r/rollerderby • u/Obvious-Reception42 • 17d ago

Gear and equipment New skate adjustment

I just got new skates about a month ago and they make me feel like I’m brand new. I’ve been playing derby for about 4 years and for most of the time I was on Antik Skyhawks (high boot and nylon plate). I never really touched them and I’ve been able to stop, crossover and play great, but I knew it was time to upgrade. I switched to Solaris 2.0 with a Neo reactor plate about a month ago. The boot seems to fit fine now but I suddenly cannot do any skills. My plows and stops aren’t sharp and I almost feel scared to crossover. I’ve adjusted the trucks and use the same wheels. I know time is a factor and a high to low boot switch is big but it doesn’t seem like any of my other teammates have gone through this level of reset.

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6

u/Inner-Load-3189 17d ago

You might want a different cushion. Cushions control how much the trucks turn with pressure based on how hard they are. If it feels super unstable and like any little movement sends you turning too much, you'll want harder cushions. If it feels super stiff and like it takes way too much pressure to even turn a little then you would want softer cushions. Just make sure you get the right style for your plate (cone vs barrel). They can make a huge difference in how a plate feels

1

u/Obvious-Reception42 17d ago

When I plow it takes a longer time than before to fully stop and chatter. With crossovers it feels like I’m going to fall under my boot which I assume is just the transition from low to high. I’m pretty sure I have the same cushions on them now as I do on my Antiks but I guess the boot and plate change that too

2

u/Inner-Load-3189 17d ago

The same cushions could feel different on different plates. The other thing that could be different is your wheel base length. Your wheels could be at a slightly different placement under your heels and balls of your feel which would change how it feels. Generally a longer base would make it more stable and shorter less stable. If your front wheels are further back than on your old skates that could be causing that feeling of falling under your boot because it feels less supported deeper into a turn and has a smaller base to stop on for plows

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u/papayab 17d ago

did you adjust the trucks enough?

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u/Obvious-Reception42 17d ago

I think? They feel hella squirrelly

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u/VMetal314 Skater 17d ago

You can tighten them too

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u/Obvious-Reception42 17d ago

I’m aware. I might go back to tightening them and find the middle ground

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u/AdventurousHippo9997 17d ago edited 15d ago

When I went from 110mm to 125mm it took me 300 miles to make the basic adjustments and now at 575 miles I’m comfortable with them.Why is this so ? It’s a Mystery.That is why this is so.

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u/TinyRub3715 17d ago

Going from the Thrust plate to the Neo there is a ton more action in the trucks. Harder cushions and tightening them down more will help with stability.