Inline speed skates feature a dramatically different design compared to recreational or roller hockey skates. Speed skates do not have brakes, and they feature larger wheels for increased speed. They also have longer wheel bases and usually contain a fifth wheel to accompany this additional length. Determining the top-rated high speed skates from 2010 was based on quality, durability and performance.
Bont Vaypor
As the official racing skate of Team Bont and other national skate teams, the Vaypor is a high-performing skate that has won several World Inline Cups and world championship gold medals, according to Bont. The boot features a vented front, comfortable tongue and a memory foam liner for form-fitting to your foot. The base of the skate is carbon fiber, which is both lightweight and durable. The Vaypor uses 165 or 195 mm wheels equipped with Jesa Swiss 608 steel bearings.
Luigino Ultra Challenge
This wheel/boot package from Luigino -- a leader in the inline speed skating industry -- is a premium skate choice that carries a price tag around $1,000, as of December 2010. It uses a P-51 Pilot racing frame, which is Luigino’s lightest and strongest frame. This skate rides on four Atom one iQ wheels that feature radial spine ring with iQ technology for heating the wheel up quickly but preventing it from over-heating. The result is a faster spinning wheel. The bearings are high-quality Luigino Swiss bearings with glass-reinforced Delrin Cages for durability and performance.
Powerslide R2 and R4
The R2 and R4 boots from Powerslide were released in 2010, and feature improved performance and comfort over their predecessors, according to NetRacing.com. The frame features three 100 mm wheels and one 90 mm wheel. The smaller wheel in the rear is ideal for longer speed-skating tracks. It reduces stress on your ankles. The primary difference between the two models is that the R2 uses straps to secure your foot while the R4 uses both laces and straps. Both models are priced more than $300 a pair as of December 2010.
Luigino Strut
As one of the most popular speed skates in 2010, according to NetRacing.com, the Luigino Strut offers superior performance and a relatively inexpensive price. During testing at NetRacing.com, the Strut excelled in ankle support, crossover performance, double-push performance and stability. It features a five-wheel frame configuration and retails for about $250.
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