Best skates for me

Question
Hello, I am very interested in purchasing a pair of inline skates (does anyone call them rollerblades anymore?), and I go to Penn State. I was just wondering what I should look for in some skates to ensure a smooth ride over some brick sidewalks and some bumpy, pebble-filled roads. I want them to have comfort, speed, acceleration, and turning too. Pretty much do you know which brand/model of skates I should go with or what characteristics I should look for in a good skate for under 150 dollars.

Answer
Hello,
Inline skates is the correct term & has always been. Rollerblade is the company that popularized inlines back in the 80s (they did not invent them) & it抯 name became associated with inline skates.
I do not recommend brands or models of skates but I will gladly tell you what you should look for in an inline skate to fit your needs.
To suite the terrain you specified - I recommend a 78A durometer, 80mm wheel, with ABEC 7 or 9 bearings - if you can get those specifications that would answer your need for the type of terrain you listed (78 A - a soft, shock absorbing wheel), the speed (ABEC 7 OR 9 bearings) & also for speed & longer roll an 80mm wheel (which is a little less important than the other 2 specs.
As for comfort - that抯 up to you - you must try on several different brands & models - keep them on for at least 15 minutes - move around on them, do some edging (feet parallel - rock your feet from side to side) to see if any adverse pressure points or pain areas develop. Everyone抯 feet are different & what is comfort for one may be sheer agony for another.
Another point - for speed you want a longer wheel base but for turning a shorter wheel base is advantageous. My preference, since the terrain you specify is rugged, would be to rely on the bearings for speed & get a skate with a shorter wheel base (if possible) for maneuverability. As far as the under $150 price range - look for sales after Xmas - you are right on time.
Good luck, skate safe (do get the proper protective gear - wrist, knee & elbow guards & a helmet) & Happy Holidays!!!
Roll on!!!..........................Lezly (Lezly Skate School NYC - estab. 1979)