Hockey

[Coffee]

I'm thinking of trying to start up an intramural hockey league here at Osan. Prolly won't succeed, but worth a try.

Meanwhile, I'm doing some looky looky online, pricing in-line skates and what not. Just wondered if anyone had any idea what's the difference between a $100 dollar pair and a $300 dollar pair. Is it like it is with shoes, where you're basically buying a brand name?

[Fyrie]

In quality the differences will come in the support, cushioning, the wheels and any extra bells and whistles they have. My son did inline hockey in the spring and it seemed there was a difference in the feel between the hockey type and the just inline skate ones.

I have to say though, the padding for inline is so great compared to regular hockey equipment, I wish they'd come up with something like it for hockey, getting ready would take a fraction of the time.

[Rifter]

I'd recommend picking up last years' models from clearance sports stores. You can easily find a decent pair for like $80, and they're just as good. You typically pay for quality with in-line skates (brand names,) but anything over $150 isn't worth it, in my own humble opinion.

[Keaolien]

played hockey for 14 years, played in-line hockey for 7....the main difference is 2 things. ankle support, and wheel durability.

without proper ankle support, you will break them, and as it HAPPENED to me, trust me when I say this is not good.

Wheel's will wear out incredibly fast, so good solid wheels will save your butt bro.

[Rifter]

It's funny you mention that. My dad recently picked up in-line skating as means of exercise, and he's had two 'blow-outs' in about 3 months. Four of his wheels literally exploded in that time, (but then again, he's 6'8", and like 250-260 pounds. Lots of wear and tear.)

Bring lots of spares and an Allen Key! Alan Key..however it's spelt.

[Coffee]

The wheels wear out that quick? What are they made of?!

[Rifter]

They're usually made out of polyurethane, but their durability really has a lot to do with the type of surface you're riding on and how often you use them. If you're riding on rough pavement two or three times a week, then don't expect their life expectancy to be very high.

However, since you're using them for floor/street hockey, I'd expect you should be good for 6 months to a year, assuming the floor is made out of hardwood or polyurethane, itself. If it's outdoors in a parking lot, then I'd say probably 3-4 months, tops. But then again, I'm not really an expert. Just my experience.

Also, like Keaolien said, it has A LOT to do with wheel durability. Typically good wheels run for $3-4 a piece, from what I've seen.

It also doesn't hurt to rotate them once every two or three weeks. That'll help a lot with their usage and will definitely help your ankles from twisting, as your wheels won't grind down into little V's or (/'s as quickly. (Losing an edge on an unforgiving surface is NOT fun.)