Aggressive inline skates are a specialized version of traditional inline skates, also referred to as recreational or fitness inline skates. While recreational inline skates are used primarily for long strolls down the bike path, aggressive inline skates are designed for tricks, rail slides, jumps and the vert ramp. There are differences between the two types of skates that make them stand out in each of their respective classes.
Boot
Recreational skates offer a comfortably fitting boot and liner designed to keep your foot comfortable and well-ventilated during a long skating session. Aggressive skate boots are wider and stronger than most other types of skates. They need rigid boots for protecting your feet while doing street tricks and jumps. Aggressive skate boots are much stockier compared with recreational skates, meaning they're wider and shorter.
Frames
The frame, also called a chassis, is the part of the skate that holds the wheels. Budget recreational skates may have hard plastic frames, but most midprice skates offer metal frames. Aggressive inline skates must have strong and lightweight metal frames to withstand the abuse of rail slides and jumps. Plastic frames would simply break after limited use. Most recreational skates come equipped with a heel brake, while aggressive skates do not use brakes.
Wheels
The wheels are significantly different in terms of diameter in aggressive and recreational skates. Aggressive skates use the smallest diameter wheels of all inline skates. Wheel sizes range from 50 mm in diameter to about 60 mm. Recreational skates offer larger wheels of 72 mm up to 80 mm. Some fitness/speed skate hybrids offer even larger wheels of 100 or 110 mm in diameter. The larger the wheel diameter, the faster you can go. Aggressive wheels are kept small to increase maneuverability and decrease the overall weight of the skate.
Pricing
Based on 2011 pricing at major sporting goods retail stores, aggressive inline skates start at about $60 for an entry-level or children's pair and go up to $300 or more for a higher-end skate. Recreational skates tend to be more affordable since they're more widely available. According to Skate FAQ, recreational skates are by far the most popular choices among consumers. You can find children's skates in the $30 to $40 price range and an entry-level adult pair for between $50 and $60. Most recreational skates, however, are $100 to $150.
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