Roller Derby Elite Alpha 125mm 3-Wheel Inline Skate

These skates are amazing. I've been skating seriously for only a month, and being a size 13 it can be hard to find a skate that is both comfortable and supportive. At first I was terrified of the large wheels, but I quickly realized I felt much more control than I did with my smaller 4 wheel skates. These also gsin acceleration with little energy which means I feel like I'm floating which is making me a better skater what feels like real time. The wheels are also so large that I feel more in control when changing direction or taking steps in general. I also feel very stable on the three wheels, and the lack of a 4th wheel seems to make the wheels role with more cohesion, I've rarely felt like the skates went in a direction I wasn't intending. These skates are great for big and tall men (I'm 6'2, 240). Would definitely recommend not getting these to learn how to skate, but if you have a decent foundation (2-3 weeks of learning to balance and technique), I think these will take you to the next step. I can already tell I'm going to be a much better skater it I continue using these.P.S: here at the rink they turned on a black light, and these wheels were GLOWING green. I didn't know they did this and it blew my mind how cool it looked. This skate is pricy but their versatility as an indoor/outdoor skate/comfort/stylishness/support/speed especially for my big butt is hard to beat!P.s: the issue with the straps is overblown and in my opinion it's user error. The middle strap instantly loosens when you push down the "wings" on the part that looks like a buckle. The other strap loosens when you pull up on the buckle part where you insert the strap.

These blades are worth the $200+ you pay for them. If you're getting these, your goals should be to roll far, fast, and smoothly. I've been using these lightly for a few years now. The only noticeable wear and tear is the plastic on the foot-arch strap is slightly degraded from the clamp digging into it. In other words, don't excessively tighten the arch strap with the ratchet. In fact, I've found the majority of tightness should come from the ankle-top strap. Fortunately the manufacturer bundles a meticulous parts list for replacement if needed.The fit gets "worn in" over time and slightly adjusts to your foot like a baseball glove (but not nearly as much as a glove), so the blades get *more* comfy over time. YOU WILL GO EXTREMELY FAST ON THESE BLADES. It's amazing. Very smooth. No brakes, these aren't for early learners or the faint-of-heart. No brakes. Practice and be safe.

I like the Sturdiness of these skates! The fit seems manageable and will eventually be perfect. The strapping systems are difficult and hard to manage! The bottom strap is only operational with 2 hands and I am not flexible enough to have it be less than exhausting! The good thing seems to be that the straps can be replaced with straps that are more accommodating to a non flexible users.I have a pair GLX Brovoblades by Rollerblades from 1997 that have a much better strapping system!The skates glide well and seem to have good stability. Turning is more difficult because of the longer wheelbase. I will use them for a week then give more information.(1 month later)I have skated on these skates for over a month!The issues that I had with being flexible enough have worked themselves out!I have adapted to the skate and o am better able to put them on!The simple fix to the problem of fastening the straps is fixed by not ever completely undoing them! Just slip your foot into it! It is still difficult for me (but that is my issue of being overweight)The skate operate very well now that I am accustomed to them!The straps can be adjusted easily while on the move and being a speed skate this is important to be able to do! I changed from 4 to 5 stars

They are a little tight if you have wide feet. I'm 6'5" with a regular/athletic build- got better fit and comfort out of mine (size 13) without laces, only using mid and upper buckles. These things are FAST, I ate up my first set of wheels in a month, and I think it has to do with my weight (245) and the abuse I gave these on hard turns and little hops. They are very durable and at first I was worried with my size and weight. Only thing is double check all bolts and screws are tight before each long ride- as vibration and shock can loosen some of the fasteners.

They are rather comfortable for skates. I did get a hot spot on my ankle bone, but thats to be expected when getting used to skates. Dont buy these if you are a novice skater. I have been skating for 20 years, 10 of those I played hockey, and these skates took me by surprise in regards to how fast you can go so quickly. I am able to do a solid T stop, and a spin out, but that's not enough for stopping on these skates. I have to work on my power slides and power stops, because if you try to always stop using a T-Stop, you are gonna blow through your wheels in a matter of days. That being said, if you know what you are doing, and dont want to spend 350-400 dollars on skates, this is your ticket.

These are so uncomfortable-My heel, and my medial malleolus (the bump on the ankle) have never hurt so bad.I figured for a $240 pair of blades they wouldn’t hurt. These are the most pain I’ve ever had in a pair of inline skates.I even wasted $$ on padding for them, insoles, and ankle braces. But they still hurt.- The process to tie and tighten them is super difficult.- They are too low on the shin, I feel as though I’m gonna twist my ankle and wipe out.- the pain I get in my heel and malleolus are almost unbearable and prevent anymore skating.I have to return them and search someplace else for a decent pair of blades because amazon doesn’t seem to have a good selection.These are the most expensive and worst pair of skates I’ve ever had.I do not recommend them.