Newbie to inline

[hergs 7]

I play ice hockey all the time, recently a friend asked me to play inline for the summer which requires a 76A durometer wheel or less. Which is fine but last time I had a problem of pushing off like I do on the ice. I looked at my wheels and they are 80mm 80A and 72 up front. I will be playing inside on a plastic indoor type surface.

I know nothing about wheels, if someone could help me out, it would be great.

I'm 6'5" if that matters, and looking for more (stick or soft wheels)

[jw06 0]

You would probably be looking for something in the 74a durometer or in Rink Rat brand - 62/76a. Epuck has a nice selection of wheels for indoor. This link should help Wheels

I've used the Rink Rat Hornets, MB 816 and Labeda Fuzion's and grip was not a problem and durability was also good.

[stevoc 0]

An 80A wheel is too hard for sport court (I am assuming that's what you're playing on). A 76A wheel should be good for your size, but if you feel you need more gripping, try a 74A wheel. Also, I have been told that there is a difference in the way you push off on inline skates as apposed to ice. On my inlines, I use the ball/toe part of my foot to go. I am told in ice you use your heels. Forgive me if I am wrong in saying this as I never have played on ice before.

I'm sure others will offer their insite as well soon.

Hope this helps and good luck! :D

[wickedlite44 0]

Weight is more important than height, then we can help give you a more accurate answer. The heavier, the harder the durometer you should be using.

[DamnLocust 0]

steveoc, I believe you're referring to stopping on inline vs. ice.

On ice you stop on the balls of your feet and cut with your heels.

In inlines you use more of your heels to stop as it actually takes more effort to stop.

In both, you want to use the balls of your feet to generate power in your stride.

Hergs, it's not just about the hardness of the wheel, but also about the quality of wheel you buy. For a long time, I refused to buy into the idea that a $10 wheel would make me a better player. Then, I tried Rink Rats and was sold on it. You don't necessarily need to pay that much, but a good quality wheel is like a good sharpening- it can have a huge impact on your game. That said, at 6'5, unless you're a beanstalk, you could probably go a bit harder than 76a on RRs and some other dual durometer wheels. Remember that high temps in the summer will actually soften the wheel a bit, and it's very easy to blow up wheels when they're too soft for your weight/playing type.

[hergs 7]

when buying wheels do they come separately or in like a 8 pack.

Also I'm around 190lbs,and SPORT COURT is what I'll be playing on.

I just want something than doesn't give that slipping effect, I only play for 1 hour a week, so durability isn't really an issue I don't think.

[DamnLocust 0]

It depends. Most shop sell them individually, so you can mix and match hardnesses/types of wheel if you schoose to do so. Some guys like to put a softer wheel on the front to prevent slippage like you described.

You sometimes find them in 4 packs as well.

[hergs 7]

also do I need to have a smaller wheel upfront, or do I just use all the same diameter for all 4 wheels?

[DamnLocust 0]

Depends on the skates. If you have a HiLo chassis, it'll be 80mm in the rear, 72mm in the front. Since that's how you described them in your original post, it's a safe bet that that's what you've got.

[stevoc 0]

steveoc, I believe you're referring to stopping on inline vs. ice.

On ice you stop on the balls of your feet and cut with your heels.

In inlines you use more of your heels to stop as it actually takes more effort to stop.

In both, you want to use the balls of your feet to generate power in your stride.

Thanks for clearing that up for me...I knew I heard something about the use of your feet. (doh!) :P

Weight is more important than height, then we can help give you a more accurate answer. The heavier, the harder the durometer you should be using.

Good point. I assumed because he was so tall that he was in that slightly higher durometer area, but I should have mentioned that instead of assumed.

Thanks!

[Archangel#16 1]

Also with your weight, try to step down a level of softness. try to find some rink rats in a 76A durometer. I think that hockey giant or hockeymonkey have a good selection for wheels

[opus22 0]

hey im 6'4", 215. if im on sport court the best wheels for me are the orange labeda milleniums. grippy enough to grab most surfaces, hard enough to last. if you have missions from anytime in the last 10 years or so you will need two 80 mm, and two 72 mm for each skate. if you have another brand just let us know and we can figure what size you need.

i grew up playing ice so generally have a good idea of feel. i would say if the push off still slips in these wheels, maybe put purple milleniums (softer) or a rink rat wheel or two in the front of your skate for pushing off. rink rats arent really made for people who are our height unless your a stick figure. still would work for a front wheel, tho.

[DamnLocust 0]

I'm 250lbs. and used RRs for a season plus drop in over about 6 months. I was actually using 76a, and they somehow didn't explode.

If you want to go with RR as a heavier guy, just go with a 78a or 80a hardness. Many members swear by them.

They feel like a softer wheel in terms of grip, but offer the durability of harder wheels.