roller skating vs inline skating indoors -stain on knees

Question
Hi, My family has decided to go skating at our local rink once a week for family fun and exercise.  I've always used 4-wheel roller skates but tried the inline skates last week and really liked them.  Is it just my imagination or are inline skates easier on your knees than quad skates?  I am ready to buy my own pair of skates and I am at a loss as to which kind to choose.  I like the flexibility in the boot of the quads but I like the smoothness of the inline although I do not like the rigidness and height of the boot on the inline skates.  Do you have any suggestions?  I would really like to buy my own pair by this weekend.  I have a Dicks sporting goods store and a Sports Authority nearby and was thinking of going to each.  I appreciate any feedback - Thanks

Answer
Hi Adriana,
  No, it's not your imagination at all but it's not the actual skate either.   Inline skates usually have softer wheels which gives you a smoother ride.  They feel very smooth and very quiet, right?   Regular roller skates can feel the same way if you get a little softer wheel too.  The bad part about a softer wheels is that you may find you have to push harder to keep going.

  Inlines are not necessarily easier on your knee.  I think the combination of the softer wheel which makes it feel smooth and the stiff boot which keep your ankles lined up with your knee is what you feel.

  Choosing inlines or quads is a personal preference.  If you plan on using your skates outside I would say go with the inlines.  If you want them for indoor use only, then I would say go with the quads.  The quads are more comfortable and are a little more versatile in the sense that you can edge better, turn backward easier, maintain a longer roll with less effort and you can adjust the movement of the trucks to suit your own skating.  The trucks are the part of the skate where you can adjust how easily your skates will curve.  With inlines you can't do that.

  Be careful buying skates at a sports store.  Sometimes they come with harder wheels than I think you would like. The less expensive skates also come with a vinyl boot vs leather, which is not very comfortable.   

  I would suggest you stop at the roller rink and look at their catalogs to see what's available for the price range you are looking for.   Riedell makes a skate called "The Angel" and it retails for about $99.00.  It's a very nice skate.  Leather boot, nice smooth wheels and good bearings.  

  If you plan on buying your skates at a sports store check to make sure the boot is leather.  If you plan on skating weekly the vinyl boot won't hold up well.  Also get a skate with a white or cream color wheel.  Those are the softer wheels and will feel smooth when you skate.  If the wheel is a dark blue or dark color the wheel is usually a little harder and you won't get that smooth ride that you're looking for.    

  I hope this helps you a little bit.  As you can tell I lean towards the quad skates because you can do so much more with them.  But like I said.....it's a personal preference.

  Good Luck
        Pat