Lots of really dumb questions

[Norm 0]

Hey guys,

I currently play ice hockey (badly I must say) and am thinking about getting some inline hockey skates. They'll be used mostly for fitness purposes around the neighborhood, but I don't want to screw up my ice skating stride too much. In fact, it might help. Might hurt. Might help. That seems to be the general consesus.

I've read a number of the posts here,but I'd really appreciate your insight to some really basic stuff.

1. I've heard that ice and inline strides are similar, but not the same. What are the key points? For instance, if I try a "hockey" stop in the middle of my street am I gonna end up in the creek at the end of it?

2. As far as skates in general, who is the leading company? I know alot of it comes down to PP, but I have all CCM ice equipment mostly because they're a solid company with a lot of history. I've been happy with them, but then I haven't tried anyone else either. Is there someone in the inline skate world that's just "solid" ?

3. Boots: I wear CCM Pro Tacks and they're pretty stiff. Who makes good stiff boots? It's easy to tell the inline players on the ice because their pads are so lithe. Are inline skates as study as ice?

4. Baking: I've gotten the impression that inline boots can be baked. Is this universal or on a per skate basis? Is it really worth it? It was with my CCM's.

5. Chassis: I'm thinking of getting the Tuuk rocker chassis and I've read the thread on it. The biggest concern that I have is that the rivet holes won't match up (almost guarenteed) and that new holes will have to be drilled. Is drilling new holes on an inline skate an issue?

6. Wheels: Ok, here I'm totally clueless. I would think that there are different sizes and hardnesses, but what are the general tendancies of each?

7. Bearings: Again, clueless. Any tips and hints would be greatly appreciated.

Well, that's all I can think of. I really appreciate you help and insght.

[malcb33 99]

If you're wanting to use your skates more for fitness around the neighborhood, and not really for indoor inline hockey?

1-Skating is very similar (more similar with the rockers), but stopping is very different. It's more of a sharp turn, then push out! Search for this, I think there was a thread not long ago.

2,3-Mission would have to be the leading inline company IMO! But you would be much better off trying to get the same or similar boots that you wear on ice and making up the skate!

4-Most mid-high end models can be baked same as ice skates

5- The Tuuk Rocker would be a very good choice if you want a skate that feels alot like your ice skates. The holes normaly don't match up, but it doesn't really matter as long as you get them mounted by someone who knows what they're doing.

6-Wheels, if you are skating outside you want harder wheels so they won't wear so quick. Try some thing around 82-84a!

7-If you're skating outside generally it is pretty hard on your bearings so maybe go for something not to expensive like a abec 3 or 5 with a rubber seal to keep out the dust!

Hope this helps

[Perry94 0]

okay, I'm no expert, but since it's late, and I'm bored, I'll try to help:

1) Can't really help you there, since I don't play ice hockey. From what Ive gathered though, the Rocker chassis makes the transition a lot easier.

2) I'd say Mission would be the leading company when it comes to inline skates. Simply put, it's Mission at the top, then it's the rest of the rabble. Of course, that's just my opinion. Oh yah, it doesn't really matter who the leading company is, as long is you like the junk they put out right?

3) Can't help you there, although if you REALLY wanted stiff boots, you could get ice boots and convert. I'd say most high-end boots would be stiff enough though.

4) From what I've seen, most inlines can be baked.

5) Getting new holes drilled shoudln't cause too much problem as long as it's done right; I've got like 3 different sets of holes in my Bauer 5000's and they still feel solid.

6) When if comes to wheels, generally softer=more grip, harder=more durable. Since you're playing outside, I'd go with 78A+ at least, otherwise you'll shread the wheels. Worry about sizes when you get your rocker chassis; they have their own hocus-pocus setup of wheels to equate certain radii of ice skates. The chart should be in the thread titled "Rocker Chassis".

7) Get bearings that are easy to clean (ie. ABEC 3's or 5's). Actually, the 5's would be a good bet for outdoor use, since they're alright for carrying spin, and they don't break your bank.

edit: damn, I got beat to the punch hahahaha :P