What’s the Difference Between Roller Skates and Roller Blades

To most, it’s very obvious to find the differences between roller skates and rollerblades, but there is so much more that many people might overlook, from styles of skating to the scene overall. Inline skates, also known as roller blades, and quad skates, also known as roller skates, differences extend beyond just appearance.

 

Wheels

The biggest difference between rollerblades and roller skates is that rollerblades have wheels in a line, while roller skates have two side-by-side wheels. 

Inlines have smaller wheels than roller skates. The smaller wheels make inline skates faster but also make them once again, more difficult to balance on. Roller Skates have a wider wheelbase than inline skates making it less likely for you to fall over sideways when standing still.

 

 

Balance 

Beginners may prefer to go for quad skates, as the more even spread of the wheels aids with balance. However, beginning on inline skates is not an impossible task. This is because the boot of an inline skate goes higher up the ankle than a quad skate does, providing some stability.

Brakes

On most Inline skates, there is usually a brake that is found on the back of the frame for when you need to stop quickly. More advanced models come without a brake. And on quads, they come with a Toe stop on the front of the skate, which a lot of creative skaters take off and swap for jam plugs, just so it's easier to spin and do tricks.

Tricks and Style

Inline skates are more manoeuvrable, so they’re better for doing tricks, jumps, turns, and other stunts. However, if you plan to go to the Roller disco or do some dancing then Roller Skates are the obvious choice. Their short wheelbase and moving trucks make them perfect for quick turns, spins and moves.

Skating outdoors on roller skates is much more challenging than on inlines as the roughness of most outdoor surfaces will slow down and trip up a roller skater more easily than an inline skater. So if you are skating outdoors on roller skates, make sure you choose your skate area very carefully. Slopes on roller skates are again more difficult than on inlines and stopping on quads on slopes is particularly challenging.

 

Different Types of Skating

Aggressive Inline

Inline skating rose to popularity in the 80s and 90s and is more commonly seen in skate parks or streets.

 In aggressive skating, skaters perform tricks, jumps, grinds and spins either using ramps, pipes, etc. in a skatepark or by using obstacles found in a more natural environment such as benches, stair rails and curbs. Skaters will combine tricks to create a sequence called a 'run'. Runs involving obstacles are called a 'line'.

This type of skating is brilliant for unleashing creativity and experimenting with different combinations of skills. To add, while this sport can be played competitively, it can also be enjoyed from a more relaxed and free perspective, making it an ideal hobby.

 

 

Creative/Jam Skating 

There are many different forms of Creative skating there are Artistic roller skating and Freestyle skating but they all fall under creative skating.

Artistic Roller Skating is a type of roller skating that incorporates performance and artistic expression, skaters choreograph routines for performance, routines usually showcase skill and creativity and usually blend parts of dance, gymnastics and figure skating. A lot of artistic skaters skate at a national and international level.

Freestyle and Jam Roller Skating is a type of roller skating that focuses on individual expression and creativity. Skaters perform their choreographed routines, incorporating elements such as jumps, spins, and footwork. 

 

 

Roller Derby

Roller Derby is a contact sport played on roller skates. You need two teams of five players, you skate around a track, with each team trying to score points by having one of their players lap the other team. It is played dominantly by women, the first game was played in 1935.

 

 

Speed Skating

Speed Skating can be done Competitively and recreationally, it is a type of roller skating that focuses on speed, many speed skaters compete at national and international levels Skaters compete in races on specially designed tracks, using long-blade skates to achieve high speeds. These races can be individual or team events and can be held over distances ranging from 500 meters to 10,000 meters. Also, some skaters use speed skates recreationally and they just enjoy the thrill of racing.

 

Aggressive quad skating

Aggressive Quad Skating is also known as park skating or Street Skating, you either roller skate in skate parks or city streets. Types of tricks you will see are using Ramps, Railings, ledges and any other obstacle they can find. Skaters use specialised roller skates with smaller wheels and a tougher, more durable construction to perform grinds and slides.

 

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