Today, we're diving into the thrilling world of aggressive skating with a spotlight on one of the most iconic brands in the industry — Razors! Well, there's a good reason behind this, and we're about to explore it all. Once upon a time, at the beginning of the decade, Razors dominated the aggressive skate market with a fierceness that could not be denied. Back then, they were the indisputable leaders among manufacturers of aggressive skates, attracting the crème de la crème of progressive skaters from all corners of the globe. Names like Brian Shima, Jon Elliot, and the legendary NYC crew were associated with Razors, making these skates the hottest commodity on the block.
So, what made Razors stand out from the competition? Let's break it down. First and foremost, their modular construction was a game-changer. Skaters loved the ability to customize their setup, tailoring it to their specific preferences and needs. The spacy shell with thick liners ensured comfort during long sessions, allowing skaters to push their limits without feeling constrained.
But the true magic of Razors lay in their flexibility and reliability. These skates were built to withstand the toughest tricks, the gnarliest grinds, and the most daring jumps. Everyone wanted a piece of the Razors action, and for good reason — they truly were the universal skates for all.
Jump to the present, and Razors continues to thrive. The brand has now diversified its offerings with five distinct aggressive skate models, each tailored to a unique segment of the skating world. Curious about which Razors model will suit you best? Dive into our latest blog post, “The Ultimate Guide to Razors Skates”, where we delve deeper into each Razors aggressive skate variant. If you're uncertain about the right Razors fit for you, continue reading!
Shared Attributes
Let's kick off this comparison by highlighting several features that every Razors model boasts, providing a snapshot of why these skates are universally adored.
- Razors skates come equipped with a roomy shell and plush liners filled with dense padding. This design ensures a comfortable and adaptable fit, accommodating nearly all foot shapes without a hitch.
- One standout quality of Razors skates is their impressive modularity. Essential components, from the soulplate and soulframe to the backslide plate and cuffs, can be effortlessly swapped out and are available in a spectrum of colors. Given the ease of parts replacement, giving your skates a makeover is a breeze.
- With a somewhat flexible shell that boasts a notably low center of gravity, Razors skates rank high in the community for trick performance ease. The well-crafted combination of the skates' shells and cuffs lends robust ankle support. Still, their inherent flexibility also proves advantageous for specific maneuvers, such as topside tricks.
- Razors skates come in two primary configurations: with the standard Razors liners (a more budget-friendly option) or the upgraded Reign liners (found in pro models). While the basic Razors liners may lack fancy features like extra lacing or heat-molding capabilities, they effectively fill the spacious shell. On the other hand, if you're willing to invest a bit more, the version with Reign liners offers a top-tier experience. Comparable to the well-regarded Intuition liners in the market, these feature a stretchy neoprene toe box and a somewhat tighter build. Yet, they preserve the plush padding around the cuff area, a characteristic cherished by long time enthusiasts.
Razors Cult
Kicking off our analysis is the Razors Cult, the brand's pioneering model from the 90s, once known as the Cream. Once the foundation for all Razors pro models, it now serves as the brand's introduction offering, delivering exceptional bang for your buck. Interestingly, the Razors Cult's shell isn't unique to the brand; its "open mold" design is also leveraged by other brands, like Impala Skates.
- Design Nuances - A closer look reveals its shape as a nuanced version of the Roces M12 shell, with a notable expansion in the toe area for added fit convenience.
- Cost-Effective - The basic, full-feature models are priced between 200 – 250 EUR, making them a perfect choice for novices. With a modest investment, you receive gear that, as many attest, simplifies mastering initial grinding techniques.
- Extensive backslide plate - This design element in the Razors Cult aids in customizing the 'groove' placement for individual users, proving particularly beneficial for novices. It offers a larger margin of safety, ensuring the central portion of the backslide plate consistently makes contact with the rail.
- Generously sized soulplate - This is the primary component of the skate designed for grinding. A much-loved feature of the soulplate on the Cult is that it has special notches/holes along its length. By minimizing friction and enhancing slide - especially when augmented with wax - it's a feature that resonates well with enthusiasts.
Razors Genesys
The Genesys model was the first Razors skate created by the company completely from scratch, designed with guidance from Brian Shima himself. In an effort to offer an even more versatile fit, the shell was significantly widened along the entire length, which, combined with the "old-school" Reign liners of considerable thickness, produced a great result. A noteworthy tidbit: the debut version of the Razors Genesys was championed as the pro model of esteemed NYC skater, Mike "Murda" Johnson.
- Expansive Genesys skate shell: Setting the Genesys apart is its distinction as one of the most spacious aggressive skate shells available, making it a potential go-to for those with bigger feet.
- Distinct Lacing Design: Boasting two rows of eyelets on the shell, the Genesys skates mirror the aesthetics of mainstream athletic footwear, eliminating the need for an added 45-degree strap.
- Refined backslide plate: In contrast to the Razors Cult, the Genesys offers a fresh take on the backslide plate. It features a more pronounced groove, potentially simplifying tricks like the Royale or Farv.
- Flat Boot Base: This design includes the opportunity to add a substantial anti-shock pad beneath the heel – a boon for skaters seeking extra cushioning during high-impact landings.
Razors SL
SL stands for "Super Light", epitomizing its designation as Razors' featherweight contender. Crafted in collaboration with the Razors team, the SL boasts a novel shell design, where its hallmark is its strikingly reduced weight.
- Unique Shell Bottom: The SL deviates from traditional design by forgoing a standard soulplate on the skate's bottom. Instead, it employs an exchangeable soulframe which anchors broad sliders.
- Unparalleled Grind Control: This avant-garde union of sliders and soulframe doesn't just cut weight, it also aligns your foot closely to the surface being grinded, granting unmatched control over maneuvers. This tactile experience is rivaled only by the USD Aeon skates, marking it as a standout feature for prospective buyers.
- Balanced Fit: Positioned between the Cult and Genesys in terms of fit, the SL's shell proffers more toe space than the Razors Cult while not being as expansively wide as the Razors Genesys.
- A Grinder's Dream: Designed with grinds in mind, the Razors SL boasts a robust soulplate, both on the soul and negative side. Securely anchored with multiple screws, it ensures optimal energy transfer during extended grinds.
- Enhanced Trick Performance: The deeply embedded frame within the soulframe facilitates intricate tricks, making the SL an ideal pick for veterans revisiting aggressive skating after a hiatus. The minimal angle needed for executing a solid catch-up royal trick on the SL has led to its affectionate moniker: "Dad Skates". This is because, even for those less practiced, the SL makes certain tricks feel effortlessly achievable.
Razors Shift
The Shift skates reign supreme as Razors' marquee model. They stand as a testament to a blend of tried-and-true designs merged with groundbreaking features, most notably, the IFC (Instant Frame Change) system.
- IFC System: The unique IFC mechanism empowers skaters to rapidly modify their setup. By merely pressing two buttons on the soulplate's base, users can detach the frame and wheels in a flash, eliminating the need to fuss with UFS screws. A game-changer for skate aficionados!
- Streamlined Shell Design: The toe area of the Razors Shift shell is meticulously contoured and trimmed down. This design choice makes it the sleekest shell in the Razors lineup. The goal? Enhanced skate responsiveness and a snug fit for those with narrower feet.
- Expansive soulplate: Standing out in the Razors collection, the Shift offers the most expansive grinding surface. It simplifies soul tricks, whether you're working on rails or curbs.
- Defined Royal Groove: Acclaim surrounds the distinct backslide plate on the Shift. Renowned for its ready-to-use design, it ensures a skater can hit a trick smoothly right off the bat, sans any 'break-in' time.
- V-cut Cuffs: Exclusively, the Shift skates incorporate specially lowered cuffs with a pronounced rear cut-out, enhancing forward flexibility.
- Varied Size Options: Catering to a broader audience, the Shift range includes sizes suited for kids (EU 37 - EU 38) and a dedicated lineup for women (Razors Loca EU 37 - EU 42).
Razors Genesys Junior
Razors introduces the Genesys Junior, a distinctive skate specially crafted for young aggressive inline enthusiasts. Available in sizes EU 36-39, these junior aggressive skates meld a trendy aesthetic with ingenious engineering. For a combination of flair, adaptability, and size adjustability tailored for young skaters, the Genesys Junior stands unparalleled.
- Size Adaptability: This feature permits the shell to accommodate four size variations: EU 36-37-38-39. In its full extension, the insole measures around 23 cm, assuring an optimal fit for budding skaters. To alter the size, simply engage the provided allen wrench, loosen the twin UFS screws binding the frame and the skate shell, and modify the shell's length as required. A handy size marker on the soul plate ensures accurate size selection. After adjusting, just secure the UFS screws and they're skate-ready.
- Scaled-down Classic: The Genesys Junior is essentially a miniaturized rendition of the iconic Razors Genesys skate, preserving all its hallmark traits. It’s a delight for young skaters to sport a pair mirroring the gear of seasoned skaters they admire.
In summary, Razors stands as a beacon of excellence and forward-thinking in the aggressive inline skate landscape, offering a diverse array of models, each with its unique features and benefits. While each variant brings its distinct advantages, a consistent thread runs through the Razors lineage: their unwavering reliability and adaptability. This consistency ensures that finding a Razors skate to match your specific needs and style becomes a seamless task.
To further simplify your selection, we've designed a visual comparison chart. This table distinctly highlights the key differences between the varied Razors models.
