Inline roller skates similar to figure skates

[annetter]

I am interested in information about inline roller skates (most) helpful for an adult (absolute) beginner at figure skating interested in developing (basic) figure skating skills via inline roller skating - Picskate, Snow White, Roll-line Linea and Jackson Atom seem available to me.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

@Diana Delafield Could you help them? I know you roller.

 

[Diana Delafield]

@Diana Delafield Could you help them? I know you roller.

Edit: Got my answer in a mess on the screen when I tried to add an emoji at the end
My part starts with " I use quad skates......"

I use quad skates myself, not inline, and those of us at my club who do both just wear figure skate boots down one level in stiffness from the boots we use on the ice. I saw the question posted, but I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the brands mentioned except for Jackson as a boot company. I've heard of the Snow White brand but know nothing about them. All I know is that they need to be a bit softer than boots for the ice. In roller, you need more sideways flexibility in the ankle area because of the wheels not having edges and not biting into the surface to give stability on a lean. The wheels stay almost upright; the lean is with the boot.

Sorry, no one uses inlines at my club, and my skate shop doesn't stock inline frames so I've never seen any up close. Couldn't be any help here . Where is the OP living? A good skate shop in her area might cater to both sports. My own skate shop has had wheel frames in, but found there wasn't much call for them and will get either kind of wheels on special order. They don't carry dedicated roller boots, though.

Wish I could help more. Good luck!

 

[annetter]

Thank you for your replies!

I have Risport RF3 Pro (C width) figure skates - I would be interested in a less expensive boot for inline, but I imagine Electra Light might not be wide enough (I have also seen information about a new thermoplastic heel). I imagine foot circumference might be difficult to measure accurately by oneself.

I wonder if Royal Pro might be more suitable for inline - due to its (lower) design around the ankles, and its lightness (though I have not found information about their weight). From Jackson, I have only tried Artiste, which was too narrow.

The Picskate reseller in my country is different from the Snow White and Roll-Line Linea reseller(s) (all sell Jackson Atom and figure skates - I am not aware of them selling figure roller boots), and only one of these three has a walk-in store.

Enquiring about different figure inline frames and trying different figure skating boots at the same time is therefore not straightforward for me.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Thank you for your replies!

I have Risport RF3 Pro (C width) figure skates - I would be interested in a less expensive boot for inline, but I imagine Electra Light might not be wide enough (I have also seen information about a new thermoplastic heel). I imagine foot circumference might be difficult to measure accurately by oneself.

I wonder if Royal Pro might be more suitable for inline - due to its (lower) design around the ankles, and its lightness (though I have not found information about their weight). From Jackson, I have only tried Artiste, which was too narrow.

The Picskate reseller in my country is different from the Snow White and Roll-Line Linea reseller(s) (all sell Jackson Atom and figure skates - I am not aware of them selling figure roller boots), and only one of these three has a walk-in store.

Enquiring about different figure inline frames and trying different figure skating boots at the same time is therefore not straightforward for me.

No, because if your foot fits RF line the Royal line in Risport is too narrow.

 

[annetter]

In particular, I wonder if Picskate might be more similar to figure (ice) skates (it is presented as such), due to its longer length and lower height. It seems less convenient if toe stops from other brands cannot be used with it (and the toe stop cannot be moved).

P S. I am also interested in information indicating how helpful the ability to change the rocker, and the diagonal position of the toe stop, on Roll-Line Linea are.

 

[Diana Delafield]

Thank you for your replies!

I have Risport RF3 Pro (C width) figure skates - I would be interested in a less expensive boot for inline, but I imagine Electra Light might not be wide enough (I have also seen information about a new thermoplastic heel). I imagine foot circumference might be difficult to measure accurately by oneself.

I wonder if Royal Pro might be more suitable for inline - due to its (lower) design around the ankles, and its lightness (though I have not found information about their weight). From Jackson, I have only tried Artiste, which was too narrow.

The Picskate reseller in my country is different from the Snow White and Roll-Line Linea reseller(s) (all sell Jackson Atom and figure skates - I am not aware of them selling figure roller boots), and only one of these three has a walk-in store.

Enquiring about different figure inline frames and trying different figure skating boots at the same time is therefore not straightforward for me.

I enquired overnight from a friend who has competed in both figure skating and artistic roller, and has tried both quad and artistic inline wheels. Her report this morning, in brief:

Don't buy dedicated roller boots for inline. They are designed to be used with quad wheels. The roller boots are lighter and more flexible, too much so for inline wheels. Quad wheels are more stable and don't need as much support. You're safer using figure skate boots. Also, artistic inline frames come with either three or four wheels (rather like the difference between a 7' or 8' rocker on blades only you feel more of a difference in the balance on wheels), plus a toe wheel used for jumps. You need a coach to advise you which you need.

She doesn't advise using artistic inline frames for a beginner who is also a beginner level on ice. Learning the same moves (edges, turns, stops, etc) on inlines is quite different and more difficult than doing them on blades. It's not a simple transfer of the same movements from blades to wheels. The learning curve on inlines is much steeper and more suited for an advanced level figure skater if you're moving from ice to floor. (She learned roller first and later moved to the ice, which is an easier switch, she says.) If you really have your heart set on learning both, then think of them as two different sports and be prepared for the headache (literally) of having to concentrate and remember the differences in technique moving from blades to wheels and back. Wear a lot of safety equipment as inevitably your concentration will slip and just a second's error can result in a nasty fall, especially on the inline wheels. The heavy concentration will preclude skating with friends for enjoyment. You need no distractions, and preferably an inline coach standing by.

Speaking for myself, I adapted to quad wheels fairly quickly, although spins took a while to learn, but I had competed on ice at the senior pair level nationally, and am still at a fairly advanced technical level. On the ice I use Risport RF1 boots, and Riedell Bronze Star boots with my quad wheels on the wood floor of our club's wheeled-sports gym. I checked the details on the boxes my wheels come in, and I use Roll Line Giotto Freestyle wheels in the 57 mm size, 96A hardness. I don't know anything about choices for inline wheels.


In order to advise you better about boots, we need to know your foot shape all over, not just that you take a C width in your Risports. It's pretty much impossible to accurately measure your own feet. If there's no good skate shop near you with a professional fitter, at least have someone else measure your length, width at various points, standing and sitting, and describe your arch height. What shape are your toes -- Egyptian, Greek, etc?

My friend really advises learning artistic roller on quads instead of inline wheels if you're at the beginner level on ice. Much safer. Either way, please don't attempt the skating elements you've already learned on the ice on wheels of either kind without a coach. The technique is quite different. If you wanted to skate with friends outdoors, then she says to buy a rollerblading skate set that fit you and just enjoy cruising along, but don't try figure skating moves in them.

Good luck!

 

[annetter]

I enquired overnight from a friend who has competed in both figure skating and artistic roller, and has tried both quad and artistic inline wheels. Her report this morning, in brief:

Don't buy dedicated roller boots for inline. They are designed to be used with quad wheels. The roller boots are lighter and more flexible, too much so for inline wheels. Quad wheels are more stable and don't need as much support. You're safer using figure skate boots. Also, artistic inline frames come with either three or four wheels (rather like the difference between a 7' or 8' rocker on blades only you feel more of a difference in the balance on wheels), plus a toe wheel used for jumps. You need a coach to advise you which you need.

She doesn't advise using artistic inline frames for a beginner who is also a beginner level on ice. Learning the same moves (edges, turns, stops, etc) on inlines is quite different and more difficult than doing them on blades. It's not a simple transfer of the same movements from blades to wheels. The learning curve on inlines is much steeper and more suited for an advanced level figure skater if you're moving from ice to floor. (She learned roller first and later moved to the ice, which is an easier switch, she says.) If you really have your heart set on learning both, then think of them as two different sports and be prepared for the headache (literally) of having to concentrate and remember the differences in technique moving from blades to wheels and back. Wear a lot of safety equipment as inevitably your concentration will slip and just a second's error can result in a nasty fall, especially on the inline wheels. The heavy concentration will preclude skating with friends for enjoyment. You need no distractions, and preferably an inline coach standing by.

Speaking for myself, I adapted to quad wheels fairly quickly, although spins took a while to learn, but I had competed on ice at the senior pair level nationally, and am still at a fairly advanced technical level. On the ice I use Risport RF1 boots, and Riedell Bronze Star boots with my quad wheels on the wood floor of our club's wheeled-sports gym. I checked the details on the boxes my wheels come in, and I use Roll Line Giotto Freestyle wheels in the 57 mm size, 96A hardness. I don't know anything about choices for inline wheels.


In order to advise you better about boots, we need to know your foot shape all over, not just that you take a C width in your Risports. It's pretty much impossible to accurately measure your own feet. If there's no good skate shop near you with a professional fitter, at least have someone else measure your length, width at various points, standing and sitting, and describe your arch height. What shape are your toes -- Egyptian, Greek, etc?

My friend really advises learning artistic roller on quads instead of inline wheels if you're at the beginner level on ice. Much safer. Either way, please don't attempt the skating elements you've already learned on the ice on wheels of either kind without a coach. The technique is quite different. If you wanted to skate with friends outdoors, then she says to buy a rollerblading skate set that fit you and just enjoy cruising along, but don't try figure skating moves in them.

Good luck!

Thank you for your detailed reply and for asking your friend about artistic inline skating - thank you to your friend for her advice!


P.S. I am not sure about my foot type - does not seem to match one type - maybe Aboriginal, but wide at the ball of the foot (measured to be around 23 and 24 centimeters by me) (shoe size 38,5 EU, Risport skate size 255 C), with long middle toes and a short little toe.
I got the impression my foot arches are (between normal and) high (using information on the internet).


I am interested in practicing on roller skates for figure (ice) skating moves (for absolute beginners) (even in a small home space - a suitable (smooth) surface outside (outdoors or indoors) does not seem readily accessible to me), as I have not made it to an ice rink to practice/learn. I am also interested in artistic roller/inline skating skills. I have watched videos with basic figure - and inline - skating instruction.

I got the impression Speed Max wheels might be durable outdoors - I wonder which wheels might be best indoors (inline) (Roll-Line Zero seem to be sold with Linea).

It seems I should consider quad skates for learning beginner skating skills.

 

[FethryDuck]

Hi annetter,
you may want to also check some of the other threads on artistic inlines in this forum

My ice skating level is still pretty basic and due to lack of available ice time I also bought artistic inline skates (Risport RF3 with Linea Roll line) to get some more practising time.

I do not feel competent wrt advice on boots for your feet type (but others in this forum are )

I can though confirm that with with inlines you should have the same boot stiffmess as in your ice skates.

Wrt a frame:
Most of the ice skaters in my club that also do artistic inline besides ice skating use the Snowhite frame.
I prefer the Linea Roll-Line frame because it has an adjustable center wheel, thus it can mimick different rockers/ blade types.
Check the "Comparison with ice blades" section on the linea website:

Linea • Roll-Line

For more info on how to adjust the rockering system, please watch the video tutorial.

roll-line.it

I experimented a bit with the positioning of the center wheel and eventually settled for position 2 which suited me best.

I found it quite easy to do ice skating and artistic inline in parallel.
I did quad skating as a kid and later on had (recreational) inline skates when they became popular in the 90ies.

Artistic inline is more simular to ice skating than squad rollers (but the fun is probably the same).

Artistic inline requires more force than ice skating as per my feeling. (So it's it is a good training for ice skating ;-) ) And you need to pay a bit attention not to fall backwards on the inliners as the "aft wheel" is under your heel whereas an ice blade extends more backwards beyond the heel.

I do inlining in a gym hall of a sports club; I find outside tarmac too rough and would be afraid to trip over small stones or debris.
There a wheels for tarmac and wheels for less rough surfaces (you could have differnt sets of wheels, for different surfaces; the wheels are also easy to change).

I recommend a bicycle helmet and at least wrist guards.

Wrt to videos:
This video shows some professionel artistic inlining:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

m.youtube.com

(Looks like the skater is using the linea rolline frame).

There are also tutorials on the internet wrt artistic inline.

Good luck!

 

[annetter]

Hi annetter,
you may want to also check some of the other threads on artistic inlines in this forum

My ice skating level is still pretty basic and due to lack of available ice time I also bought artistic inline skates (Risport RF3 with Linea Roll line) to get some more practising time.

I do not feel competent wrt advice on boots for your feet type (but others in this forum are )

I can though confirm that with with inlines you should have the same boot stiffmess as in your ice skates.

Wrt a frame:
Most of the ice skaters in my club that also do artistic inline besides ice skating use the Snowhite frame.
I prefer the Linea Roll-Line frame because it has an adjustable center wheel, thus it can mimick different rockers/ blade types.
Check the "Comparison with ice blades" section on the linea website:

Linea • Roll-Line

For more info on how to adjust the rockering system, please watch the video tutorial.

roll-line.it

I experimented a bit with the positioning of the center wheel and eventually settled for position 2 which suited me best.

I found it quite easy to do ice skating and artistic inline in parallel.
I did quad skating as a kid and later on had (recreational) inline skates when they became popular in the 90ies.

Artistic inline is more simular to ice skating than squad rollers (but the fun is probably the same).

Artistic inline requires more force than ice skating as per my feeling. (So it's it is a good training for ice skating ;-) ) And you need to pay a bit attention not to fall backwards on the inliners as the "aft wheel" is under your heel whereas an ice blade extends more backwards beyond the heel.

I do inlining in a gym hall of a sports club; I find outside tarmac too rough and would be afraid to trip over small stones or debris.
There a wheels for tarmac and wheels for less rough surfaces (you could have differnt sets of wheels, for different surfaces; the wheels are also easy to change).

I recommend a bicycle helmet and at least wrist guards.

Wrt to videos:
This video shows some professionel artistic inlining:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

m.youtube.com

(Looks like the skater is using the linea rolline frame).

There are also tutorials on the internet wrt artistic inline.

Good luck!

Thank you for your reply!

I am particularly interested in Roll-Line Linea, due to its adjustable rocker, and I have got the impression (from the internet) that it is longer than Snow White (but shorter than Picskate).

On the internet, I have seen an inline (professional) figure skater preferring Snow White over Roll-Line Linea, finding it more helpful for spinning - I wonder why.
The Snow White toe stop looks more horizontal than the Roll-Line Linea diagonal toe stop.

 

[FethryDuck]

Thank you for your reply!

I am particularly interested in Roll-Line Linea, due to its adjustable rocker, and I have got the impression (from the internet) that it is longer than Snow White (but shorter than Picskate).

On the internet, I have seen an artistic (professional) inline skater preferring Snow White over Roll-Line Linea, finding it more helpful for spinning - I wonder why.
The Snow White toe stop looks more horizontal than the Roll-Line Linea diagonal toe stop.

Yes, your observation is correct, Picskate is longer. I think the other frames are shorter to make turns easier (you already need more force for e.g. a 3-turn on artistic inlines compared to ice skates).

On Linea's earlier frames the wheel under the heel had an adjustment possibility to move the wheel approx 1 cm more backwards. The latest Linea frame does not have this feature any more.

Wrt spinning: this is done on the front wheel (professionals can also do spins on the back wheel) and not on the center wheel. I have no explanation why spinning on the front wheel should be easier on the Snowhite.
(I can do spins on the Lineas, but not many rotations as I am lacking more advanced skills).

And yes, the angle of the Snow White toe stop position is slightly different than on the Roll-Line Linea toe stop. (And the Linea toe stop is secured by two screws instead of one to prevent it from coming loose and start turning). No idea which works better. Maybe not much difference? It is anyway only parts of the toestop that make contact with the grund (e g. when doing a waltz jump).
Maybe you have the possibility to try out different frames?

My sole reason why I chose the Linea was the adjustable center wheel. Beginners can start with just a little offset of the center wheel and increase it later when they feel more comfortable on the inliners.

 

[annetter]

I have searched for and found information about artistic inline skates in this forum.

Jackson Atom Mirage inline figure skates seem most affordable and (widely) available (to me).
From her Instagram, I have got the impression Midori Ito has used them.

I would be interested in hearing about people's experience with Jackson Atom Mirage inline skates, as well as Picskate (one of the figure skating clubs closest to me recommends Picskate as most similar to ice figure skates), too.

 

[bostonskaterguy86]

I have Picskate frames on an old pair of boots! I will confess I'm not going to be of a whole lot of help to you, since I have only skated on them a handful of times. I've been an ice skater since before I can remember (there are photos of me in my parents' basement toddling around in tot skates at age 2!), so the feel of skating on any other surface is extremely foreign and borderline terrifying to me

That being said though - every time I bust out the Picskates to give them another very tentative shot, I am impressed with the smooth and effortless glide they provide, even on a rough surface like asphalt (though I'm not actually sure they're supposed to be used on asphalt!). I've been able to manage some shaky 3-turns in them as well - on the plus side, I'd say the rockered alignment of the wheels works better than I thought it would, while on the minus side, turning on a wheel definitely takes more force and precise body weight placement than turning on a blade. I've also done some two-foot spins, which feel fairly close to how they do on the ice - but I can't seem to get a one-foot spin to work (of course, I've never been a particularly good spinner on the ice either, so that was always a bit of a longshot).

My biggest issue with them so far has been that it is much easier to fall off the back of them than it is with blades on ice - which makes sense; the heel of a blade can dig into the ice, whereas there's nothing stopping the back wheel from continuing to roll if your weight is placed too far back on it.

I think if I bothered to practice in them more frequently, I'd eventually get the hang of it well enough to do many of the same skills I can do on ice. As it is, fear has kept me from trying any jumps - so I can't really say anything one way or the other about the toe stop on the Picskates, for example. But I can at least say that from my limited use of them, they seem to be a well-made product (though I also can't intelligently comment on how they compare to other brands).

If you have any questions I can answer for you by looking at my frames (e.g. anything about the hardware, wheels, measurements, etc.), I'm more than happy to help!