In our previous blog post, we discussed some tips on choosing skates.  This next post will tackle the question of how to choose a derby wheel and bearings! 
 
​Let’s start with the wheels themselves.  When you go looking for skate wheels, you’ll notice that there are various durometer, diameter, and profile options.  What the heck does that mean?!  At this point, you may decide to throw in the towel, but wait!  With our help, you can decipher this new language.
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Wheel Durometer
“Durometer” usually ranges from 78-103A and refers to how hard or soft the wheel is.  The smaller the number, the softer the wheels.  Your desired durometer will depend on several factors including the skate surface and your weight.  Softer wheels are more grippy:  They’ll give you a lot of control on the track, but you won’t go as fast as you would with harder wheels.  Softer wheels are preferred for outdoor use and to improve control on very slick floors.  Harder wheels are less grippy, but are faster and may make some stops easier (ie: hockeystops).  Another factor to take into account is your weight.  Larger skaters will want to select wheels on the harder side, while lighter skaters will want softer wheels.  Atom Wheels created the matrix below to help in picking a wheel durometer.  As a jammer, my favorite wheel is the Rollerbones Turbo.  It comes in various durometers, but I use the 97A. 

Wheel Diameter
A wheel’s “diameter” refers to its height, and typically ranges from 54-70mm.  Shorter wheels require less effort for acceleration while taller wheels take a bit more but then are easier to keep going.  Wheels larger than 62 mm are better for outdoor use than for roller derby.  Most derby skaters use 59 or 62 mm wheels.   My Rollerbones are a 62 mm wheel. 
 
Wheel Profile
A wheel’s “profile” refers to its width, and typically ranges from 31-44 mm.  Wider wheels are more stable, allowing for better grip.  Since they have a better roll, they are also great for speed.  Narrow wheels are lighter and thinner, allowing more agility.  Newer skaters would benefit from wheels with a 38-44 mm width.  My Rollerbones are 38mm.   Of note, more narrow wheels will typically wear down faster. 
 
Hubs
While we’re at it, might as well hit on “hubs”.  Hubs are the inner part, or “core”, of the wheel.  Hubs made from stiffer materials stay round when you push off therefore keeping you rolling longer but also making “slipping” more likely.  Aluminum is an example of a stiff material.  Nylon hubs are lighter and less stiff than aluminum.  This makes them less likely to slip, but not able to keep rolling as long.  The Rollerbones wheels I keep mentioning have an aluminum hub. 
 
Bearings
Woo hoo, so we have wheels all figured out, right?  Well… not quite…  We also have to talk about bearings.  Bearings go inside your wheels and help them to roll.  Each derby wheel uses 2 bearings (16 total).  Many bearings are classified by their “ABEC” (Annular Bearing Engineers’ Committee) rating, which rates how fast the bearings are.  If you were to hold a bearing, and spin it, bearings with  a higher ABEC rating would spin faster and longer.  You can get bearings that are ABEC-1, 3, 5, 7, or 9.  Bones bearings (Bones Swiss, Bones Reds, Bones, etc) are “skate rated” rather than ABEC-rated.    According to their website, this means that they take into account other factors such as side loading, impact resistance, materials, etc that are not addressed with an ABEC rating.

Phew, that’s it for now! Tell us in the comments about what you’re rollin’ on!  Coming soon, ​tips on choosing new gear!

So you’ve joined a Fresh Meat training program to learn how to play roller derby!  Congratulations!  There is SO MUCH to take away from the Fresh Meat training program: Rules of the game, history of the sport, how your team functions, new physical skills, etc.  But one of the biggest questions a new skater has is, “How do I select new gear?”  Over the next few blog posts, we’ll be discussing tips for selecting all types of gear; but today we’ll start from the bottom:  How to Choose Skates for Roller Derby!   

Let’s start with the basics…

• In roller derby, we skate on quad skates.  No inlines here (unless maybe you’re a ref!)
• Derby skaters use low-cut skate boots.  This provides more freedom of movement, more power, and less rubbing at the ankles.
• In this article we’ll be talking about boots (what you put your foot into) and plates.  Plates attach the boots to the wheels and have a spot for the toe stop.  The higher quality the plate, the better maneuverability and agility you’ll have.  We’ll talk about wheels and toe stops later.  See the graphic below to check out the parts of a skate.
• Derby skates are typically sold in men’s sizes, and fit is extremely important!  Most speed skates are meant to fit a little tighter than your shoes, but they should still be comfortable.    

When it comes to selecting skates, there is no single answer about which are best suited for a specific skater and situation.   Selecting new skates depends on various factors:  Level of commitment, budget, size of the skater, purpose of the skates, etc.  A brand new skater who just wants his/her own gear to get through Fresh Meat may start with an entry level skate package.  A skater who knows they are in it for the long haul may decide to invest in a higher quality skate up front.  Consider your skill level and price point, then read on to get an idea of what skate set up is right for you!

“Beginning Skater, Nonexistent Price Point”
We’ve all been there.  Maybe you REALLY want to play derby, but the funds are just not there right now.  Don’t give up, there may still be options!  At CGRD, we carry a small selection of loaner gear to help give new skaters time to save up funds for their own.  Check with your league to see if this is an option.  Other low cost options include borrowing from a friend/skater (yes, we often have multiple sets of skates!) or buying used off a Facebook group or EBay.  Popular Facebook groups for gear include: 
▪       Second Chance Skates where Skate Swag gets New life
▪       Roller Derby Swap Shop
▪       Derby Deals
▪       Roller Derby Recyclables

“Beginning Skater, Low Price Point”
Many skaters start roller derby with an entry level skate such as the Riedell R3, Riedell Dart, or Suregrip GT-50.  You can expect to pay around $100-$130 for one of these basic skate set ups.  The boot is usually made of synthetic material and come stock with a nylon plate and lower quality, slippery wheels.  Most skaters would recommend you upgrade your wheels.  Entry level derby wheels will cost you around $60 and include wheels such as the Radar Flat Outrageous, Riedell Radar Villains, and Suregrip Sugars.  Some skate shops offer skate packages with upgraded wheels as a money-saving option.  

“Intermediate Price Point”
For those skaters looking to upgrade or start out with a higher quality skate, you’ll want to start looking to upgrade the boot!  Leather is more light weight and conforms to the foot over time, though they may need some breaking in.  Riedell Vixens (165 leather boot) run around $250 with nylon plates and basic wheels.  Skaters that weigh more than 200# should look for skate packages that contains an aluminum plate.  Aluminum plates are more durable and responsive than nylon plates, though they are also heavier.  Heavier aluminum plates under $100 include the Suregrip Competitor and Powerdyne Triton.  Lighter, more expensive options include the Powerdyne Rival.

“High Price Point”
Over time, many skaters upgrade to a higher quality leather boot such as the Riedell 126 (around $230) or the ever-popular Riedell 265 (retail around $270).  Most skaters also upgrade their plates for better maneuverability and less weight.  The Powerdyne Revenge plate is made of extruded aluminum and is about 50% lighter than cast aluminum (such as the Powerdyne Triton).  Sure Grip makes a popular magnesium plate (Sure Grip Avenger) which is 25% lighter than their aluminum version.  These higher quality plates will run around $200 but provide better responsiveness and agility for more serious derby skaters. 

“Price is no object!”
Aren’t you lucky!?  Without money as a factor, you can consider a wide range of high end boots with customizable features such as Bonts, Antiks, and Riedell (195, 1065, etc).  These boots are made with high quality materials, are often heat moldable, are light weight, and may be available in various colors!  High end plates include Sure Grip Avengers, Powerdyne Arius, Roll Line, etc.  Expect to pay $500+ with skates like these! 

In summary, no one skate is perfect for all situations.  Basic skates usually are made of synthetic material and come with nylon plates.  Those serious about getting the most out of their skates typically upgrade to a leather boot and higher quality plates.  Aluminum plates are stronger and more durable than nylon, though they are also heavier.  Higher quality aluminum or magnesium plates offer better maneuverability without the weight.  What skates are you interested in?

Need gear?  Have questions?  Check out skate packages and get advice from real derby skaters at Chico’s Skate Shop!

The Cape Girardeau Roller Girls (CGRG) recently wrapped up their 2015 home season with a 5-5 record. Despite winding down the season, CGRG is still working hard to bring about big changes for 2016.

Now Recruiting Men!
Women may have spearheaded roller derby’s revival, but it was not long before men gained a foothold in the sport as well. Men in the Southeast Missouri area could not regularly play roller derby without traveling over 1.5 hours to area mens leagues. With a fully functioning league already established in Cape Girardeau, CGRG felt that this should no longer be the case. We are excited to announce that we will now be recruiting men for competitive play.

CGRG was founded in 2010, and now in its fifth year, the league has created a name for themselves amid the roller derby community. the mission of Cape Girardeau Roller Derby is to develop and promote sportsmanship, athleticism, and service to the Cape Girardeau Area.  The league aims for the empowerment of its members through challenges on and off the track.This mission is not exclusive to gender, and CGRG aims to include all adults, 18 and over who have an interest in the sport. Roller derby is known for its acceptance of people of all ages, size, background, gender, etc; and the Cape Girardeau Roller Girls also aim to promote this atmosphere of inclusion.

Goodbye “CGRG”, Hello “CGRD”!
In an effort to further this goal of inclusion. the 2016 will also bring about a name change for the league. With the removal of the female gender requirement and to honor everyone who dedicates their time to the league, CGRG will be transitioning to a more inclusive name: Cape Girardeau Roller Derby (CGRD)

As 2015 draws to a close, CGRD looks forward to these big changes to the league. In an effort to include all adults with an interest in skating, the league is proud to announce the removal of the gender requirement for competitive skaters. To better represent our identity as a league, the team also announces that it will transition to a new league name in 2016. We would like to personally thank all our fans and volunteers for all their assistance this season, and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2016!

During this transition, please feel free to continue to contact skaters at the current contact you have for them. Also follow us on social media to keep up with our progress during these changes.

Ever wondered how you can be part of the action?  Check out these Frequently Asked Questions about joining the team!

How do I join?
CGRG accepts new skaters year round into the “Fresh Meat” training program.  Training Periods usually start at the first practice of the month.   Typical duration of the training period is about 3-4 months.  Contact JOIN@CapeGirardeauRollerDerby.com or fill out the subscription form below to get more specific information on the next Fresh Meat night!
How much does it cost?
Fresh Meat is now $20 per month!
When/where is practice?
We typically practice Monday from 6- 9pm and Wednesday from 6:30-8:30pm at the AC Brase Arena building. 
What are the attendance requirements?
During Fresh Meat Training we have a 50% practice attendance requirement.  We aim to graduate Fresh Meat within 3-4 months via a passing score on the WFTDA Minimum Skills Test.  The harder you work, the faster you pass!   
Do I need my own equipment?
Yes, eventually!  All skaters must wear quad skates and full safety gear including helmet, fitted mouthguard (“boil and bite”), elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards.  Inexpensive starter pads can be obtained from Wal-Mart, but you will want to upgrade soon.  Limited loaner gear is available from the league.  
I haven’t skated since I was a kid, is that a problem?
Absolutely not!  Many of our skaters come to us with no experience!  We will teach you everything you need to know in the Fresh Meat training program! 
I am too big/small/out of shape/old/young/busy, etc….
Your attitude is more important than any of that.  If you are interested in playing, we will train you! 
What age ranges can join?
You must be at least 18 years of age to join the adult team, but there is no limit to how old you can be!  Your attitude is more important than your age!  If you are less than 18, we can get you in touch with the Juniors team!
I want to join, but I’m nervous and don’t know what to expect.   What do you suggest?
It can seem intimidating, but come check out the first night of the Fresh Meat training period!  There’s no obligation to skate or join, and you can meet the players and see what practices are like!  Typically the first night consists of general orientation, sometimes followed by basic skating skills instruction.  In the coming practices, you will advance from basic skating skills to skills specific to roller derby.   
Once I start, when do I get to play in roller derby game?
That depends!  Prior to playing in a game, you will need to pass the “WFTDA Minimum Skills Test” and a written WFTDA rules test to ensure that you have mastered the basics.  The harder you work, the faster you will pass those milestones and the sooner you will be hearing your name over the loudspeakers at a game!  
What if I don’t pass my WFTDA Minimum Skills Test?
Don’t worry!  If you don’t pass your skills test on the first try, we will work with you on those skills and give you a chance to try again!
How can a man get involved with roller derby?
The same way as a woman!  We do not yet offer a competitive team for men, but we do offer Fresh Meat training and opportunities to skate in coed games! 
I don’t want to skate, can I still be involved?
Of course!  There are many volunteer positions open!  You could be an announcer, Non Skating Official, etc.   Contact JOIN@CapeGirardeauRollerDerby.com or fill out the form below for further information!
I want to skate, but can’t play derby.  Can I still be involved?
Of course!  We offer referee training as well!  Our “zebras” go through the Fresh Meat training period and then are trained by our referee staff.  Contact JOIN@CapeGirardeauRollerDerby.com or fill out the form below for further information!