Roller Derby Skate Terms( What you call it)
Skate Terms( What you call it)
Durometer refers to the hardness of a skate wheel. Typically, a soft wheel is grippy, but slow,and a firm wheel is fast,but slick.
A low durometer represents a softer wheel,and a high durometer represents a firmer one.
When skating outdoors,you should always try to use a wheel with a durometer of 88A or less.Most recreational indoor wheels have a durometer of 95A which gives them good roll,but they have less traction in tight turns.
An indoor wheel with a durometer of 94A or less is considered to have (grip). An indoor wheel of 95A or higher is considered to be (firm).
(Annular Bearing Engineers Committee) "ABEC" This committee determines standards for the Anti-Friction Bearing Manufacturers Association.Most bearings are given an ABEC rating to determine their heat tolerance,rotating accuracy,and other measurements.
Basically, the higher the number,the better made bearing should be, but this is not a universal truth. Using the ABEC system when determining which bearing to purchase is a good starting point, but you should always be willing to talk to a sales associate about which bearing is best for you.
Comparing Skates
When comparing the different skates, be sure to look at the individual components. The BOOTS<CHASSIS<WHEELS<,BEARINGS>All work together in the performance of a pair of skates.
BOOTS:First determine whether you want a high-top or low-cut boot.This should be an easy decision, Then determine what type of material you would like. Traditionally, leather has been the best material you could use to manufacture boots,but some of them are now made with micro-fiber material which may be more durable than leather.If you are still growing,you may wish to go with a less expensive material for you'll probably out grow your skates before you wear them out.
CHASSIS:The chassis or plates are what makes your skates work. They are typically made with aluminum or some form of plastic or nylon.(Polyurathane)One material is not necessarily better than the other.They are both very strong,and some of the high-end aluminum plates are actually ligther than their plastic (polyurathane) counterparts.You should determine whether the type of skating you do works best for a single-action or double-action trucks.
Single-action: Means that the truck,the part of the skate that holds the wheels,has only one cushion,and they are at a 45 degree angle.
They allow you to be closer to the floor and give you a feeling of stability when cornering at high speeds.
Double-action:Means that each truck has two cushions and they are at 10 degree angle. Double -action trucks allow for quicker turns,and make your skate feel much more responsive.. Double -Action trucks are the most common..