Unlock Your Speed with Pro Skates

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. About the Skater
3. The Skates Being Tested
4. The Test Setup
5. Comparison of the Skates
   1. Fitness Skate Test
   2. Speed Skate Test
   3. Results and Analysis
6. Pros and Cons of Speed Skates
7. Conclusion
8. Additional Comparison Videos
9. Next Steps and Future Videos
10. FAQs

Introduction

In this video, professional inline skater Victor Haltharp sets out to compare the speed and performance of two different types of skates: the Rollerblade Pro Custom Made Speed Skate with 125mm wheels and the Roll Blade Macro Blade 3x with 110mm wheels. Both skates are considered top-of-the-line in their respective categories. Victor conducts a test on a 400-meter road track, aiming to determine which skate is faster. Throughout the test, he keeps track of his heart rate, ensuring an equal level of fatigue for both skates.

About the Skater

Victor Haltharp is a two-time Olympian and a seasoned professional inline skater. With his expertise in speed skating, Victor is well-positioned to provide an accurate comparison of these skates. He also has experience with fitness skates, allowing for a fair and informed analysis.

The Skates Being Tested

The Rollerblade Pro Custom Made Speed Skate features 125mm wheels and a low-cut design. This Type of skate allows for increased speed and maneuverability, making it a popular choice among speed skaters. On the other HAND, the Roll Blade Macro Blade 3x is a fitness skate with 110mm wheels and a high cuff. The higher cuff provides greater ankle support and comfort, making it suitable for recreational skaters.

The Test Setup

To ensure a fair comparison, Victor warms up on both skates before starting the test. He aims to maintain an average heart rate of 140 beats per minute throughout the test, ensuring equal effort exerted on both skates. Victor starts from a standstill and focuses on acceleration as well as overall speed. He completes ten laps, totaling four kilometers, on the 400-meter road track.

Comparison of the Skates

Fitness Skate Test

Victor begins the comparison by testing the fitness skate. He is impressed by the speed and performance of this skate, achieving a time of 4.21 kilometers for the ten laps. The average speed from a standstill is 32.5 kilometers per hour. Victor notes that the higher cuff of the fitness skate is comfortable, allowing for more freedom in technical maneuvers, such as crossovers and double pushes. However, he experiences some limitations in turns and finds it slightly less smooth compared to the speed skate.

Speed Skate Test

Moving on to the speed skate, Victor completes the same four-kilometer time trial. The results are significantly faster, with a total time that is 30 seconds quicker than the fitness skate. Victor achieves an average speed of 36.3 kilometers per hour from a standstill. He notes that the speed skate's lower cut and larger wheels allow for longer strides and greater speed potential. The overall feeling of the speed skate is smooth and stable, providing an enhanced experience for speed-focused skating.

Results and Analysis

The test clearly demonstrates that the speed skate outperforms the fitness skate in terms of speed. Victor calculates that, if extrapolated into a marathon distance, the speed skate could potentially save a skater five to ten minutes compared to using a fitness skate. The heart rate maintained during the speed skate test is similar to that of the fitness skate, suggesting comparable effort levels. Victor concludes that speed skates are designed for speed skaters, providing a significant AdVantage in terms of speed and performance. However, for recreational or casual skating purposes, fitness skates may be more suitable.

Pros and Cons of Speed Skates

Pros of Speed Skates:

• Increased speed potential
• Stability and balance for more efficient skating
• Enhanced maneuverability with low-cut design
• Optimal for competitive and speed-focused skaters

Cons of Speed Skates:

• Less ankle support compared to fitness skates
• Limited comfort in turns and technical maneuvers
• May not be suitable for beginners or recreational skaters

Conclusion

In conclusion, the speed skate proves to be significantly faster than the fitness skate in this comparative test. The larger wheels and low-cut design of the speed skate contribute to increased speed and overall performance. Victor Haltharp, an experienced speed skater, finds the speed skate to be more enjoyable and effective in reaching higher speeds. He emphasizes that speed skates are best suited for those aiming to achieve speed and break personal records. However, for those seeking a balance of comfort and maneuverability, fitness skates may be a more suitable choice.

Additional Comparison Videos

Victor Haltharp's YouTube Channel features various comparison videos, including discussions on the benefits of bigger wheels, the impact of wearing a tight suit versus casual wear, and more. These videos provide further insights into the world of inline skating and can help viewers make informed decisions when choosing skates.

Next Steps and Future Videos

Victor invites viewers to share their ideas for future comparison videos. He plans to Continue producing content that educates and entertains individuals interested in inline skating. Stay tuned for more tutorials and exciting challenges in the world of skating.

FAQs

1. Are speed skates suitable for beginners? Speed skates are designed for experienced skaters who prioritize speed and performance. Beginners may find speed skates challenging to handle due to their low-cut design and greater speed potential. It is recommended to start with fitness skates and gradually transition to speed skates as skill and confidence develop.

2. Will wearing a tight suit make me faster? Wearing a tight suit can minimize drag and improve aerodynamics, resulting in a potential increase in speed. However, the impact may vary depending on individual factors and skating conditions. It is advisable to try both loose and tight clothing options to determine personal preferences and performance.

3. Are bigger wheels always better for speed? Bigger wheels generally offer more roll and higher potential speeds. However, the ideal wheel size may vary depending on factors such as surface conditions, skating technique, and personal preference. It is recommended to consult experienced skaters or professionals for guidance on selecting the most suitable wheel size for specific skating objectives.

4. Can I use speed skates for recreational or casual skating? While speed skates are primarily designed for competitive and speed-focused skating, some individuals may enjoy using them for recreational or casual purposes. However, it is important to note that speed skates prioritize speed and performance over comfort and maneuverability. Skaters seeking a balance of comfort and speed may prefer fitness skates.

5. How long does it take to transition from fitness skates to speed skates? The transition from fitness skates to speed skates varies depending on individual skill, experience, and fitness levels. It is recommended to gradually incorporate speed skates into training sessions to build strength, stability, and confidence. The transition may take weeks or months, depending on the individual's dedication and practice frequency.