Choosing between rollerblades or roller skates can be quite challenging if you do not know which suits your style or if there is any difference between them since they both start with the word roller and are both shod with wheels. Are Rollerblades and roller skates the same? The answer is No. The difference between rollerblades and roller skates is in the placement of their wheels. A roller skate has four wheels and the front two wheels are right next to each other and the same goes for the wheels at the back. They also have a toe stop in the front. The main thing that makes a roller skate is the pattern of the wheels. Rollerblades on the other hand is a boot with the wheels all arranged in a line. They are also called inline skates. Most times rollerblades have a stronger plastic covering on the boot that gives them more security and stability in the ankles whereas that of the roller skate is more flexible and not as rigid as the rollerblades. Balancing on each type is quite different, they also require a different technique, exercise different muscles, and give off a uniquely different experience.
What are Rollerblades?
Rollerblades or inline skates have a single frame with three to five wheels, although most skates have four wheels. They have a higher boot which provides more support for the ankle. Rollerblades have wheels that are thinner and rounded than those of roller skates, which means that you can easily maneuver them by using their edges to twist the skates. The arrangement of the wheels makes it difficult for beginners to balance on. Beginners generally find it easy to skate in the four-wheeled variety of rollerblades; the four-wheeled variety is not as high as the three-wheeled ones. The three-wheeled rollerblades can be quite difficult for beginners because they are raised higher off the floor and go at faster speeds with good maneuverability. Although they can prove to be quite challenging for beginners, beginners can ride in them. The longer wheelbase makes it easy to balance forward and backward.
Inline skaters should know that the bigger wheels allow the mid-wheel to be the pivot, which lets you move over rough surfaces and also go at great speeds. Inline skates are awesome for outdoor use, especially rough surfaces. They are usually preferred to roller skates as they are faster for long distances due to their wheel setup and less friction with the ground. Compared to roller skates, however, they can be difficult to stop but stop techniques can be learned and mastered. Once mastered, rollerblades are quick, responsive, and great for weaving.
What are Roller Skates?
Roller skates – also known as quad skates – have four wheels with two wheels positioned next to each other at the front and back respectively. A toe stop is also in the front of the roller skates. Roller skates typically differ from rollerblades in their wheel pattern.
The roller skates are easier to stop and they also offer better stability because of the wheel arrangement (at the corners). They are more reliable skating options with several components that make them fun and safe to skate in. You can use roller skates to ride on concrete, pavements, sidewalks, and rough roads if they have such build. Frequent roller skating might require that you change your wheels and bearings regularly.
Why Should You Buy Rollerblades or Roller Skates?
Choosing between rollerblades and roller skates is dependent on your preferences and what you intend to use the skates for. Beginners generally feel more comfortable and stable wearing roller skates. For outdoor use, however, rollerblades can be easier to learn on.
Rollerblades are ideal if you intend to go fast but for artistic moves, roller skates are a better option. Depending on your sport of choice, you may need to buy rollerblades or roller skates. Rollerblades are well suited for persons who participate in roller derby whereas roller skates are better for dancing.
You can also decide to make your buying choice based on the visual appearance and style of either rollerblades or roller skates. This is also valid; the most important thing is that you put insufficient time to learn to skate in your choice. Generally, rollerblades are probably better for day-to-day use because you can move around in them more efficiently.
However, choosing the right outdoor skates for you might seem complicated. Note that these are only suggestions and there is no definitive answer as to which you should buy. Just figure out what works best for you.
Rollerblades vs Roller Skates Differences
The major difference between rollerblades and roller skates is the wheels. The arrangement of wheels in roller skates makes it easy for beginners to stand upright in a stable manner because the wheels are positioned at the corners. This is different in rollerblades where the wheels are narrower and configured in a single line, thereby more leg muscles would be required to balance on them. Due to the wheel configuration in rollerblades, it is also easier to navigate in different directions and negotiate obstacles. The reverse is the case in roller skates where it is generally easier to go in a straight line.
The brake is another difference in both skates. Rollerblades have a back brake which makes them easier to stop. Roller skates have a front brake which many say is difficult to stop. However, it all comes down to personal preference.
Another difference is that various muscles are used to balance and maneuver in rollerblades. Rollerblading, therefore, provides a better fitness option than roller skating. Although roller-skating is also a good way to exercise, it requires more effort compared to rollerblading. Roller skating involves all the body parts apart from the hips while rollerblading includes every part of the body because you need strength to balance.
Speed is another area where both skates differ. Inline skates are way faster than roller skates. Rollerblades (or inline skates as they are also called) have a narrow grip that allows the skater to turn, maneuver, and negotiate corners and curves. For persons who require speed, inline skates are a fine choice. However, inline skaters may need to use a big space for skating movement. On the other hand, roller skates cannot go as fast as rollerblades because of the configuration of their wheels. They are better suited to help people balance well.
Rollerblades Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Very fast and works well for racing purposes such as speed, hockey, and freestyle skating. | Difficult to learn |
| Gives intense full-body exercise. | Not very stable because the wheels are arranged in a single line. |
| Great for traveling on bumpy surfaces. | Trouble in maneuvering |
| Rollerblades are easy to stop because they have a back brake. | Very little chance of tipping off often. The long-wheelbase stops you from falling forwards or backward. |
Roller Skates Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Very easy to learn | Not fast, hence not suitable for racing |
| Very stable and easy to balance because of the wheel arrangement. | The front brake makes it difficult to stop. |
| Suitable for tricks, artistic maneuvers, and fancy moves | |
| Gives good upper body exercise. | |
| Comes in different boot designs, colors, and patterns. | |
| Chances of tipping off are relatively high, especially for beginners. | |
| Difficult to skate in on bumpy surfaces or roads with cracks. |
Top 3 Rollerblades
Our top three suggestions for rollerblades would be:
- FR2 310 Inline Skates Atom Pro Fitness 3-Wheel or 4-Wheel Inline Skates (commuting and exercise) (RollerskateUSA)
- Epic Engage II Inline Skate (Indoor/Outdoor) (Amazon)
- TKO Light Speed Inline Adjustable Skate (Juniors) (RollerskateUSA)
Top 3 Roller Skates
Our top three suggestions for roller skates would be:
- Impala Quad Skates (Impala)
- Moxi Skates Lolly Roller Skates (Moxi Skates)
- Sure-Grip Boardwalk (Amazon)
How to Make Your Decision?
Rollerblades are better for longer distances because you go faster. You can go long distances too on roller skates, of course, but you may struggle to keep up. Roller skates might be easier for very young children and feel more stable initially, but counter-intuitively blades can be easier to learn how to skate well. Roller skates are good indoor skates and used in roller derby, rollerblades are used for hockey. You can do artistic skating on both (but using those little cones is done with inline because they’re more maneuverable). Tricks are usually done with inline skates, but you can get quads for ramps too.
Conclusion
Unlike inline skates that have one central frame and a line of wheels, roller skates have two horizontal trucks or hangars. One towards the toe and the other at the heel. Each hangar holds a pair of wheels, located to the left and right. Roller Skate boots come in a variety of styles some hard and some soft, there is also often a choice between a low-top or high-top style boot. Another difference is that the wheels on roller skates are smaller in diameter but much wider than those on inline skates.
