Are you wondering what the difference is between quad skates or inline skates/rollerblades? They each provide a very unique skating experience. We have provided some tips below on how to decide which ones are right for you.
Quad skates – main features
Quad skates have the following main features:
- They have four wheels with two in the front and two at the back
- The wheels are typically wider
- The wheels can often be softer than inline skates/rollerblades, meaning more friction/less speed
- There is movement in the trucks affecting the ease of using edges to turn or slow down
- They may take a while to lace up
- The parts are fully customizable and can be switched to meet specific skater preferences –
- eg trucks can be adjusted for a firmer / more controlled ride
- plate material (the part which holds the wheels and trucks in place) comes in either nylon or alluminium
- Wheels can be changed
- Bearings can be changed
- Cushions can be changed (think of these as suspension under the boot)
- Quad skates – main features
- Quad skates have the following main features:
- Boots – these come in different materials and stiffness levels. They may need changing after some wear
- Laces can be changed
- They have toe stops for brakes which can be changed
You can find a number of quad skate reviews here: Best roller skate reviews – Sophia Blogs
The parts of the skates can be purchased separately from good skate retailers – for example, here: Skate Gear – Moxi Shop (moxiskates.com)
Inline skates/rollerblades – main features
Quad skates have the following main features:
- They have three or four thinner wheels which are ‘inline’ providing a smaller surface area for friction against the floor and they typically roll faster than quads
- The wheels are typically harder than quad skates making them good for speed but less comfortable
- There is no toe stop – instead, the skater must use edges (pushing the skate into the floor at an angle) too slow down or stop
- The boot is very hardwearing – it can typically be washed and doesn’t lose its shape. The stiffness makes the skates good for skate parks and doing tricks as they hold the skater’s ankle in place
- They have laces plus a clip in the front to tighten the boot
- They can be put on and taken off very quickly
You can find a number of inline skate reviews here: Best roller skate reviews – Sophia Blogs
Quad skates or inline skates/rollerblades – what they feel like to skate in
- Inline skates/rollerblades can feel stiff but secure. They provide a tougher workout than quad skates. One reason for this may be the temptation with quad skates to push yourself along with the toe stops – although skaters are not supposed to be doing this, it happens (the writer is guilty). With inline skates/rollerblades you are forced to skate properly – making strides with the wheels
- It can be more worrying without the safety of the toe stop for beginners on inline skates/rollerblades compared to quad skates
- When covering longer distances inline skates/rollerblades can be a smooth, swift ride compared to quad skates
- They can both be used for dancing but inline skates/rollerblades are suited for figure skating rather than ‘disco’ skating (NB – a figure skating inline skate would be required, which has a toe stop and only three inline wheels)
A final note for you – you could buy both and alternate…the writer does this but be aware that your body takes a little time to adjust between toe stop/no toe stop, in particular.
We really hope this article will assist you in making a choice for your first pair of quad skates or inline skates/rollerblades.
We would love to hear comments from you on your experiences or what you decide, and why.
