Category Archives: Chicago Roller Skates

Chicago Bullet Quad Speed Skates Review

The Chicago Skate Company has been around for over 100 years.  The Chicago Skate Company was established by Elisha Clark Ware and run by sons Ralph, Walter and Robert.  They soon became one of the biggest manufacturers of roller skate through the 20th century.  The Chicago Skate Company specialized in roller rink and outdoor roller skates as well as the convertible ice/roller skates.  They were also known for their St. Pierre detachable skates, the “Flex-i-Flote” skate and the “Velvet Tread” wheel system.

The Chicago Bullet Quad Speed Skates Review

To begin this review you need to know that these skates are designed for children learning to skate or for children that are beginners.  Despite the “Speed” name in the skate, I would not count on these being the fast skates on the market.  Be sure to read more of my thoughts at the end of the review.

Chicago Bullet skatesBoot

The low cut boot is made from vinyl and fits more like a shoe.  This provides better movement for the skater.  It is ideal for social skating, learning how to roller skate and rink skating.  There have been complaints from those who own these skates.  Many have indicated the stitching on the boot has separated in a short amount of time.   Others have responded favorably with how comfortable they are and their quality for the price.  The boot also comes with a Velcro strap to told down the laces at the top.  There is a bit if a mixed bag in regards to the quality of these boots.  These boots may run small so be sure to check out the Chicago sizing chart before buying them on Amazon.

PlateChicago Sizing Chart

The plate provided on these skates are a lightweight nylon.  It has a reversed kingpin and double action metal trucks.  The nylon allows for the skate to be lighter which allows for less effort when skating.

Wheels

These skates come with either 58mm or 62mm urethane wheels though I am not sure as to the softness of the wheel.  Based on many owners of these skates, the wheels are not very good and may even break.

Bearings

The Bullet skates come with ABEC-1 bearings which is ideal for beginners.  The provided bearings allows for the skate not to roll as freely as some more expensive professional skates.

Toe Stop

The toe stop provided is a fixed.

My Thoughts

This is not a steal when it comes to pricing and quality.  You will be getting what you paid for on these skates.  The thoughts on these skates are mixed as many owners indicate they are a great buy with no problems while others complain the skates began to fall apart in a very short while.  The Chicago Bullet Speed skates run around the $40.00 range as I write this review.   I would recommend this be a starter skate for a child who is trying to figure out if they even like skating.

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Chicago 405 Roller Skates Review

The Chicago Skate Company has been around for over 100 years.  The Chicago Skate Company was established by Elisha Clark Ware and run by sons Ralph, Walter and Robert.  They soon became one of the biggest manufacturers of roller skate through the 20th century.  The Chicago Skate Company specializes in roller rink and outdoor roller skates as well as the convertible ice/roller skates.  They were also known for their St. Pierre detachable skates, the “Flex-i-Flote” skate and the “Velvet Tread” wheel system.

Chicago 405 Chicago 405 Roller Skates Review

The Chicago 405 Starter Pulse Roller skates are well crafted and designed for outdoor use.  This doesn’t mean that you can’t wear them in a rink, but they will come with soft wheels for a smooth outdoor ride.

Boots

The boots are Tigalon Rink Pattern boots.  It is a high top boot with both eyelets lacing holes and speed hooks for easy on and off access.  This is especially nice for those that don’t want to constantly have to loosen the top five laces just to remove you roller skates or put them on for that matter.

Chassis/Plates

The Chicago 405 Starter Pulse comes with an aluminum chassis which is heavier but more durable and long lasting.  This is need even more when skating outdoors.  The skates come with Aluminum double action adjustable trucks and jump bar which will help with stability.

Wheels

The wheels are completely appropriate for outdoor use as these skates are fashioned with 78A Atom Pulse Outdoor Wheels.  The lower the number on the wheels (78A) the softer and smoother ride you will have.

Bearings

The bearings that come with the Starter Pulse skates are ABEC-1 rated bearings.  This will provide a slower roll on your ride.  The bearing can be changed out for anything higher.  I would recommend around a ABEC-5 rated bearing which does have the most roll but is ideal for outdoor skating. You may want quite a bit of roll and choose an ABEC-9, but the choice is yours.

Toe Stop

This skate might come with an adjustable or fixed toe stop. Either one is fine and not a big deal.
—>Click here for more pictures, and details from Amazon

When ordering these skates from Amazon, keep in mind that this skate comes in men’s sizes only, so if you are a ladies 8 then you would want to order a size 7.

I hope you enjoy these skates.  Be sure to leave a comment on your experience with these skates.

 

Chicago Mens 805 Roller Skate Review


The Chicago Skate Company has been around for over 100 years.  The Chicago Skate Company was established by Elisha Clark Ware and ran by sons Ralph, Walter and Robert.  They soon became one of the biggest manufacturers of roller skates through the 20th century.  The Chicago Skate Company specialized in roller rink and outdoor roller skates as well as the convertible ice/roller skates.  They were also known for their St. Pierre detachable skates, the “Flex-i-Flote” skate and the “Velvet Tread” wheel system.

The Chicago Mens 805 Leather Lined Rink Skate is one of those classic skates you see in a roller rink. It is leather lined and has an easy lacing system.  It comes with 55-mm high rebound urethane wheels which allows for more absorption of shock and they are a bit more durable than the average wheel.  With that being said they are a bit soft which means they are more well suited for outdoor use but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun indoors as well.

Another interesting feature for Chicago’s mens 805 Roller skate is the jump bar and metal chassis.  This provides a bit more of a stable ride on uneven surfaces.  The metal chassis is a bit heavier but it gives the skater some warning before it breaks.

If you have a teen that is not finished growing then these are a good option for the price especially if you don’t know how long someone will be interested in roller skating (indoor or outdoor).

Chicago 805 Roller Skates 2Bearings on the 805 Skates

The bearings are likely to be between ABEC-1 and ABEC-3 which isn’t considered to be the best on the market. With that being said it might not really matter to you depending on how much you use them.  After many roller skating sessions you may find that replacing them may be needed to skate with a little less effort.

Great Value

Advanced and beginner skaters always remark on what a good value these skates are for the price.  It’s a roller skate made with quality that you can adjust to fit  you skating needs.

Sizes

Many purchasers have said that they run a bit small and some have said their sizing is dead on. If you are a half size it is recommended that you round up to the next size to ensure that your skate isn’t uncomfortably tight.

Overall Assessment of the Chicago 805 Roller Skates

The 805 Roller skates are really a good deal for the quality and price.  Chicago has been around for a long time and there is good reason for it – they make good skates.     These are good roller skates for sale at a great price.