Hey there. This is my first review so let me introduce myself. I'm Stella Sabotage #812, this is my third season of derby and my first season skating with the San Diego Derby Dolls. My first season was with Chi*Town Sirens and Season 2 was with Windy City Rollers in Chicago. I bought my skates for $99 at Orbit a Roller Rink in Palatine, IL back in 2006 because I needed some skates to get started with and they have been with me ever since. I've replaced the wheels and shoe laces numerous times, but for the most part they are just the same as they were when I bought them.


Feet: My feet are a size 9.5-10 in woman's shoes which is a size 7.5-9 in skates depending on the style and brand. My left foot is slightly bigger than my right foot.


Roller Skate Reviews:
I tried on all of the following skates today, but did not skate in them. This information is based on the basic fit.


1.
Sure Grip Boxer Rebel:

Look: Basic Black similar look to most basic speed skates you see at skate shops inside roller rinks. Big cushy tongue that has nylon appearance.


Size 7- Too small, could hardly get the skate on my foot.

Size 8- Felt big when standing up, too much space at the end of the skate by toes.

*Only comes in whole sizes
http://sincityskates.com/2nd/rebel.html

2.
Sure Grip Boxer Quad Speed Skate:
Look: Basic Black similar look to most basic speed skates you see at skate shops inside roller rinks. Big cushy tongue that has nylon appearance.


Size 7- Too tight across the top of foot before toes
Size 8- Felt too big when standing upright, too much space at the end of skate by toes. Felt that foot may slide around when skating.

*Only comes in whole sizes
http://sincityskates.com/2nd/boxer.html

3.
Sure Grip Rebel:
Look: Basic Black similar look to most basic speed skates you see at skate shops inside roller rinks. Big cushy tongue that has nylon appearance.


Size 7- Too tight across top of foot and made my toes curl up.

No size 8 available to try on
*Only comes in whole sizes
http://sincityskates.com/2nd/rebel.html

4.
Rockit
Look: YELLOW with black flames, big puffy tongue and puffy around ankle area. Similar to standard flame skate design, just different color scheme.


Size 8- Too big! WAY too much space at the end of skate by my toes.

No size 7 available to try out at this time.

http://sincityskates.com/2nd/tri-flame.html

5.
Riedell Roller R3
Look: Black speed skate style, slightly cushy around top of skate by ankle . Cushy tongue with red/ white Riedell Brand logo on side facing outside.


Size 8- Too tight across top of foot, made my toes curl.

Size 9- Fits, comfy, little bit spacious by toes.

http://sincityskates.com/2nd/R3.html

6.
Riedell 165
Look: Black boot, slight cushion at top of skate around ankle area/ Slim squishy tongue. Riedell written in white cursive on inside of left skate and outside of right skate, takes up entire side of skate.


Size 7- Toes right up at the end of skate and made my toes curl.

Size 8- Fit better, left skate squeezes toes together a little bit, but no curling.

Size 9- Too big!
http://sincityskates.com/2nd/vixen.html

7.
Riedell 125
Look: Black speed skate ankle high with no puffy cushioning around ankle. Says rs-1000 at top of skate.


Size 7.5- Too small foot did not even fit into the skate.

Size 8.5- Fit well, but no cushy stuff around upper piece by ankle and no cushy tongue.

http://sincityskates.com/2nd/125-packages.html

8.
Riedell 265
Look: Black boot with two white stripes. Slim squishy tongue. Not a lot of cushion around top of skate at ankle.


Size 8- Too small
Size 8.
5- Toes right at end of skate and comfy
http://sincityskates.com/2nd/265.html

9.
Riedell 264
Look: Black Boot with two white stripes. Slim squishy tongue. Not a lot of cushion around top of skate at ankle.


Size 8- Too small
Size 8.
5- Comfy with tiny bit of space between toes and end of skate
http://sincityskates.com/2nd/265.html

10.
Riedell 965
Look: Black boot, with Velcro flap that covers up laces.
Brownish suede around ankle area

Size 8.5-Roomy and comfy, but a little too much space up by toes.

Size 7.5-Perfect Fit, just right. Tight enough but not too tight to be comfortable.

http://sincityskates.com/2nd/minx.html




 
 

Dahmernatrix’s product reviews:




History:

I learned to skate specifically for roller derby, so I have no background whatsoever; it’s all been observation and trial-and-error for me. I started with Duke City Derby and skated with then for 1 exhibition season, 2 home seasons, and 3 travel seasons. I now live in San Diego and skate both banked and flat track with the San Diego Derby Dolls. I have spent 2 home seasons as a primary jammer but am really a blocker that sometimes wears two stars on her head and goes a little faster than usual.




Body stats:

My foot measures 9 ¾” long and 9” wide (circumference around the ball of my foot), and I wear a size 9 to 9 ½ in women’s shoes, an 8 in Converse and Vans. I am 5’9” and weigh 170 pounds. In most skate boots I wear a size 8.



I started out in size 8 Riedell Cararras, which I recommend to new skaters but to new skaters only. It’s hard for me to say this without sounding like a snob but here goes: These are newbie skates. These are a good choice for someone who is just trying out this crazy craze where wheeled girls careen around in their panties and try to knock each other over. To be sure, I can certainly help you spend $800 on an awesome pair of skates, but if you are just learning how to T stop, cross over, weave, etc, then you will not appreciate what makes your $800 skates so amazing and you might want to start out with some Carerras until you know that you and derby are soulmates forever. I’d recommend using Carerras (or something similar) during newbie training and up to one season, but no longer than that.


Additional note: I do not recommend plastic plates such as Sure Grip Probes for girls that weigh over 150 pounds. I skated on them for maybe 2 years and never broke them, but I’ve seen many split. To be fair though I’ve also seen a 5’1” 100 pound girl crack hers in half, so if you break yours don’t immediately assume that your fat ass is to blame.


In my second season I had Riedell 125 (RS-1000) boots with SG Probe plates. I like these boots, but the break-in period was terrible! I bought size 8’s and for about a month was convinced they were far too small because they were so painful. But they eventually broke in and everything you’ve ever heard about all leather skates is right: they fit like a glove. They molded to the shape of my feet to the degree that I never had to think about them when I was skating. I didn’t have a problem with the way my Carerras used to fit me, but after I got used to the slim for of real leather boots, synthetic ones started to feel big and bulky. Eventually I split the heel seam down one of the boots and had to replace them, but they lasted probably a year or so of very heavy skating, both indoors and outdoors. These are good boots.


And here’s where the paean starts. I love Roll Line plates more than I could ever love any man, woman, or child. Please don’t tell my boyfriend or my mom I said that but it’s true. Roll Line carries an entire line of professional quality plates ranging from approximately $200 all the way up to $1,000. Don’t be scared- the main difference between their high end and low end plates is weight and to be honest I’ve skated on Variant Ms (lowest, around $200), Mistrals (around $400) and Navigators (around $500), and they all feel pretty much the same to me. Not to mention if you buy a set of Roll Line plates you will never have to buy another pair of plates. I don’t want to guarantee anything but I’ve seen them used and abused inside and outside, on a derby track and on concrete skatepark ramps, and never seen one break. I have dented my trucks from use on the metal coping on skatepark ramps, but it did not affect their performance.
So why do I love them? Is it because I judge value by cost? Is it because I hate money and can’t stand to have it around? No. I’m incredibly cheap. But here’s the thing: somebody let me borrow their spare set of Roll Line plates once, and well, mind: blown. I was skating the same way I always did, but my movement felt far more precise than ever. I was using muscles I never knew I had or needed. Moves that would have felt risky were safe, like jumping through a tiny hole that might or might not last long enough for you to get through; all the long-shorts became sure things. I love these things. I love their giant toe stops and I love their pivot pins. They do not sponsor me, I get no discount on anything. I’ve paid good money for every expensive bit of Roll Line equipment I’ve ever owned and it’s always been worth it.


Speaking of nothing, I hate hate hate Sure Grip Centurys. They’re heavy as fuck and they’re not even good. I skated on them briefly and you couldn’t pay me to do it again, ever. Don’t buy them. Unless you want to bludgeon someone to death with them and then conceal the murder weapon by hiding it under your feet. Then maybe. But still probably not. I HATE them.


Before I get off the subject of plates, I want to stress that if you are going to buy expensive plates, Roll Line or otherwise, please investigate for yourself what size is right for you. Manufacturers and even product reps almost always equip skates with plates that are far too big and even 10mm can make a huge difference on your skating experience. The last thing you want is to spend $200 on the wrong thing, especially since plates usually can’t be returned after they have been mounted. Don’t trust anyone who is selling you something, research for yourself and find what is best for you.


Just a couple of days ago I acquired a brand new pair of Riedell 965 boots with Powerdyne Reactor plates and I’m excited to try them out. Expect a product review shortly!

Also, wheels, bearings, and misc tools also to be reviewed next time.

 
 

Dahmernatrix’s product reviews:




History:

I learned to skate specifically for roller derby, so I have no background whatsoever; it’s all been observation and trial-and-error for me. I started with Duke City Derby and skated with then for 1 exhibition season, 2 home seasons, and 3 travel seasons. I now live in San Diego and skate both banked and flat track with the San Diego Derby Dolls. I have spent 2 home seasons as a primary jammer but am really a blocker that sometimes wears two stars on her head and goes a little faster than usual.




Body stats:

My foot measures 9 ¾” long and 9” wide (circumference around the ball of my foot), and I wear a size 9 to 9 ½ in women’s shoes, an 8 in Converse and Vans. I am 5’9” and weigh 170 pounds. In most skate boots I wear a size 8.



I started out in size 8 Riedell Cararras, which I recommend to new skaters but to new skaters only. It’s hard for me to say this without sounding like a snob but here goes: These are newbie skates. These are a good choice for someone who is just trying out this crazy craze where wheeled girls careen around in their panties and try to knock each other over. To be sure, I can certainly help you spend $800 on an awesome pair of skates, but if you are just learning how to T stop, cross over, weave, etc, then you will not appreciate what makes your $800 skates so amazing and you might want to start out with some Carerras until you know that you and derby are soulmates forever. I’d recommend using Carerras (or something similar) during newbie training and up to one season, but no longer than that.


Additional note: I do not recommend plastic plates such as Sure Grip Probes for girls that weigh over 150 pounds. I skated on them for maybe 2 years and never broke them, but I’ve seen many split. To be fair though I’ve also seen a 5’1” 100 pound girl crack hers in half, so if you break yours don’t immediately assume that your fat ass is to blame.


In my second season I had Riedell 125 (RS-1000) boots with SG Probe plates. I like these boots, but the break-in period was terrible! I bought size 8’s and for about a month was convinced they were far too small because they were so painful. But they eventually broke in and everything you’ve ever heard about all leather skates is right: they fit like a glove. They molded to the shape of my feet to the degree that I never had to think about them when I was skating. I didn’t have a problem with the way my Carerras used to fit me, but after I got used to the slim for of real leather boots, synthetic ones started to feel big and bulky. Eventually I split the heel seam down one of the boots and had to replace them, but they lasted probably a year or so of very heavy skating, both indoors and outdoors. These are good boots.


And here’s where the paean starts. I love Roll Line plates more than I could ever love any man, woman, or child. Please don’t tell my boyfriend or my mom I said that but it’s true. Roll Line carries an entire line of professional quality plates ranging from approximately $200 all the way up to $1,000. Don’t be scared- the main difference between their high end and low end plates is weight and to be honest I’ve skated on Variant Ms (lowest, around $200), Mistrals (around $400) and Navigators (around $500), and they all feel pretty much the same to me. Not to mention if you buy a set of Roll Line plates you will never have to buy another pair of plates. I don’t want to guarantee anything but I’ve seen them used and abused inside and outside, on a derby track and on concrete skatepark ramps, and never seen one break. I have dented my trucks from use on the metal coping on skatepark ramps, but it did not affect their performance.
So why do I love them? Is it because I judge value by cost? Is it because I hate money and can’t stand to have it around? No. I’m incredibly cheap. But here’s the thing: somebody let me borrow their spare set of Roll Line plates once, and well, mind: blown. I was skating the same way I always did, but my movement felt far more precise than ever. I was using muscles I never knew I had or needed. Moves that would have felt risky were safe, like jumping through a tiny hole that might or might not last long enough for you to get through; all the long-shorts became sure things. I love these things. I love their giant toe stops and I love their pivot pins. They do not sponsor me, I get no discount on anything. I’ve paid good money for every expensive bit of Roll Line equipment I’ve ever owned and it’s always been worth it.


Speaking of nothing, I hate hate hate Sure Grip Centurys. They’re heavy as fuck and they’re not even good. I skated on them briefly and you couldn’t pay me to do it again, ever. Don’t buy them. Unless you want to bludgeon someone to death with them and then conceal the murder weapon by hiding it under your feet. Then maybe. But still probably not. I HATE them.


Before I get off the subject of plates, I want to stress that if you are going to buy expensive plates, Roll Line or otherwise, please investigate for yourself what size is right for you. Manufacturers and even product reps almost always equip skates with plates that are far too big and even 10mm can make a huge difference on your skating experience. The last thing you want is to spend $200 on the wrong thing, especially since plates usually can’t be returned after they have been mounted. Don’t trust anyone who is selling you something, research for yourself and find what is best for you.


Just a couple of days ago I acquired a brand new pair of Riedell 965 boots with Powerdyne Reactor plates and I’m excited to try them out. Expect a product review shortly!

Also, wheels, bearings, and misc tools also to be reviewed next time.
 
 

Dahmernatrix’s product reviews:




History:

I learned to skate specifically for roller derby, so I have no background whatsoever; it’s all been observation and trial-and-error for me. I started with Duke City Derby and skated with then for 1 exhibition season, 2 home seasons, and 3 travel seasons. I now live in San Diego and skate both banked and flat track with the San Diego Derby Dolls. I have spent 2 home seasons as a primary jammer but am really a blocker that sometimes wears two stars on her head and goes a little faster than usual.




Body stats:

My foot measures 9 ¾” long and 9” wide (circumference around the ball of my foot), and I wear a size 9 to 9 ½ in women’s shoes, an 8 in Converse and Vans. I am 5’9” and weigh 170 pounds. In most skate boots I wear a size 8.



I started out in size 8 Riedell Cararras, which I recommend to new skaters but to new skaters only. It’s hard for me to say this without sounding like a snob but here goes: These are newbie skates. These are a good choice for someone who is just trying out this crazy craze where wheeled girls careen around in their panties and try to knock each other over. To be sure, I can certainly help you spend $800 on an awesome pair of skates, but if you are just learning how to T stop, cross over, weave, etc, then you will not appreciate what makes your $800 skates so amazing and you might want to start out with some Carerras until you know that you and derby are soulmates forever. I’d recommend using Carerras (or something similar) during newbie training and up to one season, but no longer than that.


Additional note: I do not recommend plastic plates such as Sure Grip Probes for girls that weigh over 150 pounds. I skated on them for maybe 2 years and never broke them, but I’ve seen many split. To be fair though I’ve also seen a 5’1” 100 pound girl crack hers in half, so if you break yours don’t immediately assume that your fat ass is to blame.


In my second season I had Riedell 125 (RS-1000) boots with SG Probe plates. I like these boots, but the break-in period was terrible! I bought size 8’s and for about a month was convinced they were far too small because they were so painful. But they eventually broke in and everything you’ve ever heard about all leather skates is right: they fit like a glove. They molded to the shape of my feet to the degree that I never had to think about them when I was skating. I didn’t have a problem with the way my Carerras used to fit me, but after I got used to the slim for of real leather boots, synthetic ones started to feel big and bulky. Eventually I split the heel seam down one of the boots and had to replace them, but they lasted probably a year or so of very heavy skating, both indoors and outdoors. These are good boots.


And here’s where the paean starts. I love Roll Line plates more than I could ever love any man, woman, or child. Please don’t tell my boyfriend or my mom I said that but it’s true. Roll Line carries an entire line of professional quality plates ranging from approximately $200 all the way up to $1,000. Don’t be scared- the main difference between their high end and low end plates is weight and to be honest I’ve skated on Variant Ms (lowest, around $200), Mistrals (around $400) and Navigators (around $500), and they all feel pretty much the same to me. Not to mention if you buy a set of Roll Line plates you will never have to buy another pair of plates. I don’t want to guarantee anything but I’ve seen them used and abused inside and outside, on a derby track and on concrete skatepark ramps, and never seen one break. I have dented my trucks from use on the metal coping on skatepark ramps, but it did not affect their performance.
So why do I love them? Is it because I judge value by cost? Is it because I hate money and can’t stand to have it around? No. I’m incredibly cheap. But here’s the thing: somebody let me borrow their spare set of Roll Line plates once, and well, mind: blown. I was skating the same way I always did, but my movement felt far more precise than ever. I was using muscles I never knew I had or needed. Moves that would have felt risky were safe, like jumping through a tiny hole that might or might not last long enough for you to get through; all the long-shorts became sure things. I love these things. I love their giant toe stops and I love their pivot pins. They do not sponsor me, I get no discount on anything. I’ve paid good money for every expensive bit of Roll Line equipment I’ve ever owned and it’s always been worth it.


Speaking of nothing, I hate hate hate Sure Grip Centurys. They’re heavy as fuck and they’re not even good. I skated on them briefly and you couldn’t pay me to do it again, ever. Don’t buy them. Unless you want to bludgeon someone to death with them and then conceal the murder weapon by hiding it under your feet. Then maybe. But still probably not. I HATE them.


Before I get off the subject of plates, I want to stress that if you are going to buy expensive plates, Roll Line or otherwise, please investigate for yourself what size is right for you. Manufacturers and even product reps almost always equip skates with plates that are far too big and even 10mm can make a huge difference on your skating experience. The last thing you want is to spend $200 on the wrong thing, especially since plates usually can’t be returned after they have been mounted. Don’t trust anyone who is selling you something, research for yourself and find what is best for you.


Just a couple of days ago I acquired a brand new pair of Riedell 965 boots with Powerdyne Reactor plates and I’m excited to try them out. Expect a product review shortly!

Also, wheels, bearings, and misc tools also to be reviewed next time.
 
 

Very much looking forward to this! It's your Sin City team's, awesome recomendations that have helped me find the gear I love the most now. I hope I can help. 115, petite build jammer here on sport court and wood, been playing 2 years and I am excited to see what else is new I can try!!..
....Heidi..