are inline hockey skates worth it?

[Fj Atkinson]

I am looking to start playing ice hockey again after christmas but I am want to get some training in so that I can at least handle the puck without looking like a complete fool. I don't get a lot of ice time, I am on quite a low wage and I have to save every penny I can so that I can afford to go to ice hockey, so roller hockey practice is the closest I am going to get because I am not going to be playing roller hockey competitively I am unsure about forking out for such expensive skates when I can get roller blades for a fraction of the price. I was just wondering whether the hockey roller skates are worth the extra money, are they closer to the performance of ice skates or will I just be as well with the roller blades for the time being? All help is appreciated thanks

 

[Ozz]

You'll do yourself a favor in getting hockey skates. It's VERY rare to find any sort of non-hockey skate that offers good support and feel enough for hockey.

For nearly the price (if not the same) of a new pair of non-hockey skates, you can get a low tier hockey skate. Or you can get a better used skate. Have you got a Play It Again Sports near you? I'd recommend them. Or ebay. I got a nearly new set of RBK 8Ks this summer for $150 total. That's a $300-400 skate in the stores. You've just got to know your size if you're going to buy online.


As a side note, you COULD get away with skating on a non-hockey skate. 15+ years ago as a teenager I was devoted to my cheap set of "fitness" Bauer skates, and I ruled my league with them. They were all plastic with a buckle at the top, but for me that buckle was the perfect tightness for my ankle flex and I could just fly on them. Of course I added the best bearings and a different wheel, but as far as the skate goes I didn't want anything else. The only readily available alternative were Missions, which were pretty new at the time, and I hated them. Plus, those old Bauers of mine offered a full rocker chassis whereas the Missions didn't. People used to laugh at me w/their fancy expensive skates, but the laughs didn't last long. You can't buy skills :p Anyway, I wear RBKs today because the chassis allows for a rockable chassis setup. I can skate well on a hi-lo chassis now, but I still don't prefer it.

 

[AIREAYE]

Good points by Ozz, but for what you're doing, I wouldn't worry about the different chassis setups and all of that.

It doesn't matter if you can snag a pair of top-end roller boots; you NEED to make sure the wheels are still serviceable and are of an appropriate outdoor hardness rating. If the wheels are too soft and/or are worn down, it's not worth buying new wheels in that case just for a used boot.

 

[Ozz]

Good points by Ozz, but for what you're doing, I wouldn't worry about the different chassis setups and all of that.

It doesn't matter if you can snag a pair of top-end roller boots; you NEED to make sure the wheels are still serviceable and are of an appropriate outdoor hardness rating. If the wheels are too soft and/or are worn down, it's not worth buying new wheels in that case just for a used boot.

Nah, not at all. I was just reminiscing on point about that cheapo boot I used to love. The chassis mention was just to explain why I liked them so much (the rocker).

I'd wager any hockey boot, as long as they're a comfortable fit, will serve the purpose for bummin' around outside. The Mission skates from a couple years ago seem to be available everywhere, it was like they issued them to every inline skater at one point. You can get a very good pair of those for around $50 used and they'll come w/good bearings and wheels that are made to last outside provided they still have life left. Other than that I'd look for a used Bauer Vapor or RBK, but that's me. You could "get away" with nearly anything, really.

As far as wheels go, if you end up NEEDING to get a set, I've had great experienc with Hyper Pro-150/250 which can be had for around $35/set (here, anyway). They last a long time, and I used to skate 2-3 hours on them 2x per week at a body weight of 200-220lbs. Not a single crack or split, and they wear evenly. And I'm not just clodding around on shoes with wheels like some, I'm really out there skating. Good testament to their durability, IMO.