Rollerblade Spiritblade Xt Mens Skate

Comfortable, stable, and reliable, the Spiritblade XT RollerBlade is loaded with high-quality features and technology, yet offered at a value for entry-level skaters. Featuring Bio Dynamic upper support and a user-friendly cuff buckle with a Powerstrap and laces, the Spiritblade provides a supportive fit with easy entry/exit. The 5 Star Training Liner delivers absolute long-lasting comfort with optimal support for developing riders. Coming equipped with RollerBlade 78-millimeter 80A durometer wheels with smooth SG3 bearings, the blades offer a comfortable ride. The light and stable Monocoque composite frame is equipped with a 4-position adjustable brake--offering the control you need for street and park riding--and the frame can accommodate an 80-millimeter wheel upgrade. Backed by a 6-month warranty, the Spiritblade XT offers RollerBlade quality and innovation at an affordable price.

Features:

Closure: Cuff buckle, Powerstrap and laces
Brake: 4 position adjustable brake for consistent braking performance
Wheels: Hyper 78-millimeter 80A Delete (22-millimeter)
Liner: Training 5 Star Fit
Bearings: SG3
Frame: Monocoque Composite
Structure: Bio-Dynamic

Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
After not using them for a few years, I recently started skating with a 15 year old pair of Rollerblade Fusion skates that I used to use for hockey. Those skates were great, but were causing me a lot of pain in my shins. I bought these bottom-of-the-line Rollerblade Spiritblade Xt skates mainly as an experiment to see if my old skates were causing the pain, or if was a problem that I would have with any skates. I just got home from my first skate with these, and they worked great. They are very comfortable and didn't cause me any pain at all even after twelve miles of skating. They reminded me of the sort of skates that a skate rental store would give you (Rollerblade actually sells a version of these tailored to the needs of rental businesses). They are comfortable, but definitely not performance skates. Comfort. They are soft, highly cushioned, and contour to your feet. Ease of use. I was in these and skating within minutes of opening the box. They are simple to use and foolproof. The laces and strap combination take a little longer to put on then skates that just have three buckles, but the difference is negligible and I think the fit is better with these than with just buckles. These are definitely not performance skates. The bearings and wheels are smooth rolling, but there is definitely more effort needed to go fast than on more expensive skates. Based on how hard the wheels feel when turning and trying to hockey-stop, I think the main culprit is the bearings. The wheels are very hard. That will probably make them last a long time, but is not good for fast turns or hockey stops. The brake works alright, and the new simple design is great. I'd like to get back to the point where I don't use the brake, and instead hockey-stop, but having it is a nice confidence builder. The brake is a very hard plastic as well, and did not stop nearly as short as the softer one on my old skates. I am very happy with this purchase, especially at the $99 price. If you are looking for skates to work-out in, these are perfect. If you are looking for something to race, do tricks, or play hockey in, you should look elsewhere.