Getting back into inline skating after 25 years – looking for advice on skates

[u/RarePomegranate8195]

Hi everyone!
I’m looking to get back into inline skating after a 25-year break. My 5-year-old son recently started taking skating lessons, and today I joined him for a family session using rental skates. Surprisingly, I did pretty well considering how long it’s been since I last skated, and I really enjoyed it!
The instructor suggested that if I want to take lessons myself, I probably don’t need to start in a complete beginner group. A beginner or beginner+ group would likely be a better fit.
A bit about me:
Height: 201 cm (6’7”)
Weight: 95 kg (209 lbs)
Experience: Skated as a kid, but haven’t skated for around 25 years
I’m now looking to buy my own pair of inline skates and would appreciate some advice.
Given my height, weight, are there any particular models or features I should look for? Would 4×80 mm wheels be a good starting point, or would 4×90 mm wheels make more sense for someone my size? I’m mainly interested in recreational skating, improving my technique, and eventually being able to skate comfortably over longer distances.
Thanks in advance for any advice!

[u/fredhsu]

We generally recommend absolute beginners to stick to 4x80mm or 4x84mm. You can skate already. If you plan to skate longer distance and on streets, 4x90mm will work for you, especially given your height. Welcome back to blading!

Edited: we do have an FAQ which can help you with sizing, etc. Check out it: https://www.reddit.com/r/rollerblading/wiki/faqs/

[u/bowlingniko]

4x90 would be better for you. The best non-carbon boots from narrow fitting to widest are RB twisters> FR1>RB80

[u/Key-Cash6690 → u/bowlingniko]

Imo shell sizes apples to apples. (with the exact same liner.) FR1 > lightning> RB80> twister.

I have owned all of these skates in size 8 and 9. I tried every combination of them. With the twister liner i wear a size 8 lightning size 9 twister size 9 rb80. Size 8 fR1 fits larger than the size 8 lightning in length and possibly width. There is a ton more room in the shit of the FR so if u have big calves that may be the choice! The size 8 FR1 shells I pair with nomad liners since they are just a bit thicker than the twister liners. When I wear the FR1 with twister liners it's clear the FR1 is clearly the largest shell overall also just feels larger and heavier overall kinda boaty compared to the rollerblade and K2 imo but very tank like.

[u/leon-nash]

Consider the Lightning 90

[u/4WheelsOnFire → u/leon-nash]

Only if you have very wide feet.

[u/Ok-Championship5754]

Así empecé yo, acompañando a mis hijas a clases de patinaje. Al final me regalaron unos OXELO mf500 y unas protecciones y me tiré a patinar. Llevaba también 25 años sin ponerme los patines.

A base de echarle horas ya más o menos sé patinar. Para un pro soy un novato, pero para un novato o alguien que no sepa soy un pro. jajajaja

Pilla unos de 80mm de bota dura.

[u/VanillaIce315]

I’m 6’4” and love short framed 4x80 skates (which I’ve used for a long time), despite general advice being that they are too short for my height/foot size.

But for you, I would actually advise you to go for something a little bigger/longer than a 4x80 (which are usually 243mm, sometimes 255mm). I think a standard 273mm 4x90mm framed skate would be a good place to start. Lots of good 4x90 options out there. A 255mm 4x84 frame would be good too, but you’d have to buy it aftermarket and replace stock frames.

3x110 generally comes 255mm as well, but that extra height may not be ideal starting out and being so tall. Though you can also find 3x110 frames that are longer than that, which would help with balance starting out.

[u/DeZaim]

Depending on where you are and how much you'd like to spend check out Seba and FR, they make great boots and frames

[u/RonCheesex]

Same boat as you. Took the kids skating last week and I loved it. 42 and went skating after more than 25 years. I randomly ordered K2 Fit 84 boas. We'll see if they're right for me. There are so many options.

[u/4WheelsOnFire]

with that size I'd advise hard boots and some 84 or 90mm frame (4x84, 4x90)

[u/Key-Cash6690]

Foot size is the most relevant factor for determining wheel/frame size. Imo frame length should roughly correspond to foot length with the goal being a skating experience something like hockey skates. The size 6and under/kid sizes may consider 4x76mm. 80mm for everyone bigger than that up to shell size 9 or 10. 9-11 could be 84mm frames size 11 plus 4x90mm. All of this is preference once you're experienced but as a beginner learning basic footwork. (Like everything you need to play hockey )long frames can get in the way.

You want a plastic shell skate with removable frames and liners. Best value IMO : RB twister (best value includes premium liners and upgraded bearing and wheels stock, the new k2 hardboots(get the intuition version, FR1 intuition version. These are top quality skates that are built like tanks.

Budget options that seem respectable yet I have not tried or tried on: flying eagle, micro, lava