Salomon FSK Crossmax 2 2003

Inline Skate Review

January 2003

Review by Capital Pete

So here it is, the new Salomon FSK Crossmax 2 in their urban street skating range. Last year’s Crossmax’s were extremely popular (as was evident on the London skates) and were almost a hybrid skate, bringing together features from recreational, aggressive and hockey skates into a versatile, durable whole. So how is the Crossmax2 different? And is it any good?

Salomon FSK Crossmax cost:

You are looking at around £200.

What you get in the box:

1. Two FSK Crossmax2 skates.
2. Two different size Allen keys.
3. One instruction booklet.

For those skaters who use them, note there is NO BRAKE INCLUDED with the Crossmax2. Quote: “These skates have been designed for experienced skaters who know how to stop without using a brake”. A suitable brake can be purchased separately.

The specs:

1. 247mm EA-R (Extruded Aluminium – Rockerable) Hi-Lo UFS (Universal Frame System) frame. Front TWO axels only are rockerable. The rear two axels are one piece. Interestingly, the one piece axles only allow the skate key to partially enter, rather than be inserted the entire length, as has been usual.
2. 2x 80mm (rear) and 2x76mm (forward) 83A black wheels on each skate.
3. ABEC 5 bearings.
4. Salomon Dual Shock Absorber+
5. Removable side-flex block
6. Quick-lace lacing system
7. Salomon “Armoured fit” support system

The Salomon FSK look

The Crossmax2 have a silver and black boot, red and white frame and come with black wheels. There is a red FSK logo on the rear and a reflective FSK logo on the outside of each boot (on the left boot this is backwards - I thought this was a mistake on the prototype but it’s still there!)

What are they like to skate in?

If you like increased manoeuvrability then the Hi-Lo set-up is probably for you. If you prefer a flat set-up for distance skating, you’re going to have to get some more wheels. Whether you get on with the 83A hardness of the wheels supplied is going to depend on what you are used to. They are actually fairly grippy, but I wouldn’t want to find myself skating in the wet with them.

Comfort-wise, these skates are excellent. The boot itself is extremely comfortable and the ankle support is tough but flexible. The skates can be heat-moulded for better fit/extra comfort. The stiffer but thinner tongue makes the skate feel lighter than the Crossmax, though in truth there is probably little difference. The Shock Absorber+ is extremely effective and makes for a very smooth ride.

The quick-lace lacing system is fine, however as usual you have to really pull apart when taking them off. For securing the skate, the system is the same as last year’s Crossmax – laces, Velcro strap and plastic buckle.

What’s GOOD about this skate?

1. Comfort.
2. Look. The silver boot and red frame look really good (although this is obviously personal taste.) Last year’s white ‘blobs’ are now black, and therefore less obtrusive.
3. Feel. The thinner tongue, whilst stiffer, means that your ankles/feet do not get so warm but still get a good (though flexible) amount of support.
4. One piece axles add to frame strength.
5. As part of the FSK range, these skates can be customized to suit the preferences of individual skater.

What’s BAD about this skate?

1. The fact that if you want a flat set-up you really need to spend even more money on wheels. And the same if you want a heel-brake. But then again, is that the beauty of the customisable skate? And if you know what you’re getting beforehand, then you’ll go in with your eyes open.
2. The instruction booklet is confusing and too stylised. As with the Crossmax booklet, the diagrams are too ‘cartoony’ and do not provide enough clear information.
3. A little too similar to the Crossmax?

Conclusion.

This is an excellent skate. Although there are improvements, there are, to be fair, few non-cosmetic changes from last year’s Crossmax - though the new tongue design is a major plus. And if the look of them isn’t too sci-fi for you, the Crossmax2 comes highly recommended for a versatile, durable and stylish skate that is ideal for street skating.

Your comments

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Salomon FSK Crossmax 2 2003 review discussion on forums.

Bio

Capital Pete is based in Eastbourne, on the south coast of England, and is the webmaster of EastbourneSkaters.com

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  Disclaimer

As usual, this review is only Pete's 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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