Of all the roller skates, you will probably have noticed huge price gaps between mainstream skates and expert skates. Of course many answers justify this. Does cheaper really mean money saving? Let's have a closer look at it...

Manufacturing

Main market roller skates are always factory made, and comes most of the times from China. As with sneakers from big brands, the quality can remain there, but don't expect an outstanding product with impeccable finishes. On an ethical point of view, keep in mind that the misery of some sometimes makes the happiness of others...

In many cases, high standing roller skates are hand made in smaller series in US workshops. Labor has a cost and is reflected in the final price, but in return you benefit from a much better finished and almost unique product. You can skate with a peace of mind, with the cerenity that a worker has not been enslaved for our little pleasure as consumers.

Materials

Main market roller skates:

Most often, the boots are made of fabrics or synthetic leather. The outsole is made of PVC and is simply glued to the boot. In most cases, the general performance would be OK for beginners and / or occasional use. However the roller skates will wear out way faster: Shoes deformation, tears, desintegration of the soles,...

Pro Skates:

High-end skates adopt more noble and robust materials. Natural leather is widely used and offers a much higher quality of resistance. The soles can be in leather, fiber, carbon, rubber,... and are not simply glued, but also, depending on the case: sewn, studded, or even screwed. Say goodbye to the sole that tears off the shoe after 2 seasons! If you use your skates intensely, the skates in this range will last you much longer

Componants

Mainstream roller skates:

Plates are made out of nylon or cast aluminium. These plates are sufficient for occasional use, but find their limit as much in performance as in solidity. Nylon frames are less rigid and less precise than machined aluminum frames.

On entry-level skates, the stopper is often fixed (5/16" stem) and does not offer the possibility of being adjusted in height or replaced by other shapes.

Price tightening is often made to the detriment of the wheels and bearings quality, witch are key components of a skate. An entry price skate will often have smaller wheels and a coumpound with less rebound and therefore slower, less comfortable, and which wears out more quickly.

Pro Skates:

The plates will most often be aluminium machined, or, if they are nylon composite, will have superior qualities.

The brake will generally be with a 5/8" stem adjustable in height and / or replaceable by a multitude of shapes and widths

The wheels and bearings will be of superior quality and you will appreciate the comfort and ease of picking up and maintaining your speed.

To conclude, depending on your level, the frequency of your outings, and your requirements, you can opt for one model or another. High-end skates are certainly more expensive to buy, but if you use them regularly, the investment will be quickly amortized and you will save money over time while benefiting from superior performance and comfort.