Can pic skates be your next set of ideal inline figure skates ?
This article has been developed to provide insight and explanation as to how pic skates are different from other inline types.
Traditionally, quad roller skates come with two front wheels and two rear wheels. However, inline skates are skates that have three to four wheels aligned in a single line.
Professional skaters in artistic sports like roller hockey, inline figure skating, inline speed skating, etc., generally use these types of special skates. They tend to function with more speed and for the most part (not always) are typically associated with professional sports.
ABOUT PIC SKATES
They are often times aluminum frames with a varied array of wheels. Inventors built conventional inline skates primarily to help a skater transition from one point to another.
However, these can now allow skaters to try and execute a wide range of skating moves off the ice. With the advancement of technology, the development of pic inlines was exclusively catered or tailored towards professional sports that involve inline skating.
Did you know that Pic skates are rated to be two times easier than standard inlines ? (Where were these when I was growing up ?)
ASPECTS OF PIC SKATES
They feel like ice figure skates with inside edges, center edges and outside edges.
- They're an alternative to ice figure skates. The straight arrangement of wheels is like the rocker of a typical figure skating blade.
- Pic inline skates frames serve the purpose for skaters to train and perfect their skills on various surfaces. Pic inline skates have made it possible for figure skaters to perform even when ice is not available. Let’s face it.. some people truly want or even need to be able to skate 365 days a year.
- Skaters can use them on even surfaces like tennis courts, roller rinks, basketball courts, etc.
PROS AND CONS
Pros
- The frames have better grip for basic strokes as compared to ice skates.
- Pic figure skates provide the closest experience to ice skates. The frameset can also be mounted to your pair of figure skating boots to ensure the highest level of comfort.
- The pic skate frames have good “rockering,” like a figure skating blade.
- You can virtually execute one-footed spins, footwork maneuvers like eagles, brackets, Ina Bauer, turns, and Choctaws.
- You can seamlessly transition from pic figure skates to figure skates.
- Although it is said that the friction on pic figure skates is higher, it can be an exercise for skaters to improve muscle power and agility.
- Footwork maneuvers like spins, three-turns, and brackets are initially challenging to perform on pic figure skates. However, practicing on these pic skate wheels will make it easier on ice rinks.
Cons
- While they are closest to those used on ice, they are not a “one size fits for all.” Usually, many skaters do not recommend the pic inline skates for speed and ice hockey.
- One cannot execute Forward “Ts,” and hockey stops when you factor in the reality of the higher friction and because the edges do not slide. The edges tend to stick instead.
- They usually have larger wheels which can hinder smooth turning. It requires excess strength to turn. It is also heavier than ice figure skates.
- These are slightly higher than ice skates. Therefore, it takes time for skaters to adjust their weight in the right place.
- Spins, three-turns, double-turns and brackets are slightly complicated to do on pic inline skates.
- Practicing on them can increase the likeliness of injuries. It also moves slower than ice figure skates.
- The price is somewhat higher than figure skates, but the pricing difference is often not drastic.
BOTTOM LINE
Although you will find several mixed reviews on multiple platforms, it comes down to an individual decision as to what skates one would explore.
The advantages and disadvantages of pic skates are almost equal. If you want to grind harder for your next performance, getting pic skates can prepare you to a certain extent. Pic inline skates can help beginners lay a more robust foundation as well.
On the other hand, if you love skating as a hobby or skate for recreational purposes, many do not recommend pic inline skates as it requires extra effort to operate.
WHERE TO BUY PIC SKATES
Are you wondering where to buy these skates ? Well they come in different brands and that affects pricing as you can imagine. Some of the renowned brands are PIC Skate, Snyder® Triax Inline Figure Skates, Off-Ice Inline Figure Skates, SD Pro, IFS PRO, and Snow White.
You can purchase from their official websites and third-party websites that offer a variety of pic skates for sale. The products also range from pic inline skate frames to wheels and bearings as well.
Pic inlines come in different framesets. Recommendations of the P-73 (3 wheel frameset) is for higher-level skating. On the other hand, the PP-53 and 894 (three-wheel framesets) are for the intermediate level.
FINDING THE RIGHT INLINE SKATES
Research
You can find a wide array of options for inline skates. The reviews on pic inlines on the internet can be a bit of a mixed bag. When one is looking for places to buy them, it will always be wise to carry out the necessary research to inform your decision unless of course you already know what you want.
Learning from experience
Forums and group discussions can help one find the most suitable inline figure skates or inline figure skating frames.
One can also take suggestions from instructors and coaches. Learning from personal experiences will always help in finding the perfect inline skates.
Know your body
Finding the best frame depends on one's comfort and preference. It is a known fact that every person has a different body, and no two can maintain the same balance. Thus, there are many factors that one needs to consider like, weight, size, and physical strength.
While getting your ideal set, your body and balance must find the correct hold on wheel variations, wheel compression, and rocker. Manufacturers can generate different boot sizes, bends, and shapes with other materials. Therefore, it becomes crucial for one to find a comfort zone.
START YOUR FIGURE SKATING JOURNEY
Beginners can start their figure skating ventures with pic figure skates. Pic figure skates are more inclined towards ice figure skating. Therefore, if you desire to conquer the ice, pic inlines can prepare and help you to adapt to ice figure skating very quickly.