Overview
Powerslide Tau 90 Skates. Powerslide's flagship freestyle boot got some upgrades! An incredibly light compression molded carbon shell is now heat moldable and with better, more comfortable padding. Packaged with Nexus Rocker trinity mount frames and 90mm 85A Spinners (reinforced hubs for jumping and sliding) to be freestyle ready (Wicked Japan Bearings). MyFit SPC integrated lining is more comfortable than previous models. The Tau is stiff, but slightly more forgiving than the Evo.
Trinity mount combined with being a tri-skate, means freestyle slalom skaters can now enjoy the benefits of large 90mm wheels without sacrificing control and agility (frame size depends on skate size - see spec). They are faster, smoother and simply better. No brake compatibility for Nexus Rocker Frame, but the boots are compatible with any trinity mount frame from Powerslide.
Sizing Tip:
Unisex model based on US Men's sizing
| Skate Type | Freestyle Slalom, Urban |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | Advanced and Expert |
| Weight | 1344g (US 7.0 EU 40) |
Specifications
| BOOTS | |
|---|---|
| Construction | Hybrid Carbon |
| Cuff | Medium |
| Liners | MyFit SPC - Not Removable |
| Heat Moldable | Yes |
| Closures | Cuff Buckle 45 Degree Ratchet Buckle Standard Lacing |
| Mounting | Trinity |
| FRAMES | Nexus Rocker |
|---|---|
| Material | CNC Extruded Aluminum |
| Mounting | Trinity |
| Length | Coming Soon |
| Removable | Yes |
| Adjustable | Yes |
| Stock Wheel Setup | 3x90mm |
| Max Wheel Size | 90mm |
| Axles | Single Axle - 8mm - AL 7075 Rocker Double Axle - 8mm - Steel |
| COMPONENTS | |
|---|---|
| Wheels | Spinner 90mm 88A |
| Bearings | Wicked ABEC9 |
| Brake | Not Included - No Compatibility Due to Rockered Frames |
| Axle for Brake Removal | Not Included |
| Skate Tool | Included |
| MANUFACTURER and WARRANTY INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 908266 |
| Time | 2 Years |
| Contact | Inline Warehouse |
| Country of Origin | China |
Videos
Sizing Chart
| GENERAL INLINE SKATE SIZING GUIDELINES |
|
|---|---|
| Measure feet with socks on and then reference the model-specific sizing chart. How to Measure Your Feet for Skates How to Try on Skates for Fit How to Choose an Inline Skate |
| POWERSLIDE TAU SKATE SIZING CHART Unisex Model Based on US Men's Sizing *Chart directs toward a performance fit that is snug* |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TAU |
CM |
US Men's |
US Women's | EU |
| 5.0 | 24.3 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 38 |
| 6.0 | 25.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 39 |
| 7.0 | 25.7 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 40 |
| 7.5 | 26.4 | 8.0 | 9.0 | 41 |
| 8.0 | 27.1 | 9.0 | 10.0 | 42 |
| 9.0 | 27.8 | 10.0 | 11.0 | 43 |
| 10.0 | 28.5 | 10.5 | 44 | |
| 11.0 | 29.1 | 11.0 | 45 | |
| 12.0 | 29.8 | 12.0 | 46 | |
Other Items to Consider
Customer Reviews
Very good, but...I've had a pair of these for about 5 months, now. Since I live in the desert, I've only been able to really get out on them in the past 2. I agree with many others that these can be painful if they aren't heat molded just right. It wasn't the navicular in my case, but the medial malleolus. I eventually realized that the edge of the carbon lower was digging into my ankle when I would flexed (i.e.: crossing over). This was unbearably painful when I removed the cuff and laced them all the way up because I wanted more ankle flex. My solution was to take a wash cloth and fold it in half, then again into thirds for use during my last round of heat molding. I used said wash cloth to pad my inner ankle bone while lacing my skates as tight as I possibly could. This had the effect of flaring out the area above where the cuff attaches and giving me the room I needed. I still had to put the cuff back on, but was able to remove the buckle and strap, and trim back the wings that wrap around the front while being able to comfortrably lace them all the way up. In the end, I have more flex than I originally had with these skates, but not quite as much as I wanted.
Another reviewer mentioned the lack of arch support. I couldn't agree more. That's a non-issue for me, becasue I expect it. I have a very high arch, so I've changed out the insoles on every pair of skates I've had over the past 15 years. I personally prefer Sole Performance insoles. They are heat moldable, the cork bed adds a little extra cushion, they support me well, and last quite a while.
I didn't give up on these boots because I wanted the wide toe box. I have rather triangular feet (wide-ish knuckles and a narrow heal/ankle), which already limits my options for shoes. This is also the reason I chose Taus (especially at current prices) over Iqon TR10s or HC Evos. The boots are light, strong, and responsive. I have mine paired up with Iqon Decode TR80 frames (ordered them from IW). I undercut the bridges in the frame and made frame mount spacers that are just under 2mm in height to have the option to run 3x110 for distance. I use a 76-60-H-60-76 wheel arrangement when I want more control for cruising in a smooth urban environment. I do recommend these, but with the caveat that you will most likely have to put in a significant amount time to get what you want/expect out of them. That's why I've deducted a star. The amount of time/commitment needed to comfortably skate how you want shouldn't be absolutely vital at this price point.
Lacking arch supportSkates were returned. Ordered too small. Would have ordered a the next size up but these did not feel good for someone with large arches.
Great, but unforgiving in the midfootI picked up a pair of these skates, opting to size down to the 7.0 with my 256 mm foot, which provided a snug fit (toes barely not-brushing the front of the toe box) that would have worked if not for the midfoot issues. Those issues are what ultimately killed this otherwise high-quality skate for me. Despite several rounds of heat molding and spot-heat molding, I could never find relief from the pain these skates unleashed on my poor navicular and malleolar bones (ankle and mid-foot bone). My feet are not particularly odd shaped. I have visible navicular bones, but not exceedingly protruding. Perhaps one size up would have been a better fit in this regard, but my searching online suggests that I'm not alone in struggling with this skate.
If your foot shape can work with this skate, it is a high-quality product. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me.
Thank goodness for thisWide toebox and otherwise the boot is quite "hardcore Evo" like but not in the ways I hate, which is mainly only that tight toebox
Exactly what I've been looking forI have PS Argon and love them, they are so comfortable and sturdy for a fitness skate but I also wanted something a little more solid for slides and a little jumping. Bought hard-shell boots the same size with heat-molded liners but too roomy inside the shell. After watching video reviews that explained the Tau boot (carbon fiber) was wide at the toes and narrow at the ankle, I went for it. I like my skates really tight especially the ankles. Once you heat mold them (may need to do it 2 or 3 times) and break them in, which took me a week or two, these skates are awesome. I really feel locked in. My new favorite set up is 3x125mm which makes you taller and puts more strain on the boot and boot/frame connection and carbon frames are the answer. Love these boots. Very solid and comfortable. Super responsive with some flexibility and they feel like boots and frames are one solid piece. There were a couple of pressure points at first that were kind of painful but now they're fine. You really have to work them in and it's worth it.
Great carbon bootAnkle pain solved by heat-molding at 85C for 30 minutes.
No foot numbness/cramping, which other carbon boots have caused me. Unsure if this is because of the Tau's wide toebox, less heel raise, or the different type of carbon.
3x90mm rockered is lots of fun, although a little slow once the wheels wear down to ~85mm (if trying to skate for ~10 miles).
For slalom, the 235mm and probably 225mm frames aren't so agile for freestyle, but the 4x80mm and 4x76mm Katana frames do occasionally come in stock.
Pain pain painThese boots have a fatal flaw where they dig into a bone on the inside of your foot. I can't feel this spot without pressure from actual skating, so I don't think it's fixable with heat molding alone. I think the bone it is hitting is called the Navicular or maybe the Cuneiform. No response from Powerslide.
Worth every pennyThis is the best pair of skates I have owned to date. Light, stylish, and comfortable. After heat molding fits like a glove. Middle and back wheels are rockered, utilizing special (oval-shaped) bolts.
Highly recommend it!
Previous Feedback
From: Victor
Mexico