equipment recommendations

Question
What 2000/2001 brand/model do you recommend for the intermediate/advanced agressive skater? Roces, Salomon,K2, Rollerblade?

Thanks for the help.

MM

Answer
It basically comes down to two things: money and fit.  How much can you afford?  The new K2 skates run in the $200 range.  The newest Salomons are up near $250.  With Roces, the only skate worth buying, the Khuti, is another $200+ skate.  Rollerblade makes some relatively inexpensive skates which may be worth checking out.  Another inexpensive alternative is Razors.  The Superflat II's are under $200.  The Cream's are, as well.  With a more expensive skate, you typically get a few things: a more comfortable liner, better wheels, better bearings, and some better parts, often metal (instead of plastic) buckles and spacers and whatnot.  If you're intermediate/advanced, you probably have experience with one brand or another.  Once you get comfortable with one brand, it's good to stick with it.  You'll be used to the feel.  You don't want to switch over to soft boot, like K2, if you're used to hard boot Rollerblade or Salomon.  It all comes down to feel at the end.  So, pick a price range.  If you can spend over $200, look into K2's or Salomons and see what feels best.  If you can't afford $200 skates, look at Razors or Rollerblades.  You won't suffer too much of a quality loss going cheaper, so don't feel like you have to break the bank.  Just find a skate that feels good on your feet.

-Justin
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