Grinding skates, also known as aggressive skates, are used for freestyle skating, including jumps, tricks and rail grinds. This type of skate features smaller wheels compared to speed, hockey and recreational skates. While many aggressive skates run well over $200, you can pick up a solid pair of entry-level grinding skates for under $50, based on 2010 prices.
Roller Derby Corr ATS
The Roller Derby ATS is an inexpensive aggressive skate for kids, and is an ideal choice for kids just starting out. It comes equipped with a soft boot liner, reinforced scuff guard for grinds, Velcro straps and laces, and a reinforced frame for durability. These aggressive skates sit on 56 mm wheels equipped with ABEC 1 bearings.
Rollerblade Fury
The Rollerblade brand is a trusted name in the inline skating industry, and the Fury is one of its entry-level street skates. It is designed for beginning- to intermediate-level street skaters. It sits on 55 mm wheels that have a hardness of 88A on the durometer scale -- this is ideal for pavement. The wheels are fitted with ABEC 5 bearings, which are middle-of-the-road bearings, but are a nice addition to a skate at this price point. The boot features a single buckle and laces down front; the entire boot is reinforced for durability.
Roller Derby Works Z4
For right around $50, the Roller Derby Works Z4 is a steal as far as entry-level aggressive inline skates go. This skate offers high-quality ABEC 7 bearings and custom skid plate for grinds. The wheels are 61 mm Labeda ST Formulas that allow for greater top-speeds compared to smaller diameter wheels. The lock-lace system keeps the laces out of the way when performing tricks, and the reinforced boot provides protection for your feet while offering greater grind ability at the same time.
X-line Cougar
The X-Line Cougar inline skate is an ideal choice for kids who are looking to grind. The boot expands one full size as the child's foot grows, so you can get a lot of use out of these skates. It has some impressive features for being priced around $50, including ABEC 5 bearings, heavy-duty mesh liner, TPO heel cuff for better support, and reinforced footplate/chassis for improved grinding and added durability.
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