Must-Have Roller Blade Accessories
To be a serious roller blader, you need more than just a great pair of skates; you also need a few must-have roller blade accessories. If you or someone you know is involved in the fast and furious sport of roller blading, a few must-have roller blade accessories will make this high-paced activity both safer and more fun. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for the special roller blader in your life, the best accessories help protect against injury, offer optimum performance and convenience, or just give your gear a little attitude. Here are a few great roller blade accessories that make a great splurge or a great gift.
Safety First
Nothing puts a damper on a great day of roller blading more quickly than an injury, a very real possibility due to high speeds and uncertain terrain. While you can walk (or skate) off a simple bruise or scrape, a serious impact can be a bit more troublesome. Prevent injuries by wearing the proper protective equipment, such as a helmet, knee and elbow pads, gloves, and a mouth guard. Protective gear doesn’t have to look nerdy either; check out the sleek and streamlined gear from Triple 8 at Skates.com and the Shock Doctor mouth guard available in multiple colors at NetSkate.com.
Customize
Whether you’re looking to add a little personality and style to your skates or just want a different ride, customizing your wheels is an absolute must. Browse the selection of the hottest brands and graphics at RollerWarehouse.com, then try experimenting with different degrees of hardness, profiles, and sizes. Harder wheels last longer but absorb less shock, larger wheels go faster, and wheels with a flatter profile offer more stability. To change out your wheels, you’ll need a few tools, although which ones will vary depending on your skates. Check out the selection of wrenches at NetSkate.com, and while you’re there, look into the folding lace tightener for a snugger fitting skate that will help to prevent both injuries and discomfort.
Convenience
A great bag designed specifically to handle roller blade gear is another must-have accessory. For a stylish bag that will hold day-to-day skating accessories, check out the Quantum backpacks or Stride waist packs at Rollerblade.com. At NetSkate.com you’ll find bags to hold your skates, extra wheels, and/or helmet and other protective gear. Serious roller bladers will want to check out the Reidell wheeled Pullman Quad Derby Speed Skate bag, which converts easily from a backpack to a rolling bag to get you and your gear wherever you need to go with ease.
Comfort
Upgrade your roller blade’s liner with a state of the art model for optimum comfort and style. RollerWarehouse.com carries the hottest brands like Razors, Jug, and Nimh, many of which have special feature to improve fit and prevent discomfort, all of which adds up to you skating longer and going further.
Care and Maintenance
Keep your bearings rolling smoothly and free of clicks by picking up some lube and/or cleaner for them. NetSkate.com has a selection of sprays, creams, and oils to keep your wheels moving as well as a few cleaners to get the debris out. Skate waxes make grinding on rails or ledges easier; check out the one from Sonic at InlineSkates.com.
