Purchasing Roller Derby Skates

Getting ready for the "minimum skills" assessment? Or are you simply seeking your first pair of roller derby skates? In any case, it is crucial to consider size and select wheels based on factors like floor type and your weight. This guide will assist you in knowing what to look for when purchasing new derby skates.

Roller derby is both a contact and social team sport played indoors. Having the proper skates is vital for agility and will significantly influence your performance. As you gain more experience, you will also find it easier to pinpoint your personal preferences.

Derby Wheels - Surface, Hardness, and Weight

In roller derby, indoor wheels are essential because it is played inside. Naturally, if planning to play outdoors, wheels should be chosen appropriately. Good wheels are crucial for your performance and involve establishing the right equilibrium between the floor, wheels, and you as the player.

For slippery surfaces, a wheel hardness of 88-92A is suggested. Softer wheels will provide greater grip to prevent slipping.
For sticky surfaces, 93-99A wheels are advised. In sports venues, 92-95A is often used as it serves as a versatile wheel hardness.

Regarding user weight:

The heavier you are, the harder wheels you should opt for.
The lighter you are, the more you should consider softer wheels.

If you are significantly uncertain about which wheels to select, borrowing some from a team member might be worthwhile.

Bearings

In derby, bearings are not crucial in your decision-making and tend to last longer due to indoor play.

Bearings determine wheel rotation efficiency. The higher the bearing’s precision, the smoother the wheel rolls, resulting in increased speed. Precision is measured by various scales. At SkatePro, we typically employ the ABEC scale with numbers like ABEC 7, where a higher rating signifies increased precision. Nevertheless, it is recommended to purchase from a reputable brand rather than focus solely on the ABEC rating, as an ABEC 7 bearing might be swifter than an ABEC 9. Furthermore, ABEC ratings do not indicate bearing durability.

For more detailed information, you can refer to our bearings guide.

Derby Skate Plates - Nylon vs. Aluminium

Skate plates can be either nylon or aluminium. Most derby players prefer aluminium, but beginners seeking cost-effective options might consider nylon, which, although lightweight and affordable, has a shorter lifespan and cannot support as much weight as aluminium.

Choosing aluminium plates is beneficial over time. They offer better durability and responsiveness compared to nylon, crucial in a contact sport like derby. Aluminium plates withstand impacts better and adapt to your agile movements.

Truck Angle and Cushions for Agile Derby Skates

The angle of your trucks greatly affects the agility of your roller derby quad skates. Common truck angles range from 10 to 45 degrees, but various angles are available.

A lower angle results in more directionally stable skates.
A higher angle results in more agile and lively skates.

The cushions on your trucks also contribute to the skates' agility. Typically, manufacturers supply hard cushions designed for stability, but they can be swapped with softer ones for more agile skates that respond better to your movements and allow for sharper turns.

Cushion Arrangements

There are two types of cushions: cone and barrel. The benefit of cones is that they make the skate more agile. Your cushion choices depend on what your derby skates support.

Skates come with four cushions—two barrels at the top and two cushions of your choice at the bottom. Mixing barrels and cones will alter your skate's performance:

For lively skates with better turning ability and a stable rear, place a cone at the front and a barrel at the rear.

For even more agile skates, use cones at both the front and rear.

Toe Stops for Derby Roller Skates

To stop on derby quad skates, rely on the toe stop in front or specific techniques, as traditional brake pads found at the back of inline skates are absent.

Select a non-marking toe stop to avoid leaving marks on the floor.

Stem Length: Short vs. Long

Toe stops can have either a long or short stem. The stem length influences how much you raise your foot when walking on toes. It is adjustable, and the choice depends on personal preference. Generally:

Long stems are paired with larger wheels.
Short stems are paired with smaller wheels.

Tip: Determine toe stop size by lifting the skate's rear with the toe stop facing downward, ensuring you can fit three fingers between the rear wheel and the ground.

Derby Boots

A tight fit is crucial when selecting boots. This ensures optimal skate control and ease of movement. Derby boots are usually low-cut but also available as high-cut. High-cut boots provide better ankle support, whereas low-cut boots offer greater manoeuvrability, facilitating sharp turns needed in derby. Certain models can be heat-moulded to conform to your foot's shape.

Derby Skates Sizing

The general rule is to select a skate size that matches your shoe size or go up by half a size.
Check the specific product’s size chart on the website.

Your skates should snugly fit without squeezing feet. A correct fit grants greater control over skates and reduces the risk of injury arising from moving your foot joint through varying angles in roller derby.

Skate Protection

Because roller derby is a contact sport, wearing high-quality protective gear is essential. This gear should be durable and cover extensive areas. In derby, protection is necessary for when you fall, not if, like in fitness skating.

Protection of knees is vital as they endure many impacts. Additionally, wrist guards and a helmet, which are mandatory like mouth guards, should always be worn—protect your smile!

Explore our range of roller derby skates

If you still have any questions or uncertainties, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.