Rollerblading is fun and exciting, whether doing it competitively or for recreation. What’s more?
Its health and social benefits are hard to ignore! But unfortunately, rollerblading can also be dangerous when you don’t take caution.
This is where a braking system comes in handy. Rollerblades and other inline skate brands are designed differently. So, do rollerblades only have one brake?
Rollerblades don’t have only one brake. Instead, the skates have three types of brakes depending on one’s skating level. The common types of rollerblade brakes are the traditional brakes, the ABT advanced brakes, and the no brakes.
You’re probably wondering how they work. This is only the tip of the iceberg. I’ve covered details in the rest of this guide, so I urge you to read till the end.
So, let’s get to it!
Types of Rollerblade Skates Brakes
The three primary types of rollerblade skate brakes are the traditional brakes, the ABT advanced brakes, and the no brakes. Below we dive deeper into each of them!
1. Traditional Brakes
The traditional brake is the most common worldwide. It comprises a hard rubber pad attached to a plastic holder.
This is then firmly fastened to the back of one of the rear wheels and blade frame.
This can be on the right or left foot. But most rollerblades have the traditional rubber brake on the right foot.
Most likely, it’s because most people are right-handed.
The best part is they’re switchable. Probably you’re left-foot dominant and wondering about your fate.
You don’t have to worry about it because you can switch the brakes to the left boot in under five minutes.
How does the traditional brake system work? You must be asking.
- Bring the braking foot forward then angle it by raising your toes.
- This shifts pressure to your heels, which exerts pressure on the heels brake.
- The heel brake contacts the ground and slows the skates because of friction.
- You should apply more pressure on the heels if you want to stop fast.
More importantly, the traditional brakes are meant for beginner and intermediate rollerblades.
It’s simple to learn and apply, and you don’t need to spend a lot of time learning the heel-brake technique.
2. ABT Advanced Brakes
ABT advanced brakes are primarily found in two skate brands—Rollerblades and Bladerunner. The Rollerblade skate brand first introduced ABT brakes in the 1990s.
The braking system is only found in entry-level rollerblades to help skaters gain confidence when rollerblading.
So how does the ABT braking system work? Though it seems complicated, it works almost the same way as the traditional brake.
The only difference is you won’t need to raise your toes on the braking foot.
Something else, ABT uses a braking arm running behind the skate boot from the cuffs to the frame where the braking rubber pad is attached.
- Slide your braking foot forward in a scissor position, then apply pressure to your cuffs. All wheels should remain on the ground.
- This exerts a force on the pressure-sensitive braking arm, which pushes the rubber braking pad to the ground.
- Apply more pressure to come to an instant stop.
Please note that rollerblades with ABT braking are rare today because brands no longer produce them.
The interest in ABT brakes has been dying over the years, compelling Rollerblade to stop producing them.
3. No Brakes
No brakes are just what it is—no brakes at all. Rollerblades without brakes are mainly used by experienced skaters who know what they’re doing.
Most of them have learned other stopping techniques which don’t require in-built brakes.
As a word of caution, these are the last rollerblade types you want to go for as a complete beginner. It’s for your safety!
Also, no brakes rollerblades are common among speed skaters and aggressive skaters. These inline skating disciplines are performance-oriented, and the rubber heel brake attached to the rear wheels can come in the way.
Best Rollerblades for Men, Women, and Children. Check the current price on Inline Skates!
How to Stop When Rollerblading without Brakes
In-built brakes like the traditional and ABT advanced brakes aren’t the only ways to stop when rollerblading.
They’re the best options for beginners, but one can learn more advanced stopping techniques with time. Below is a quick rundown of how to stop without needing brakes.
How to Stop Rollerblading | 9 Effective Techniques
- Fish Braking—Best for intermediate skaters
- T-stop Braking—Best for when rollerblading downhill
- Power slide Braking—Best emergency braking for intermediate and advanced skaters
- Snow plow Braking—Best for intermediate skaters
- Soul Slide Braking—Best for advanced skaters
- Magic Slide Braking—Best for advanced skaters
- Parallel Slide Braking—Best for advanced skaters
Safety Measures when Rollerblading
While brakes prevent possible fall injuries, you still need to wear additional protection to protect your head and other body parts.
Below are the must-wear rollerblading protective gear;
Inline Skating Gear: The Must-Have Complete Gear for Skaters
- Helmet
- Elbow pads
- Wrist guards
- Hip pads
- Knee pads
- Shin guards
Best helmets for men, women, and children. Please check the current price on Inline Skates
Do Rollerblades Only Have One Brake? Commonly Asked Questions
1. Do rollerblades have brakes on both sides?
Rollerblades have brakes on either skate, mostly the right foot skate. However, one can quickly shift the brake on the right foot skate to the left foot, depending on their preference.
The best part is, this should take less than five minutes of your time.
2. Which foot does the brake go on for rollerblades?
The brake can go on on either the right or left foot. However, most rollerblades come from the factory with brakes on the right foot because most people worldwide are right-handed.
You can specifically order your preferred rollerblades with brakes on either foot or customize one later.
3. Do you need a brake for rollerblades?
Brakes are crucial for beginner and intermediate rollerbladers since they help with speed control.
Without them, it’s possible to fall or collide with other skaters, potentially injuring yourself.
More experienced skaters don’t need brakes on their rollerblades. Instead, they use more advanced stopping techniques like T-stop hockey stop and power slide.
4. Why don’t some inline skates have brakes?
Some inline skates don’t have brakes to cater to the needs of more experienced skaters who prefer their rollerblades without inbuilt brakes.
Many of them can stop using more advanced techniques like the t-stop. Also, inbuilt brakes come in the way when performing rollerblading tricks.
5. Are all rollerblade brakes the same?
Rollerblades brakes aren’t the same. Some rollerblades have the traditional brakes, others have the ABT advanced brakes, while some have no brakes completely.
Rollerblades with the traditional brakes and ABT advanced brakes are more suitable for newbie and intermediate skaters.
On the other hand, rollerblades without brakes suit more experienced skaters because they can stop using other stopping techniques like power slide, power stop, and t-stop.
Wrapping Up | Do Rollerblades Only Have One Brake?
Do rollerblades only have one brake? Nothing can be further from the truth. While some rollerblades have the traditional one brake, others have the ABT advanced brakes.
Some also come without brakes, especially for more experienced skaters. Inline skates with traditional or ABT advanced brakes will serve you right if you’re a beginner rollerblader.
On the other hand, rollerblades without brakes are meant for more experienced skaters. Please stay away from them until you have mastered rollerblading.
That’s it, friend! I believe you found this guide helpful. Cheers and happy rollerblading!
