Inline Skate Frames 101

A skate frame, commonly referred to as a chassis, is what allows your wheels to attach to the boot of your skate. The primary responsibility of the skate frame is to transfer the energy from your foot inside of the boot to the wheels attached to the frame. To help illustrate this, we have provided a diagram of an inline skate and the parts we have described:

Skate frames are often made from a series of different materials, such as: plastic, metal, and carbon. The material that a skate frame is made out of is dependent on several things, including the skates purpose, target skater, and overall cost. Better skates will use a stiffer frame which will require the use of a stiffer material. This will result is a skate frame that transfers energy more directly, equating to higher speeds and better efficiency.

Additionally, metal or carbon frames are more durable and subsequently have greater longevity than plastic frames. As you may already have determined, skates with such frames tend to be higher in price than plastic frame skates, but the durability and longevity more than make up for it.

Skate Frames: Composition

When purchasing inline skates, the wheels, frame, bearings, and all other aspects are sold as a package. If you want any of these items to be different than what is in the box, you will have to purchase them separately and replace them. However if you have done your homework, you won’t have to spend the extra money to do that, and you can get a skate that offers all (or mostly all) of the features you desire.

One of the areas where having a solid understanding of what you desire is most important is the skate frame. Not all frames are the same, so knowing the differences will save you from confusion and frustration, as well as make your skating experience more enjoyable. Typically, the better the skate you purchase, the better the frame the skate is likely to have.

So what is meant by better skate and better frame? Well, we won’t beat around the bush, better skates are typically associated with higher prices, but they also equate to more efficient skates and better overall skating experiences. The prices are not outrageous, but we figured you would appreciate us more if we told you the truth.

When it comes to what constitutes a better frame, you will be looking for three things: weight, stiffness, and durability. Each of these characteristics is largely attributed to the type of material the frame is made of. Skate frames are typically constructed from plastic, aluminum, or carbon.

Plastic frames are usually found on beginner level inline skates because they are less expensive to make, resulting in a lower priced skate. When compared to aluminum or carbon frames, plastic frames are the least durable and least stiff of the three materials. They also tend to be heavier, which increases the overall weight of the skate.

Aluminum frames, when compared to plastic frames, are lighter in weight and greater in stiffness. They do not torque under stress as plastic frames do, making them more efficient and also more durable. Aluminum frames are most commonly found on intermediate level inline skates, priced at levels slightly higher than those at the entry level.

Carbon was introduced to inline skate frames as a way to further reinforce aluminum frames, reduce weight, and increase durability for advanced level skaters. Adding carbon to aluminum increases the stiffness of the aluminum, making it more durable. Additionally, the weight of the frame is reduced because the carbon is lighter than the aluminum it is replacing. While the price of skates that have carbon frames is higher, the efficiency, longevity, and durability of the skate will more than make up for the little bit of extra money you spend.

While every skater is going to have his or her own individual preference when it comes to a skate frame, the bottom line is that the frame should be lightweight, durable, and stiff. A lighter frame equates to a lighter overall skate, which offers many benefits. Lighter skates help reduce fatigue and allow you to skate longer, allow you to skate faster if you desire to, and they are more comfortable on your feet. As discussed above, lighter frames are usually made from high-grade aluminum or a carbon aluminum mix. Often you will see frames that are composed of such material have sections cutout to further reduce the weight. Here is a photo that illustrates a frame with cutouts:

Frame stiffness is also an important aspect of your skate frame because it creates a more direct transfer of energy. When skating, you thrust your legs outward, creating energy to make your skates go. The energy from your legs travels through the boot of your skate, down to the frame, and ultimately to your wheels and the ground.

Throughout each step of the energy transfer process, the initial energy that is created by your legs is reduced by the flex of the skate materials. The flex allows energy to escape before it gets to the wheels and ultimately the ground. A stiffer frame has less flex and movement, reducing the amount of energy that is lost when energy is transferred to the wheels. The result is a more efficient skating experience, allowing you skate farther and faster more easily.

Finally, durability is also a key trait you will desire. In large part the durability of your frame is essential because it is often difficult to find a replacement if it breaks. While some frames are replaceable, it is more common that once your frames are ruined, your skates are ruined too. Additionally, as the frame begins to experience wear-and-tear, it may loosen. This will cause your skating experience to become rougher.

Skate Frames: Size and Adjustability

Just like a skate is offered in different sizes to account for variances in foot sizes of numerous skaters, skate frames are designed to match the boot and wheels of different skate sizes too. If you are replacing your frame, which is rather uncommon, the new frame will need to fit both your wheels and your boot. If it doesn’t, your skates will not be functional with the new frame.

If you desire to replace your frame, you will want to check for a few items before purchasing a replacement. First, you will want to know if your frame is even replaceable. Not all frames are replaceable, so you will want to check before you make a purchase. If your frame is replaceable, you will want to determine how it is attached so you can purchase a frame with the same attachment. Many are attached with a simple Allen Wrench such as the frame pictured below:

Your frame may attach differently, which is why it is important to check before making any determination on a new frame.

Frame size is also important when it comes to replacing your wheels. Most wheel replacement consists of swapping out identical sized wheels. However, if you are looking to replace your wheels with a larger size wheel, you will need to know if your frame allows for such a change. If it does not, your wheels will rub together or not fit at all.

Skate Frames: What Type?

When it comes down to it, the type of frame that is on a skate is going to be dependent on the rider level, the skate use, and also the price. Recreational skates will offer plastic frames on less expensive, beginner level skates, but also offer aluminum frames on slightly higher priced, intermediate level skates.

Fitness and speed skates are designed for experienced skaters who seek lighter, more efficient skates for long skating adventures. Therefore, fitness and speed skates will have aluminum or carbon reinforced frames. Keep in mind that these will run you a few more dollars, but the longevity and durability are far greater.

Hockey skates, while not discussed in much detail here, utilize aluminum frames because they are lightweight and durable. Many hockey skate frames follow a design known as a Hi-Lo. Hi-Lo frames are designed to keep the skater leaning forward, putting them in a more agile position that is beneficial for hockey players. The forward lean position is achieved in the frame setup which requires two larger diameter wheels in the back, with two smaller diameter wheels in the front.

Aggressive skates, while also not discussed in detail here, primarily use plastic frames. This may appear to be strange considering the amount of damage they take, but plastic frames are the ideal frame material because of the activities they are used for. Aggressive skaters perform a multitude of grinds that require sliding on metal. The plastic frame is best for this and creates much less resistance than metal frames. Plus the skater doesn’t have to worry about sparking a fire from the metal-to-metal contact. Aggressive skate frames also add the additional element of a grind plate, which is centered in the middle of the wheel base.

Tags: chassis, frame, skate frames, skates, skating