When to upgrade your Roller Skate Hardware!?!
It can be tricky to know where to start. There are so many moving parts to a roller skate, and for new skaters getting familiar with the gear they are utilizing is essential to ensure they get the most out of their roller skate setup. If you're looking for some advice on how to maximise your skates, be sure to check out this blog for Quick Fixes To Turn Your Roller Skates Into Park Ready Quads!
But once you understand the moving parts (Quad Skate Anatomy), there’s the added layer of skatepark specific upgrades! So, how do you know when to upgrade your Wheels or add on Slide Blocks or Grind Trucks?
The answer is different for everyone, but here is our insight into what gear you should prioritize and why!
In our experience, the Wheels are the first and easiest thing to switch out. By adding speed, you’ll be able to work on all sorts of entry-level skate skills like carving, pumping, airs, and even rotations! Plus, if you choose to add further upgrades, your wheels will help you get the most out of your gear!
Want to know more about wheel types? Check out this blog!
Next on the wish list is likely Slide Blocks! This upgrade is 100% worth the investment. Not only do Slide Blocks assist with beginner moves like dropping in and stalling, but they then lead into their real purpose, sliding! To dispel a common myth, you can absolutely park skate without block, and many skaters (including myself) have done so for considerable periods; that being said, it is so much easier having a contact point with the coping, and when you get to the point where you can upgrade to Slide Blocks, you won’t know how you ever skated without them!
The final upgrade is wide trucks, aka Grind Trucks! We typically recommend skaters waiting to invest because Grinding is a more advanced move, and the hardware is not necessary right away, so if you a) need to save up or b) are waiting for the next generation of CIB Grind Trucks (which we highly recommend you do) then you can still skate and complete 99% of the CIB Tricktionary without them! The perks of wider trucks are simple and sweet. A wider wheelbase gives you more stability, which is handy when skating big transitions, and the longer spacing enables you to grind it over the coping, which is a feeling that nothing compares to.
If you're ever in doubt, we recommend checking in with your local skate shop! They are often staffed with knowledgeable crews who can help you find the gear that will work best for you! Here is a list of stockists who carry the CIB Hardware line!
We hope you enjoyed our thoughts on the matter! If you have any ideas, suggestions, or questions, feel free to comment below or reach out to us at info@cibcrew.com
Happy shredding!
Lady Trample & The CIB Crew