If you love to skate then hockey skating is without a doubt your favourite outdoor sport. Roller hockey is played on any dry and smooth surface using traditionally wheeled or inline skates. It is played with either a ball or puck. Most people do not just play it for recreational purposes but also to have a healthy activity to maintain a good lifestyle. So having one of the best hockey roller skates is important.
The most important part of roller skating is choosing the right skates for you. There are multiple factors and important specs to consider before buying a pair fit for you. As if it’s not comfortable and right you’ll end up having more damage than health benefits.
Context
- Factors to Consider When Buying Roller Hockey Skates
- Roller Hockey Skate Parts
- Skill Level
- Budget
- Best Hockey Roller Skates
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Factors to Consider When Buying Roller Hockey Skates
While choosing the best hockey roller blades there are some factors to consider. These are important in squeezing out the best possible outcome from the sport. The factors are divided into 3 parts
- Roller Hockey Skate Parts
- Skill Level
- Budget.
1. Roller Hockey Skate Parts
The First and foremost factor to consider is the body of the roller skates. Each part of roller skates is important in defining the best fit for you. Let’s go through them one by one
Boots
Boots are the base of the skates and are a vital part of hockey skates. This part of the skate either makes it the best fit or the most painful thing on your feet. The comfort and fit of the boots depending upon the size of your feet.
Just like any other pair of shoes you have to consider it before buying the pair. It may be the same as your shoe size or different depending upon the material the boots are made of.
Also, the width of your foot is taken into account when sizing the roller skates. The roller skate size chart should be carefully searched and followed to ensure a perfect fit.
Liners
The inside of the skates has Liners. They are what comes in direct contact with your feet. Thus the material of the liner matters a lot. The best rollerblades for hockey players have liners made up of Microfiber. They are good at resisting odor and moisture buildup.
Frame
Almost all the best hockey inline skates either have aluminum or titanium frame. These materials make the skates very lightweight and durable. The lightweight skates are good at providing speed and control.
Wheels
Most skates nowadays have either soft or hard wheels. A durometer is used to measure the hardness of the wheels.
Soft wheels provide better mobility and control to the skater, Thus, They are good for outdoor surfaces like concrete.
Whereas hard wheels are preferred by those who like indoor skating and fast speed. The only drawback is that hard wheels are not good at providing traction and stability.
Choosing the right type of wheels is very important for the type of skating you like. Next to the comfort of your boots, wheels are the second most important thing on a skate.
Bearings
Bearings are the part that attaches the wheels to the base of your roller skate. They hold the wheels and assist in its rotation skate plate’s axle. As we’ve discussed in a multitude of articles, the most important thing about a skate bearing is that it is clean. The best inline hockey skates have clean bearings made especially for them.
2. Skill Level
The skill level at which you play hockey is also a major factor while choosing the best rollerblades for hockey. There are skates designed especially for each level.
Beginner
If you have just started to be part of this amazing and crazy journey a beginner skate is all you need. Don’t bother buying the top-of-the-line skates as they are way more expensive and will make you rethink the sport.
While you are a newbie and still in the learning process choose cheaper and basic roller skates. They may not be high grade and look dull but they surely will give you the confidence and boost that you need. Therefore choose a cheaper basic level roller skate with beginner level.
Intermediate
When you have learned to control the roller skates and are good at it upgrade the skates to an intermediate level. They are middle-range skates with better comfort of the boot, good wheels, and cleaner bearings.
They are also more lightweight and provide greater speed and roll. These skates are more costly than beginners but less than advanced skates.
Advanced
As you become a pro in the hockey skates sport you will surely search for the best. The advanced-level player has the best control over the skates and will want a more lightweight and fast pair.
The best rollerblades for hockey at an advanced level will have the most comfortable boots, excellent handling, superior frame, and great bearings.
3. Budget
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced in hockey skates there is always a budget range in which you have to choose. Although beginner level skates are very less in cost and can easily find a pair in their budget.
The more advanced level player may have a hard time finding the right fit in their budget. So always keep in mind the money you are going to spend while shopping for the best hockey inline skates.