BUYING A NEW PAIR OF SKATES CAN BE A DAUNTING EXPERIENCE, HOWEVER IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE RIGHT PAIR OF SKATES IS PURCHASED FOR YOUR LEVEL (AND FUTURE LEVEL) OF SKATING SKILL. THE BELOW GUIDE IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE BUT IT WILL HELP GUIDE YOU TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE. OF COURSE YOUR COACH IS THERE TO ALSO HELP YOU, BEFORE MAKING YOUR CHOICE PLEASE DISCUSS IT WITH THEM, THEY ARE THERE TO GIVE ADVICE.
NOTE: Your coaches are not on commission and this advice is purely based on the opinions of Titanium ARSC. Some detail below taken from Evolution Artistic Roller Skating Facebook Page.
Disco Skates - £35-£55
A good choice for anyone wanting to attend Disco or Public sessions – great to start. Overall these are not very robust, and will not be suitable outside of the first few grades.
· Google “Disco Skating Boots” and suppliers will appear – e.g. Skate Hut
‘LOOK A LIKE ARTISTIC BOOTS’ – GUIDE PRICE £70 £85
These are slightly better than the above and if the plates aren’t plastic can be adjusted to help skaters progress further up the grades. They are NOT artistic skates but are designed to look like an artistic boot. The toe st
ops aren’t height adjustable so are shorter than actual artistic skates, and as they are not rubber can cause skaters to slip.
It is possible to progress so far with these getting through some grades, maybe even basic jumps however if in the long run the skater is likely to progress seriously there will be more support needed in the ankle than these boots will be able to give. They are not generally leather so if purchasing these ensure that they are done up tight to support the ankle.
They are good for those getting into artistic skating and cost less for parents, until they are sure that artistic skating is something their child would like to continue with. However keep in mind in the long run it may mean you spend more because skaters will have a limit on what is possible with these skates. They tend to not keep their value and inevitably may mean you paying twice for skates.
· Example can be found on SKATE HUT.
BASIC COMPETITION SET – GUIDE PRICE £150.00 UPWARDS
This boot is more advanced and gives more support at the ankle – they may have a plastic plate however it will be adjusta
ble (recommendation would not be to purchase plastic plates for adults). Everything is adjustable to the individual and the boots are full leather or suede. Typically these will be Edia or Risport Plates and will come with different stiffness ratings. You can buy “Special Sets” or “pre-mounted sets”. Dependent on the supplier there maybe the option to choose plates, wheels, bearings and stoppers and they will build the skates on your requirements. However before purchasing make sure that you have discussed your options with your coach. These skates will be suitable for grades, single jumps and spins. If you are at an advanced stage discuss your requirements with your coach who will be able to advise on the best pair of skates for your ability.
· Supplier example – J&P Sports.
SECOND HAND SKATES
No guide price as these can come from a varying different number of sources. Second hand skates are a great way of making purchasing skates affordable, check out Ebay or SkaterMate.
LONG TERM HIRE
Again no guide price because this is subject t
o change. This is an option available should you not want to invest in a pair of skates at this stage, this is available via one supplier in the UK, for further details contact SkaterMate.
Looking after your skates is key to holding their value, if you purchase a pair of Artistic Roller Skates they will last for years and if looked after will hold some value. There will always be someone coming up behind you in the club or in another club willing to buy them off you – Clubs around the country are always on the look out for second hand sets, it’s rare that you would have a problem re-selling them.