to get :) Everyone said that they're something different, and I agree with them. Every friend of mine who has Icons 2 or even Aragon 3 are satisfied with them, because of the simple two rules: comfort and support.

The Aragon 3 skates cost 280EUR, again, with GC frames.

Conclusion: you can start off with Remz or Razors if you know that you won't quit after three months. If you're not sure, keep reading, we'll get to medium and economical class right away.

Medium class

In my opinion, medium class representants are USD Thrones (Classic and UFS) and Xsjado.

I've tried USDs Abdiel Colberg like 5 years ago, after riding Roces 5K. It was a major change, but looking back now, I know it wasn't such a big deal. USDs are okay. They offer a pretty good stability for a reasonable price. I know liners' comfort changed since my Colbergs so I really can't specify wether they are comfy or not. I'm pretty sure that they are, though.

Also, USD is producing the ex-Grycon model, now entitled VII, I think. They are good skates to start with, because of the Sifika liners (which are also used for Classic and UFS Thrones), the frames (Kizer), and of course the low price (130EUR for a full setup).

USD skates' prices range between 250EUR (Al Hooi pro model with Kizer frames) and 150EUR (Dominic Sagona pro model, again with Kizer frames).

Let's go on and speak about Xsjados. Xsjado skates have been the same since the release of Dustin Latimer's pro model, they haven't suffered any major changes like Razors did (with the SL series). I had Xsjados Basic (the first model of Basics) and I liked them a lot, nice comfort and stability, with an enhanced ankle support (due to the 45° strap). You really feel that you are one with the skate and you can control your movement. Why I changed them ? They felt a bit too wide for my taste, and after a while, those flat soulplates weren't sliding the way I wanted.

Xsjados are valued now for 250EUR (Ben Schwabs) and 170EUR (Basics 09 with Mook Frames).

Economical class

Well, the only skates that I didn't like were the Roces 5K, my first skates, but they are no longer produced.

Why didn't I like them ? No UFS, non-aligned royale groove, bad liners. Whatever.

RECAP:

If you have enough money for Razors or Remz, don't hesitate. Buy them. Wether it's Aragon 3, a Genesys model, Open shell or Classic Remz, they are worth your money. Comfort, support, stability and control.

Oh, and let's not forgot about the looks. Lately, rollerblading has become a fashion show, right ? :)

If you're not sure about spending that much money on your first pair of skates, consider buying Xsjados or USDs. They are great skates, used by pros, so there's nothing to worry about.

You can also try different skates from your friends, and make up your mind after that.

Good luck guys and rate this article, if you liked it!