by Stacey Rue

Created on: April 21, 2008

If you are heading back to the rink or the outdoor skating world after a long absence you might be wondering whether to choose inline skates or quad roller skates. Well, if you first skated to disco you might be better off returning to quad roller skates. It probably has become ingrained in you to stop by lifting your foot forward and breaking on the toe stop. Inline skates break in the back and it might be difficult to relearn how to stop when you really need to avoid a collision.

Luckily, local skating rinks usually have both options available for you to try. If you are wondering which one you should choose for outdoor skating and will need to buy your own, you would still save yourself some hassle by trying both kinds out at a skating rink. For skating outdoors it will be a good idea to have knee pads, elbow pads and a helmet. So, for choosing between quads and inlines for outside skating, this will not matter. But if you plan on going to a rink usually quad skaters use no protection and some inline skaters will use head gear and/or pads.

As far as mobility, both will take some getting used to them. Skating outdoors will present some hazards so whichever skate you choose be sure to have wheels safe for outdoor skating. Inline skates are faster and better able to cover rough terrain. If it is speed and outdoor skating you want, inline skates may be the better option. However, for indoor recreational skating quad skates might be more ideal. Both options are perfectly okay for indoor and outdoor. You will have to decide what it is you are looking for.

If you are new to skating, the edge might go to quad roller skates. They almost always have toe stops to break on, while not all inline skates come with a back break. You will need to check what kind of stop either skate has if you plan to purchase some. Quads are also usually more stable when first learning to skate. They are easier to move around on and control.

When it comes to purchasing them, you might get a better selection at the local roller rink. But do shop around your local sports stores also. Quality roller skates will be difficult to find at a sport stores and your best option will be either online ordering or the roller rink. The selection of inlines are usually better at sports store than the selection for quad skates. Roller rinks will often sell inline skates also. The rink will have a better selection than the sports store. If you are serious about skating, do not waste your money on the cheapest skates available. The cheap skates are difficult to adjust, often difficult to control and wear out faster. If you need to save money look on ebay.

As for the coolness factor, well you will have to decide for yourself which ones are cooler.

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