When it comes to skates for kids, Rollerblade always had one priority in mind: safety. Their adjustable skates are highly valued because of superb quality and always were selling well. However, the company has always put focus on rec and fitness aspects, pretty much ignoring rapidly growing freeskates market. While other brands were releasing new freeskates aimed at younger audience, Rollerblade seemed to be sleeping.
Not any more. Know this: when Rollerblade is going after certain idea, they are firing on all cylinders and results are spectacular.
Meet new Rollerblade Apex skates
We can safely bet that these skates will be a true bestseller this season – and many more to come. Rollerblade stick to their guns and made sure that Apex are fine-tuned for urban skating, just like their grown-up models. Sorry, freestyle slalom fans! The design is a true eye-catcher – if it gives you flashbacks of Twister Edge, this observation is spot on. Italian brand evolved their designs in to futuristic, sharp lines for a lot of skates now and we have to say that we love this style. Apex are without a shadow of doubt, the most attractive skates for children around!
When it comes to quality, it’s similarly top notch here – no corners cut, just as one would expect from a skate with RB logo on it. The polymer used to make the shell is rigid, providing an excellent ankle support and protection of the foot. Furthermore, it just looks superb thanks to semi-matte surface finish. The shell is adjustable in range of four sizes and there are three variants to choose from: EU29-32, EU33-36 and EU37-40.5. Thus, Apex are skates suitable for both younger and older kids. Furthermore, a single pair can last them several years. Inside the shell resides a Premium liner, made out of best materials Rollerblade can offer. Strong buckles of the same type as used in skates for adults work excellent and hold the foot in place firmly. As expected from freeskates, these come with generous shock-absorber. There’s even a replaceable side protector!
The frame is worthy of the boot. Extruded and given final touches via CNC, this piece of aluminium is rigid, durable and responsive. Rollerblade always had attention to detail and it shows – every skate size range comes with different frame length: 207 mm, 219 mm or 231 mm to ensure best balance between agility, ease of control, stability and speed. Of course, longer frames can fit bigger wheels. Thus, the shortest one takes 4x68, the next one 4x72 and longest – 4x76. Smaller wheels mean lower centre of balance, which makes skates easier to handle for younger children. All wheel sizes have 80A hardness – great choice considering kids’ relatively low weight. They roll smoothly and provide high level of comfort thanks to great vibration dampening properties. Wheels have a strong core, so it is safe to jump on them. The SG7 bearings seem like an overkill for skate targeted at younger audience – honestly, SG5 would be adequate too, but hey, we are not complaining. The brake is included in the box, but you have to put it on the skate yourself – these are pure breed freeskates, after all!
New model for season 2022
With a warm response from inline skating community, Apex quickly gained a reputation of being one of the best adjustable freeskates on the market. No surprise that Rollerblade have followed up with a new version of the skate: 3WD model.
This version of the skate comes with triskating setup by default, but thanks to hybrid frames, it can be turned into four wheeled skate with ease. Just like in other versions, the frame length and maximum wheel size is adjusted to boot size. Thus, there are two versions:
-shortest, coming with 3x76 mm wheel setup and allowing for 4x68 mm
-medium, coming with 3x80 mm wheel setup and allowing for 4x72 mm
-longest, coming with 3x84 mm wheel setup and allowing for 4x76 mm
It is worth to note that 3WD version is the only one coming with hybrid frames. If you'll go for regular, 4 wheel model, there won't be a possibility to use triskating setup with it.
A lot of brands tried to achieve what Rollerblade delivered here. Apex are superb, adjustable urban skates that feel like they are shrunk down model for adults. Stylish, well made and top quality – we could praise them all day.
Below are available options:
Rollerblade Apex – Red/Black: four wheeled skate targeted towards boys.
Rollerblade Apex G – Pink/White: version of the above, but with a colourway intended for girls.
Rollerblade Apex 3WD - Black/Lime: three wheeled version of skates.
Truth to be told - for all of them, the skating experience will be on the same, great level. Apex are simply that good - these are leaders of the pack when it comes to freeskates for children.