FAQ on the subject of inline skates for adults

What are the differences in quality with inline skates?

There may be considerable discrepancies between the models of different manufacturers. And yet, good quality does not need to be expensive – this is confirmed by the test results of “Stiftung Warentest” (for more information, click here). HUDORA’s products are regularly rated among the best and clearly are winners in terms of value for money. When you buy inline skates, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:

Shell and shoe

The shell should neither be too soft nor too hard. If it is too hard, it may cause pain, if it is too soft, it won’t give support. A soft-boot must provide firm support. The inside of the shoe must be well-padded (around the ankle). The material should be finished to form no sharp edges. Buckles should be sturdy and securely fixed to the shell. Low-quality buckles tend to break when they are handled the wrong way, i.e. when they are being stretched or tightened too much. The shoe should be solidly fixed to the chassis (with rivets or screws). There are also often differences between the various models with respect to the quality of the insole provided with the shoe.

Wheels

PVC wheels wear down very quickly and display bad performance properties. PU wheels are generally more resistant to wear and tear, and under equal strain they last longer. How hard the wheels should in fact be depends on your performance requirements: Soft wheels (<78A) provide more grip, comfort, and are better at absorbing uneven surfaces. Hard wheels (>78A) slide better, roll faster, and show excellent durability. For leisure activity, wheels with a medium degree of hardness (78A) are most often used.

Ball bearings

The term “ABEC” specifies a manufacturing standard for ball bearings. Those with the specification “ABEC 1”, for instance, may have a maximum divergence of 0.008 mm, while the specification “ABEC 3” allows for a divergence of only 0.005 mm. Basically, this means that the higher the ABEC number, the more accurate the production. The ABEC number alone, however, is not a criterion for judging the quality of the ball bearings. Other important factors are the materials employed, their finish, the lubricant used, and whether the bearings are clean. HUDORA uses only especially selected and tested ball bearings.

DIN

In terms of safety, inline skates should always comply with the DIN German Industrial Standard. You will find the specifications on the box. The requirements for inline skates are specified in
DIN 33944.

What should I consider when buying inline skates?

Make sure that the shoe fits well. Try the skates on and choose the one that fits best. Hands off shoes that already pinch during the fitting! The pain usually gets stronger when you skate, since the shoe rarely adapts to the foot under strain.

Why don’t the wheels of my inline skates turn so fast?

In the manufacturing process, the bearings of HUDORA inline skates are filled with grease under high pressure. This is why the skates only start running lightly and fast under the strain of usage. The bearings are maintenance-free – they neither need to, nor technically can be regreased. If a bearing is damaged, it should be replaced completely.

How do I look after the inline skates?

Wear and tear calls for regular maintenance. You should also try to prevent your children from skating on dirty surfaces. Water, dirt, dust, oil, or sand do not only put the skater at risk, they may also damage the ball bairings. If the skates are dirty, you should clean the shoe, chassis, and wheels with a damp cloth. Sharp edges resulting from usage should be removed immediately. Parts that are subject to wear and tear, like worn-out stoppers, wheels, or bearings, should be replaced in good time. With models that are adjustable for size take care that the adjustment screw is tightened well, since otherwise it may easily be lost. In general, don’t try to loosen or tighten self-securing nuts or axles. The self-checking effect of these parts is reduced after repeated loosening and tightening of the links.

What can I do against the wear and tear of the wheels?

It is absolutely normal that with usage the wheels of the inline skates wear down at an angle. The wheels last longer, though, if you change the position of the individual wheels from time to time and exchange worn-down wheels against better ones.

The tool provided with your skates will help you to loosen the screws. Now you can take out the wheels in order to turn them inside out (turn them by 180°). We would also recommend to change the position of the wheels (outer wheels to the centre and vice versa). When you reinstall the wheels, make sure that you put all the parts – especially the small ones – back in the right place.

Where do I find spare parts for the inline skates?

Parts that are subject to wear and tear, like wheels, ball bearings, and stoppers, are available at specialist shops. Make sure to use only original spare parts of the same size and shape that were manufactured by HUDORA.