Rollerblade Spark 80 - Black/Saffron Yellow Inline Skates

Rollerblade Spark is one of the longest made models in the brand’s catalogue – they are on the market for well over 10 years. Thousands of skaters have picked up these as their first skates over the years. They have always been held as industry standard when it comes to rec and light fitness skating. Even though a lot has been changed in their design over the years, Spark remain a great choice for such skating.

It is worth to note that Zetrablade models overtook the role of basic skate in Rollerblade’s catalogue. Where Sparks do fit in, then?

It’s easiest to describe them as an alternative to Macroblade models. Their outer shell is similar (although the cuff is a little more closed at the back), the materials are of the same high quality, just as one would expect in Rollerblade product, the frames are the same as in Macroblade 80 and even wheels are the same specs. Two boots fit differently, however, so it is more likely that you’ll find a right model for yourself! If Macroblades won’t be good for you, there’s a chance that Sparks will be perfect and vice versa.

Just like Macroblade counterparts, Spark are typical softboots – meaning that they have a relatively soft, breathable and lightweight boot placed on stable composite base with rigid external cuff, giving the ankle a good level of support. The cuff is rigid and high enough to prevent pronation and supination. It is open at the front, allowing you to get lower on your knees while skating. A strong, plastic buckle on top provides a secure closure.

The soft part of the boot is modelled after high quality training sneakers not only when it comes to looks, but also in terms of fit and materials. The outer mesh fabric does excellent job at letting air in and moisture out. Beneath outer layer you’ll find a comfortable, anatomically shaped Performance padding. Furthermore, inner lining material is abrasion-resistant to last longer. A fast lacing system allows you to easily tighten the boot. Final touch is the Velcro strap to lock you heel in place.

Spark skates come with stiff, two piece fitness frame riveted to the boot. It is made out of thick aluminium sheet and embossed to give it shape which benefits rigidity. The axles are two-piece, but because of clever design with one of the parts locking in the frame, you need only single allen key to tighten them. Comes in handy when time comes for wheel rotation!

Sparks come with two different frame lengths depending on the boot size. Skates up to EU44 size have 265 mm long frame, whereas bigger come with 280 mm one. Thanks to it, even users who wear big sizes have the same level of stability and solid base for push. Both frame lengths are making it easy to go fast.

Even though the maximum wheel size for this frame is 84 mm, the skates come stock with 80 mm ones. This is because this model is made for less experienced skaters, who can learn proper technique on smaller wheels. The option to upgrade later remains open. The 82A hardness is a good middle point between comfortable roll and speed. The SG5 bearings are a decent choice for rec and fitness skating.

The skates come with a brake attached on a right boot. The shorter axle comes in the box if you want to take the brake off.

Spark 80 come highly recommended to people who want a solid gear to start skating on, but are also suitable for more advanced rec and fitness skaters.