FR line of skates is constantly growing – see for yourself and read our article about new collection for season 2023.
It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that best-selling FR Skates model is FRX – this season also available in a “killer” white colourway.
What stands behind FRX success? Answer is simple – they are a great value skates, coupling attractive price with superb design and quality. Furthermore, when you hold them in your hands, you truly feel like they are a premium product! It’s a neat package which costs less than many basic skates made by other brands.
Of course, prices are racing up and all manufacturers are affected – including FR Skates. Thus, the company has launched a “countermeasure” in form of a new model, released year ago. There wasn’t much marketing buzz around it, though.
Skates are called FRXP and are selling very well in our shops. It’s not surprising, considering that French company has carefully designed them to hit a more affordable price-point without negatively impacting overall quality.
At a first glance, they are a simplified version of FRX. But there’s more to them than that and we’ll cover the differences in this article.
Frame – the biggest and most important difference between FRX and FRXP.
FRX skates come with X2R frames, which are used in many FR Skates and Seba models. They allow for a rockering of outer axles by 2 mm, so skates are ready for freestyle slalom after only a bit of tweaking. It is a proven, durable frame.
FRXP are equipped with X-Series frames. It is an older model, which has been used in FRX skates years ago, back when they were made under Seba label. X-Series is rigid and lightweight thanks to extrusion manufacturing process. As a result, skates are responsive and allow you to go fast.
In contrast to X2R, X-Series doesn’t provide you with a rockering option. It is a purebreed, freeskating "flat" frame.
Thus, if you want to start your journey with freestyle slalom with FRXP, you need to do it old fashioned way and wear down your wheels to a “banana” rocker by skating. You can also buy 4 additional, 76 mm wheels (preferably Street Kings to have consistent urethane specs) but in this case, it makes more sense to go for regular FRX.
Freestyle slalom is a special case scenario, though. Huge majority of skaters who choose any of the FR hardboot models are doing so to have a solid pair of skates to start on (and that will last them years), or to practice freeskating.
X-Series is a right tool for this job. Frame comes with strong, two piece axles and even have one structural bridge between walls. This frame wouldn't be out of place even in more expensive skates!
To sum it up – if you are looking for a pair of skates equipped with a frame which will allow you to commute, freeride, slide, jump, ride down stairs or even learning basics of skatepark skating, FRXP are coming with one. It is a good quality part, to put it simply
Liner – very slight differences.
Both skates come with very similar liners, however there are subtle differences. The most obvious one are skate carrying loops – smaller in FRXP, bigger in FRX.
Judging from our experience and customer’s feedback, FRXP liner have a bit more space around the ankle and heel area, accommodating slightly wider feet. This offers a choice – go for FRXP if you want more room, FRX if you need a tighter fit. W cannot say that one option is better than another, it all depends on your anatomy.
Both liners are comfortable and if skates fit your feet correctly, you’ll be able to have them on your feet for hours.
Lower closure – a nice surprise!
FRX come with a very wide, strong Velcro strap doing a great job at locking your heel in place. It reduces price and as a bonus, skate’s weight.
Considering that FRXP are more affordable skates, one would expect this part to remain unchanged – or maybe being downgraded to narrower, previous version of FR Velcro used in skates few years back.
Wrong. What you get in FRXP is a buckle. Truth to be told, this is not the same model as found in higher end FR skates, but more basic one, also used in skates of other brands from time to time.
This doesn’t make any difference when it comes to function of locking your heel in place, though. Furthermore, FR have modified the part a bit, giving it an additional protective strap on the inner side of the skate.
Long story short – the lower closure works well, just as you expect it to be. It will give you a good level of control over skates.
Riveted cuffs.
Cuff is mounted using rivets, which is a trade-off to lower the overall price of the skates.
Rivets make it significantly hard to switch cuffs (in reality, forget it without proper know-how and a good toolset) and we all know how many people love to outfit their skates with custom kits. Of course sliders, buckles and laces can be replaced.
There’s an upside here, though – there are four less screws to worry about. Whoever lost a cuff bolt during skating, knows the pain of having to get home with one cuff loose.
Wheels and bearings in FRXP skates.
FRXP comes with the same Street Kings wheels as regular FRX. Those used in FRXP lack graphics and it’s the only difference.
Street Kings are very fan favorites thanks to well balanced price to quality ratio – FR managed to pack in a lot of value into affordable wheel model. A great option to start skating with.
Regular FRX have Twincam MW7 Freeride bearings, whereas FRXP come with more generic ABEC7 ones. There is a difference, of course, but frankly speaking, it is not a deal-breaker and not something you should overthink. Stock bearings will spin and allow you to skate. Furthermore, using lower end ones allows to cut price without compromising overall skate functionality. Remember that bearings need to be replaced sooner or later, no matter how good they are.
This is yet another smart decision when it comes to driving cost of FRX down.
Are FRXP worth the asking price?
Definitely, yes!
FRXP are now the most affordable model of FR line of skates. They are more than “downgraded” FRX, though. FR Skates brand made smart choices when it comes to budget cuts and once again managed to create great freeskates in price range of medium level fitness models.
If you are looking for a pair of freeskates on classic 4x80 mm setup, FRXP are excellent choice and definitely the best one withing their price range (although like always, take fit into account!).
We recommend them to beginners and more experienced skaters alike. Looking for a solid skate at affordable price? Check FRXP. You won’t be disappointed!
