Skate Components Essay, Research Paper

COMPONENTS:

Wheels:

? The diameter is the height of the wheel, which ranges from 43 to 80mm. As diameter increases, cruising speed increases and maneuverability decreases. (2)

? The durometer is the hardness of the wheel. Wheels use the ?A? scale from 0-100. 100 would be a very hard plastic. Softer wheels have more shock absorption, greater turning ability, and wear faster. (2)

? A wheel?s profile is the point where the wheel touches the ground. Traction and stability increase with an increasing profile thickness. (2)

? The hub or core holds the bearings and connects to the wheel material and can have the spokes shown or covered. An opened core decreases wheel weight and increases wheel wear, whereas a covered core would decrease wear and increase wheel weight. (2)

Bearings:

? The wheel rolls on ball bearings inside the hub of the wheels. (1)

? High quality skates have rated bearings: ABEC-1, 3, 5. The quality of bearings determines skater effort; higher quality requires littler effort to rotate the wheels. (1)

Frames:

? The frame attaches the wheels to the boot and is made of plastic or metal. (1)

? Some frames can be ?rockered,? which allows the simulation of a curved ice skate. Rockering can greatly increase maneuverability. (1)

Boots:

? The boot holds your foot with the shell surrounding your foot and the cuff surrounding your ankle. (1)

? Boots can attain a tight fit through buckles, laces, or both. (1)

DIFFERENT DESIGNS RELATING TO DEMANDS FOR DIFFERENT SKATES:

Hockey:

? Inline hockey skates simulate ice hockey skates and demand high maneuverability. (3)

? The boot laces up, providing a custom fit for this type of specialty skating. (3)

? The wheels have a thick profile and a small diameter (70mm) for better turning. (2)

? The frame is relatively short and usually rockered, allowing for greater control. (1)

Speed:

? Speed skates demand components facilitating high speeds. (3)

? Racing skates have five wheels and a long frame, providing a directed glide for speed. (3)

? The boot is low-cut and made of leather. (3)

? The wheels are very tall, have a high durometer, and a very narrow profile, which maximizes speed but significantly decreases turning ability. (2)

Recreational

? Recreational skates facilitate a wide range of activities, and require a high amount of control for the average skater. (3)

? The wheels are long lasting (high durometer) and have a wide profile for control. (2)

? The boot is stiff and has a much softer liner than specialty skates. (1)

Aggressive:

? Aggressive skates are made for doing stunts on ramps and rails.

? The wheels are small (52-65mm) for better handling and narrow profiles for stunts. (1, 3)

? The boot is comprised of a stiff plastic to soak up the shock of extreme skating. (3)

? The boot often has straps for better restraint capability. (3)

Bibliography

www.skatefaq.com