Are you looking to bust out some dance moves on your wheely boots? Did you know that having the right kind of wheels for roller dance can make a big difference in helping you get flow, hit those edges and stay in control? For those looking to get on down to boogie town, we’ve put together a list of our favourite wheels for roller dance and rhythm skating so you only have to worry about picking the tunes.
When choosing the right dance wheels for you there are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- The type of surface you typically skate on. Is it grippy, rough, smooth as butter? Choose a wheel that has a hardness rating that will suit the surfaces you skate on most.
- Do you like slip or do you like grip? This is personal preference, but embracing a bit of slip can help with more advanced dance moves, whilst those with lots of power or just starting to explore the world of roller dance may like that bit of grip for more control.
- Ideally, you want a wheel with a hard edge meaning that it has a nice 90-degree square finish on the wheels. A hard edge will help you hit and hold those moves that really pull and push on your edges. A rounded edge wheel can still be used for roller dance but you can roll off your edge and lose control of particular moves.
Roll-Line Wheels
Most of the RollerFit team who dabble with roller dance will tell you that Roll-Line is your go-to brand for seriously good quality plates and wheels. Roll-Line is an Italian brand that comes from an artistic skating background. We think they belong in a class of their own when it comes to products that work well for roller dance and they are super affordable for their level of quality.
Our first offering from Roll-Line is the Fox wheels. These wheels are more than just green goodness. They are the perfect wheel for those looking to dip their toe into the vast waters of indoor wheels. With a 92a hardness rating, hard edge and being 57mm, the Fox wheels are light and suitable for those looking for a good balance between grip and slip.
If you like something a bit harder, the Roll-Line Mustang wheels may be a good option for you. The Mustang wheels are a 97a hardness, 57mm in height and feature a hard edge. This means they are ideal for an indoor surface that is moderately grippy or suitable for people who enjoy a little slip n’ slide on buttery smooth floors.
For the more discerning skater, the Roll-Line Giotto wheel range in 57mm might offer your ideal wheel. The Giotto range has a hard edge and wheel hardness options ranging from extra soft (47d) to hard (60d) so you can find the perfect match for different indoor surfaces, even by mixing it up with two different hardnesses at once. The Giotto uses a D class durometer rating because its compound uses harder materials. Compared to the Fox and Mustang wheels, the Giotto has a narrower profile making them more agile and they also have a smooth surface to help you achieve that nice slip.
Rollerbones Wheels
Another brand that we recommend at RollerFit for indoor and dance wheels is Rollerbones. Rollerbones is the roller skating counterpart to skateboarding company and manufacturer Bones. With over 40 years of experience in the business, you can be assured you’re going to get a good quality product.
Rollerbones wheels use a urethane compound which we find to have more grip than other indoor wheels so they are great if you like more control or skate on slippery surfaces. The first Rollerbones option is the Art Elite wheels which are 57mm and come in at a 101a hardness. These wheels are just a solid all-rounder with a nice hard edge and clean look.
The second option is the Rollerbones Team Logo 57mm wheels. For those on a budget, these wheels are a great affordable option. The Team Logo wheels come with the choice of a 98a or 101a hardness and a range of colour choices so you can spruce up your skates.
Outdoor and Hybrid Wheels
For some people, hard wheels are a big no, and that’s cool! To each their own. Maybe you even dance skate outside a lot. In this blog, we have made sure to cater to all wheel connoisseurs and preferences.
Some of our RollerFit team and members just can’t get enough of the Radar Energy wheels. These outdoor wheels are nice and soft with a 78a rating to ensure the smoothest of rolls. If you’re going to dance in them, we would recommend going for the 57mm size as they are still agile enough to get maximum manoeuvrability. Many skaters use these indoors and outdoors.
For those looking for the best of both worlds, a hybrid wheel is also an option for dance. The Moxi Fundaes are always a popular option. Not only do they come in cute colours but they are just a decent wheel and a good size at 57mm x 34mm. Fundaes do not technically have a hardness rating but we think they feel like a 90-92a. The only thing to think about with the Fundaes is that they have a rounded edge.
Another hybrid option is the Chuffed Chillers which are slightly taller and thinner at 58mm x 32mm. The Chillers have a 92a hardness rating and also feature a slightly harder edge than the Fundaes, but it is still not a typical hard edge wheel like the Roll-Line or Rollerbones offerings. They have a pretty good slip to grip ratio depending on the kind of surface you skating on.
So there you have it, the 4-1-1 on all things dance wheels. Now all you need to do is play that funky music! If you have any questions about choosing the right wheels or maybe you’re looking to create the ultimate dance skate set-up of your dreams you can always shoot us an email.
