Wheel problem

[Aggie 9]

I've been using red Rink Rat Hot Shots for the past month and I noticed that my rear wheels on both skates are cracking, but only on the inside. The outside and surface of the wheels are fine, but the inner red layer looks crystallized and all cracked. When I stop, it feels mushy. Has anyone else had this happen? I was thinking about getting the orange Hot Shots, as they are a little harder. I don't know what is causing this, my weight is 170 lbs. Should I be using harder wheels?I'll try to post pictures later.

[KC83 2]

i had the same problem but i'm only 150lbs...

i got them directly from a rink rat dealer, and he sent me a whole new shipment of wheels...

[Eazy_b97 1]

I also have this problem. I'm a shade under 200lbs on Hi-Ho silvers. I'm skating on painted concrete. I was considering contacting the company. I assumed it was because the wheels are too soft for the surface.

[kovalchuk71 212]

Eazy, you should not be using hot shots on painted concrete, BAD idea...... As for Aggie...I would contact the company and get 78A hardness.... I had problems with cracking and I got harder wheels and have been very happy ever since

[Eazy_b97 1]

I know, I've been throught this a few times in a few posts. I know the error of my ways and was fully aware. The cracking I blame the surface on the explosion.........boggles my mind. I'll put up pics if I can to make sure everyones on the same page.

[Aggie 9]

I've never had this problem with any other brand of wheel. Maybe it's because I switched from the Rocker chassis to a Hi-Lo, so the bigger rear wheels flex too much and tear. If that's the case, I guess getting a harder Hot Shot wouldn't matter, since the inside is the same hardness. I've e-mailed Rink Rat and haven't gotten any replies. Guess I'll just call one of these days.

[kovalchuk71 212]

Sorry Eazy....didnt mean to make u feel bad

[Eazy_b97 1]

It's cool.... Not many games were left in the season, I had no other wheels a pair of expensive in-lines I hadn't used and desperately needed to break in. Knew I'd aquire some in the off-season so wrecking the wheels wasn't a big deal, plus I had just gotten them for wrecked Dynastys.

[RINK RAT 15 0]

Gentleman,

I am here to help,

First, dont use indoor wheels outdoor or on concrete, painted or not.

Also, That crystalization that you have mentioned has happened a couple of times, Its simply a bad bonded wheel.

I know when you here a couple other people with the problem it seems like an overwhelming problem, But take into consideration that millions of wheels are sold and we only here about a few of the ones that have problems. Contact your retailer who you purchased your wheels from and see if they will replace them, They probably will, if they don't drop me an email and I will help you out...

Sound fair?

Thanks Guys

Michael Hunt

[#56 0]

Hey Mike,

Can it be due to a bad batch or something?

My team ordered the Hot Shots in 76A, the red ones, and more than the half of the team had that crackeling problem (me included).

We have it on the front wheels.

[RINK RAT 15 0]

Oh sure, Absolutely that can happen, Sometimes a bad batch makes its way on the market. If your having an over welming problem with them just call me at the office at 401 946 4400 ext 3050 ask for Mike...Actually I'm the only one who answers that line, And let me know the circumstanses behind the problem, If I can fix it i will....

Thanks Guys

Michael Hunt

World Wide Sales Manager

Rink Rat

[MDE3 0]

Hey Mike,

Can it be due to a bad batch or something?

My team ordered the Hot Shots in 76A, the red ones, and more than the half of the team had that crackeling problem (me included).

We have it on the front wheels.

Looking at your pic..it appears (if that is you) to be on a wood floor..if so you need harder wheels usually, as the additional grip from a wooden floor will tear up most of the high grip medium soft or soft wheels.

[#56 0]

Hey Mike,

Can it be due to a bad batch or something?

My team ordered the Hot Shots in 76A, the red ones, and more than the half of the team had that crackeling problem (me included).

We have it on the front wheels.

Looking at your pic..it appears (if that is you) to be on a wood floor..if so you need harder wheels usually, as the additional grip from a wooden floor will tear up most of the high grip medium soft or soft wheels.

Hey thanks MDE3, I didn't knew I had to use some harder wheels on wooden coating.

Can I maintain the same amount of grip that I have with my actual Hot Shots 76A ?

Btw, I also play on very smooth painted concrete...

FYI, I only weight around the 155lbs...and it is indeed me on my avatar :P

[MDE3 0]

Yes the urethane floors will grip with almost anything..usually you want a minimum of 78A indoor wheels..maybe even 80A. For painted concrete..depending on whether it is a sanded paint or not, you will need a bit grippier wheel...nothing really stands up to sanded paint over concrete. If it is a "ground concrete..ie polished, with a latex overlay paint, then a soft wheel is probably in order.

Some places sprayed sand into the paint when they overlaid the concrete, and in others the natural concrete surface is already so rough that the paint will not make it slippery...in either of two those cases, you want an outdoor type wheel, much like you would use on asphalt.

[Aggie 9]

Just an update: got replacement wheels through inlinewarehouse.com. Great service, I highly recommend them! Thanks also to Mike Hunt!