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Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!eru.mt.luth.se!www.nntp.primenet.com!nntp.primenet.com!news.sgi.com!news.msfc.nasa.gov!pendragon!ames!tulane.edu!cpk-news-feed4.bbnplanet.com!news.fsu.edu!garnet.acns.fsu.edu!adchen From: adchen@garnet.acns.fsu.edu (Tony Chen) Newsgroups: rec.sport.skating.inline,rec.skate,rec.sport.skating.misc,news.answers,rec.answers Subject: In-line Skating FAQ: Other Product Reviews (3.4) Followup-To: rec.sport.skating.inline Date: 20 Sep 1996 14:26:59 GMT Organization: Florida State University Computer Science Department Lines: 1660 Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu Distribution: world Expires: Sun, 20 Oct 1996 14:27:21 -0100 Message-ID: <sports/skating/inline-faq-11-843229641@garnet.acns.fsu.edu> References: <sports/skating/inline-faq-1-843229641@garnet.acns.fsu.edu> Reply-To: adchen@garnet.acns.fsu.edu (Tony Chen) NNTP-Posting-Host: garnet.acns.fsu.edu Originator: adchen@garnet.acns.fsu.edu Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu rec.sport.skating.inline:24439 rec.sport.skating.misc:1239 news.answers:82417 rec.answers:24078 Posted-By: auto-faq 3.1.1.2 Archive-name: sports/skating/inline-faq/part11 _r.s.s.inline FAQ: Marketplace - Other Product Reviews_ _________________________________________________________________ [LINK] --> MARKETPLACE - OTHER PRODUCT REVIEWS (last changed Tuesday, 17-Sep-96 18:39:06 MDT) Disclaimer: while these reviews include many facts and first-hand experiences, much of the text here is necessarily opinion. Also realize that the in-line market is changing rapidly, so prices and specifications may be out of date. If you have a forms-capable web browser, feel free to use the product review form for your convenience. For you others, the plaintext review sheet is at the end of this file. _________________________________________________________________ Table of contents _accessory reviews_ * J&J Titan Aluminum Rockers * Jofa ISD Speed Puck * Jofa Jofa Speed Puck * Lazzy Legs arch and ankle tighteners * Lazzy Legs Speed Demons hopup kit * Lazzy Legs X-treme Pro hopup kit * Lazzy Legs heel tightener * Paragon bearing guards * Rollerblade Power-strap * Transpack Pro _bearing reviews_ * Black Hole ABEC 3s * Black Hole Rocks * GMN ABEC-3, greased, tin-shielded * Powell Swiss ABEC-1 "Bones" * YAK ABEC-3 * boss abec 5 _grind plate reviews_ * CDS Detroit 3/8 slot style * CDS Detroit Boot grind plates, Size: 4 plates, 1x3 inches * CDS Detroit Street Line Frame Grind Plates * CDS Detroit Woodies * Commit LowBoy (wraparound) * Lazzy Legs Steel Bridge Grind Plate _hopup kit reviews_ * Cyko HurricanZ * Hyper hopup kit * Hyper hopup kit _safety gear reviews_ * Bell Image helmet * Boneless Boneless Knee (Street) * Lazzy Legs Protector WRist guards * Rector Fat Boy knees * Rector Fat Boys * Rollerblade Advanced wrist * Rollerblade Standard Pads (knee/elbow/wrist) _wheel reviews_ * Black Hole Sport * Black Hole Sport * Cyko HurricanZ 1993, 72mm, 82A-Flat 22 * FR Progressors 60mm/88A * Hyper X-360 Cross Trainer * Kryptonics 72mm/82A Rampage Full Radius, tri spoke core. * Kryptonics 76mm Rampage 78A and 82A * Kryptonics Mini Roxx (aggressive middle wheels) * Kryptonics PowerPlay 72mm/82A w/ Krypto hockey radius, tri spoke core * Kryptonics VR Series 72mm/78A Narrow radius, tri spoke core. * Kryptonics pebbels [older ones] * Labeda Bad Boyz/Trick core 72mm/82A _________________________________________________________________ accessory reviews Reviewer: Scott Weintraub (scottw@wam.umd.edu) _Product Type:_ accessory _Brand:_ J&J Titan _Model:_ Aluminum Rockers _Purchase Price:_ $20 for all 8 wheels (16 rockers) _Store:_ some mail-order house (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 06/1994 _Used for how long:_ 2 months _Pros:_ Aluminum rockers won't crack or warp like plastic ones will. They may increase your speed a little, especially if you have plastic ones that are already broken or warped because they touch the bearing more preciley and won't rub up against it. _Cons:_ $20 is a little expensive for 16 little pieces of aluminum but they're pretty much the only place that I could find that makes these things. _Comments:_ I'm not sure what skates these things fit. I'm pretty sure they're made for the Rollerblade line. I know Roces makes their own aluminum rockers, specifically for their skates. I would recommend consulting your dealer to make sure that they'll fit on your skates. _Rating:_ 9 Reviewer: Jim Kiraly (kiraly@cse.utoleod.edu) _Product Type:_ accessory _Brand:_ Jofa _Model:_ ISD Speed Puck _Purchase Price:_ $10.95 _Store:_ Tam-O-Shanter (local store) _Location/Phone:_ Sylvania,Ohio, _Purchase Date:_ 08/1994 _Used for how long:_ Since August 7, 1994 _Pros:_ Puck comes installed with 12 (6 per side) nylon runners for textured surfaces. Also includes 12 runners for smooth surfaces. I have only tried the puck on parking lot type surfaces, were it works really well. Feels like puck, handles like a puck, etc.. _Cons:_ It doesn't get on the edge too often, but when it does, it doesn't like to lay back down. The runners are not easy to remove. _Comments:_ The puck is wieghted around the edges and is spoked in the center, it is completely made of rubber with the exception of the runners. This is the puck used by the RHI. _Rating:_ 9 Reviewer: Chris Fourgnaud (inline@mountnet.com) _Product Type:_ accessory _Brand:_ Jofa _Model:_ Jofa Speed Puck _Purchase Price:_ $14.99 cdn _Store:_ Sports Experts (local store) _Location/Phone:_ Mic Mac Mall, Dartmouth, ???-???? _Purchase Date:_ 04/1996 _Used for how long:_ Approx 1 month _Pros:_ It's the best puck on the market, but that doesn't mean too much. _Cons:_ The pucks cost a lot and when running an Inline Hockey league the are always being lost or stolen. the pucks are not heavy enough, runners constantly break and after the replacement runners are gone it's very hard to find a place that sells them the pucks have even cracked after hard shots. The puck won't stay flat it is always rolling on its side. _Comments:_ There needs to be some improvments, if anyone knows where to get replacment runners let me know _Rating:_ 5.1 Reviewer: Scott Weintraub (scottw@wam.umd.edu) _Product Type:_ accessory _Brand:_ Lazzy Legs _Model:_ arch and ankle tighteners _Purchase Price:_ $20 _Store:_ Blades (local store) _Location/Phone:_ Manhattan, _Purchase Date:_ 06/1994 _Used for how long:_ 2 months _Pros:_ They really give you a lot more support. Nice price. Durable. _Cons:_ _Comments:_ These aren't really meant to tighten your boot more around your foot. They're meant to hold your foot in place. The arch tighteners can be used as a replacement for laces but I would recommend leaving your laces on. _Rating:_ 10 Reviewer: Jim Kiraly (kiraly@cse.utoledo.edu) _Product Type:_ accessory _Brand:_ Lazzy Legs _Model:_ Speed Demons hopup kit _Purchase Price:_ $21 _Store:_ Play It Again Sports (local store) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 05/1994 _Used for how long:_ 1-1/2 Months _Pros:_ Comes with: 8 Aluminum threaded bearing spaces with hex locks. 16 Normal length small headed axel bolts 2 Brake wheel lenght small headed axel bolts. 1 Hex tool _Cons:_ Easy to strip the threaded spacers. The axel bolts would actually loosen up and fall out during normal skating sessions. _Comments:_ I was not impressed with these. All three sets that myself and friends have owned have had the bolt loosening problem. _Rating:_ 3 Reviewer: Scott Weintraub (scottw@wam.umd.edu) _Product Type:_ accessory _Brand:_ Lazzy Legs _Model:_ X-treme Pro hopup kit _Purchase Price:_ $25.90 for 8 wheels _Store:_ forgot (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 03/1994 _Used for how long:_ 5 months _Pros:_ Most hop-up kits are made of aluminum. Steel is a lot more durable. _Cons:_ Steel is a little heavier than aluminum but the weight difference isn't even noticable so I wouldn't worry about it. _Comments:_ If you're looking to upgrade your skates, a hop-up kit is probably the best place to start. You will certainly see a speed increase, it will cost you a little over twenty bucks, and it's a one-time cost. Once you install it, you won't have to worry about it again. The Lazzy Legs X-treme Pro is the Cadillac of hop-up kits. _Rating:_ 10 Reviewer: Martin Sripan (ay169@yfn.ysu.edu) _Product Type:_ accessory _Brand:_ Lazzy Legs _Model:_ heel tightener _Purchase Price:_ $12.99 _Store:_ Performance Bicycle (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ / _Used for how long:_ 1 month _Pros:_ *Great for: reducing road vibration at high speeds *Reducing heel lift due to weak instep area *Tightening boot fit *Protecting side of boot from crash-not intended use though _Cons:_ *Mainly useless on unflexible boots such as plastics _Comments:_ It seems to be more intended for racing, to prevent heel lift, but for some reason I look in Inline magazine issues, and many extreme skaters are wearing it. _Rating:_ 8 Reviewer: Tony Chen (adchen@garnet.acns.fsu.edu) _Product Type:_ accessory _Brand:_ Paragon _Model:_ bearing guards _Purchase Price:_ $4.99 for 20 guards _Store:_ Paragon Products, Inc. (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ 690 Industrial Circle S., Shakopee, MN 55379, (612) 496-0091 _Purchase Date:_ 03/1994 _Used for how long:_ 1 month _Pros:_ They DO keep the grit out and off of your bearings, and they're plenty cheap. _Cons:_ The guards do their job well, but the way the work requires that they rub slightly against the wheel hub. This makes for very, very slow skating, compared to w/out them. _Comments:_ Description: these guards are small plastic discs a little wider than your bearings. They have a hole in them to thread your axles through them. What you do is put them over your wheels at the bearings, on both sides, and thread the axles through everything. _Rating:_ 8, if you don't mind the large rolling friction caused. A rating of 1 if you do! 8-) Reviewer: Scott Weintraub (scottw@wam.umd.edu) _Product Type:_ accessory _Brand:_ Rollerblade _Model:_ Power-strap _Purchase Price:_ $8 _Store:_ Herman's Sporting Goods (local store) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 12/1993 _Used for how long:_ 8 months _Pros:_ Give you a lot of support. Inexpensive. Very durable. _Cons:_ They come with a little patch of velcro that you are supposed to attach to the heel of your skate. When you put them on, a piece of velcro on the heel strap sticks to that to help it stay secure, under your heel. I just thought that was a nifty idea so I mentioned it. I used a hot glue gun to keep that little patch on. The Lazzy Legs heel straps look a little thicker and they look like they might be a little more secure so you might want to check those out before purchasing these. But, on the other hand, for $8, you can't really go wrong. _Comments:_ _Rating:_ 8 Reviewer: Ben (BenWK@aol.com) _Product Type:_ accessory _Brand:_ Transpack _Model:_ Pro _Purchase Price:_ $60 _Store:_ Blades (local store) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ / _Used for how long:_ a half dozen outings _Pros:_ Durable Holds skates well Keeps water out, even in heavy rain Secure design _Cons:_ Needs more accessory pouches Top loading drawstring top can be cumbersome for loading large things _Comments:_ _Rating:_ 8.5 bearing reviews Reviewer: Jim Stein (stein.3@osu.edu) _Product Type:_ bearing _Brand:_ Black Hole _Model:_ ABEC 3s _Purchase Price:_ $26.00 for 16 _Store:_ Columbus Sports (local store) _Location/Phone:_ ?, ? _Purchase Date:_ 05/1996 _Used for how long:_ A month _Pros:_ Good, durable ABEC 3s. Fast (of course.) _Cons:_ Not as "serviceable" as they claim to be. It's almost impossible to get the shields off! Noisy; need to be cleaned very often (they shed grease very quickly.) _Comments:_ Go buy some other brand. The extra price attached to these "serviceable" bearings is wasted if you can't get the shields off without damaging the casing! _Rating:_ 6 Reviewer: Rob Remus (rwremus@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu) _Product Type:_ bearing _Brand:_ Black Hole _Model:_ Rocks _Purchase Price:_ $21.95 for 16 _Store:_ Wildcountry (local store) _Location/Phone:_ Normal, IL, _Purchase Date:_ 04/1994 _Used for how long:_ 3 months _Pros:_ The bearings are faster (better) than the ones that came in my Macro EQ's. That however is the only thing about them that is better. _Cons:_ The bearings get dirty VERY quickly. The bearings came lubed with grease and within one day of skating they were dirty enough to start making noise. I then replaced the grease with oil, which made them even worse. _Comments:_ Spend a little more money and get some good bearings. _Rating:_ 5 Reviewer: Scott Weintraub (scottw@wam.umd.edu) _Product Type:_ bearing _Brand:_ GMN _Model:_ ABEC-3, greased, tin-shielded _Purchase Price:_ $1.25/bearing _Store:_ some mailorder place (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 06/1994 _Used for how long:_ 2 months _Pros:_ Very inexpensive. _Cons:_ Shields aren't removable so you have to pry them open to clean them. They pretty much felt like my old ABEC-1s to me. _Comments:_ I bought these because they were inexpensive but I'm sorry I did. They didn't do much for me. If I could go back, I would have probably spent a little extra money on a better set of bearings. If you're looking for a cheap set of bearings to replace a set of ABEC-1s and aren't really looking for a speed improvement then these will suit you fine. _Rating:_ 4 Reviewer: Tony Chen (adchen@garnet.acns.fsu.edu) _Product Type:_ bearing _Brand:_ Powell Swiss _Model:_ ABEC-1 "Bones" _Purchase Price:_ $2/bearing _Store:_ Skates Off Haight (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 09/1991 _Used for how long:_ 3 years _Pros:_ For a long time the Bones bearings were rumored to be ABEC-5 quality, but in the end the company said they were only ABEC-1's. Doesn't matter. These bearings spin very well. They are one-sided bearings, with only a plastic snap-cage to secure the ball bearings. The ones I ordered were in sets of 8 and came with a small plastic pouch of Bones speed cream. In an extreme case of laziness and negligence, up until last week I had only relubed 2 out of the 16 since I first bought them 3 years ago. My main laziness stemmed from the fact that they still spun like crazy, and still sounded clean. I have since cleaned and relubed all of them, out of guilt 8-) but they're all in amazing shape still. In terms of maintanence, the Bones are very easy to clean and handle because they have only two parts: the bearing and the snap-cage. With most of the two-sided bearings (like Yaks, TwinCams, etc.) you have to pry off the C-ring on each side and you end up with 2 rings, 2 shields, and the bearing. Also, when you take the snap-ring off, the balls inside aren't constrained by a brace of any kind, so you can really clean out the whole inside pretty well. This also means you can apply your lube easily as well, since the balls are in full view. Putting the snap-cage usually takes longer than putting a C-ring and shield back on (on the other bearings), but it's still pretty simple for the most part. In any case, I have noticed ABEC-5 rated Bones for sale in some mail-order places now. 1 or 5, I don't think you can go too wrong with Bones bearings. _Cons:_ _Comments:_ ABEC-1s are fast, but tend to have slightly more vibration overall than some ABEC-5 bearings like Boss or TwinCam. If you want ultra smooth rolling, you might have to go for the Bones ABEC-5's or other ABEC-5's. _Rating:_ 9.7-10 Reviewer: William Bradley (wbradley@thor.ece.uc.edu) _Product Type:_ bearing _Brand:_ YAK _Model:_ ABEC-3 _Purchase Price:_ $2 per (normally) $1 per (on sale) _Store:_ Inline USA (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ / _Used for how long:_ 3 months _Pros:_ o Removable Shields, Very nice bearing, no wobble _Cons:_ + Greased (you might be able to order oiled sets) + Having to listen to "DA YAKMAN" rant about them :-) _Comments:_ Some people gripe that these aren't much better than ABEC-1s. I noticed a marked difference, though. _Rating:_ 7 Reviewer: chad renshaw (gusto@sprynet.com) _Product Type:_ bearing _Brand:_ boss _Model:_ abec 5 _Purchase Price:_ $15.00 _Store:_ play it again (local store) _Location/Phone:_ ?????, ??????? _Purchase Date:_ 06/1995 _Used for how long:_ 1-1/2 years _Pros:_ spun better than my original bearings. I believe they were zz bearings. Oiled. _Cons:_ The boss abec 5 spun good I thought. I bought new Roces Street skates which rule. They came equipted with abec 1 bearings. Surprisingly and to my dissapointment they spun and were smoother than my boss abec 5 . _Comments:_ I'm buying Swiss Powell Bones now. I've read many articles on these bearings including ones at this site. All say that they kik. I can't wait for them to come in. _Rating:_ 3.5 grind plate reviews Reviewer: Ben (BenWK@aol.com) _Product Type:_ grind plate _Brand:_ CDS Detroit _Model:_ 3/8 slot style _Purchase Price:_ $8 _Store:_ (local store) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ / _Used for how long:_ long enough _Pros:_ Good price, nice groove, hard (no need to make bigger groove quickly), recessed flush area for axles , Easy installation, good on curbs _Cons:_ a bit thick less good on rails none I can really think of _Comments:_ _Rating:_ 6.5 to 8 Reviewer: Martin Sripan (ay169@yfn.ysu.edu) _Product Type:_ grind plate _Brand:_ CDS Detroit _Model:_ Boot grind plates, Size: 4 plates, 1x3 inches _Purchase Price:_ $9.99 or so for a set of 4 _Store:_ Millennium In-Line (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ / _Used for how long:_ 2 weeks _Pros:_ Great if you can get it to work-helps with power stops, other boot grinding maneuvers *Very versatile-use for other stuff _Cons:_ Hard to attach velcro lanyards, for me at least. _Comments:_ Works better on CLEAN surfaces; unscathed ones recommended. All CDS products are probably good when used correctly, but I didn't really need the boot plates-my boot was screwed from the start. It works best on boots of the leather type probably. _Rating:_ 3 if you don't apply correctly, 10 if you do Reviewer: Scott Weintraub (scottw@wam.umd.edu) _Product Type:_ grind plate _Brand:_ CDS Detroit _Model:_ Street Line Frame Grind Plates _Purchase Price:_ $5.99 for two. _Store:_ some mailorder shop (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 06/1994 _Used for how long:_ 10 minutes _Pros:_ They're made of plastic and plastic slides a lot better than steel does because there's a lot less friction. Inexpensive. _Cons:_ When I power-slide, I slide on the grind plate because it sticks out so much and since it's so smooth, I keep on sliding. Sometimes, I'll even do a split. When I cut sharp turns, I will sometimes hit the grind plate on the ground and since it's so smooth, my legs just slip out. _Comments:_ They are a good idea. They'll protect your frame and they'll slide better than any metal grind plate could ever dream. But I just couldn't sacrifice maneuverability and power-slides for it. _Rating:_ 5 Reviewer: Matt Brock (valrock@ktc.com) _Product Type:_ grind plate _Brand:_ CDS Detroit _Model:_ Woodies _Purchase Price:_ 10.00 + tax _Store:_ team paradise (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ Huntington Beach, California, _Purchase Date:_ 01/1996 _Used for how long:_ a couple weeks _Pros:_ Slides real fast on rails which improves my balance, slides nicely on curbs, although not as good as on rails _Cons:_ There really isnt anything wrong with this grind plate _Comments:_ CDS DETROIT IS THE BEST!! _Rating:_ 1000000000000 Reviewer: Chris Wilson () _Product Type:_ grind plate _Brand:_ Commit _Model:_ LowBoy (wraparound) _Purchase Price:_ $12 _Store:_ Sportfix (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ , don't remember _Purchase Date:_ / _Used for how long:_ 2 months _Pros:_ Slicker than hell on rails. _Cons:_ cant grind curbs.scrapes on ground when you turn. _Comments:_ ONLY WORKS WITH 57mm WHEELS!!!!!!!!! _Rating:_ 5 Reviewer: Scott Weintraub (scottw@wam.umd.edu) _Product Type:_ grind plate _Brand:_ Lazzy Legs _Model:_ Steel Bridge Grind Plate _Purchase Price:_ $20 _Store:_ random mail-order house (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 06/1994 _Used for how long:_ 2 months _Pros:_ It's made of steel so it's strong. It's thick so it will last a while. _Cons:_ The largest wheel size you will be able to fit on a skate with a bridge grind plate is around 65mm. _Comments:_ If you put a steel grind plate on your skate, it will slide nicely on metal but grinding a curb is a little more difficult because there's a lot of friction. There are many different ways you can outfit your skate for grinding. With this plate, you can skate with all small wheels or you can skate anti-rocker. I still haven't discovered the perfect grinding combo. _Rating:_ 8 hopup kit reviews Reviewer: Martin Sripan (ay169@yfn.ysu.edu) _Product Type:_ hopup kit _Brand:_ Cyko _Model:_ HurricanZ _Purchase Price:_ $20 for 8 wheels _Store:_ Millennium In-line (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 08/1993 _Used for how long:_ 4 months; 1993, Discontinued _Pros:_ + Aluminum-speedy + Threaded + Hex lock + Comes with instructions-really no need _Cons:_ + No frame spacers + Aluminum-bad for extreme + Threads are lost after time + Bolts too big-huge profile + Bolts slide like CDS Detroit Grind Plates, but in this case, it is a disadvantage-gives new meaning to power slide + Bolts get scuffed and flattened easily + No tools provided, though a Torx T25 helps, as I prefer handled hex wrenches over hex keys + Brake bolts aren't big enough for my brake _Comments:_ The guy who sold me these practically forced me into these over the Blading Edge-should've bought the Hyper, it sounds/looks good. It's better than plastic, but seems like any other, Roces, Hyper, Mogema, Sure Grip, and other race frames are better _Rating:_ 3 Reviewer: William Bradley (wbradley@thor.ece.uc.edu) _Product Type:_ hopup kit _Brand:_ Hyper _Model:_ hopup kit _Purchase Price:_ $20 _Store:_ Local sports chain (local store) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 05/1993 _Used for how long:_ 1 year + _Pros:_ o Aluminum spacers *do* have internal hex hole for axle removal o Includes two slightly longer axles to account for brake mounting (Rollerblade, for example) o Each axle has a loctite patch for safety o Kit also includes washers, if you need them _Cons:_ o Aluminum spacers...supposedly these deform easier during extreme skating (I wouldn't know) o Loctite...no star washers, if that's your bag... _Comments:_ I've had no problems with these _Rating:_ 9 Reviewer: Jim Kiraly (kiraly@cse.utoledo.edu) _Product Type:_ hopup kit _Brand:_ Hyper _Model:_ hopup kit _Purchase Price:_ $25 _Store:_ ISA (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 06/1994 _Used for how long:_ since June 1995 _Pros:_ - Comes with: 8 Red aluminun threaded spacers w/ hex lock. 16 Regular length, small headed axel bolts. 16 Washers 2 Brake wheel length small headed axel bolts. 2 Hex tools. _Cons:_ None to report. _Comments:_ I would recommend these over the Lazzy Legs Speed Demons. _Rating:_ 9 safety gear reviews Reviewer: William Bradley (wbradley@thor.ece.uc.edu) _Product Type:_ safety gear _Brand:_ Bell _Model:_ Image helmet _Purchase Price:_ $80 (normally) $40 (on sale) _Store:_ Bike Nashbar (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ / _Used for how long:_ 2 months _Pros:_ o Well-vented o Light (sub-8 oz.) o Easy to fit (adjustable pads/straps) o Microshell (compromise between hardshell and foam) _Cons:_ _Comments:_ _Rating:_ 8 Reviewer: Ben (BenWK@aol.com) _Product Type:_ safety gear _Brand:_ Boneless _Model:_ Boneless Knee (Street) _Purchase Price:_ $80 _Store:_ Blades (local store) _Location/Phone:_ 73rd and second, too lazy to check _Purchase Date:_ 05/1996 _Used for how long:_ weeks _Pros:_ Big Great padding Comfortable for large size No wraparound strap to tear below the plate Neoprene tube Replaceable plate _Cons:_ Big Difficult to get on/off EXPEN$IVE!!! _Comments:_ _Rating:_ 9 for aggressive, 7, everything else Reviewer: FRanK (LiEW) _Product Type:_ safety gear _Brand:_ Lazzy Legs _Model:_ Protector WRist guards _Purchase Price:_ $40 _Store:_ SPit FIrE (local store) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 01/1995 _Used for how long:_ 1 and a half years _Pros:_ looks nice. with the leather, REALLY popular amongst agg. sk8ers, not that restraining.... excellent choice. _Cons:_ the plastic that protex you doesn't look it could stand up to a big fall.. (it looks like a honeycomb) _Comments:_ _Rating:_ 9 Reviewer: FranK Liew (hchl@pcnet.co.nz) _Product Type:_ safety gear _Brand:_ Rector _Model:_ Fat Boy knees _Purchase Price:_ 30-50 dollas _Store:_ SPiTFiRe (local store) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 02/1996 _Used for how long:_ approx. 4 months _Pros:_ REAL nice padding..... i think its one inch thick, pretty cheap, good alternative to the Boneless if ya can't afford dem.... if u sk8 street, dese padz are one of da best... could be good for ramps though (i don't sk8 pipes) _Cons:_ could use a tube, more secure, may slip if ya wear it too long.... also, if you sk8 in a tropics Country, say singapore, watch out, baby coz dese thangs are BOILING hot after a coupla hours.... _Comments:_ i reccomend dese to everybody..pros, grommies alike.. _Rating:_ 9 Reviewer: Scott Weintraub (scottw@wam.umd.edu) _Product Type:_ safety gear _Brand:_ Rector _Model:_ Fat Boys _Purchase Price:_ $50 _Store:_ Skates Off Haight (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 04/1994 _Used for how long:_ 4 months _Pros:_ Nice and big with about an inch of padding between the plate and your knee. Your knees will survive any fall. Instead of a tube, it has four thick straps. These straps work as well (perhaps better) than any tube and you don't have to take off your sneakers or skates to get them off. Cheaper than Boneless Knee Pads. When you fall, the plates are made to slide across the ground instead of sticking. I found that some pads like the standard ones that Rollerblade, Inc. makes stick to the ground when you fall so all that momentum you have forces you to roll on the ground. With these pads, when you hit the ground, you just slide on your knees for a few feet instead of rolling. Does that make sense? Goes well with any wardrobe. _Cons:_ You may find that your knees don't bend as well as they might with a smaller knee pad but as far as "extreme" pads go, these are the least cumbersome. You'll get used to them very quickly. _Comments:_ _Rating:_ 10 Reviewer: BK (kligfield@msn.com) _Product Type:_ safety gear _Brand:_ Rollerblade _Model:_ Advanced wrist _Purchase Price:_ $30 _Store:_ Gymnasium (NYC) (local store) _Location/Phone:_ 42 st., _Purchase Date:_ / _Used for how long:_ year _Pros:_ Comfy Good idea Cool, good airflow _Cons:_ Everything else Leather rips Beads wear down quickly Stitching of poor quality Plastic reinforcement on top bends and eventually breaks Not very protective _Comments:_ These things are terrible. They rip, they smash they tear apart, and they don't even protect your fingers. The ideal user would be some kind of racer who only falls once or twice. They are not for agressive skating or anything where you "expect" to fall. _Rating:_ 1 to 3 (depends on use) Reviewer: William Bradley (wbradley@thor.ece.uc.edu) _Product Type:_ safety gear _Brand:_ Rollerblade _Model:_ Standard Pads (knee/elbow/wrist) _Purchase Price:_ $15-$25 per set _Store:_ local shop (local store) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 06/1994 _Used for how long:_ 1 year + _Pros:_ o They work very well o Wrist guards have velcro pocket near right thumb _Cons:_ o They're somewhat bulky, sometimes get in the way o Velcro pocket won't hold car key _Comments:_ _Rating:_ 6 wheel reviews Reviewer: Mark Berman () _Product Type:_ wheel _Brand:_ Black Hole _Model:_ Sport _Purchase Price:_ _Store:_ Donehower's Sporting Goods (local store) _Location/Phone:_ Lewisburg, PA, _Purchase Date:_ 05/1995 _Used for how long:_ 3 months _Pros:_ 76 mm.,fast,hard,turns quickly. _Cons:_ Plastic deforms after about a month causing bearings to wobble.Ride crappy when worn down. _Comments:_ These come with the new macros'. I don't know if they sell them any other way. _Rating:_ 9 for the first month then a 3. Reviewer: D. James Stein (stein.3@osu.edu) _Product Type:_ wheel _Brand:_ Black Hole _Model:_ Sport _Purchase Price:_ $24.95 for four wheels _Store:_ Koenig's Sporting Goods (local store) _Location/Phone:_ ?, ? _Purchase Date:_ 06/1996 _Used for how long:_ A week _Pros:_ Good speed, look sharp _Cons:_ Wear quickly (even with 74A rating), scratch easily _Comments:_ Good wheels, but don't buy 'em if you can't afford replacing them in a couple of months. _Rating:_ 7 Reviewer: Martin Sripan (ay169@yfn.ysu.edu) _Product Type:_ wheel _Brand:_ Cyko _Model:_ HurricanZ 1993, 72mm, 82A-Flat 22 _Purchase Price:_ $20. for 8-$2.5 each (on MI-L sale), usually $40. for 8 _Store:_ Millennium In-Line (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ / _Used for how long:_ 2 days _Pros:_ *Reinforced fan-blade core makes it fast and light-hard wheel- nice wear, nice cooling *Black color is nice, no prints or other obstructive stuff _Cons:_ *Real bad on hard surfaces and on any extreme skates *Dull wheel-no laminated gloss surface (tread, sidewall) _Comments:_ In my opinion, it's just like any other wheel but it's fast and cool. _Rating:_ 5 Reviewer: Scott Weintraub (scottw@wam.umd.edu) _Product Type:_ wheel _Brand:_ FR Progressors _Model:_ 60mm/88A _Purchase Price:_ $7/wheel _Store:_ forgot (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 07/1994 _Used for how long:_ 1 month _Pros:_ Nice size/hardness for street skating. Solid core. _Cons:_ Difficult to find. I expected them to be a little flatter on the bottom (a la Hyper Midgets) but they were shaped a lot like your generic wheel, only smaller. _Comments:_ For 88A, they seem to be a little soft. It seems that Hyper's version of an 88A wheel is harder. _Rating:_ 8 Reviewer: Will Decker () _Product Type:_ wheel _Brand:_ Hyper _Model:_ X-360 Cross Trainer _Purchase Price:_ $62.00 Full Set (8) _Store:_ Oshman's (local store) _Location/Phone:_ ?, ? _Purchase Date:_ 12/1995 _Used for how long:_ 8 1/2 months _Pros:_ Good wear. They have not shown much wear. Good wet traction (as far as skate wheels go). Reasonable cost. Fairly low flex in rough turns. Also has good bearing to hub fit. _Cons:_ _Comments:_ _Rating:_ 9 Reviewer: Jim Kiraly (kiraly@cse.utoledo.edu) _Product Type:_ wheel _Brand:_ Kryptonics _Model:_ 72mm/82A Rampage Full Radius, tri spoke core. _Purchase Price:_ $32 for 8 _Store:_ ISA (mail-order) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 06/1994 _Used for how long:_ Since June 13, 1994 _Pros:_ Nice wide radius, nice for turning and such. Good even wear (with proper rotation). _Cons:_ Hubs do not have a nice tight fit around the bearings, which causes the wheels to wobble from time to time. _Comments:_ These are good wheels, I am not sure if the bearing problem above is a problem with just my set or found with all Rampages. _Rating:_ 8.5 Reviewer: Kenneth Wong (Art40247@leonis.nus.sg) _Product Type:_ wheel _Brand:_ Kryptonics _Model:_ 76mm Rampage 78A and 82A _Purchase Price:_ $35 _Store:_ Gallen Sports (local store) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 11/1994 _Used for how long:_ 5 months _Pros:_ Durable, Good for street _Cons:_ _Comments:_ These are very durable wheels and are pretty good for roadskating but don't try skitching on them coz they'd probably melt. Good grip and are stable. _Rating:_ 7 Reviewer: Ben (BenWK@aol.com) _Product Type:_ wheel _Brand:_ Kryptonics _Model:_ Mini Roxx (aggressive middle wheels) _Purchase Price:_ $25/4 ($6? each) _Store:_ Paragon (local store) _Location/Phone:_ Broadway/ 18th, _Purchase Date:_ / _Used for how long:_ _Pros:_ Same as most other little wheels 52mm is a nice size for paring to larger outer wheels like 62+ mm Good hardness Rounded, but does not slip on grinds _Cons:_ Same a other little wheels Rounded profile _Comments:_ Unextroardanary _Rating:_ 7 Reviewer: Jim Kiraly (kiraly@cse.utoledo.edu) _Product Type:_ wheel _Brand:_ Kryptonics _Model:_ PowerPlay 72mm/82A w/ Krypto hockey radius, tri spoke core _Purchase Price:_ Came stock with skates (CCM RH555 Tacks) _Store:_ (local store) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 07/1994 _Used for how long:_ Since July 31, 1994 _Pros:_ Nice even wear, even with heavy usage. Great stability at high speeds. Can really hold tight turns, I have yet to have them slip out on me while turning. _Cons:_ _Comments:_ My favorite wheel by far _Rating:_ 9.5 Reviewer: Jim Kiraly (kiraly@cse.utoledo.edu) _Product Type:_ wheel _Brand:_ Kryptonics _Model:_ VR Series 72mm/78A Narrow radius, tri spoke core. _Purchase Price:_ $40 _Store:_ Play it Again Sports (local store) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 06/1994 _Used for how long:_ Since June 28, 1994 _Pros:_ Hub fits the bearings tightly. _Cons:_ Not made for quick turns. _Comments:_ _Rating:_ 8 Reviewer: dand@locke.ccil.org (dand@locke.ccil.org) _Product Type:_ wheel _Brand:_ Kryptonics _Model:_ pebbels [older ones] _Purchase Price:_ under $27.50 _Store:_ wheel federation (local store) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ / _Used for how long:_ week or so _Pros:_ hard, VERY VERY VERY hard. the r scale [in which they are measured] is used for metals and stuff. i am pretty sure 50r is about 120a or somehting close to that. out of all 47mm wheels... pebbels are gods. _Cons:_ well they could make em in smaller sizes, but i think 47mm is ok. _Comments:_ the best 47mm wheel out there. _Rating:_ 10 Reviewer: Eric B. Thomas (ethomas@dpc.com) _Product Type:_ wheel _Brand:_ Labeda _Model:_ Bad Boyz/Trick core 72mm/82A _Purchase Price:_ _Store:_ Play It Again Sports (local store) _Location/Phone:_ , _Purchase Date:_ 10/1995 _Used for how long:_ 3 Months _Pros:_ Smooth rolling, grabs street good, hubs fit bearings tight. _Cons:_ I have to rotate & flip about every one hour of street usage. Glass cuts wheel, & they seem to be wearing down fast. _Comments:_ These are my third set of wheels & they feel smooth, but maybe a bit too soft for me. I got a lot of little cuts from road objects (like glass), but they still feel OK. I'm tired of rotating & flipping them so often, but this might by my style of blading, which is constantly slaloming around things & lines on the road... Boots used: Roces LAX w/ ABEC 3 bearings. _Rating:_ 7 _________________________________________________________________ In-line Product Review Sheet Fill out each question as completely as possible. There's no rush to turn these things in, so if you have to wait a couple days, couple weeks, a month, whatever, then take your time. The goal here is to provide as much information and informed opinions as possible. Thanks. If you're reviewing a skate, please try and cover all features, like wheels, bearings, braking systems, wheel-rockering systems, liners, fasteners (laces, buckles, combo), chassis (the shell and runners), plus any other neat/adjustable features. 1. Review by: 2. Product type: _(skate, safety gear, wheel, hopup kit, grind plate, bearing, clothing, accessory*)_ 3. Brandname: 4. Model name/number: 5. Purchase price: 6. From local store or mail order: _(name the store too, with the address and phone number if it's a local store, otherwise just name the mail-order shop)_ 7. Date purchased: 8. How long have you used it: 9. Pros: _(list good features)_ 10. Cons: _(list not-so-good features and possible improvements it could use)_ 11. Additional comments: 12. My personal rating: 1 to 10 _(10 being the best)_ *use accessories as the catch-all, when it's none of the other types _________________________________________________________________ _General Info_ _Techniques_ _Marketplace_ _Where to Skate_ Index FAQs Glossary Wheels/Bearings Clubs/Orgs Rollerhockey Quotable rssi Posts Stopping Grinding Vert/Jumps Slaloms Figure Skating Racing Buying Guide Used Skates Guide Companies/Shops Skate Reviews Other Reviews Western California Central Northeast Southeast Abroad _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Copyright ⌐ 1991-1996 Anthony D. Chen (adchen@skatefaq.com)