Rollerblade Zetrablade RTL Black/Orange

Retroblade Zetrablade skates are one of the best engineered rec/beginner skates money can buy. Thanks to the same high-grade materials as found in more expensive models of the brand, these skates are outpacing competition and offer superb price to quality ratio package.

The Zetrablade RTL has been created for skate rental services. It differs slightly from regular versions, but not by much.

Zetrablades are typical softboots – meaning that they have a relatively soft, breathable and lightweight boot placed on stable composite base with rigid external cuff, giving the ankle a good level of support. Even though the cuff itself is fairly minimalistic, it is rigid and high enough to prevent pronation and supination. It is open at the front, allowing you to get lower on your knees while skating. A strong, plastic buckle on top provides a secure closure.

The soft part of the boot is highly functional. The outer fabric is strong and further reinforced by welded TPU material. Beneath outer layer you’ll find a comfortable, anatomically shaped Performance padding. Furthermore, inner lining material is abrasion-resistant to last longer. A fast lacing system allows you to easily tighten the boot. Due to nature of rental services and heavy, frequent use by inexperienced skaters, Velcro has been replaced with additional pair of lace loops. They still allow for good heel lock, but obviously, it is not as easy to rip them off - they also won't wear down over time like traditional strap. Light reflective decals keep you safe by making you visible while skating.

Zetrablades have composite frame which is actually a single piece with the rest of the skate outer skeleton. Such concept is sometimes called “unibody”. There are several benefits to this approach: skates are lighter, come with less parts needing attention and have great, direct energy transfer. The frame itself is rigid enough for rec or light fitness skating. Its length gives a solid base for push and much needed stability. Furthermore – the setup height is as low as possible to make skates easy to control.

Maximum wheel size is 80 mm and skate comes with such ones stock. The 4x80 setup is superb to learn how to skate on, and there’s plenty of headroom to go faster once you’ll learn the basics. Wheels have 82A hardness and are intended to give a smooth, comfy roll with moderate speed – if you want to go faster, you can always swap them for harder ones. SG5 bearings are excellent choice for fitness skating.

The skates come with a brake attached on a right boot. The shorter axle comes in the box if you want to take the brake off. It is important to note that unlike one found in regular models, rubber used here does not leave marks on surfaces and is safe to use in indoor rinks.

Zetrablade come highly recommended to those who look for comfortable, well made skates for rec skating and a solid first pair to learn how to skate on.