12-08-2013, 10:24 PM
So, I think everyone on here knows that I love blading... Aggressive Inline Skating if we want to get technical. Rollerblading, but focusing on tricks, gaps, grinds, airs, etc.
So, I own a pair of old school aggressive skates called Roces 62 Impalas.
![[Image: 191542894_19050634a481e76628a59861e13a4c...77a9c9.jpg]](http://cdn.sulitstatic.com/images/2011/1126/191542894_19050634a481e76628a59861e13a4c910b34842de077a9c9.jpg)
(Not my picture)
Anyways, they are a very old skate, mid to late 90s was their production period. Modern aggressive skates are very rarely released with four wheels per skate anymore, but it was very common at the time.
However, they were still a weird wheel setup for their time. As far as my knowledge is, they are the ONLY aggressive skate ever released with Vert skating (skating in large halfpipes) in mind. So, the two middle wheels actually sit lower than the two outer wheels in what is now called a "rockered" setup. All four wheels are the same size (62 MM, hence the name '62 Impala), but the skate's frame is shaped in a slight curve to achieve the affect. This was made to make transitions up the ramp smoother, increased speed on ramps due to less friction and greater manuveribilty, resulting in better landings.
And it worked amazingly well. The Roces team would dominate Vert skating for the next few years with the design. However, no company would ever again release a skate with the curved bottom frame. Other Vert skaters would simply put smaller wheels on the outside to get the same effect. The Roces '62 Impala is truly one of the most unique aggressive skates ever.
So, I own a pair of old school aggressive skates called Roces 62 Impalas.
(Not my picture)
Anyways, they are a very old skate, mid to late 90s was their production period. Modern aggressive skates are very rarely released with four wheels per skate anymore, but it was very common at the time.
However, they were still a weird wheel setup for their time. As far as my knowledge is, they are the ONLY aggressive skate ever released with Vert skating (skating in large halfpipes) in mind. So, the two middle wheels actually sit lower than the two outer wheels in what is now called a "rockered" setup. All four wheels are the same size (62 MM, hence the name '62 Impala), but the skate's frame is shaped in a slight curve to achieve the affect. This was made to make transitions up the ramp smoother, increased speed on ramps due to less friction and greater manuveribilty, resulting in better landings.
And it worked amazingly well. The Roces team would dominate Vert skating for the next few years with the design. However, no company would ever again release a skate with the curved bottom frame. Other Vert skaters would simply put smaller wheels on the outside to get the same effect. The Roces '62 Impala is truly one of the most unique aggressive skates ever.