Ice to Inline

[syinx 139]

I cannot for the life of me find a forum post that discusses my question, so here it is.

I'm looking to transition from Ice to Inline. I was given a pair of Bauer X40Rs and tried them on - they feel just dandy.

My first time out, I noticed a great deal of instability. I have no idea how to turn, stop, skate backwards, hell, my stride feels weird, as though the wheels catching on the ground just left me stuck.

Any tips and advice as to how to move forward?

[romdj 26]

Well, Sprung frames are definitely a way to go if you're interested in playing regularly on wheels.

but yeah, inlines don't usually have a rocker, which is hard to adapt for a sport like hockey. It's like having a radius of 13-15" on your blade, which makes transitioning hard and all.

Also I see that your skates aren't as stiff, which doesn't help either.

Stopping is probably the hardest part because it is basically losing your edge in a controlled manner...

I'd advise looking for smaller wheels at the beginning, you won't go as fast in terms of top speed but you'll definitely be more maneuverable which helps for sure.

imo what you need as a setup for wheels (considering you kept everything original) would be 78-80-76-74 This setup has the benefit of combing hi-lo and banana setup.

And if you want to go for smaller wheels only, then 76-76-72-72 would be good too.

Good luck!

[syinx 139]

I'm quite a light guy (125~130 depending) and I only intend on using them for travel and exercise, not playing. I considered converting my Makos into inlines using the frames on the X40Rs I got. Would that be a good idea for a stronger skate?

[geshnyc 3]

Well, Sprung frames are definitely a way to go if you're interested in playing regularly on wheels.

but yeah, inlines don't usually have a rocker, which is hard to adapt for a sport like hockey. It's like having a radius of 13-15" on your blade, which makes transitioning hard and all.

Also I see that your skates aren't as stiff, which doesn't help either.

Stopping is probably the hardest part because it is basically losing your edge in a controlled manner...

I'd advise looking for smaller wheels at the beginning, you won't go as fast in terms of top speed but you'll definitely be more maneuverable which helps for sure.

imo what you need as a setup for wheels (considering you kept everything original) would be 78-80-76-74 This setup has the benefit of combing hi-lo and banana setup.

And if you want to go for smaller wheels only, then 76-76-72-72 would be good too.

Good luck!

Romdj is right, also posting and reading alot will help as much as practice. There is so much little stuff that can helo or make the transition better. But the best one of all; is get out there and play! Skate frame wheel; you want a rocker setup bigger wheels on the inside and smaller out - mimmics ice skates and makes you more agile. Yes convert! they are lighter and ditch the x40 all together, don't touch it, use them to skate outdoors for practice. Take the mako boot, grab a labeda frame on ebay or a spung if you have the $$.. I saw older labeda frames for like $30 bucks on Ebay.. no point dishing out cash if you can get an older high end model frame.

as for technique.. it takes some time. The best thing to do besides skating everyday is skating with some guys to see what they do... It is very hard to explain how to do a hockey stop on inline skates.. you just have to see it and eat some dirt untill you get it. Also dude keep in mind your hockey skates are not regular inline skates you have to get used to them.. stiff! But you could watch videos on Freestyle inline skatting etc to get some ideas of the fundamentals. And I would recomend finding a place that has sportcourt because falling on asphalt sucks so bad.. on sportcourt. You need to understand that it is a whole different animal than asphalt or wood.. its kinda cool you like it. Dude I ate so much shit the first few months on apshalt .. feffff. like just cruising wever is cool but once you start doing manuevers you feel it... but do skate everyday outside.. it makes you better. I throw my outdoor X60Rs on and just go..cold / warm it doesnt matter , earbuds and im in my zone.. dude I did like 10 or 15 miles the other day.. just great excersize.

Wheels: Labeda asphalt for outdoor practice / Labeda addictions for play and indoor. its worth the money. Dont use outdoor wheels inside and viseversa. two sets to diff places.

safety - get wrist guards.. I know it sounds lame but breaking your wrist will suck more.. you will fall and the best you can do is have the assurance you will not break anything.. also gives you more confidence knowing that. Docmeter makes the best wrist guard.. PM me on that one.. might have a new pair laying around.

Ditch the padding! You only need knees, wrist, elbow, helmet.. all the other stuff is deadwait. Maybe a tailbone cover which comes in padded shorts you could use but you dont need your shoulderpads, and thick hockey pants.

Have fun Borther! Its a good sport and don't let the shit about it being lame or gay or wever disuade you.. haters are gonna hate.

Good luck dude.. and there are always guys in the inline roller section willing to help out anmd answer but you got to do your own homework - here is a link that should get you started.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inline_skates

[wehojp84 5]

You should look into getting a Marsblade chasis. They are specifically built for "off ice" training. I put some Marsblade chasis on my Axiom T9's and they are awesome. I needed something similar to ice b/c I play ice and roller in the same week and going back and forth between the two was difficult before the Marsblade. Mostly because of the differences in skating technique between roller and ice skates. Per Mars is the owner and a real nice guy. I messaged him on facebook (just look up their marsblade page).

[sheffy92 3]

I'm skating on all 80's and to be honest I don't notice a difference from skating inline to ice… I do have to make a little difference for skating inline but not really that big in my opinion. What wheels are using as that can be one of the issues that your having when your skating inline.

[syinx 139]

You should look into getting a Marsblade chasis. They are specifically built for "off ice" training. I put some Marsblade chasis on my Axiom T9's and they are awesome. I needed something similar to ice b/c I play ice and roller in the same week and going back and forth between the two was difficult before the Marsblade. Mostly because of the differences in skating technique between roller and ice skates. Per Mars is the owner and a real nice guy. I messaged him on facebook (just look up their marsblade page).

I looked into getting the Marsblade and cannot for the life of me navigate their order process. Is it just me?

[wehojp84 5]

I looked into getting the Marsblade and cannot for the life of me navigate their order process. Is it just me?

I would just email Per

Once I emailed him with the size that I needed (large vs. medium), they sent me an invoice via PayPal. I think you have to go this route b/c Marsblade isn't really available in North America yet. Once ordered, they will send you a FedEx tracking number. Hope this helps!