Table of Contents
Inline skating can be a fun and healthy way to get around, but there are two main types of inline skates: normal inline skates and aggressive inline skates. So what is the difference between these two types of skates? Let’s take a look.
Key Takeaways
- Definition and Popularity: Inline skates, also known as rollerblades, feature wheels aligned in a single line and are popular for recreation, fitness, and transportation due to their low-impact nature, suitable for all ages and abilities.
- Aggressive Inline Skates Design: Designed for agility, stability, and shock absorption, aggressive inline skates are tailored for experienced skaters engaging in tricks and stunts. They often include a unique “c” groove for performing aggressive manoeuvres like jumps and grinds on concrete or asphalt surfaces.
- Development of Aggressive Inline Skating: Originating from vert skating in the 1980s, aggressive inline skating evolved into its distinct discipline in the 1990s, with skaters developing new tricks on various surfaces.
- Famous Aggressive Inline Skaters: Notable figures such as Chris Edwards, Jon Julio, and Aaron Feinberg are celebrated for their contributions to the sport, alongside famous skateboarders who also engage in aggressive inline skating.
- Differences Between Skates: The primary distinction lies in their intended use—normal inline skates for recreational activities and transportation, and aggressive inline skates for executing tricks and stunts. Additionally, aggressive skates feature a lower-cut boot design with smaller wheels compared to their normal counterparts.
- Skating Disciplines: Aggressive inline skating is categorized into street skating, performed on urban landscapes, and vert skating, which involves half-pipes and vertical structures.
- Varieties of Skates: Beyond normal and aggressive inline skates, there are specialized designs for grinding, slalom, street, speed, vert, and bowl skating, each optimized for specific skating styles and activities.
- Choosing Skates: When selecting between normal and aggressive inline skates, consider your skating style, skill level, and the terrain you’ll be skating on. Normal inline skates are better suited for smooth surfaces, while aggressive skates are designed for ramps, rails, and obstacles.
- FAQs: Addresses common questions regarding the distinctions between inline and aggressive skates, the disciplines within aggressive skating, its origins, and its representation in extreme sports and media.
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The term “inline skating” refers to both the activity and the sport performed with inline skates.
Aggressive inline skating is a sub-discipline of inline skating where tricks and stunts are performed.
The biggest difference between aggressive inline skating and normal inline skating is that aggressive inline skating involves more tricks and stunts.
Aggressive inline skates are normally more robust and have smaller wheels.
Aggressive inline skaters often skate on rougher surfaces, such as concrete, rather than smooth surfaces like pavement or wood floors.
What are Inline Skates?
Inline skates, also known as rollerblades, are a type of skate that is used for recreation, fitness, and transportation.
The skates consist of a boot with three to five wheels attached to the bottom.
Inline skates first became popular in the early 1990s and have since become one of the most popular types of skates.
Many people enjoy inline skating because it is a low-impact activity that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy.
What are Aggressive Inline Skates?
Aggressive inline skates are designed for agility.
They are made for experienced skaters who want the most responsive and agile skates possible.
Aggressive inline skates are also known for their stability and shock absorption.
Aggressive inline skating is an aggressive form of inline skating.
The skate often has a “c ” grove between the second and third wheels.
It is characterized by aggressive tricks such as jumps and grinds. Aggressive inline skaters typically skate on concrete or asphalt, although some skate on wood ramps or metal rails.
Aggressive inline skating is often seen as an extreme sport, and aggressive inline skaters are often considered to be daredevils.
However, aggressive inline skating can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys skating and is willing to learn the proper techniques.
In addition to a good pair of inline skates, aggressive inline skaters also need protective gear, such as helmets, pads, and gloves.
This is because aggressive inline skating can be dangerous, and it is important to be protected in case of falls or collisions.
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The origins of aggressive inline skating are unclear, but it is thought to have developed from vert skating, which was popular in the 1980s.
Vert skating involves performing tricks on half-pipes and ramps, and many of the tricks developed for vert skating were later adapted for aggressive inline skating.
In the 1990s, aggressive inline skating became its own distinct discipline, with skaters began performing more and more original tricks on a variety of surfaces.
Who are some famous aggressive inline skaters?
Some well-known aggressive inline skaters include Chris Edwards, Jon Julio, and Aaron Feinberg.
These skaters are known for their impressive trick repertoire and their smooth style.
Aggressive inline skating is also popular in the world of professional skateboarding, with many famous skateboarders, such as Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen, also being skilled aggressive inline skaters.
Differences between Inline Skates and Aggressive Inline Skates
Aggressive inline skating is a sub-discipline of inline skating where tricks and stunts are performed.
It is often referred to as “street skating” or “blading.” Aggressive skaters use specialised skates designed for grinds, jumps, and other tricks.
The term “aggressive inline skating” was coined by Rollerblade, Inc. in the early 1990s to help market their new line of skates designed for this purpose.
The first aggressive inline skates were made by Rollerblade in 1992 and were called the “Rollerblade Lightning TRS.”
The main difference between inline skates and aggressive inline skates is the purpose for which they are used.
Inline skates are designed for recreation, fitness, and transportation, while aggressive inline skates are designed for tricks and stunts.
Another difference between the two types of skates is the design of the skate.
Inline skates typically have a more traditional boot design, while aggressive inline skates often have a lower-cut boot with a more padded ankle area.
The wheels on aggressive inline skates are also typically smaller
Aggressive inline skating can be divided into two main disciplines: street skating and vert skating.
Street skating is characterized by its use of public spaces such as stairs, handrails, and ledges.
Vert skating, on the other hand, is performed on half-pipes, quarter-pipes, and other vertical structures.
There are many differences between inline skates and aggressive inline skates.
The main difference is the purpose for which they are used. Inline skates are designed for recreation and transportation, while aggressive inline skates are designed for tricks and stunts.
In addition, aggressive inline skaters often customize their skates to suit their personal style of skating, while inline skaters typically do not.
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Is also further divided into two disciplines: mini-ramp and bowl skating.
Mini-ramp skating is performed on smaller ramps, while bowl skating is performed in bowls or pools.
Breakdown of the different types of skates
Inline Skates
Inline skates, also known as rollerblades, are a type of skate that consists of four to five wheels that are in a straight line.
Inline skates are typically used for recreation and transportation.
The first inline skates were invented in 1760 by a Belgian man named John Joseph Merlin.
modern inline skates have come a long way since then and are now made with high-quality materials such as aluminium, carbon fibre, and titanium.
Grind Skates
Grind skates are a type of skate that is designed for grinding.
Grinding is a skating technique where the skate’s wheels slide along a surface, such as a rail or a ledge.
Grind skates typically have smaller wheels than regular inline skates, and they often have special grind plates attached to the bottom of the skate.
Grind skates are also sometimes called street skates or stunt skates.
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Slalom skates are a type of skate that is designed for slalom skating.
Slalom skating is a discipline of aggressive inline skating where skaters navigate through a series of cones or other obstacles.
Street Skates
Street skates are a type of skate that is designed for street skating.
Street skating is a discipline of aggressive inline skating that is performed on urban surfaces, such as sidewalks and stairs.
Speed Skates
Speed skates are a type of skate that is designed for speed skating.
Speed skating is a competitive discipline where skaters race each other over a distance.
Speed skates typically have softer wheels to allow skating over rough ground, the is modified in such a way as to be robust and protect the user’s feet.
Vert Skates
Vert skating is a discipline of skating that is performed on vert ramps.
Vert ramps are typically half-round going to a vertical, hence vert skating
Vert skates typically have smaller wheels than regular inline skates, and they often have special vert plates attached to the bottom of the skate.
Bowl Skates
Bowl skates are normally modified quad skates with soft wheels giving them more grip.
Bowl skating is a discipline of skating that is performed in bowl-shaped concrete pools.
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When deciding between normal inline skates and aggressive inline skates, there are several expert tips for choosing inline skates that you should consider.
First, consider your skating style and goals. Normal inline skates are ideal for recreational skating and fitness, while aggressive inline skates are designed for tricks and stunts.
Second, think about your skill level and experience. Beginners might find normal inline skates easier to handle, while advanced skaters can explore the challenges of aggressive inline skates.
Finally, consider the terrain you’ll be skating on. Normal inline skates are suitable for smooth surfaces like roads and sidewalks, whereas aggressive inline skates excel on ramps, rails, and obstacles. Ultimately, your decision should align with your preferences and skateboarding aspirations.
FAQ
What is the difference between inline skates and aggressive inline skates?
What are the different disciplines of aggressive inline skating?
How did aggressive inline skating get its start?
What are some of the extreme sports that aggressive inline skating has been featured in?
It has also been the subject of several documentary films, such as “Dogtown and Z-Boys” and “Soul on Wheel.