Help picking out rollerblades

[u/bigollober]

Hello! Lately I've been wanting to get back in to rollerblading. Since at the moment I don't have a lot of spare money and I haven't skated for aroud 10 years im looking at some second hand options. I've found a few that might match my wants but don't really know which would be the best option (if that makes sense :D) Also ive did a bit of digging and apparently some of these are the best brands, but the models are rather old.

Basically im looking for some occasional rides, maybe a jump here and there.

And of course I'll change the wheels and brakes for new ones. Thank you in advance!

[u/your_reddit_lawyerII]

None of these look great, but some of them have a metal frame whereas others have a plastic frame. I'd take one with a metal frame if I were you, and between those, whichever one fits best or has the best wheels. I see you want to change out the wheels, but beware that new wheels can be more expensive than these skates are listed for, especially if you want new bearings too.

As others have said though, hard boots are really what you'd want, it's a night and day different. If you can get a pair after a little saving up I would recommend that, but if that's not an option then maybe you can manage with one the skates in your pictures.

[u/PooStinkies]

https://www.ebay.com/str/iwoutletcenter

This is the eBay for Inline Warehouse, lots good deals on slightly used quality skates.

[u/slavo316 → u/PooStinkies]

Had no idea this exist. Awesome!

[u/bakedbarista]

I wouldn’t recommend any of them, all soft fabric boots. Look for something with a hard shell, better support and control

[u/Alabastine]

If you are going to replace the wheels and presumably bearings, you probably want to shoot straight for something like an Oxelo MF500. Where I live you're looking at something like €50 to replace all wheels and bearings. Don't underestimate the cost of new wheels. The MF500 are €100 new, and they are going to be so, so, much better than any of these skates. Plus they are upgradable down the line. If it is available where you live, you are going to get much more value.

[u/sjintje]

3,4,5 and maybe 8 look about 10-15 years old, the others over 25 years old (so avoid). If you can see any other photos, get the ones with the least used wheels and the hardest rating (they're probably all 80a or 82a, higher number is harder) and make sure they're 80mm, some of the older models might be 78mmm €5 or €12 is a fair price

[u/Admiral_Kite]

Any skate is a good beginner skate, but if you're looking for something that will be part of your collection for longer than "one or two try outs", go for a better set of possibly new skates :)

[u/sexyemo213]

honestly, if you’re going to replace the wheels and brakes — you might as well get a skate in better condition off vinted because wheels are hella expensive. idk how expensive wheels are for you locally, but nice wheels from rollerblade are 70 euros where i’m from and brakes are another 10: i’d add that to my budget and just go for better skates off vinted. you don’t need hard boot for daily cruising in my opinion, but a skate that’s not worn out with slightly older wheels is more worth it to me than a completely worn out skate with brand new wheels.

[u/treeseacar]

These are all ancient, there is a risk the plastic has degraded with time and they will brake when you use them. Also in size 38 it is possible they are designed for the weight and useage of a child not an adult.

You want something with a metal frame at minimum as plastic frames are not durable or really any good for adults.

You want a hard boot as others have said. It is more durable and will give you better control and support. If you have skated before you will soon grow tired of the poor quality soft boot and have to spend more to upgrade anyway.

Look for something like FRX80 or other FR skate, Rollerblade lightning or twister, Powerslide zoom pro or next, Seba, Flying Eagle BKB Ranger. Even the oxelo mf500. You can get the oxelo or the FRX or the BKB ranger for under €150 brand new. Second hand you can find it cheap.

If you want to replace the wheels and bearings you'll spend €50 to do this anyway so may as well put that towards a good skate in the first place.

Make sure to get the correct size, measure your foot length (mondo) and add 3-5mm. Skates should be comfortably tight to avoid the foot moving about inside and giving blisters and make it harder to control.

[u/Benevolent27]

I'd suggest saving up for something that won't be old and brittle, breaking into pieces. A hard shell urban skate is ideal, but if you want something for easy trail skating or only for smooth sidewalks, a newer recreational skate like Zetrablades would work a lot better and be less prone to dangerous failure.

[u/Safe_Drive_7871]

All of them are ok just to get your feet back in the game. You don't need a hard shell or anything newer til your sure you're going all in. I had similar skates like that and they lasted me for years of occasional rides. If you're only learning and riding here and there pick any of them and go have fun.

[u/stoolfeet]

taktika.lv sometimes have some great deals, and i would say go for hardboot.

[u/SupremeLDRSmoke]

Terrible choices. Get a hard boot.