Roller Derby Elite Alpha 125mm 3-Wheel Inline Skate

These skates are amazing. I've been skating seriously for only a month, and being a size 13 it can be hard to find a skate that is both comfortable and supportive. At first I was terrified of the large wheels, but I quickly realized I felt much more control than I did with my smaller 4 wheel skates. These also gsin acceleration with little energy which means I feel like I'm floating which is making me a better skater what feels like real time. The wheels are also so large that I feel more in control when changing direction or taking steps in general. I also feel very stable on the three wheels, and the lack of a 4th wheel seems to make the wheels role with more cohesion, I've rarely felt like the skates went in a direction I wasn't intending. These skates are great for big and tall men (I'm 6'2, 240). Would definitely recommend not getting these to learn how to skate, but if you have a decent foundation (2-3 weeks of learning to balance and technique), I think these will take you to the next step. I can already tell I'm going to be a much better skater it I continue using these.P.S: here at the rink they turned on a black light, and these wheels were GLOWING green. I didn't know they did this and it blew my mind how cool it looked. This skate is pricy but their versatility as an indoor/outdoor skate/comfort/stylishness/support/speed especially for my big butt is hard to beat!P.s: the issue with the straps is overblown and in my opinion it's user error. The middle strap instantly loosens when you push down the "wings" on the part that looks like a buckle. The other strap loosens when you pull up on the buckle part where you insert the strap.

Great 3 wheel inline skates , my son loves them !

The media could not be loaded. hese skates are built for speed and distance, making them an excellent choice for experienced riders looking for smooth, high-performance inline skating. The three 125mm wheels provide incredible acceleration with minimal effort, gliding over cracks and rough pavement far better than traditional four-wheel setups. The aluminum frame is lightweight yet sturdy, ensuring stability at high speeds, and the Bevo Gold-7 bearings keep the ride smooth. However, these are not beginner skates—there’s no brake, and the tall wheel height requires good balance and control.Comfort is generally good, but the fit may take some getting used to. The hard plastic shell offers strong ankle support, but some users have found it digs into their ankle bones initially. Over time, the thick foam liner molds to your foot for a more comfortable fit, similar to breaking in a quality sports shoe. The buckle system is secure, though some users find the lower strap a bit tricky to release. Once adjusted properly, the skates stay snug and responsive, allowing for precise control and quick maneuverability.For the price, these skates deliver impressive quality and performance. They’re ideal for fitness skaters and speed enthusiasts who want to cover long distances effortlessly. The build is solid, the wheels are durable, and the overall ride quality is excellent. While they may not be the most comfortable out of the box, a little break-in time makes a big difference. If you’re an experienced skater looking for speed and control, these are a great investment, but if you’re a beginner, you may want to start with a more forgiving setup.

Like:Adjustable metal frames - great stability and customizationGreat wheels and bearingsAttractive stylingDislike:Less comfortable than other inline skates I've ownedI purchased a pair of size 12 Roller Derby Alpha 125mm inline skates from Amazon mid September 2019 and have been using them for about 1.5 months, greater than 100 miles. The metal frames are adjustable but I have them in the original factory "dead center" position. There is no brake included with the skates - bitter sweet - for me, I don't use a brake and I'm happy to not have to pay for something I'll never use, for those who want a brake, I don't think a brake is even available for this model. This is my first set of 125mm inline skates but I have been skating recreationally for more than 20 years using various skate brands on 76mm wheels. I have also tried the Powerslide Next 125 Pro skates but ultimately purchased the alphas because of the lower cost and similar frame design.For the money, it's my opinion that the RD Alpha 125mm Elite inlines are the best skate right now for the dollar. They look nice, they roll nice and they're fast. I've noticed about a 20% increase in average speed vs. my 76mm inlines when skating for endurance (uneven terrain, mixed surface - concrete, asphault & brick) when applying similar physical effort. When using the alphas for less than 30 minutes (or less than 5 miles) per run, the boot comfort is adequate.My one and only issue with the alphas is that I would use them more if possible. What I mean by this is that after skating my normal 10+ mile endurance run, my feet are bruised, blistered and in pain from the alphas. Bruises appear on both feet where the tibia meet the talus and blisters appear on both feet about 1 inch lower than the bruises. Manning up by ignoring the bruises, blisters and pain only prolongs the recovery. What I've found is that staying off the alphas for a week usually allows my feet to heal enough to use the alphas again. Understandably, there should be a break in period for any new footwear and I feel like the liners are actually broken in now and are as comfortable as they're going to get.Even if paying the entire $220 MSRP, these skates are an outstanding value - the engineering and build quality are both excellent. For my situation, either my feet are oddly shaped or the original liners aren't really intended for aggressive endurance skating, I was more than happy to purchase the improved Myfit Dual fit Crown liners from Powerslide for $100 to replace the original Rollerderby Alpha 125 Elite liners, in my mind, adding comfort to a very well built skate. I've had absolutely no issues with the ratcheting buckles.Update - photos added. 1) New liners installed and 2) friction spot locations on my right foot after 1 week healing. The new liners were easy to install completely solved my issue.