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Looking to Gear Up with Hockey Roller Blades This Season. Discover the Top Brands Near You

Strap on those skates and hit the pavement! Hockey rollerblades offer an exciting way to stay active and have fun outdoors. If you’re looking to pick up a new hobby or get back into blading, there are plenty of options for quality skates available nearby.

Why Play Hockey on Rollerblades? Fun Way to Stay Active Outdoors

Rollerblading combines cardio, coordination, and competitiveness for an energizing workout. Skating works muscles in your core, legs, and glutes that you may not target during regular exercise routines. It improves balance and agility as you maneuver and control your speed.

Outdoor roller hockey is a fast-paced team sport that will get your adrenaline pumping. You’ll build camaraderie with teammates while strategizing plays and passing the puck. It’s an inclusive sport for men and women of all ages and skill levels. Plus you get to enjoy fresh air!

Rollerblading is also a great solo activity when you want some “me time” outdoors. Put on your favorite playlist and cruise the local paved trails or basketball courts at your own pace. It’s meditative yet keeps you engaged.

Key Differences Between Ice Hockey and Roller Hockey Skates

Ice hockey and roller hockey both deliver fun and fitness, but require distinct skates. Ice skates have a thinner, longer blade optimized for gliding on the slippery surface. They provide more ankle support and stability for sharp turns and abrupt stops.

Rollerblade wheels offer more resistance, so the boots are lower cut and made of soft, flexible materials. The wider wheelbase makes edge control and balance easier for beginners. Outdoor wheels have extra grip and shock absorption.

Important Features to Consider When Shopping for Hockey Rollerblades

Look for adjustable lacing and ample padding around the ankles for a secure, customized fit. Breathable mesh lining prevents sweaty feet. Opt for a fast-drying synthetic leather or molded plastic shell.

Large 76-80mm wheels absorb impact and handle cracks or debris well. Abrasion-resistant urethane formulas provide speed with control. Stable frames with adjustable trucks allow steering leverage. Durable bearings ensure smooth rolling.

Top Inline Hockey Rollerblade Brands for Men and Women

Leading athletic brands like Bauer, Mission, and Tour offer advanced hockey skates. Mid-range picks from RBZ, Bladerunner, and K2 suit new and casual players.

Consider your experience level and frequency of play. Top-end skates boast performance features like anti-vibration insoles, lacing wraps for ankle support, and lightweight carbon fiber or composite frames.

Where to Buy Quality Yet Affordable Hockey Rollerblades Locally

Visit a specialty sporting goods store for professional fitting advice and the best selection. Big box stores may offer budget-friendly basic models. Check for used skates at Play It Again Sports or local skate shops.

Shop end of season sales in winter months for deals. Buy last year’s designs at a discount. Be wary of used skates with significant wear on wheels or cracked shells.

Getting Properly Fitted for Hockey Rollerblades – Sizing Matters

Like shoes, sizing varies across brands and styles. Measure your foot and refer to size charts, but try skates on in person. Your heel should sit snugly in the back without slipping.

Bend your knees to test ankle mobility. The fit should be tight with minimal wiggle room for responsiveness, but not pinch anywhere. Break them in gradually at home before your first game.

Breaking in and Caring for New Hockey Rollerblades

Heat moldable linings on high-end skates conform to your feet. Loosen laces frequently as you skate to prevent pressure points. Apply petroleum jelly to avoid blisters.

Keep wheels debris-free and bearings lubricated. Wipe down with damp cloth after use. Air dry completely before storing to prevent mildew. Replace wheels once they become uneven.

Safety Gear You’ll Need for Roller Hockey Games and Practice

Helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, gloves, and wrist guards are essential for protecting against spills and puck impact. Use an athletic cup for males. Include padded shorts or padded compression pants for tailbone and hip protection.

Reflective gear or flashing LED lights make you visible to drivers if skating outdoors at night. Always wear a helmet, even for recreational skating.

Ideal Outdoor Surfaces for Roller Hockey Fun and Games

Look for smooth, finished concrete or asphalt with minimal cracks and debris. Outdoor basketball and tennis courts work well, along with paths in parks. Avoid uneven pavers or brick.

Check permit requirements before setting up goals in public spaces. Be considerate of pedestrians and pass slowly. For indoor play, wood floor roller rinks are ideal.

Local Roller Hockey Leagues and Clubs Accepting New Members

Join a team to play regular competitive games. Most leagues have divisions based on skill level and age. USA Roller Sports organizes nationwide tournaments and championships.

Or start an informal team with a regular pickup schedule at your local rink or park. Split costs for portable goals and jerseys. Bond over post-game snacks!

Pickup Roller Hockey Games Happening at Parks Near You

Search Facebook or Meetup.com for local groups organizing casual games. Show up with your gear and be ready to hop in next rotation. Rotate positions so everyone gets a turn as goalie.

Respect dibs if someone is waiting for an open spot. Pass to new players and go easy on slap shots. Maintain a fun, friendly atmosphere.

Improving Your Roller Hockey Skills and Techniques

Take lessons from experienced players on skating fundamentals. Work on balance drills off skates too. Set up cones for dribbling, tight turns, and stopping.

Practice stick handling while skating – keep your head up and knees bent. Do passing and shooting drills. Scrimmage frequently to hone positioning and game sense.

How to Stop Safely and Abruptly on Hockey Rollerblades

Bend knees and lean forward to put your weight on the front wheels. Drag your heels outward and increase pressure evenly. Or form a “T” by turning your feet perpendicular to stop quickly.

Avoid jamming toes downward – it can cause you to lose balance and fall backward. Start slowly and pad up to perfect stopping without injury.

Advanced Roller Hockey Moves to Step Up Your Game

Crossovers let you rapidly change direction while maintaining speed and stability. Transfer weight and push outside edges of wheels. Master tight spins using mohawk turns.

Hockey stops involve a quick 90-degree turn before braking. Try dekes like fake shots to get past defenders. Curve your path right before approaching the goal.

Staying In Shape in the Off-Season with Hockey Rollerblading

Don’t stash those skates away once your league ends! Maintain your conditioning and skills year-round. Off-season is the perfect time to try new drills or just cruise with music.

Find indoor rinks for winter months. Adjust your wheels for sport court or wooden floors. Still wear protection – falling on hard surfaces can be less forgiving.

Hockey rollerblades offer a fun, heart-pumping way to stay fit and build community connections. With quality skates suited to your experience level and proper safety gear, you’ll be ready to hit the pavement and join the action. Check out the top brands and local spots nearby to get rolling.

Key Differences Between Ice Hockey and Roller Hockey Skates

Whether you’re a seasoned hockey player or just starting out, choosing the right skates is crucial. But should you go for traditional ice hockey skates or opt for roller hockey blades? While both share similarities, there are some key differences to consider before purchasing your next pair.

Blade Design

The most noticeable difference is in the blade. Ice hockey skates have a longer, thinner metal blade that is optimized for gliding on ice. The blade has a gentle curve from front to back to facilitate turns and maneuverability. Roller hockey skates, on the other hand, have shorter plastic wheels lined up single file underneath the boot. This allows for smooth rolling motion on hard surfaces like concrete or sport court tiles.

Ankle Support

Ice hockey skates tend to have higher boots that lace up and grip the ankle tightly to provide lateral support and stability. This helps prevent rolled ankles from sharp cuts or checks into the boards. Roller hockey boots often come just above the ankle, with more flexibility through the ankle joint. This allows greater freedom of movement for quick starts and stops on the roller rink.

Weight

The metal blade makes ice hockey skates quite a bit heavier than most roller hockey skates. The average pair of ice hockey skates weighs about 2-3 pounds per skate versus 1-2 pounds for a roller skate. The lighter roller skates translate into quicker foot speed and acceleration. For young beginners, the reduced weight also makes it easier to learn balance and maneuvering.

Braking System

Ice skates rely primarily on edges of the blades for braking and controlling speed, along with the friction of ice. Roller skates need an added braking system for safe stops. Most recreational roller hockey skates have a heel brake while advanced players may prefer a toe brake instead. The brake allows rapid stops by tilting the skate to drag the wheels. Some ice hockey players transitioning to roller may need time to get comfortable stopping without blades.

Grip and Traction

The metal blade of ice skates slides smoothly across the ice. Roller skate wheels grip the skating surface more, allowing very quick accelerations and changes in direction. The soft urethane wheels provide plenty of traction for maneuvering around opponents. For outdoor roller hockey, softer wheels may be needed to absorb roughness and vibration from asphalt or concrete.

Protection

Most ice hockey skates have a protective exterior tendon guard running up the back of the boot. This shields the Achilles tendon from wayward sticks or pucks. With roller hockey’s reduced risk of cuts and high-impact collisions, most recreational skates lack an exterior tendon guard. But some advanced players still choose to wear ice hockey skates for the added protection.

Comfort

Roller skates are often favored for their increased comfort during play. The boots are more flexible, adapting to the feet and ankles. Cushioned linings absorb shock and reduce blisters. And the lighter overall weight of roller skates reduces fatigue, especially for younger players. Ice hockey boots offer less give but provide stability for hard cuts on ice.

Durability

The high-quality materials and robust construction of ice hockey skates make them quite durable for heavy use and contact. Except at the professional level, roller hockey skates generally have a shorter lifespan before needing replacement. The plastic frames and exposed wheels take more of a beating on rough outdoor surfaces.

Maintenance

Ice hockey blades require regular sharpening and profiling to maintain top gliding performance. Soil, debris and rust need to be cleaned from the blades after use. Roller skate wheels will wear down over time and eventually need replacing. Debris stuck in the wheels can lead to vibration or reduced speed. Rotating and flipping the wheels extends their usable life.

Cost

In general, ice hockey skates come with a higher price tag due to their specialized construction. It’s not unusual for a good pair to cost $300 or more. Mid-range roller hockey skates run $100 to $200, while basic recreational skates can be under $100. But high-end roller skates with a pro-level build can reach over $400.

Accessories

For safety, ice hockey requires additional equipment like helmets with full face cages or shields, elbow pads, shin guards and padded gloves. While roller players should still wear a helmet, the game involves less body contact, so just basic protective padding is needed for recreational play. Performance accessories like waxed laces, performance wheels and advanced linings can optimize high-level roller skates.

So weigh your needs and playing style as you choose between ice versus roller hockey skates. While less protective padding is needed, roller hockey lets you build speed and skills with a comfortable, lightweight boot. Or opt for ice hockey’s lateral support and durability to stand up to checks and collisions out on the rink. With the right skates, you’ll be ready to head out for an electrifying match of your favorite hockey game.

Looking to Gear Up with Hockey Roller Blades This Season? Discover the Top Brands Near You

If you’re preparing for another season of fast-paced roller hockey, a quality pair of skates should top your gear list. Advances in fit, wheels, brake systems and boot materials make the latest hockey rollerblades lighter, more responsive and durable than ever.

Not sure where to start your search for high-performance hockey skates? Check out these top inline hockey skate brands available at retailers near you:

Bauer

When you think hockey, Bauer immediately comes to mind. Their Vapor and Supreme lines dominate ice rinks, and the same engineering goes into roller blades. models like the Bauer Vapor X3.7 offer a 3D-lasted Curv® composite boot for agility and anatomical ankle padding for protection. The Tuuk LS Edge holder and chassis maximize energy transfer for acceleration.

Tour

Tour Hockey has been outfitting champion inline teams for decades. Their Vision inline skates provide a comfortable, snug fit thanks to the thermo-formable Tour Lock+ heel and memory foam ankle padding. The aluminum frame is stable yet reactive, while the SG7 bearings deliver a smooth, fast ride.

Roces

Roces brings over 70 years of Italian quality to the rink with their hockey rollerblades. The Romes feature a heat-moldable carbon fiber shell for a personalized fit. An integrated buckle sling wraps the ankle for agile cuts and crossover moves. The frame design allows rockering wheel configurations.

Rollerblade

As the originators of inline skating, Rollerblade has come a long way since their first plastic skate boot in 1980. Today, their RB line offers advanced comfort and responsiveness for hockey. The monocoque chassis on the RB XL lets you carve tight turns while the 80mm wheels provide an ideal balance of grip and speed.

Alkali

Alkali makes their reputable hockey skates available for both ice and inline styles of play. Built for maneuverability, models like the Alkali Revel 4 have a lightweight composite boot with shock-absorbing FormFit foam liners. The lower profile 325 chassis gives you balanced power transfer for accelerating and stopping.

Once you settle on the right skate brand for you, it’s time to hit the rink and break them in! Stop by your local hockey pro shop to try on skates and find the model offering the explosive speed, agility and protection to stay competitive play after play. With quality roller blades built for your game, you’ll be crossing over, deking past opponents and sniping top shelf in no time.

Important Features to Consider When Shopping for Hockey Rollerblades

Rollerblading is an exciting way to play hockey, whether you’re a casual weekend warrior or a competitive league player. With the right pair of inline hockey skates, you’ll have the speed, power and control to own the court. But with so many options out there, how do you choose? Here are some key features to keep in mind while shopping for hockey rollerblades that match your playing style.

Wheels

Wheels come in a range of sizes and durometers (hardness ratings) for different needs. Larger 76-80mm wheels offer faster top speeds while smaller 72-74mm wheels provide quicker acceleration and maneuverability. Harder wheels grip less so you can slide stops and tight turns, while softer wheels give more traction and control.

Boot Material

Look for sturdy, molded synthetics like thermoformed plastics and carbon fiber rather than soft boots. They’ll give responsive power transfer and stability during aggressive skating. Padded linings should cradle your feet comfortably while resisting breakdown.

Frame

Performance hockey frames are lower profile to keep your center of gravity closer to the wheels. Materials like forged aluminum allow flex for maneuvering while remaining rigid for power transfer. Advanced frames may allow wheel configurations like rockering.

Closure System

Laces help customize fit but can come loose during play. Straps and buckles let you crank down for stability while offering quick on-off. Consider a hybrid lacing system with secure cuffs for active ankle support when cutting sharply.

Ventilation

Hockey boot materials and padding can heat up your feet during intense skating. Look for mesh lining fabrics and perforations or air vents in the shell to allow airflow and cooling.

Brake

A quality brake lets you stop safely and with control. Heel brakes are the most common but advanced players may prefer a lower profile toe brake. Go for a large rubber brake pad and precision adjustments to avoid drag while skating.

Bearings

Upgrading to high-performance bearings can make your skates feel almost frictionless for effortless speed. Look for steel or ceramic bearings of grade 7 or higher. Built-in spacers and shields keep debris out of the bearings.

Weight

In general, lighter skates around 1 to 1.5 lbs per skate offer quicker foot speed and less fatigue over long matches. But don’t sacrifice durability and stability just to shave off a few ounces.

Comfort

Make sure to spend a good amount of time trying on skates for fit and feel. They shouldn’t pinch or rub anywhere. Your heel should lock in place without slipping and toes lightly graze the front when standing.

Protection

Hard plastic or carbon fiber shells shield your feet and ankles from stray pucks. Padding reduces impact from occasional spills. Look for abrasion-resistant elements like reinforced toe caps and heel lifts.

Price

Budget skates under $100 may work for beginners but lack in quality and longevity. Investing in $150 to $300 skates gets more advanced features. Elite-level skates run over $300 but deliver pro-grade performance.

Weighing all these factors from wheels to bearings will ensure you pick the high-performance hockey rollerblades that power your game. Visit a knowledgeable hockey shop to try on top brands like Bauer, Tour and Rollerblade. With the ideal hockey skates giving you speed, stability and protection, you’ll be ready to wheel out on the rink and own it!

Looking to Gear Up with Hockey Roller Blades This Season? Discover the Top Brands Near You

If roller hockey’s your game, you’ll need a slick pair of wheels to keep up with the action. Major brands now offer ice hockey tech and design in innovative inline skates to match your fast-paced playing style. Here are some leading hockey rollerblade brands to check out at retailers near you.