Skates for Surly
November 5, 2009
Photo by Lesley Arak
After a successful first season,
Surly needs skates!
Help by making a donation to the Skates for Surly Fund. Ms. Mental will be gathering funds until after her birthday (November 21st).
A few things are timely about this campaign. First, I’ve just finished my first season. I wore used skates through my first two bouts, making sure this is something I want before considering the hundreds of dollars needed for new skates. Now, I know what I want out of my wheels.
Second, since skates are a big investment, I’ve been watching the stores/websites and sales. Bruised Boutique is a genuine ROLLER DERBY SHOP in Nashua, NH. Not only will I be able to support a regional, derby owned shop, but I will be able to take part in the 30% off skates sale going on this Black Friday. So, the $300 skate package I’ve been drooling over will now be closer to $200. Hell yes.
Here’s the order as it stands (basically, the Riedell “She Devil” Package):
- Reidell 126 boot (this link is to the 125 boot, see below for more details on the 126)
- Powerdyne Triton Aluminum Plates
- ABEC-9 Speed Bearings
- Adjustable toe stops
- Radar Tuner Wheels (red grippy or black sticky)
According to Sin City Skates, “These made in the USA boots feature super soft quality leather comfort with the Riedell patented “ever-dri” liner on the inside. They’re based on the 125 design, but altered to better fit female skaters, with a “combo last” – a C width toe and B width heel. They feature Lace-to-toe design for extra comfort on feet of any width, and a reinforced (now longer!) leather / velcro speed strap to allow the closest fit, and a rolled collar around the ankle. They also feature Riedell’s inner counter for extra arch support and heel immobilization, to minimize ankle rolling.”
Any more upgrade to the wheels would consist of going through our league mechanical engineer, Sideswipe/Jacob, who has been known to craft specialized wheels and put them on aluminum hubs instead of nylon. Support your local machinist!
Additional wish list items:
- Customization for white leather tongue on skate for “mary jane” stylization (yay Temple!) – One customization is $60, but for three it’s only $90. The white tongue is the only cosmetic change I would make, but I might add more padding to the tongue for my bony foot or more heel support.
- 187 Pro Knee Pads
- Toe Saver Toe Guard
Photo by Jared Barney
