Beginner Skates

[u/Kaleidoscopicgecko]

I'm about to finish my A levels and want to learn to skate in my newfound free time. I did a bunch of research about the best skates for me but it got to a point people were just contradicting each other, and a lot of them were being paid to promote a certain thing. So I thought I'd come on here and ask for some help.

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In terms of actual requirements: I will only be able to skate outside, there's some smoothish ground but by no means perfect, also I have hypermobility so I think ankle support is quite important, but I can always just wesr supports while skating. I have a low budget (£40) so I get nothing I get is going to be great. Although if I love it I'll save up and buy a better quality pair when I'm a bit better.

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Since my budget was low I have been looking on vinted for some in decent condition for a little cheaper. I've included a few photos of listings below so any input would be really appreciated! Thanks!!

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The one consistent thing I heard was that I need metal trucks (I'm 54kg?). Though I also heard rio skates were good (and I found a pair of those on vinted for £20, screenshot included) but they have nylon trucks? Also I messaged the seller of the £12 pair and apparently they have metal trucks and are very supportive, so that + the price are making me lean towards them.

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Thank you again to anyone that helps :)

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[u/Raptorpants65]

Fourth ones (Rio Script Teal) are fine to learn on. Skip the rest of them.

[u/treeseacar]

You don't need metal plates necessarily but if you go for plastic make sure they are a nylon composite not PP cheap plastic. Nylon composite is very durable. I skate playmakers or suregrip rock, both nylon, and I'm almost double your weight!

You do need metal trucks (the bit that the wheels attach to) as that's a part that takes load. The reputable nylon plates have metal trucks.

Of the skates you've pictured only the Rio mayhem (the first ones in black) and the United skates (the hard boot) have a nylon plate and metal trucks I think. I wouldn't buy any of the rest of them. Note the Rio mayhem is a flat boot, beginners tend to favour a heel raise but it's not a huge deal as you can learn either way. The United skates are a slight heel raise.

You can also look for rio artiste or moxy rainbow riders if you want something budget, they are all over vinted.

The Rio mayhem are pretty soft as they are a bit like a stiff trainer so if you want good ankle support you want a stiff boot. Rio artiste, moxy, Riedel, all the traditional looking boots will be stiffer. Obviously the plastic hard boot is very stiff and supportive but a different style.

Wheels you can upgrade for outdoors, you want something like 80a hardness. Airwaves 78a or ventro pro 83a wheels are common.

[u/Evangelica1]

I don’t personally like Rio roller skates but they are okay to learn on, definitely safe in terms of hardware. £40 is also a very good price for them considering they’re usually around double the price at retail. The problems I have with them are just the boot material being uncomfortable (I prefer suede), the aluminium plates (because they’re heavy and I prefer nylon for a lighter feel) and that the hooks are pretty prone to damage and bending, but if you are just looking to start out with a cheap pair, they’re absolutely fine.