USING RINK SKATES OUTDOORS

Question
Hello,i just got a pair of rink skates,it ssays its for in/outdoor use,but the wheels are plastic.Can i use them on the road and sidewalks?????

Answer
Victoria,
I'm sorry I took so long to answer you - I have been in the hospital & out of commission for several weeks. I'm on the mend now & have  little time to answer you.

You can use indoor/outdoor wheels, on outdoor surfaces - but often wheels are called indoor/outdoor but are too hard for comfort. Urethane is the preferred compound for skate wheels.

The hardness of wheels is measured in durometers. The most forgiving for hrd surfaces is the 78A durometer wheel. The usual durometer, for an indoor/outdoor wheel is 85A. For comfort outdoors, the lower the durometer the smoother the ride. Higher durometers 90A. & above are for indoor use.

I am not a fan of indoor/outdoor wheels, although I did use them for a time when I was a novice skater. They are OK, but having a set of indoor & a set of outdoor wheels would be preferable. They are easy to change - but of course, more expensive. Do buy protective gear.

I hope this helps. Good luck & skate safely!!

Roll On!!!.....................Lezly Ziering (director - Lezly Skate School - estab. 1979) www.SkateGuru.com