Purchasing Roller Derby Skates

Are you getting ready for the "minimum skills" test? Or perhaps you're seeking your first pair of roller derby skates? In either case, focusing on size and choosing wheels based on factors like floor type and user weight is essential. To make an informed decision when purchasing new derby skates, consult this guide.

Check out this video where we provide crucial information you need to understand before buying your initial pair of derby skates.

Roller derby is both a contact and social team sport conducted indoors. Possessing suitable skates is vital for your mobility and significantly influences your gameplay. As you acquire more experience over time, you'll gradually refine your personal preferences.

Derby Wheels - Surface, Hardness, and Player

During roller derby, indoor wheels are consistently used due to the sport being indoor. Naturally, if outdoor play is intended, suitable wheels should be selected. Optimal wheels are crucial for your performance and involve striking the right equilibrium between the floor type, wheel choice, and yourself as the player.

• On slippery floors, a wheel hardness between 88-92A is recommended, offering enhanced grip to prevent slipping.
• For sticky surfaces, 93-99A is advised. Generally, in sports arenas, 92-95A serves as a reliable all-round wheel hardness.

Concerning user weight:

• Heavier users should opt for harder wheels.
• Lighter users ought to choose softer wheels.

It may be beneficial to borrow wheels from another player on your team if you're genuinely uncertain about which wheels might suit you best.

Bearings

Bearings are not a critical consideration in derby decisions and they naturally last longer since gameplay is indoors.

The quality of bearings impacts wheel rotation. The more precise the bearing, the easier and faster the wheel rolls. Precision levels are identified by various scales. At SkatePro, we generally use the ABEC scale with a numeral identifier, such as ABEC 7, where a higher number indicates greater precision. However, it's advisable to choose bearings from a reputable brand rather than simply relying on the ABEC rating, as an ABEC 7 might outperform an ABEC 9. Also, the ABEC scale does not determine bearing durability.

For an in-depth exploration, refer to our bearings guide.

Skate Plates for Derby - Nylon versus Aluminum

Choosing between nylon or aluminum plates is possible. Most derby participants favour aluminum; however, nylon can also suffice for beginners seeking cost-effective plates. Nevertheless, lightweight nylon plates have a shorter lifespan and cannot sustain as much weight as aluminum.

In the long term, opting for aluminum plates is worthwhile. They are more durable and responsive than nylon. These aspects are essential in a contact sport like derby, where plates endure intense impact, and necessitate skates that respond adeptly to agile maneuvers.

Truck Angle and Cushions for Agile Derby Skates

The truck angle significantly influences the agility of your roller derby quad skates. Typically, truck angles range from 10-45 degrees, but other angles are available.

• A smaller angle degree results in more directionally stable skates.
• A higher angle degree leads to skates that are more agile and dynamic.

The truck cushions also play a role in skate agility. Manufacturers usually supply trucks with firm cushions, promoting stability at the expense of maneuverability. Cushions can be replaced easily with softer ones to render the skates livelier, enhancing responsiveness and facilitating sharp turns.

Cushion Configuration

Two types of cushions exist: cone and barrel. Cone cushions enhance skate liveliness. Cushion selection hinges on skate compatibility.

Skates incorporate four cushions—two barrels on top and two at the bottom of your choice, which could include barrels and cones. The way you configure the bottom cushions will impact the skate in varying manners:

• For responsive skates with superior turning capabilities and a stable rear, install a cone in the front and a barrel in the back.

• For even more dynamic skates, position cones both in the front and back.

Toe Stops for Derby Skates

To halt on derby quad skates, use the front toe stop, or employ specialized braking methods, as they lack the traditional back brake pad found on inline skates.

Choose a non-marking toe stop to prevent floor marks.

Stem Length: Short versus Long

Toe stops are available with either long or short stems. Stem length influences foot lift when walking on toes. An adjustable feature, the choice largely depends on personal preference. Generally:

• Long stems pair with larger wheels.
• Short stems accompany smaller wheels.

Tip: To determine the right toe stop size, tip the skate back with the toe stop resting on the ground and verify that three fingers can fit between the rear wheel and the surface.

Derby Boots

Ensuring your boots fit snugly is paramount for precise skate control. Derby boots are typically low-cut, but high-cut options exist, offering greater ankle support. Contrarily, low-cut boots enhance maneuverability, facilitating the sharp turns frequent in derby. Certain models also allow heat-molding for further customization.

Sizing Derby Skates

• As a guideline, pick the same size as your regular shoe size or go up half a size.
• Consult the specific product's size chart on the website.

You need skates to fit tightly without constraining your feet. With a proper fit, you'll gain excellent control over your skates, decreasing injury risk from necessary foot adjustments during a roller derby match.

Protective Gear for Skating

Given that roller derby is a contact sport, high-quality skate protection covering extensive areas is crucial. In derby, protection is vital for when you fall, unlike fitness skating where it is thought of as a precaution for possible falls.

Prioritize knee protection due to frequent impacts. Additionally, wearing wrist guards and a helmet is obligatory, as is using a mouth guard—always safeguard your smile!

Check out our selection of roller derby skates

If any questions or uncertainties linger, don't hesitate to reach out to us.