Inline Fitness Skate Glossary of Common Terms

ABEC
The acronym for Annular Bearing Engineering Committee, which is a committee that sets the standards and requirements for ABEC rated bearings. ABEC ratings for bearings are 1, 3, 5, or 7, with the higher the numbers usually indicating greater precision.

ABT  Brake / Active Brake Technology®
This is a patented Rollerblade® braking system, which is activated simply by sliding the braking foot forward. As your foot goes forward, your calf presses back against the rear cuff, activating the brake arm. The brake comes down and you stop with all eight wheels on the pavement, keeping you more stable and balanced.

Bearing
A small, round mechanism containing steel balls that is housed in the middle of the wheel to allow the wheels to turn freely and smoothly on the axle. Higher end bearings may use Titanium or Ceramic balls.

Bearing Spacers
Rides on the axle between the two bearings, keeping the bearings evenly spaced in alignment, and allowing the bearings to operate most efficiently. Bearing spacers can be made of steel, nylon, or aluminum. Two sizes of spacers are commonly found in skates. Sleeved bearing spacers for 6mm axles, and floating spacers for 8mm.

Chassis / Frame
This refers to the skate frame where the wheels reside. They come in various measurements and materials (aluminum, carbon, magnesium).

CoolMax®
Specially engineered DuPont fibers used in CoolMax® fabrics transport perspiration away from the body to the outer layer of the fabric, where it can evaporate quickly. At the same time providing breathability, even when wet. Keeps you dry and cool.


Cuff
Refers to the upper section of the skate shell where ankle support is given.

Eccentric Spacers
Small, oval-shaped inserts that snap into the inside of the frame between the wheel and frame. They may allow for rockering of the wheels or possibly even to lengthen/shorten the wheel-base on some models. Eccentric spacers are also designed to break before the frame does, protecting the frame.

Footbeds
They go in the bottom of the skate to support your foot. They’re also known as insoles or inserts.  Most in-line skates come with an anatomical insole or footbed that improve fit, comfort, and performance.  Aftermarket footbeds such as SuperFeet are available and will work with most brands to help them feel new again.

Hardware
Refers to the axles, bearings, bearings spacers and any frame spacers that are needed to attach the wheels to your frames and function properly.

Lateral Adjustment
Refers to the ability to adjust the skate frames from side to side either at the front or back. Doing so helps to control pronation or supination (inability to keep yoru feet perpendicular to the ground while in your skates).

Lateral Support
Provided by the shell when moving in a side-to-side direction. A shell that is laterally stiff will provide superior ankle support and better edge control when turning.

Memory Closure or Buckle
Buckles that retain thIer setting so you can get the same fit quickly each time you put on your skates.

Memory Foam
Moldable liners that are used in many skates that retain an impression of the skater’s foot for better fit, support, and comfort.

Mondo Point
Refers to the measurement of skate sizes using centimeters.

Non-Serviceable Bearings
These are bearings that are permanently sealed and can’t be serviced by removing the shield. Mainly found on lower-end bearings.

Polyethylene
Type of plastic that is used to make some skate shells. It’s usually softer and more conforming than polyurethane.

Polyurethane
Type of plastic used to make some skate shells. It’s generally stiffer and more supportive than polyethylene

Precision Bearings
Refers to bearings that are not ABEC rated and often using Titanium or Ceramic rather than steel balls.

Pronation
Refers to when your ankles turn out or roll out while on skates.  Causes could be too soft of a boot or need for lateral adjustment on frames. An insert or footbed may also help to correct. Opposite of supination.

Rocker / Rockering Wheels
Refers to the curved shape in the wheelbase on which the skate “rocks” or tips as a result of using different wheel sizes.  Freestyle skaters example, have smaller wheels in the first and last position than the two in the center.  Enabling control and maneuverability.

Serviceable Bearings
This refers to bearing that can be cleaned and re-lubricated by removing the shield on one side.  Shields can be rubber or held on by a c-ring.

Shell
Traditional models are made of molded plastic, but some shells are made of glass-reinforced nylon.  Many new skates use a softboot construction where the traditional plastic shell is absent.

Skate Tool
One tool that allows for everything needed to perform skate maintenance.  Includes an Allen Wrench, Phillips Screwdriver, and a Bearing Pusher/Puller.  Rollerblade & Sonic Skate Tools are two such tools found on InlineWarehouse.com.

Supination
Refers to when your ankles turn in or roll in while on skates.  Causes could be too soft of a boot or need for lateral adjustment on frames. An insert or footbed may also help to correct. Opposite of pronation.


Ventilation
Both the shell and liner are strategically vented to help keep a skater’s feet cool, dry, and comfortable. Many in-line shell designs use a patented ventilation system.

Wheelbase
Refers to the length of the frame/chassis. Helps determine how stable and maneuverable the skate will be. A longer wheelbase is more stable and less maneuverable. A shorter wheelbase is more maneuverable and less stable.

Wheel Core or Hub
Refers to the nylon hub at the center of most wheels. The type of Hub can affect the performance of the urethane on the wheel. Types of hubs include Spoked, Hollow, and Solid core.

Wheel Diameter
This measurement refers to the height of a wheel and is measured in millimeters. 80mm/82A for example refers to a wheel 80mm in height, with 82A hardness.

Wheel Durometer
This measures the hardness of a wheel. Hardness is measured in units of “A.” The higher the number, the harder the wheel will be.  A wheel at 82A hardness is harder than one with 80A. 

Wheel Profile
How much of a wheel comes into contact with the skating surface. There are narrow (elliptical) profiles, rounded profiles, and wide blunt profiles.

Wheel Rebound
High-rebound wheels are more lively and return more of the skater’s energy. Low-rebound wheels are less lively and dissipate more of the skater’s energy.


If you would like a definition or term added, please email info@inlinewarehouse.com.