How to Buy In-Line Skates and Pads as a Gift

In-line skates are a great gift for any active person. Take the right steps to ensure the equipment you buy is right for the recipient.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• In-line Skate Axles
• In-line Skate Spacers
• In-line Skate Wheels
• In-line Skates
• In-line Skating Gear
• In-line Skating Helmets
• In-line Skating Protective Gear Sets
• Wrist Guards

1. Consider the person you are buying the skates for. Does this person already have skates? Is the person active in extreme sports, or will they be a beginner at this type of activity?
2. Go into the person's closet if you can. You will definitely need to find out their shoe size, but while you're there, take a look at their shoes. What kind of sporting shoe does this person wear? The styles of in-line skates are very much like the styles of shoes, so this type of information can be very helpful. If you don't have access to the recipient's closet, you may just have to ask them their shoe size.
3. Go to a major sporting-good store. Make sure the store has a good selection of skates available; if they carry only one or two types go somewhere else. A good selection is essential to making sure you find what you want, even though it will make your task seem more difficult at first.
4. Ask to speak to someone in the store who knows in-line skates. Tell them about the person you're buying the skates for and ask their opinion.
5. Look for something with good ankle support for a new skater. Also a heel brake is a must. Even if you plan to buy a cheaper brand of skates, compare it to the most expensive high-tech skates in the store to get an idea of what the differences are. Many of the features on the more expensive brands are irrelevant for a new skater.
6. Look for specific types of skates for an experienced skater. There are hockey skates, ramp riding skates, speed skates, and street skates. If your skater is really into their sport, you may need to bring one of their buddies along with you to consult. Make sure the skates you buy for your experienced skater have removable heel brakes, as many skilled skaters take the brakes off first thing.
7. Determine whether the person you're buying skates for has pads. If not, you'll need to get them a pair of knee pads and wrist guards. Elbow pads and a helmet are a good idea, too. If your skater is a ramp skater (or exceptionally clumsy), all the pads are a must.
8. Buy knee and elbow pads that have elastic material and straps that wrap all the way around the joint. Some pads have only straps, and these are generally no good. Cheap pads will probably not fit well and thus they will probably not be worn. Good pads will last for years and can be used for other sports. Protect the ones you love by buying them quality protective gear.
9. Realize that pads generally come in Small, Medium, Large and X-Large, so as long as you have a general idea of the the recipient's size, getting the right ones should be no problem.

Tips & Warnings

• In-line skates run anywhere from $30 to $250. A good pair will usually run from $75 to $150.
• Avoid buying generic skates for an experienced skater. If good skates are out of your budget, consider buying new wheels and bearings. Wheels wear out a lot faster than a pair of skates; replacing them can make old skates feel like new.
• Don't be afraid to try on a few pairs of skates to see how they feel, even if you don't skate yourself. Think of it like trying on shoes. See how the padding and ankle support feel. Try some high-end skates and some low-end skates to get a feel for the difference.
• If the store you buy the skates from only has cheap pads, try a skateboard store. Skateboard pads work well for in-line skaters. For the skater who already has pads, you can buy skating gloves or padded shorts.
• For the in-line skater who already has it all, consider a book on in-line skating.
• Keep your receipts and make sure to find out about return and exchange policies.