Which is preferable: inline skates with three wheels or four wheels?

Difference between 3-wheel and 4-wheel inline skates. Main advantages and history.

Why do we need roller skates with three wheels? How do they differ from four-wheel ones, what advantages do they have, and is it worth buying them?

Let’s explore in this article!

How did three-wheel skates come about?

In the past few years, roller skates with 3 wheels have been causing a sensation.

It all started in 2015 when Powerslide (a German manufacturer of high-quality roller skates) introduced the first three-wheel model, suitable for speed skating, freeskating, or simply moving around the city with special comfort.

The manufacturer simply removed one wheel and increased the diameter of the remaining ones to 125 mm!

This is roughly twice the size of wheels in a classic children’s model.

Impressive, isn’t it? To this day, it’s the largest wheel diameter for roller skates.

Right after the release of this model, a real boom began in the modern history of roller sports.

• Everyone was and still is eager to buy skates of this model.
• Every third person was creating reviews on YouTube.
• The International Speed Skating Federation even allowed participation in marathons on wheels with a diameter of 125 mm (previously, skates with wheels up to 110 mm were allowed).

By the way, the winner of the first marathon under these “new rules” was an athlete on 125 mm wheels from Powerslide. Naturally, other manufacturers also started producing similar models.

Roller skates SWELL

Today, there is a vast array of innovative models, many of which come from the same folks at Powerslide.

They have developed a whole series of high-speed and comfortable SWELL roller skates for fitness, considered one of the best on the market:

• Excellent comfort
• High speed
• The ability to mold the boot individually to the foot in a special oven
• The most stylish color solutions

Advantages of Three-Wheel Roller Skates

Let’s delve into the main differences and benefits:

1. Speed: This point is indisputable. With just one glide, you can easily surpass a four-wheel skater struggling to maintain their speed.
2. Maneuverability: The center of gravity is located on the middle wheel, meaning the skates sense the slightest movement. This is highly beneficial for slalom maneuvers around cones and for improving the “double push” technique.
3. Trinity System: In all three-wheel innovations from Powerslide, the Trinity three-point system is installed—a frame with not 2 but 3 mountings strategically placed in areas of increased sensitivity to the foot, maximizing control.
4. Low Center of Gravity: With the new frame and boot design, the wheels are brought as close as possible to the boot and each other. As a result, on 125mm wheels, you feel like you’re on 110mm.
5. Cost Savings on Parts: Fewer wheels mean fewer bearings and wheels to replace in the future, partly due to higher quality and resistance to wear.
6. Perspective: Powerslide is so deeply engaged in this theme that they continuously advance not only the brand but also consistently enhance models from season to season. Almost every month, new three-wheel releases hit the market in various colors with new accessories, including frames, bags, and wheels.

Advantages of Four-Wheel Roller Skates

So, what makes the good old four-wheel skates still a solid choice?

1. Control: The center of gravity is between the second and third wheels, meaning the foot won’t react as strongly to slight movements. This is a significant advantage, especially when choosing skates for children or beginners, rather than professionals.
2. Slides: Four wheels also work well for slides, especially since before 2015, this type of skate was the only option for slalom.
3. Comfort: Four-wheel roller skates better absorb vibrations when skating on uneven surfaces, enhancing overall comfort.
4. Cost: Four-wheel models are generally more affordable, but with each season, they gradually concede in terms of technology and innovative features to their three-wheel counterparts.

Is it worth buying roller skates with 3 wheels? There is no definitive answer to this question.

Four wheels represent a classic that has gathered millions of devoted fans worldwide, with a history spanning several decades!

At the same time, 3 wheels today are not just a novelty but a trend, a technology, and the future favored by an increasing number of recreational and professional skaters.

We undoubtedly recommend embracing technology and progress, trying out and discovering new horizons and sensations in the world of roller skating.