Inline or Quad?

Question
I am looking to buy skates for my twelve-year old daughter, and am wondering if I should buy her Inline or Quad. She only uses them for recreational purposes (Skating Rink, Sidewalks, etc). She has in the past (about when she was 7) had Inline skates, and she did fine. And lately she's been renting the skates from the skating rink, which are quad, and she's fine on them too. She said she'd prefer inline, because they look 'cool'. But she's practiced a lot more on quad. So, what should I buy her?

Answer
Hi Kristen,
  I think it's great that your daughter skates well on both inlines and quads.  If she prefers inlines, than I would get her those......as long as her ankles don't turn in.  When she was 7 and skated on inlines, were her ankles straight up or did they turn in?  If you think they have a tendency to turn in go with the quads.  But if her ankles were fine then get her the inlines.  She'll be happier getting what she wants and be more likely to want to skate often.  

Skating is a great, wholesome sport for the kids so we want to encourage them as much as possible.  

If you prefer her in quads, maybe she'd be interested in speed or jam skates.  Those have become very popular with all the kids.  They have a lower boot and a wider wheel.  Lots of kids have them now.....because they think they're "cool".

As far as outdoor skating?   I would suggest inlines for ourdoor skating.  She would be less likely to trip over stones etc.  It's really a matter of preference and what she'll be happy with.  If you think her ankles are ok...then go with the inlines and make her happy.  If not, point out the kids with the speed/jam skates.  She may like the looks of those.

Happy shopping.......If I can help any further, feel free to write again.

Pat