If you are wondering what the difference is between roller skates (quad) and roller blades (inline skates) skates and which is right for you, this article will help you make a decision.
While many people use the term "roller blade" when they are referring to inline skates, Roller Blade is actually a specific brand of inline skates, so for the purpose of this article and while browsing our website, you will see them called inline skates.
Roller skating and inline skating are two different (albeit similar) activities that involve using wheeled footwear to move on a surface. The main difference between roller skating and roller blading is the configuration of the wheels.
Quad/Roller Skate:
Quad skates, more commonly known as roller skates, simply means that the skate has 4 wheels arranged in a square pattern; 2 wheels in the front and 2 wheels in the back. This configuration offers a stable base and good maneuverability, making roller skates a popular choice for skating recreationally at a park or rink or dance skating. But that doesn't mean they aren't also great for those who want speed. Roller derby is a popular activity performed on roller skates that are designed to go fast. Roller derby skates (or speed skates) have a low-cut boot and hard wheels, making them ideal for turning corners quickly and gaining speed on a hard floor. If you go to a skate park, you may also see roller skaters performing aggressive moves while wearing skates that have high-top boots for ankle support and a sturdy plate and trucks to handle impact with the ground.
Inline:
Inline Skates, which are commonly called roller blades, are popular with those wanting to skate outdoors as well as those wanting speed. They have 4 or more wheels arranged in a single line. This configuration provides a faster and smoother ride, making roller blading a great option for outdoor skating and activities such as freestyle, aggressive or speed skating (such as roller hockey). The wheels on inline skates are typically larger in diameter but narrower in width than roller skating wheels.
In terms of difficulty, it's subjective and depends on personal preference and experience. Some people find roller skating easier because of the wider (more stable) wheelbase. Other's find inline skating (roller blading) easier because of the inline wheel configuration and the ability to easily transfer weight from one foot to the other.
Both skates can be used indoors and outdoors. Inline skates are great for speed, control, and maneuverability on rough or uneven terrain outdoors. Roller skates can offer the same benefits with the proper wheels. We have separate sections on our website for indoor and outdoor roller skates, and the only difference is the wheels. The great thing about roller skates is you can very easily swap your wheels as you transition from indoor to outdoor skating, and vice versa. Outdoor skating requires a softer wheel to absorb the shock and vibrations of rough terrain, while indoor skating requires a harder wheel that has less grip.