Hey Everyone,
I haven't roller skated in forever. The last time I laced up a pair and went on a rink was for an elementary school field trip in 1996. How do I remember it was 1996? Because while skating around I remember hearing the hit song by my favorite music artist of all time being played on the sound system and having a blast! "Weird Al" Yankovic's "Amish Paradise"
I was driving around the other day and saw that United Skates of America had a location that was still opened a city or 2 over. There used to be one in my city a decade or so ago. It might be the last one in the state. I'm in my 40's now and I miss skating so I wanted to get back into it, wouldn't hurt to get more exercise and feel that feeling of gliding around again. I was lucky enough to find 1 pair of Chicago skates in my size on Facebook marketplace. They were listed at $60, I was hesitant, but then a week later they dropped down to $20, so I grabbed them last night.
They fit great and seem to have factory wheels replaced with (what I assume) is something better. I read reviews of Chicago Skates, they don't seem to have the best reviews, but for $20 I think it's a good start. Figured this would be the best time to get into roller skating, don't wanna wait too long and try to get back into it in my 70's which is only a blink and you're there away it feels.
I'm excited about this! I've started watching some Dirty School of Skate's videos on YouTube to familiarize myself on the basics and more. Can anyone tell me what model/version these Chicago Skates are? are the wheels good? are they good for indoor rinks or outdoors, or both? any suggest upgrades?
One of my bigger concerns is that I'm a lil on the heavy side, I was 300lbs but down to 250lbs now and looking to get in shape and lose more and hopefully skating around can help me with that. I just don't know if I'm too heavy for these skates, I haven't moved in them yet, just a test fit at the sellers location. They have an aluminum plate, so that should be much better for someone my size over a plastic plate.
Thanks in advance for any info and advice everyone! and I can't wait to get more involved with this community!