The FR Skates brand is constantly tweaking their product line-up. Changes are introduced with each consecutive season and even though they are rarely a revolution, the end result are more polished, fine-tuned and improved products. This allows for a long lifespan of these skates, too, as they stay relevant over the years. The most popular skate of the brand – FR1 – is being made for over 15 years now!
If we’ll compare the very first FR1 version, released by Universkate back in 2006, to recent editions, it will quickly be obvious how much has been changed sice. Still, at the very core, these are the same skates and affinity is clearly visible.
Year 2022 brings yet another change to FR1's iconic design.
Yes, just one – new 45 degree strap buckle.
The new part comes with a wider and thicker strap as well as more robust lever, stylised after FR Skates logo. As far as ratchet straps go, these are one of the most solid ones on the market. They also can be bought separately and come in new FR custom kits, so you can upgrade you previous versions of FR models with this improved part. You can find them here.
Below you can see new parts in detail.
Existence of new buckles doesn’t mean that previous ones were considered bad. It is more a matter of following trend which is becoming widespread among many companies, not only in skating industry. Avoiding openly available, generic parts and going for custom made ones is one of ways by which premium brands (or ones with aspirations to become those) are building their visual identity.
Are unique buckles absolutely necessary to brands like FR Skates, Rollerblade or Them Skates? Truth to be told, no. Still, they make their skates more distinctive and give impression of a more fine-tuned product. This scores some points from the marketing perspective.
Another change brought by new season is, of course (and unfortunately), the price increase. It is nothing new in this industry. Season to season price hikes are quite common and considering that FR has not been increasing their prices for a second year in a row, it was to be expected.
But this time it is especially pronounced, because of exchange rates going wild as well as disrupted production and logistic chains. At the time of publication of this text, there are still some 2021 pairs available in selected sizes, at the lower price, so be sure to grab them quickly (look here) if you are after a pair of FR1 skates before it is too late. The older style buckle isn’t a deal-breaker. On the other hand – considering the price hike in 2022 version, at least we are getting something in return with introduction of improved part.
