Rollerblade Lightning 05 - 2003 model

By Bill Hicks, May 2003

After reading so much about last years model, and wanting something to skate in to give my Roces Melbournes a break, I decided to see what this skate was all about.

First Impressions

Out of the box, they looked just like the 2002 with some minor cosmetic changes. As I put them on, I noted that the lacing was still a little hard to get to, as was the power strap. As I started to engage the upper strap, noted that there was a loop on the tongue for it to go through, which, after skating, seemed to cure the tongue slippage problem that was noted in last year's model.

I don't know if its standard, but mine came with the brake pad attached. It seemed to be quite long, and stuck off the back of the skate a fair amount (it reminded me of my Salomon Vitesse with a brake pad).

After lacing up, they felt very, very comfortable, were these going to be BETTER than my Roces Melbournes? Off I went on my first skate with them!

The First Skate

Five miles down the trail, cruising along, the 82a/82mm wheels humming. No foot pain, minor vibration but the built-in dampening seems to be working. First cross street coming up, slowed down and applied the brake. Hmmmm, need to get used to how far back it sits, really need to get the braking foot well out in front to stop quickly!

Eight miles out, come to the first real down-hill, a short but relatively steep one. Fly down, the 285mm frame is very stable at higher speeds, almost as good as the five wheel Vitesse.

Ten miles out, still no foot problems, decide not to push it, and turn around. Pass a couple of cyclists! Their speedometers registering 15mph (yes, there is a slight downhill grade here!!). Reaching my starting point, I slow down, brake and sit down on a bench to think about what just happened.

Overall Impressions

WOW! Twenty miles with no pain, feet feel great! At times, I could actually feel the wind on my feet, there is so much ventilation in these boots. Are they as good as my Vitesse? No, but for a four wheel skate, it definitely rates at the top of the pile. Very stable at high speeds, comfortable, and smooth. The brake takes a little getting used to, but with a good scissor, it works well.

Will they replace my Roces Melbournes? Not for teaching in. The Melbournes are an top notch teaching skate, very manoeuvrable and extremely comfortable. But for a change of pace from my Vitesse, an excellent choice.

I have skated about 100 miles on them now, and still am impressed with them. Smooth riding, cool, and stable. I have skated through crud with them, and have not had any problems with anything "sticking" in the frame.

If you are looking for a distance skate, but don't want to invest in a five wheel skate, consider these skates. If they fit your foot, you won't be disappointed!

More Rollerblade Reviews

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Comments on this Review

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Disclaimer

As usual, this review is only my opinion about these skates, and your mileage may vary.  You should always carefully judge whether the skates you intend buying are best suited for you and for the purpose you intend using.  Remember that fit and comfort are extremely important, and you may wish to read the inline skating buying guide here on this site.

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