Whether you’re looking to buy your first pair of roller skates or looking to add a new one to your collection, knowing which skates to get is essential for ensuring that you have a fun and comfortable skating experience. There are two types of roller skates: quads and inlines. This article will explain the differences between the two types of skates so you know which ones are right for you.

Quad vs Inline Skates: What’s the difference?

There are three key differences between quad and inline skates that you will need to consider.

1. Wheels: The most obvious difference between quad and inline skates is the placement and type of wheels included on the skate. For quads, the wheels are placed at each corner of the boot, while for inlines they are placed along a vertical line at the centre. Quads always come with four wheels on each boot, while inlines come in variations of either four or three wheels. Quad and inlines also use different types of wheels. Wheels for quads are thicker compared to those for inlines. Inlines come with a set type of wheel for each skate depending on the brand, while quad wheels can be customised depending the type of skating you do. Perhaps you’re an indoor skater and prefer Ventro Pro Turbo wheels, or skate outdoors in a car park and enjoy the smoothness and cool colour combinations ofAir Waves. Regardless, knowing what type of skate you want is key for knowing which type of wheels you need to ensure you get a proper skating experience.
2. Tightening: The other main difference between quads and inlines is how each are tightened, with quads using laces and inlines using a strap. Because quads use laces, there is more chance for customisation as you can swap out your laces for different lengths and colours depending on your personal preferences.
3. Brakes: The final difference to consider are the brakes for each type of skate. Quads eithertoe stoppers orjam plugs which are placed at the front of each plate. Toe stoppers are made of rubber and are larger compared to jam plugs. Toe stoppers require a small screw to attach to the plate, while jam plugs have the screw built into their design. Most quad skates have a toe-stopper already included, while jam plugs come separately. It is important to note that jam plugs are required for most indoor roller skating venues, so make sure to grab yourself a pair if you plan to skate at one. Jam plugs also come in thinner 5/16 and thicker 5/8 sizes, so check the type of screw on your plates before purchasing a pair. Inlines have breaks located at the back of only one of the boots. All types of breaks can be easily removed, so you can keep them on or take them off depending on what you prefer.

Now that you know the main differences between quad and inline skates, it's time to find out which are the right ones for you.

Which type of skates are right for me?