Roller skates are a thrilling and fun gear meant for all age groups. Roller skates come in a variety of designs and styles meant for different purpose skating. Quad skates or in other words skates with four wheels are the most popular ones.

Single and dual row roller skates

Roller skates range between different prices ranges depending on the age group they are meant for, the design specifications, brand and the material they are made of. Skates of the conventional design were very popular when they first became commercial. However, now there have been design innovations giving roller skates a dash of thrill to their ride.

For beginners quad roller skates with four wheels are best suited as it gives more grip and safety to the amateur rider. Skates with a single row of wheels are designed for more experienced skaters.

The softness or hardness (durometer) of roller skates wheels are calculated in numbers. As you go to a higher number the wheels keep getting harder. If you want to ride your roller skates outdoors then you should choose a smaller durometer number so that its wheels can absorb the bumps of the road or surface you ride it on.

Recreational skates

Recreational roller skates range from $50 and up to a couple of hundred dollars. These skates mostly do not come in half sizes so you will have to go half a size up from your original size. They usually have a diameter from 57mm up to 60mm and mostly are boots with high top and narrow wheels. These have better ankle support.

Recreational skates have their metallic plates built out of aluminum or urethane material. If you want a good bargain in recreational skates, it is suggested you go for a discontinued model.

Outdoor roller skates

These can be like a sneaker skate or be a high or low top skate. Amongst ladies, tennis shoe skates are quite in demand. These would have a size ranging between 62mm and 65mm. For skating on jogging tracks and roads, outdoor roller skates are the best choice. You should cross check before buying yourself outdoor roller skates that the precision bearings are completely sealed.

Speed roller skates

This category of roller skates is highly popular amongst teenagers. For jam skating mostly skaters remove the toe tops and place jam plugs. Speed roller skates have a strap tied across your instep and have a low-cut. This kind of skate is designed for high speed maneuvering that’s common in jams skating. These use 62mm wheels with bearings from ABEC-3 to ABEC-7. These speed roller skates have toe stops that can be adjusted or removed. Also their plates are made of rebound urethane. These skates are available in quad and in-line designs.

Skates for children

For children roller skates are made of vinyl boots and have durable plastic wheels and are available at any sport store. These provide slow skating speed meant for child safety.

Children skates can cost around $45. If you want your child to go one level up then they should be bought roller skates having real bearings for faster speeds.

Artistic skates

This kind of roller skates are designed for free or figure skating. They are light weight and have smaller size wheels. The toe stops are soft and of rubber material. It has ample ankle support and is rigid for spins. The plate is made of titanium or aluminum and is highly durable.

Roller skates need to be chosen according to the kind of skating you would want to enjoy and have enough practice to do. You should ask the customer representative which type of skates you wish to buy and he will guide you through the specifications according to your roller skating need.