Quad roller skates, also simply known as quad skates are four-wheeled roller skates with two wheels in the front side, and the other two wheels in the backside of each skate. Quad roller skates feature a rubber break (toe stop) in the front part that allows for a smooth, quick stop. Most people prefer quad roller skates to inline skates because of their large footprint, which increases stability and boosts confidence for roller skaters, both beginners and advanced roller skaters.
Quad roller skates also feature excellent ankle support and have remained very popular over the years. They are a perfect choice for children. These roller skates come with a simple and attractive design, making them a leading roller skate type since the mid-1800s. They require little to no experience or training to use. With this type of sates, you will need little effort to gain speed, make turns, or stop. This is the reason why they are used at skating rinks. Skaters on quad roller skates can simply perform full curves by leaning to one side.
Quad roller skates do not incline sideways, hence offering tremendous stability while providing excellent ankle support. They are highly recommended for indoor skating rinks but can also be used by outdoor and indoor recreational skaters, roller derby skaters, dance skaters, speed skaters, and much more. Since quads are versatile roller skates, they can be used on almost all types of roller skating.
The less the weight of the quad skate, the better the speed and performance; therefore, the best quad roller skate is a light one. In this article, we will take a look at the utilization of quad skates in artistic, jam, indoor, roller derby, rhythm/dance, outdoor, and speed skating.
The History of Roller Skates
Roller-skating is a recreational and competitive sport that entails the use of special shoes fitted with wheels to move about on rinks or skating surfaces. There are several types of roller skating sports events, including; speed skating, figure skating, hockey, and dancing competitions similar to the ice-skating sports. In addition, there are also vertical and street-style competitions that usually feature in extreme sports.
Development of the Roller Skates
Roller skating has had a checkered past through the three centuries of its existence. Because it has tremendous popularity over the past century, most people have labeled each generation’s attraction as a ‘craze.’ The invention of roller skates dates back to the 1760s and is attributed to a Belgian, London-based instrument maker and inventor, Joseph Merlin, although there are some reports of wheels linked to ice skates and shoes in the early years of the 1700s.
A brief story has it that Joseph attended a party wearing his new invention, metal-wheeled boots. His intention was to make an impressive entrance, and he added the pizzazz of rolling while playing the violin. In the ballroom, there was a costly wall-length mirror. Merlin lost control and crashed into the mirrored wall, while his skates crashed into the crowd.
Other theories that try to explain roller skating’s evolution include the ‘Roller Ballet’ in 1818, the ‘First Patent’ of 1819, the ‘Rolito’ of 1823, ‘Barmaids on wheels’ in 1840, and the public rinks of 1857. The first actual four-wheeled turning roller skate, or quad skate, was made in 1863 by James Plimpton of Medford, Massachusetts, in an attempt to improve on previous designs. He diverted from the then ordinary in-line construction and came up with a design that consisted of two parallel pairs of wheels, one placed near the heel of the boot and the other near the front. The wheel pairs were attached to the boot using springy carriages called trucks.
This first construction was known as the “rocking” skate – now known as a “quad.” The name ‘quad’ came into place because the skate allowed skaters to shift easily on the skates for smooth navigation of turns and perform other maneuvers. In the years that followed, the craze of recreational roller-skating swept the United States and parts of Europe, where rinks were constructed in towns, both big and small.
By the early 20th century, rinks built in New York City’s Madison Square Garden and the Chicago Coliseum attracted large numbers of customers, thousands in numbers, on their opening nights. Quad skating remained at the top of popular skate styles for the next 80 years. More technological improvements later followed James’s quad skates. In the 1880s, the wheel construction was taken to a notch higher through the addition of ball bearings, providing an even smoother ride.
In the 1850s, another element was introduced; toe stops were added for purposes of braking. However, it was until the 1950s that the large rubber toe stop for quad skates was used. In the 1960s, polyurethane plastic wheels were introduced to replace the traditional wooden or metal wheels. Polyurethane wheels provided a lightweight alternative for wheels, and they gripped the riding surface better.
The creation of a new generation of inline roller-skates in the 1980s gave roller skating a renewed popularity. Scott and Brennan Olson created this. In-line skates were constructed using four wheels that stretched the boot’s full length, therefore offering skaters better maneuverability than the original in-line skates. They also gave much more speed.
Roller sports
The introduction of quad skates in 1863 resulted in the emergence of New sports incorporating roller skates, with the first recorded roller hockey game taking place in 1878 in London. Soon after, speed roller-skating events emerged in the 1890s and became popular in the period stretching to the early 20th century. Speed roller-skating events involve racing anticlockwise either around an oval track or on open streets and is done by men, women, or racing teams.
The rules and techniques that govern these competitions are similar to those for ice skating. In 1910, dancing skating was introduced. Figure skating then followed suit in 1923. The systems applied for purposes of judging competitions and for proficiency tests resemble those used in ice skating. The International Federation of Roller Sports governs international competition in skating sports events. This body was established in 1924, with the first world competition taking place in 1937.
The first skating sport that became successful was the Roller derby. This is an endurance competition between male-female couples and originated in Chicago in 1935. It involved circling a banked risk for 57000 laps, a total distance equal to taking a trip across the United States. After a few years, the sport was redesigned to a contact sport with two teams made up of five men and five women.
The men would compete against men from the opposite team and the women versus the opposite team’s women. Each side would then pick a designated skater who would try to navigate through members of the opposing team to their level best. During this period, their teammates would work to block or slow the opposing team. Audiences would then cheer up to the speed, violence, and the sport’s theatricality.
This sport was most popular during the 1940s and 1950s, with leagues peaking in Japan, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Professional Roller derby, however, hit a dead end in the 1970s. There were attempts to revive the sport in the 21st century, but the efforts went unsuccessful. The revival occurred mainly in The United States and involved both professional and amateur teams.
Today, the acceptance of roller skating is hard to resist, the sport persists. Roller skating has continued to thrive in the form of recreation for leisure as a part of pop culture. Past and present rollers are diehards. The best way for you to feel the most recent inventions in the world of skating is all upon you. Do not be left out, try roller skating and keep rolling.
The main parts of a quad roller skate are boots, wheels, bearings, and plates with or without toe stops. This section explains more about these parts.
How Do I Choose a Quad Boot?
Quad skate boots are made of PVC, carbon fibre, composite plastic and polymer, leather, and/or fibreglass. The higher the boot, the more the ankle support. Beginners mostly prefer higher ankle support. Some skaters though prefer a lower cut boot because it allows for enhanced flexibility and movement in rotating the ankles. The height of the boot that you choose will depend much on the type of skating that you intend to partake, and your skill level.
Artistic
For artistic quad roller skating, you will require boots with a higher top which will guarantee greater control as you twist and turn. The recommended choice would be skaters with a soft-top which ensures excellent mobility and provides a comfortable fit, and a nylon plate to provide a solid base.
Jam
Want to try jam skating? Jam skates usually have a lower boot. This type of skating is becoming popular and fun to watch. You will require a boot that wraps around your foot like a glove while providing a little extra room in the toe.
Rhythm/dance
This type of skating is also gaining popularity very fast. Many skaters around the globe are jumping into the dance skating world every day. Rhythm and dance skates are usually high boots.
Indoor (Rink/recreational)
For indoor skating, high boots are highly recommended. The main differentiator, however, between indoor and outdoor skates mainly lies in the wheels.
Outdoor (Fitness/commuter)
The most favourite boots with outdoor skaters are the mid-cut boot that is designed to give extra edge required to increase your speed while providing support and comfort.
Roller Derby
This type of skates has a wide range of boot depending on the preference of the user – the skater. Derby players have been seen wearing either low boots or high boots.
Speed
Speed skaters usually prefer skates with low to mid boot height. If you are interested in real speed skating, you will need to pick the lightest boot you can get.
How Do I Choose a Quad Plate? What Kind of Toe Stop Do I Need?
Quad roller skates keep changing with time. Initially, they all had a basic angle, were made of the same material etc. Nowadays, however, things are entirely different. Skate plates come with differing angles, are made of different materials, various cushions, varying trucks, different styles and many more. 16 degrees and 45-degree kingpin angled plates are becoming popular because they assist the skaters to turn radius and remain stable while on the track.
In the past, the original tool steel plate, which was very heavy, was used. Then came aluminium, followed by aircraft aluminium, and currently, carbon fibre plates are used in some places. The plates used in the past had weights of a few pounds with time went to less than a pound. Your bodyweight could also determine the type of plate you will require. Skaters that weigh over 250 lbs. will not be okay with a nylon plate. Nylon plate has a higher flex and lower maneuverability and is not ideal for a good skating experience.
Here we take a look and see what kind of plate works best with the different skating types. Along with plates, we will also take a look at the different options for Trucks and Toe Stops.
Artistic
Most preferred plate for this type of skating is one made of nylon and reinforced with fibreglass, making it lightweight, durable and robust plate. Artistic skaters like it that the kingpins are set at 10 degrees for enhanced power. Another feature that would suit an artistic skating plate is an adjustable Allen toe stop screw which would make installation of any toe stop an enjoyable experience.
Jam
The plates that suit jam skaters would be a lightweight plate that has 16-degree trucks which give the required stability and maneuverability.
Rhythm/dance
Rhythm and dance skaters are intrigued by lightweight plates, preferably with split butterfly cushion that gives high performance and excellent maneuverability. Such a plate offers a great experience while making tight turns and fancy foot works. Rhythm and dance skaters also prefer not to have toe stops.
Indoor (Rink/recreational)
Indoor skaters would love plates that have zero torque, hence does not twist. For indoor skating, you will not be walking on your toe stops or gliding around the rink that much.
Outdoor (Fitness/commuter)
Outdoor skating requires sturdy plates, preferably made from thick aluminium that will hold up to the curbs and the scraping that you will endure as you skate.
Roller Derby
Roller derby skaters require a lot from the plate. This is because they work on a number of skills, therefore, requiring a very strong plate that provides much-needed stability and maneuverability. Plates made from aluminium would be both light and strong hence highly recommended.
Speed
If you are thinking of getting into speed skating, you will require plates with particular features. Because you will be skating at high speeds, you will need a plate that has no flex. Also, a lighter and strong plate would work best for you. Speed skaters are also very specific when it comes to toe stops.
How Do I Choose Quad Wheels?
Wheels are the most essential element of the quad roller skates’ performance. Indoor skaters require harder wheels. On the other hand, outdoor skaters need softer wheels, which are easy to use when dealing with potholes and divots on outdoor surfaces. You will find hybrid wheels that work indoors and on smooth outdoor surfaces. However, it is not advisable to use these.
Hard wheels are more durable, but not necessarily faster. Soft wheels have better grip as compared to hard wheels and suit a smoother skate when on rough terrain with potholes or bumps. Quad skate wheel sizes have different diameters and profile, depending on the skate style, and are made of urethane, a long-lasting plastic with nylon and alloy hub.
Artistic
Artistic skaters usually skate indoors and require a hard, small wheel for top performance.
Jam
Since this type of skating is done indoors, a hard wheel is a must-have. This will give you a combination of slide and grip.
Rhythm/dance
Rhythm and dance skating demand a lot from wheels. You will need wheels that give you extreme slide while maintaining enough grip to keep you on your skates.
Indoor (Rink/recreational)
The wheels used for indoor and/or recreational skating are usually shorter and harder. Soft wheels are not recommended since they will make you feel like you are stuck to the floor and are dangerous.
Outdoor (Fitness/commuter)
For outdoor fitness and/or commuter skating, you will require wheels that are softer than those used in indoor skating because they are suitable in absorbing uneven skating surface. Hard wheels will likely make you fall off.
Roller Derby
Roller derby skaters have varied requirements when it comes to wheels. With roller derby skating, there are flat tracks and banked track derby. You are advised to speak to people with experience, either your teammates and coaches before you decide on the wheel since they are familiar with their specific track.
Speed
With speed skating, the lighter the wheels, the better. Harder wheels, with a hardness of 88-97, give amazing roll for speed skaters.
How Do I Choose Quad Bearings?
Every skater desires to rotate in a smooth fashion while skating. This means that one must have the right choice of bearings. The ideal choice does not necessarily have to be expensive. The essential element to look out for while purchasing bearings is their ability to work well and match your skills with your skating type.
You will need to upgrade your bearings once it gets to a point where you are outperforming them. Occasionally, you should use light bearings with a small bit of light grease or gel to maintain a smooth skating experience. Sometimes people mistake ball bearings as a crucial element in the speed of a skater. This is, however, not the case. In fact, brand new clean bearings contribute only 2% of the skate speed.
Artistic and speed bearings
Artistic and speed bearing form an essential part of the skate. For artistic skating, it is necessary to ensure that your bearings are able to roll for as long as you will need them to, for the sake of maintaining your choreography. For speed skating, you will need your bearings to handle the competition’s high speeds and perform to the best level possible.
Jam, Rhythm, Roller Derby, and Rink Bearings
Jam, Rhythm, Roller Derby, and Rink Bearings can be an essential element of the skate. You will need bearings that give an impressive performance. Most preferably you would like your bearings lubricated with speed oil and require no break-in period. If you can get bearings that are tested and skate rated, then you will be in an excellent position because these bearings will withstand the roughness that comes with skating.
Outdoor Bearings
Outdoor skating demands a lot on all parts of your skate, especially the bearings. Your bearings will be exposed to much wear and tear while skating outside as compared to skating indoors. You will also encounter dirt and water issues outside. Titanium bearings are less susceptible to rusting and are more popular for outdoor skaters. Irrespective of the bearings you get, the best thing is to keep them clean, and they will last much longer.
Skate maintenance
After spending the right amount of cash in buying quad skates, it only makes sense to put in place maintenance mechanisms that will make them last. No matter what activity you use your skates for, dedicating an hour every other month to clean your equipment will make them last longer than if you don’t. Skating equipment maintenance is an easy thing to do. Here we look at maintenance practices on the different parts.
Wheels
To clean wheels, most people use a bowl of warm water, dish soap and a brush to scrub their wheels and remove unnecessary particles from them. Doing this ensures that the grip of your wheels is in check and allows you to grip the slippery surfaces. As you do this, also remember to rotate your wheels to give them more life span.
Bearings
Cleaning bearings used to be a little bit of a hassle, especially when doing so without the right supplies. Today, companies have come up with a solution. Now you can get a bottle that has a rod in which you can place the bearings inside vertically after disassembling them. From there, you will place the cleaning solution inside the bottle then close it.
You can let the bearings sit in the solution for some time as this will soften up then gunk that may be on the bearings. After a few minutes, shake the bottle well and take out the bearings, and place them on a cloth to dry. Once the solution evaporates, apply some bearing oil to the bearings then spin them so that the oils spread evenly. Once this is done, now you can proceed to reassemble.
Trucks, Cushions, and Pivot Cups
As you clean your skates, it is advisable to check and see if the pivot cups need replacement, even though manufacturers have made them lasting hence eliminating the need for regular replacement as was before. Your cushions can wear down with time. You do not always have to replace them, but it is good practice to check because a worn-out cushion can cause much damage. As you check these things, ensure that you hold the bottom of the kingpin while loosening the trucks to avoid accidentally causing harm.
Boots, Plates, and Toe Stops
If you want your boots to keep looking fresh, a leather shoe conditioner is your solution. Before applying the leather conditioner, you can put them in the car for some minutes to make them nice and warm. You can also purchase things like toe protector to keep the boots from wearing down during use. Remember to pull out the insole to ensure that the plate is firmly attached to your boot and tighten them up if necessary. Also, check for security of the toe stops using a tension nut and lock washer.
The Bottom Line
Over time, roller skating has gained popularity and even grew into a professional sport with different styles, including racing, roller hockey, roller derby, and jam skating. Irrespective of the style, roller skating is an easy activity to do for both kids and adults and does not require much equipment to enjoy.
If you are interested in diving into the world of roller skating, the type of skating will guide your decision. This article will furnish you with the information that you will need regarding the parts of roller skates, the best choice of parts for the various skating types, how to get a good pair of roller skate that will last longer, and what you need to know with regards maintenance of skates. Think about if you want to skate indoors or outdoors, pick something that matches your skills and allows you to improve. Safety is essential for all levels of skaters, beginners or skilled, but more so for children.
