Purchasing a new pair of roller skates can be a costly and long-term commitment, so it's important to understand which skates and accessories you need before making any purchase. Here at JT Skate, we are happy to answer any questions you may have about roller skates, accessories, sizing, and delivery. The following are a list of the most commonly asked questions we get here at JT Skate.
Q. Are inline or quad roller skates right for me?
The two main types of roller skates are inline skates (where the wheels follow a singular line) and quad skates (where there is a wheel on each corner of the skate). Whether inline or quad skates are right for you depends on personal preference. Most people find quad roller skates easier since the placement of the wheels make balancing easier, and quad roller skates remain the most popular type of skater for skaters. However, some skaters may prefer the feel and skating style of inlines. If you already do inline or quad skating, then sticking to one type of skating you’re already familiar with will help you determine which skate is right for you. It is also important to consider the differences in boot style, wheel style, and brakes for each type of skate. See this article from our blog which provides an in-depth explanation of the differences between inline and quad roller skates.
Q. Should I get Turbo Ventro Pro or Bauer quad roller skates?
The two main brands of roller skates sold at JT Skate are Ventro Turbo Pros and Bauers. Both brands are high-quality and trusted roller skates, and both can be customised with either AirWave or Ventro Turbo Pro Wheels. Bauers are especially popular among street skaters for their comfortable design and lightweight structure. Bauers come in two models, the XLS and more comfortable XLP. Both are good for skaters at any experience level, so it comes down to personal preference and style.
Q. What is the difference between Bauer XLS and XLP roller skates?
The main difference between Bauer XLS and XLP roller skates is the padding on the inside. The Bauer XLP has additional padding on the inside, making it more comfortable and warmer compared to the Bauer XLS. As such, Bauer XLPs go for slightly more than the Bauer XLS.
Q. What is the best pair of skates for beginners?
There is no one type of skate specifcially made for beginners. Any skater at any level can pick up a pair of skates, it's just a matter of comfort and willingness to learn (and maybe fall a few times). Bauers are our most popular brand for skates and are a preferred choice for experienced and beginner skaters alike. Their light frame and comfortable padding make them easy to maneuver. Plus, you can customise the wheels with either Ventro Turbo Pro wheels for indoor skating or AirWave wheels for both indoor and outdoor skating. Ventro Turbo Pro skates are also a popular choice for beginners and are often considred the most comfortable to wear due to their abundant padding. However, they are heavier than Bauers which may not be the best option for everyone. If you're just beginning to skate and aren't sure which pair of skates are right for you, come into one of our stores in Boxpark Shoreditch or Croydon. You are welcome to try on a pair for yourself and see which pair of skates is best for you. Our staff can also answer any questions you have to make sure you get yourself a pair of skates that will last.
Q. What accessories do I need for roller skates?
Beyond the actual roller skates themselves, you will need a set of wheels and bearings. Skates are sold with the laces so you don’t need to buy them separately, but you may want to buy yourself some laces in different colours to match your style. Which wheels and bearings you need depend on the type of skating you intend to do with your skates (see the following two questions on which wheels and bearings are best for you). If you already have a pair of skates, check out all the accessories that we offer on the JT Skate website. However, if you’re looking to buy a new pair of skates altogether, then our selection of Turbo Ventro Pro and Bauer quad roller skates come with a set of Ventro Turbo Pro and AirWaves wheels, along with ABEC 1 and ABEC 5 bearings, respectively.
Q. Which wheels should I get, Ventro Turbo Pros or AirWaves?
Wheels play an important role in determining what kind of skating experience you have. If you intend on doing outdoor and street skating, it is highly recommended that you get yourself a pair of AirWave wheels. That is because AirWave wheels are softer and larger compared to other wheels, which make them ideal for rougher and uneven surfaces. Ventro Turbo Pro Wheels are smaller and harder, which makes them better suited for indoor skating such as at a roller rink. Be sure to know what kind of skating you intend to do before buying yourself a set of wheels. You can also select from a variety of colours for AirWave and Ventro Turbo Pro wheels, so your skates can match your specific style.
Q. Which bearings should I get?
Bearings are the small metal piece that goes in between the wheels and allows the wheels to spin quickly and smoothly. If you’re looking to customise your bearings, it is important to know which kind to get. Bearings are manufactured along the ABEC scale, which ranges from 1 through 11 in odd numbers. The higher a bearing is on the scale, the faster the bearing (and therefore the wheel) will spin. When you buy a pair of skates at JT Skate, bearings come included with the wheels. Skates with Ventro Turbo Pro wheels come with ABEC 1 bearings, while skates with AirWave wheels come with ABEC 5 bearings. If you’re looking to get the most speed out of your skating experience, consider going higher on the ABEC scale. For the best skating experience, we recommend going for bearings that are 9 or 11 on the ABEC scale. For the highest quality skating experience, go for a set of Bones Red Bearings. To find out more about bearings, check out this article from our blog non how to change bearings.
Q. What size roller skates do I need?
Most skates are true to your shoe size. We always recommend visiting one of our stores and trying on a pair in person to see what size fits you the best. When trying on a pair of skates, it is important to have a little bit of room around the toes and ankle to give you the most comfort and control when skating. If you’re buying skates for children, also take into account how show sizes may grow. Skates are a long-term investment, so making sure you buy the right size skates is essential before making any purchase. Bauer quad roller skates are half a size larger than their box size, meaning a size 6 fits closer a size 6 and a half. Ventro Pro Turbo quad roller skates are true to size but are sold in EU sizes, so convert your UK shoe size to find out which size is right for you.
Q. Do Bauers come in half sizes?
Bauer does not manufacture their ice hokcey skates in half sizes. Bauers tend to fit half a size larger than their box size. For example, a size 6 will fit more like a size 6.5. This is intentional as you want a little extra space in your skates. If you usually wear a half size for shoes, we recommend trying half a size lower. You can always try up or down a size to find the right fit for you.
Q. What are my options for buying from you?
Purchasing a new pair of roller skates or skateboard is a big investment, which is why we always recommend visiting us at one of our locations in Boxpark Shoreditch or Croydon and making your purcahse in person. Every in-store purchase comes with lifetime service (see the next question for more details). We also have an online store at jtskate.com. Ordering online allows you to get your purchase delivered to your home address or picked up from one of our stores. If you live outside of London or the UK, this is a great option if you are unable to come visit us in person. Please note, purchases made online which are delivered are not eligible for lifetime service.
Q. What does lifetime service on in-store purchases include?
When you purchase a pair of roller skates or skateboard at one of our store locations, your purchase comes included with lifetime service. This includes small adjustments on the wheels and plates/trucks, as well as any other minor repairs. This also includes the cost to change bearings and wheels as long as you bring or purchase a new set to replace your old ones with. Please note, this is not a warranty on damaged products as we are not able to repair fully damaged roller skates or skateboards. However, if your roller skates or skateboard is damaged, we will be happy to replace your wheels and bearings to a new pair of skates for free.
Q. How long does it take to get something delivered?
If you decide to purchase off our website, you have the option of having your item delivered directly to your door. For all orders in the UK, deliveres take between 1 to 2 business days. For international orders, deliveries typically take between 3 to 5 business days. When you order online, you will be provided with a tracking number to track when your parcel will get to your addresss. You also have the option to order from our website and pickup your purchase from one of our locations in Boxpark Shoreditch or Croydon. If possible, we recommend purchasing or picking up your order in person as this will come with free lifetime service with any purchase of skates.
Q. What is your refund and return policy?
We have a 14-day return policy. If you want to return a product, it must be within those 14 days and must not be used. You may exchange skates for different sizes as long as you have not used the original pair of skates. You can also exchange accessories like wheels and laces for different colours as long as they have not been used and remain in their original packaging.
We only issue refunds if products are returned within the 14-day period and are not used. Refunds typically take a few days to process depending on your bank. We are unable to issue cash refunds. If you want to exchange or return a purchase from us, please contact one of our stores or visit us in person. You must present a valid receipt showing you purchased the product from us in order to be eligible for an exchange or refund. We will not accept any product without a valid proof of purchase from JT Skate.
Q. Do you sell roller skates for children?
Yes! We have a selection of children's quad roller skates from California Pro. They come in a variety of colours for both boys and girls, and can be adjusted to fit the size of growing feet. Sizes start at a UK Children Size 8 and goes up to a UK Adult Size 5. You can find a full size range for children's skates here.
Q. Do you offer any classes or lessons for learning how to skate?
As of now we do not offer any classes or lessons on how to skate. However, we encourage you to find local classes or instructors in your local area that offer some type of lessons for skating. Skating groups can be a great way to learn with others for free and find people in your area who also skate. If you have any questions about getting into skating, you can also visit us in person and ask one of our associates any questions you may have regarding buying your first pair of skates.
Still have questions?
If you still have questions regarding which skates or accessories are right for you, we recommend visiting us at one of our locations in Boxpark Shoreditch or Croydon. Our staff will be happy to talk to you and answer any questions you may have. For more information, you can contact us here. Happy Skating!
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Address
Shoreditch: 2-10 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E1 6GY
Croydon: Unit 5 & 6 Boxpark, 99 George St, Croydon CRO ILD
Hours
Mon-Sat: 12-7pm (Shoreditch location open until 8pm on Thursdays)
Sundays: 12-6pm