Rollerblading Vs. Roller skating. Should you go with the former or the latter? Get this wrong, and your hobby in skating is ruined. From far, the two may look fun and easy to ride, but the truth is, you can only know when you try them out.
So, how do the two compare, you ask? Below is a quick rundown!
The main difference between Rollerblading vs. Roller skating is in wheels configuration. While Rollerblading has a longer wheelbase with wheels aligned in a straight line, Roller skating has a shorter wheelbase, and two axles with wheels attacked side by side like in a truck.
| Elements of comparison | Rollerblading | Roller skating |
| Ease of Use | Moderate to high stability. High maneuverability. | Moderate to high stability. Low maneuverability. |
| Wheel and Wheelbase | Can roll on three, four, or five wheels. Wheels are narrower, and the diameter varies from 59mm-125mm. Longer Wheelbase. | Roll on four wheels. Wheels are smaller, wider, and with narrow diameters. Shorter wheelbase. |
| Skating Venue and Versatility | Both indoors and outdoors. | Mostly indoors and in skate parks. |
| Speed | High speed. | Low speed. |
| Stability (Frame) | One central frame running from the heel to the toe. | Two horizontal hangars with a pair of wheels on the toe and the heel. |
| Braking System | Brake pad located on the heels. Some skates don’t have them. | Brake pad located on the toe area. |
From experience as an inline skater, I know what works and what doesn’t. But again, this is different for everyone! Therefore, I’ve put together this definitive comparison of Rollerblading Vs. Roller skating to help you make an informed decision.
So, instead of wasting time trying everything, you can learn from the experts who’ve already been down the road. Hope you find this guide helpful!
Rollerblading Vs. Roller Skating: Rollerblades vs Roller Skates
Let’s get to it. Shall we?
1. Ease of Use
There’s no clear winner on which is easier to use as it depends on what’s comfortable for different skaters. Some folks believe quad skates are easy to use for beginners because of the wheel structure.
Also, some folks believe, since rollerblades have a longer wheelbase, they’re more stable and thus easy to use by beginners. The truth is, they’re all right.
However, to draw the line, it’s easy to maneuver obstacles on rollerblades than on quad skates. And the reason for this is still on the frame alignment. So, if you’re looking for maneuverability and stability on your skates, rollerblades will be helpful.
2. Wheelbase
Rollerblades have a longer wheelbase, while roller skates have a shorter one. This is because inline skates have a central frame on the mounting board running from toe to heel. On the other hand, quad skates have two horizontal hangars installed within the mounting board.
So, skating on rollerblades would make sense if you prefer a longer wheelbase for one reason or another. However, if it’s all the same for you, quad skates can still work.
3. Speed
Rollerblades roll faster than roller skates. This is because rollerblades have wider diameter wheels (up to 125mm), while roller skates have smaller diameter wheels. Therefore, you should expect rollerblades to cover a wider distance in every complete revolution.
If you love speed, rollerblades would be a good fit for you. However, if you want to keep your speed low while still having fun, roller skates make a perfect fit.
4. Stability (Frame structure)
While rollerblades have a single central frame running from the heels to the toes, roller skates have two horizontal hangars with a pair of wheels on the toe and the heel. This structural arrangement makes rollerblading more stable because of the long wheelbase.
On rollerblades, the wheels are a few inches extending away from your heels and toes. This offers more stability and prevents forward or backward falling.
However, some skaters have a different school of thought, so they find roller skates more stable because of the orientation of the wheels—side by side in pairs. To solve this issue, it’s best to try the two skates and find for yourself what works best for you.
5. Versatility and skating Venue
Rollerblades are more versatile than quad skates, thanks to the wheelbase structure and types of wheel. Therefore, it’s possible to skate on rollerblades on several surfaces and obstacles. Because of this, you can use the skates both indoors and outdoors.
In particular, you can skate in skate parks, the streets, and other urban spaces. On the contrary, roller skates aren’t as versatile as inline skates, which limits their usage.
Most of the time, they’re best for indoor use (roller dance) and some little outdoor use in parks.
6. Braking System
Quad roller skates have the braking pads located in the front part of the skates around the toes. On the contrary, inline skates have braking pads located at the back of the skates. Moreover, some rollerblades for advanced and intermediate skaters don’t come with a braking system.
When you compare the two braking systems, braking on rollerblades is quite simple than on quad skates since you’re stopping on your heels.
Contrary to this, on roller skates, you have to brake on your toes which can be risky for beginners. Therefore, braking on inline skates is easier and safer than on quad skates.
Roller Skates Vs. Rollerblades for Exercise: (Health Benefits)
Using roller skates or rollerblades for exercising is a good idea. This is because rollerblading and roller skating are intensive and involves all your body muscles.
Therefore, there are tons of benefits you can reap from using roller skates or rollerblades to exercise. Let’s take a deep dive and look at how you can benefit when you exercise using either rollerblades or roller skates.
1. Cardiovascular Benefits
The cardiovascular system comprises the heart, blood vessel, and lungs. For your body to function well, your cardiovascular system needs to be healthy and in good shape.
In addition, studies show that your body uses a lot of energy to push you forward or backward while rollerblading.
For this to happen, there should be glucose and oxygen, which are converted to energy. The heart pumps the blood oxygenated blood from the lungs to all body parts to produce energy. While at this, the heart is actively engaged, and the blood vessels are kept open for blood to flow easily.
2. Weight Loss
Excess calories are stored in the body in fats, and it’s more common around the belly area. If you’ve ever wondered if skating can help reduce belly fat, yes, it is possible. The belly is located in your core which is the most engaged muscle group when skating.
While skating, the muscles burn the fats in anaerobic and aerobic respiration to produce enough energy for moving around.
Besides, research shows that skating can help tone down body muscles, making them lean. As you rollerblade or roller skate, you also lose fat deposits in your legs, hips, and arms.
3. Aerobic Benefits
Rollerblading and roller skating are known for their aerobic benefits. Since the sports are intensive and rigorous, it’s considered low impact aerobic exercise compared to other forms of exercise. Nonetheless, this doesn’t keep the aerobic benefits at bay.
So, when skating, you should expect the following aerobic benefits; improved heart health decreased diseases of the heart, reduced cholesterol levels, improved lung condition, and maintaining blood sugar levels in check.
4. Muscle Development
Rollerblading and roller skating engages the entire body and most of the body muscles. The main muscles that develop from skating are; the arm muscles, the core muscles, the glutes muscles, the hip muscles, and the legs muscles.
These muscles play the important role of supporting body functions such as locomotion. Therefore, when they’re fully developed, your body benefits from them. Because of this, you can carry out your daily activities with high-level productivity.
5. Body Balance
If you want to master skating, you have to learn how to balance. Some of the basic beginner training involves balancing on one leg. Why is this important? You could be wondering.
You’ll often find yourself in a situation where you need to balance one leg while skating, especially when avoiding obstacles. This skill helps to keep you safe and out of trouble.
And is it beneficial in real life, away from skating? Absolutely yes! For efficiency and productivity throughout the day, you need top-notch body balance. Lacking this would mean you’re clumsy and feeble, and I bet you wouldn’t want this.
Fitness experts recommend light to moderate impact exercise for gaining body balance. The good news is, rollerblading and roller skating are part of the recommended mix of body exercises for achieving balance.
6. Safety on Joints
Rollerblading and roller skating have little to no impact on joints making the sport friendly for people with joint issues. Apart from when you have to jump to avoid obstacles or when you accidentally fall, most of the time, your joints will be safe from pain-causing impacts.
Inline Skate Frame Alignment
Inline skate frames are the structures that hold the wheels and bearings in place on an inline skate. Proper alignment of the frame is important for the overall performance and comfort of the skate. Here are some tips for aligning an inline skate frame:
- First, make sure the frame is securely fastened to the boot of the skate. If it is not properly attached, it will be difficult to get the frame properly aligned.
- Check the alignment of the wheels. The wheels should be in a straight line, with the front wheels slightly narrower than the rear wheels. If the wheels are misaligned, it can cause the skate to veer off course and be difficult to control.
- Make sure the wheels are tightened properly. Loose wheels can cause the frame to become misaligned and affect the performance of the skate.
- If the frame is still not properly aligned, you may need to adjust the position of the frame on the boot. Some frames are designed to be adjustable, while others are not. If your frame is adjustable, you can try moving it slightly forward or backward on the boot to see if it improves the alignment.
Overall, proper alignment of the inline skate frame is important for the performance and comfort of the skate. If you are having trouble aligning your frame, you may want to consider taking it to a skate shop or seeking the help of a skate technician.
Inline Skating vs Roller Skating
Inline skating and roller skating are both popular activities that involve skating on wheels, but there are some key differences between the two.
Inline skating, also known as rollerblading, involves skating on a pair of skates with a line of wheels arranged in a straight line.
These skates are designed for speed and agility, and are often used for activities such as skating in the park, on trails, or in roller hockey games.
Roller skating, on the other hand, involves skating on a pair of skates with four wheels arranged in a quadrilateral pattern.
These skates are typically wider and more stable than inline skates, and are often used for activities such as roller disco and recreational skating.
There are also differences in the types of surfaces that are best suited for each type of skate.
Inline skates are generally better suited for smooth, hard surfaces, while roller skates are more versatile and can be used on a wider variety of surfaces, including concrete, wood, and even grass.
Overall, the choice between inline skating and roller skating will depend on your personal preference and the type of activity you are planning to do.
Both can be fun and enjoyable forms of exercise, and can provide a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors.
Roller Skates vs Rollerblades
Roller skates and rollerblades, also known as inline skates, are both types of skates that are designed for recreational activities and sports. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences between the two.
One of the main differences between roller skates and rollerblades is the number and arrangement of wheels. Roller skates typically have four wheels arranged in a quadrilateral pattern, while rollerblades have a line of wheels arranged in a straight line. This difference in the wheel arrangement affects the overall performance and feel of the skates. Roller skates are generally wider and more stable than rollerblades, which are designed for speed and agility.
Another difference between the two is the type of surface they are best suited for. Roller skates are more versatile and can be used on a wider variety of surfaces, including concrete, wood, and even grass. Rollerblades, on the other hand, are generally better suited for smooth, hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete.
Overall, the choice between roller skates and rollerblades will depend on your personal preference and the type of activity you are planning to do. Both can be fun and enjoyable forms of exercise, and can provide a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors.
Rollerblades vs Roller Skates
Rollerblades, also known as inline skates, and roller skates are both popular options for recreational activities and sports that involve skating on wheels. However, there are some significant differences between the two that can impact their performance and suitability for different activities.
One of the most obvious differences between rollerblades and roller skates is the arrangement of their wheels. Rollerblades have a single line of wheels arranged in a straight line, while roller skates have four wheels arranged in a quadrilateral pattern. This difference in wheel arrangement can affect the stability and agility of the skates, with rollerblades typically being more agile and suitable for activities that require quick turns and changes in direction, while roller skates are generally wider and more stable.
Another difference between the two types of skates is the surfaces they are best suited for. Rollerblades are typically designed for use on smooth, hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete, while roller skates can be used on a wider variety of surfaces, including concrete, wood, and even grass.
Ultimately, the choice between rollerblades and roller skates will depend on your personal preferences and the type of activity you are planning to do. Both can be fun and enjoyable forms of exercise, and can provide a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Roller Skating Harder than Rollerblading?
Some skaters find Roller skating hard to master due to its mounting board structure. Roller skates, also known as quad roller skates, have four wheels stuck side by side in twos and within the mounting board.
While some skaters find this comforting, many find it hard to balance on Quad skates. Besides, on quad skates, the braking system is installed around the toe area, meaning you have to brake using your toes rather than your heels like in rollerblading.
This can be quite hard for new skaters to master.
2. Are Roller Skates Better than Rollerblades?
Roller skates are better for children and beginner skaters because they’ve got a wide wheelbase for stability thanks to the four wheels stuck side by side in twos.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the same for rollerblades with wheels in a straight line and maybe tough to balance for beginners.
On the other hand, having wheels in a straight line makes rollerblades faster than roller skates. This makes them suitable for those who prefer speed.
3. Does Roller Skating Count as Exercise?
Roller skating counts as exercise because it works on all body muscles, including the biceps, triceps, core, glutes, hip muscles, and leg muscles.
In the process, it helps build and develop body muscles, keep blood sugar in check, maintain body balance, improve cardiovascular health, and loss of excess weight.
Rollerblading Vs. Roller Skating: Final Verdict
If you’ve been wondering how rollerblading vs. roller skating compare, now you have the answer. While there are similarities between the two, there are also differences. The main similarities lie in health benefits.
Therefore, you’re assured of not just fun but also an improvement of your health. On the differences, rollerblades are awesome for maneuverability and stability since they have a longer wheelbase and wider diameter wheels.
Also, they roll fast and make a good fit for skaters looking for speed. Besides, the braking system is easy to use and is located at the back, making it safe for beginners. Lastly, rollerblades are versatile and can be used both outdoors and indoors.
On the contrary, roller skates are best for indoors and limited outdoor use. They’re also stable, thanks to their wheelbase configuration. However, if you’re looking for speed, they may not be a good fit for you.
Overall, skating is fun and choosing rollerblading, or Roller skating can help you achieve your skating goals. So, what’ stopping you now?
