Roller skates vs rollerblades?

[LadyMoondancer]

I want to get either roller skates or rollerblades (inline skates), but I can't decide which.  Aside from the fact that they look different, I'm not sure what's different about them.  Anyone have experience with both / either?

[brightberry]

I'm not a frequent skater but I have used both and prefer rollerblades.    For me, they are easier to turn, control speed and stopping is simpler too.  I also fall quite a bit less. 

You'll have fun with either though.  Skating is a freeing experience.

[Prideth]

I had both as a kid.  Brightberry is more talented than I, I could never control rollerblades the way I could with inline skates.  I feel like inline skates give you more stability, and I prefer the big bumper in the front so I could drag it and "brake".

On the other hand, I always thought rollerblades looked pretty slick.    

I say go to the sporting goods store, try on both, and skate around the store! Buy the one that feels right.   

[mlp_loving]

I was always terrified of using rollerblades so never did. Rollerskates seem like they would be easier to balance yourself on. But then again I've never used rollerblades so I can't confirm for sure lol. I agree with Prideth though. Try them each on at a sporting goods store and skate around a little if you can. Whichever feels better and seems easier for you, go with those. 

[Nebula Light]

I have used both - rollerskates are something I would only use for the rink, and rollder blades I would use in parking lots, sidewalks, parks, etc.

More maneuverability with roller blades, tougher with armor around the whole foot and padding for long treks. Overall, I can see someone getting a lot more use out of roller blades.

Around my town, however, skateboarding and biking is very popular. There are different types of skateboards for cruising, tricks, that type of thing..so maybe that is something work looking into? 

[kaoskat]

*shrugs* I've used both. Not sure I have a preference.

[barbgirl1999]

I haven't skated in forever, but I've actually been wanting to give it a whirl.  I've only used rollerblades once, and they scared me to death, so I'll be sticking to regular roller skates, lol.  I just found it next to impossible to balance on rollerblades, but that could be my ankles.

[FullMoonFever]

I love love love roller skates.  If you want to try both, go to a local roller rink, other wise odds are you won't find quads in a store.  Here's a link to a store that I've ordered from and they're awesome!

http://www.conniesskateplace.com/default.asp

Also as a side note, not all roller rinks allow blades.  If you're going to be skating primarily outside, get blades.  But this is an individual choice.  Some do well on blades, others not.  Try both before you decide. 

~Jenn

[Mermaid]

I'm a blader! I cannot for the life of me skate on skates!!

[melodys_angel]

Rollerblades hands down.  Even though I broke my wrist while wearing them, its not because of the skates..it was because the wheels caught the edge of a pavement square that I could have sued the city for but didn't know at the time >>

I don't like the 4 wheel skates.  I find I fall more oftena nd they are harder to control/stop.

Then again, the last time ive had either on was...oh, maybe grade 6?

[Princess Lala]

rooooolllllllaaaaarrr blaaaaaades!  I hate to admit it, but I was super good in those back in the 90's! I only dripped and fell once and I was super fast! Those 4-wheel rollar 'skates' with the bumper on the front are blllaaaaahhhhhh!

[hathorcat]

SKATES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is best

[Majesty]

I had both as a kid.  I had skates and later my parents wanted to upgrade us to roller blades.  I couldn't do the roller blades.  They hurt my ankles, I guess they required more balance than my legs could handle.