Inline or quad skates? What are the pros and cons of each?

I am a 34 year old female trying to relearn to skate. I am very coordinated and sure-footed on skates, but I do carry extra weight, evenly distributed. (Not sure if this matters.)





I've only tried quads, but I did try ice skating as a child and couldn't keep my ankles from caving in.

Inline or quad skates? What are the pros and cons of each?
The quads will be easier to stand up in, inside, and for initial manuevering at low speeds.





Inlines roll easier and are much more stable when you start moving reasonably fast.





Unlike the leather boots on old ice skates, recreational inline skates have a lot of ankle support. Even though the wheels are rounded, there is not as much side to side rocking as on ice skates.





If you have a rink in your area that rents inlines, I would give it a try there. However, the inlines will be more awkward on the small floor at first.





When you try skates on, find some that are snug all the way around your feet. If the skates move around on your feet, they won't work properly.





I was a few years older than you when I took up inline skating and have been doing it regularly for over 12 years.





Extra weight won't matter much unless you have a lot extra and get cheap skates. I have seen the plastic frame break at one of the wheel mounts for a very heavy man.


I recommend looking for skates with wheels that are at least 80mm in any case and they are pretty much going to support any normal person well.
Reply:Inlines beat the quads on all fronts. They're cooler, cooler-looking, easier to find, and more athletic in general.





I don't even know if they sell adult-sized quads anymore.
Reply:I skate both inlines and quads and I personally like inlines better.





Inlines have a longer rail in most cases which helps you keep better balanced. Also on inlines you don't need to work as hard to go as fast as on quads.





I feel that it is harder to keep my balance on quads. Also you have to work harder to move fast on quads because they do not roll as well as inlines.





hope this helps!



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