Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25238
WHEELS FOR THE K2 SYNCHRO Like its big brother, the Cadence, the Synchro incorporates "Slip-Fit" " tech- nology, making it the ideal ride for entry-level skaters who are turned off by intricate lacing systems. The Synchro slides on in seconds and stays secure for the entire ride thanks to a one-buckle system on the cuff of the boot. Tongue and collar loops aid in pulling on the skate, making an often awkward situation significantly less so. Add a stable wheelbase and soft manageable wheels and you have a fantastic skate for the impatient beginner looking for a comfortable ride. TESTERS' CONCLUSION: This skate is the perfect mesh of speed and control for beginners. Ease of entry is a major plus for beginner skaters. The one-buckle, no-lace system made entry and exit a breeze. While the skates fit our female tester perfectly, our other tester had a tougher time with his pair. More than a little cramped in the toe area, he was heard to mutter, "Free at last!" when he finally removed his feet from the boots. KIl, WWW.k2sports.com. $129 ACTIVE BEGINNER ICK* ROLLERBLADE PRO-7 Rollerblade 's Pro-7 is another solid skate from the founders of the in-line skating. Very much a middle of the road skate, it didn't dominate anyone particular category, but held its own admirably in the realms of entry, comfort and ride. Not as fast as the Salomons or as manueverable or comfortable as the K2S, this pair is a nice combination of both. The aluminum frame and 78 mm/78a Hyper wheels keep these skates fast and the ratch - eting top buckle makes cranking down the cuff very easy. This skate also incorporates Rollerblade's ABT" Lite braking system, making stopping a little easier once the rider gets the hang of sliding their foot forward rather than forcing their heel downto stop. TESTER'S CONCLUSION: A comfortable boot and stable ride were major plusses for this skate. Our reviewers found them to be as comfortable as running shoes, and very secure with the lacing system. While the fit was quite snug on this pair, putting them on and getting them secure took some fiddling and a lesson in patience. The combination buckle/lace/instep strap system was a little overwhelming at times and required the testers to stop skating more than once to .readjust in order to get a truly secure fit. Rollerblade, www.rollerblade.com. $189 68 SALOMON TR-MAGNESIUM 2 [MAN AND WOMAN ICON HERE] Salomon does not disappoint newbie riders when it comes to overall velocity and was rated the fastest of the three skates by both beginner testers. Add a secure fit in the cuff area and a smooth as glass ride and you have a great skate for new riders looking for that extra edge of aggressiveness in their skates. TESTER'S CONCLUSION: Very easy to put on, and even easier for leaving the other beginners behind, the skate name is great for the entry-level rider looking to get up and go. This pair isn't for the faint of heart though, so if you're not looking for speed then you should look somewhere other than Salomon for your skates. In some cases speed can be a detriment, especially if you're just starting out. If you're new to the sport and not the adventurous type, then these probably aren't the best skates for you. In addition, while both our skaters thought that the boot of the skate fit quite well, our female reviewer suffered shin pain and found blisters when she finished her test ride . Salomon, www.salomon.com. price $250 For wetsuit reviews, log onto blue.com