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Roller Skates

By Joseph | December 7, 2009

Roller Skates: Quads and Inlines

Roller skating is the term used for both the activity of inline skating—or roller blading—and “quad” skating or skating on four bulky wheels. You might have thought that quad skating was no more, but it is actually still around. Some people prefer the hard-to-maneuver, yet easier-to-balance, quad skates, even if only for their retro vibe; however, the bulk of skate sales today is for inline skates, not quads.

The original inline roller skates were created sometime in the 1700s, but the exact date isn’t clear, as there is no record of the original inventor. These original roller skates were crude and unstable–nothing like a modern pair of skates. Interestingly enough, these roller skates were more similar to the inline skates of today than to their predecessor, the quad model.

Since the initial invention of roller skates, inventors have plugged away at better models to improve the skating experience. These modifications have included the addition of movable axles, adjustable wheels, and improved bearings—all of which served to make the skating experience more enjoyable.

However, it wasn’t until the mid-1800s that all of these inventions culminated in a skate that was good enough for widespread public use. Some of the later improvements included shoe-tip brakes and sliding axles, which made it easier to turn.

Skates today are considerably more complex than the original models. They come in thousands of varieties; and buyers can tune all of the specifications, from bearing size, shape, and quality to the type of material used in the wheels.

Skates have also gained widespread use in recent years. Once a relatively obscure means of exercise, travel, or pleasure, roller skates have now been allowed entrance in skate parks—and can often be seen all throughout public parks.

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