All posts by akidd@fortifiedis.com

Chicago Roller Skates, Roller Skate Review

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.

 

Pacer Roller Skates, Roller Skate Review

Pacer Shifter Mens Quad Roller Skates Review

Pacer is one of many brands within the umbrella of the Roller Derby Skate Corporation.  Pacer roller skates are primarily made for roller rink use, however the Pacer brand prides itself in providing its customers the best value possible without sacrificing what is important; quality and performance.  Pacers had become more focused on designing fitness and commercial roller skates.  Pacer can be considered a quality entry level quad roller skate brand when it comes to finding roller skates for sale.

The Pacer Shifter Mens Quad Roller skates are more of an adult roller skate.  The boots are a leather lined boot which is important when it comes to a boot forming to your feet over time.  The outside of the boot is a matte black MicroSheen which is a different more mature look for a roller skate.  It’s a classic high top boot.

Pacer ShifterWhat Does it Have

The Pacer Shifter comes with chrome plated plates.  This makes for a heavier sturdy skate.

The Pacer Shifter comes with Shifter Pro 56 mm wheels but I was unable to determine what they were hard or soft wheels.  It might be safe to assume they are hard but you never really know.

The Shifter comes with chrome ABEC-3 bearings which is a little on the slow end when it comes to bearings.  The higher number on the bearings the faster and smoother ride you will have.  These bearings can be replaced with much faster bearing such as the ABEC -9 if you choose to do so.

The toe stop on these roller skates are fixed.  It’s not really a big deal to have a fixed toe stop. If you have rented roller skates then you are use to having a fixed toe stop.

The Pacer Shifter is considered a beginner roller skate.  If you are looking to do tricks and a heavy amount of skating these might not be the right skates for you even though the price might be.
—>CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE PACER SHIFTER ROLLER SKATERS ON AMAZON

Possible Concerns

The two major concern you may have when buying these skates is that the bearings might be slower than you would like and if you ride harder than a casual skater or beginner, you will likely break the boot from the chassis.  This is in extreme skating cases but it has happened nonetheless.

The Pacer Shifter is an entry level skate for a great price (like most of their skates).  Worth some consideration.  Also when ordering these skates from Amazon, remember that the sizes are in men’s so women will need to order a size smaller than usual.

Pacer Roller Skates, Roller Skate Review

Pacer Fandango Roller Skates Review

Pacer is one of many brands within the umbrella of the Roller Derby Skate Corporation.  Pacer roller skates are primarily made for roller rink use only however the Pacer brand prides itself in providing its customers the best value possible without sacrificing what is important; quality and performance.  Pacers had become more focused on designing fitness and commercial roller skates.  I hope the Pacer Fandango roller skates review helps you determine if this is the right pair of rollers skates for you.

Pacer fandango The Pacer Fandago quad roller skates are a leather high top roller skate  with a quilted leather lining.  The boot has a custom butterfly toe design with reinforced ankle support. The boot has a 5 lace hooking system for easy lacing and unlacing of the boot.  Inside it’s cushioned with memory foam for comfort.

The plates are custom gold vac plates and trucks.  It also comes with quick response PU cushions.

The wheels that come with the Fandago are 62mm x 30mm “Velvet Smoothies.   They are gold plated to match the trucks.  Velvet smoothies are a Urethane 99A wheel which means they are very hard.  You can wear them outdoors but it will make for a rougher ride.

The bearings are a middle of the road bearing BEVO ABEC -5 bearing.  It’s not the fastest and not the slowest bearing out there.  But this bearing will help provide a smooth and fast ride.

The toe stops are 5/8 adjustable stops.  Being adjustable allows for a more customized stop which may differ from one skater to the next.  This isn’t super important but some skaters like to have the option.

As for quality there are mixed feelings with consumers about this skate.  Some have found it to be just the right type of roller skate Pacer fandango 2while others have found it to have some quality control issues.  The boots are glued not sown which are prone to coming apart in some cases.

—> Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com

I think the thing to consider with Pacer Fandago Roller Skates is the price for what you are getting.  These roller skates cost less than a pair of shoes and is a great price for a great starter pair of skates.

If you decide to purchase these boots, be sure to share your thoughts so that others can benefits from you experience.

Pacer Roller Skates, Roller Skate Review

Pacer Magna 700 Roller Skates Review

Pacer is one of many brands within the umbrella of the Roller Derby Skate Corporation.  Pacer roller skates are primarily made for roller rink use only however the Pacer brand prides itself in providing its customers the best value possible without sacrificing what is important; quality and performance.  Pacers had become more focused on designing fitness and commercial roller skates.

Pacer Magna 700The Pacer Magna 700 roller skates are extremely affordable when it comes to the roller skate for sale these days.  The boot on the Pacer Magna is an over the ankle high top to provide additional support.  The boots are made of vinyl while having Wonder suede lining within the boot.

The chassis on the Magna 700 is aluminum which makes for a slightly heavier roller skate.   It comes with the ABEC-1 bearings which is not the fastest bearing to have on a roller skate but these skates are really made for the recreational skater with speed not being of importance.

These skates are sold in men’s sizes and it is recommended that you order one size smaller for ladies to get the best fit.

Don’t let the price fool you.  Many owners of these skates remark on how well they are made despite the affordable price for the roller skates.  Many purchase them for their children who need roller skates for casual skating or the pair of skates they get just before getting an expensive pair.

You may want to change the roller skate wheels with something softer like the Moxi Gummy 78A Outdoor Quad Roller skate wheels if you plan on skating outdoors.  The wheels that come with the skates will likely be designed for roller rinks though I am sure you would be fine if you decided to skate outdoor with the provided wheels.
—–>Click here for more Pacer Magna 700 pictures and information from Amazon

The Pacer Magna 700 quad roller skate is a great entry level roller skate for a growing child or someone who doesn’t want to commit to an expensive pair of roller skates.

Chicago Roller Skates, Roller Skate Review

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.