Powerslide Hardcore EVO PRO 90 - Black/Red CP Inline Skates

Hardcore Evo is a line of skates that can be compared to premium sports cars line – in which every next model is a further step forward in terms of quality comfort and feeling of the ride, but never loses focus and character of its predecessors. The 2021 edition of the skate is no exception - Powerslide have introduced some tweaks to the winning formula, giving the skate a bit of additional polish for even more appealing package.

The story of Hardcore Evo has begun in 2009 when the very first version has reached shops worldwide. In their day, these were nothing but a revolutionary skate – even though Powerslide tinkered with integrated padding concept in skates dedicated for freestyle before (S3 Skali for example), the HC Evo were the very first to use carbon fibre, heat-mouldable shell. This idea was so good that competition soon followed and started to make similar skates. In the meantime, Powerslide doubled on the work and started to polish their flagship skate to perfection, introducing major changes almost every single year, bringing the Hardcore Evo closer to perfection.

Ten years passed and Hardcore Evo Trinity hit the market. 2018 model was the first that received an upgrade to Trinity mounting. Now three points connect the frame to the boot, instead of usual two. Because front screw in line with wheels was replaced with two screws place on the sides, the centre of gravity could be lowered, which results in easier control over skates. Two mounting points at the front create a solid platform to stand on, enhancing stability and responsiveness. Increased precision is something that will be welcomed by newcomers and experienced skaters alike. Trinity mounting is patented Powerslide invention - you won't get the same technology in skates of any other brand. Of course, the boot is compatible with all frames using this mounting standard.

If we were to pick the most sophisticated and technologically advanced boots among Powerslide skates, Hardcore Evo Trinity would place on the podium right next to specialised speedskating models. The skates are fully heatmouldable – not only the shells, but also padding. Thanks to it, you can achieve perfect fit, comfort and control without extended break-in period and eliminate pressure points. Even the boot tongue is special – it has been made with cuts that allow it to adjust to your anatomy better and in turn, securing your heel in place as best as possible. The heel position is raised to a level that makes tricks performed in sitting and low stance easier.

The skin is rigid and equipped with lacing system, wrapping around your foot tightly. New 2021 edition comes with additional pair of eyelets near 45 degree buckle - it's to allow people with low instep (or those who simply like it) lacing the skate even tighter for better heel lock. The cuff is equipped with new, stronger buckle with more rigid strap.

Hardcore Evo are first and foremost freestyle slalom skates – but designers have not forgotten slide and freeride enthusiasts, including replaceable sliders on the sides as well as additional toe area protection. In fact, the boot is so robust, it is a common choice even among downhill skaters.

The second major change in HC Evo Trinity, compared to older models, was a switch to triskate frame with 90mm wheels. Gone is four-wheeled “banana” rocker frame – it was replaced by lighter, faster and more manoeuvrable setup. The frame comes with rockering system – you can change a position of two wheels in frame to have front wheel 2mm above the ground, increasing agility even further. Moreover, the frame length is tweaked to your boot size – there are four different lengths, making sure that whole setup is adjusted to user's anatomy. The frame is upgraded edition of previous Nexus model - giving excellent precision and rigidity.

Here's how frame length split is in relatio to the boot size:

• EU36-37 = 205mm frame / 3x84mm wheels
• EU38-39 = 215mm frame / 3x90mm wheels
• EU40-41 = 225mm frame / 3x90mm wheels
• EU42-46 = 235mm frame / 3x90mm wheels

The previous editions of HC Evo Trinity came with Spinner wheels, and the same is true for the newest skate. Spinners are a mid-tier of freeskating wheels. They aren't the best of what brand does have to offer, but are still respectable choice with great price to quality ratio. If we would be picky, we would say that this is the obvious compromise to lower the price. But hey - it's the only one we can think of and there wheels are actually worth giving them a go! Package is complete with Wicked ABEC9 bearings, giving these nice wheels a smooth roll.

If you are looking for a pair of freestyle skates that are far ahead of competition in terms of technology and quality – the choice is easy. It’s impossible to talk about Hardcore Evo Trinity without sounding overly optimistic, but Powerslide have earned it – they created these skates without any compromises, delivering precise tools made with one goal in mind: breaking skater’s barriers and winning.