Threaded Mode | Linear Mode

***Reserector*** · (This post was last modified: 03-03-2010 05:24 PM by Reserector.)

I have known since I bought my Rock Flames that they were cheaply made, but were alot better than rentals. Well, the time has finally come to upgrade. I recently picked up a set of orange Twisters in very slightly used condition, and a new set of ABEC-7 bearings to replace the Speed Freaks with their 688 micro bearings.

I just ordered a set of Sure-Grip XK-4 DA plates in size 5. (6 7/8" wheel base). These should be a great improvement over the flexy plastic plates that came with the Rocks. They will also make me a member of the short plate club. I look forward to the improved performance that should take my skating to the next level.

I will stick with the flame boots, because they fit alright, and they look so stinkin' awesome. Hyper

I will post some pics to go along with this build.

***Reserector*** · (This post was last modified: 03-04-2010 11:46 AM by Reserector.)

The wheels and bearings are here. The wheels don't even look like they have ever been used.

My plates were supposedly shipped from Connie's Skate Place today (Wednesday). I ordered them Sunday night online. Dry

They are coming USPS from (I think) Florida. There is a strong chance that they will arrive by Saturday.
Can you feel the energy? Hyper

***Reserector*** · 03-04-2010, 11:45 AM

Now I am just waiting.... Dry

Connie's Skate Place said they would send me a tracking number, but I have yet to see it. Censored

***Reserector*** · 03-05-2010, 12:03 PM

Well, I got a tracking number. The package has processed through the PO in CALIFORNIA.
I'm not so hopeful for it arriving by Saturday. Confused

This sucks. I want my new toy. Disgust

***Reserector*** · 03-06-2010, 02:36 PM

The new plates came! It turns out that they were drop shipped from Sure-grip. That must be what caused the initial delay. All's well that ends well, because I can build them tonight, after I get done mechanic-ing on the truck and car.
I'll post some pics in a little while.

***Reserector*** · (This post was last modified: 03-06-2010 09:38 PM by Reserector.)

OK, kids! Here they are. First a pic of the plates as they were shipped.
[Image: XK-445DAPlates001.jpg]

The only things not in the first picture are the jump bars. The plating on them was not very aesthletically pleasing, so I went ahead and painted them like my old jump bars, since I still like the look. It is an ornage/yellow fade.

[Image: XK-445DAPlates003.jpg]

It seemed to take forever to get the old plates off and figure out exactly where to position the plates. I would have shifted them forward a hair more, but the bolt holes were at the front edge of the heel, so I was at the limit for this setup.

[Image: XK-445DAPlates005.jpg]

I have not skated these yet, except in the kitchen, but my initial feeling is that they feel tons better than the toy plates.

The new Twisters were a good deal for the money, and a decent inexpensive wheel to get me by for now. My Speed Freaks that came with the skates are very worn. I may try to turn them, but they have the micro bearings, so I would have to make a mandrel just to fit them. Not sure if it is worth the bother.

Anyway, I am excited about trying them out at the rink tomorrow after church. Hyper

balage · 03-07-2010, 10:17 AM

If it's craziness, than the craziness is good.
Clap2

***Reserector*** · (This post was last modified: 03-07-2010 07:52 PM by Reserector.)

Dudes! These DA 45 plates are KILLER! Holy cow! A night and day difference compared to the plastic skateboards that I WAS on.

I have to say that I must have mounted them right, because for the first time ever, I could track straight while gliding on either foot, forward or backward, fully extended (or whatever you call it when you lean forward with your body 90º to your leg, and the other leg lifted, and straight out from your body.)
I always tracked to one edge with the old plates, because apparently, they were not mounted quite right.

The Sure-grip XK-4 DA 45 plates are outstanding. Very turny and stable as well. They stay planted in the turns, and do everything I want them to do with no surprises.

Add me to the "Finally got good skates" list. Smile

While you are at it, add me to the short plate club roster.
The short plates simply felt natural. I don't quite know how to describe it, but there is a solid improvement with the short plates. I, like so many others before me, will never go back.

I still have some skateboards that I use outside just for excercise that I will keep using, but for cutting loose, it is shorties for me from now on.

Thanks again for all the advice from the members at http://skatelog.com

09-28-2010, 02:15 PM

Nice upgrade on the skates, those look way cooler than my skates. I need to do a serious hardware overload like you. I love the flames with the orange wheels. Where does the plate anchor in on the bottom of the skate?