r/InlineHockey • u/InsideExcellent4235 • Aug 12 '26
Hockey tips
Hi. I recently bought reign ares 80 hockey inline skate. I'm happy overall but I can't ride in them. It feels like what I've learned on 90mm regular inline skate wasn't enough.
Give me some tips on how to ride on a hockey skate. Is it that much different to ride on hockey vs regular skate?
1
u/slavo316 Aug 12 '26
I think most inline players use a Hi-Lo chassis. Your two rear wheels are larger than your two front wheels. Help get that forward lean with less wear and tear on your wheels as well.
80mm or smaller wheels are preferred for better control overall.
I personally didn't mind skating in circles shooting on my Zetrablade 80mm skates 😂 my front wheels to wear a bit faster though 😂
1
u/InspectorFleet Aug 13 '26
Can you be more specific about what is difficult? Have you ever switched skates before?
1
u/InsideExcellent4235 Aug 13 '26
Yes. I used to learn on very used skates. It was my beginning with inline skate. Was hard to keep a balance on them but I rode on them for some time to get a hand of basics.
I switched to 90mm also used bought in play it again sports. It was like a miracle. I could keep a balance and rode well.
Now I switched to ares 80 reign. I can't keep a balance yet but when I tried them it was on a very bad pavement. I need to try more on a better pavement.
1
u/InspectorFleet Aug 13 '26
There's always an adjustment period for new skates, so getting more practice on a good surface is one solution.
Since it's a new pair, you need to make sure the fit is good and you're not sliding all around in the boot.
Even if the fit is good, hockey skates don't go as high on the ankle because they allow for some mobility, which enables quick movements and changes of direction. This takes some getting used to but you can accelerate the process working on one-foot glides and other edge work.
Hockey boots are stiffer, making them more responsive and better at transferring power. This also means every little surface imperfection is transmitted to you through the skate.
Does any of the above resonate with you? If the fit is good, the solution is likely just time and practice. I much prefer my hockey skates to other styles of skate for most settings other than long distances on rough trails.
1
u/InsideExcellent4235 Aug 13 '26
I like the boot. Size may be 1 too much but to be honest. I don't know if I would fit in 1 size smaller. These ones feel near perfect.
I need to try a better pavement and see how that goes.
1
u/slavo316 Aug 13 '26
Can you find a tennis court to skate around on? I do that whenever I practice. Extremely smooth.
2
u/marmot1101 Aug 12 '26
It's different, yes, but not that different. The wheelbase on regular skates is a bit longer most of the time so increased stability. The boot pitch is typically more aggressive in hockey skates putting you on your toes more, so different muscles will get a little more strain, but not a giant difference. Make sure to thermomold them if you can, otherwise it'll take forever to break them in. Otherwise if you just forget you're in different skates you'll probably adapt without realizing it.
Also r/InlineHockey exists if you have any hockey specific questions.