LandRoller's Terra 9 Skates

LandRoller's Terra 9 Skates

Sometimes it's hard to tell when the next big innovation is going to strike. When roller skates first came out, the basic design stayed pretty much untouched for decades. Then some guy decided that the four wheels on each corner of the skate should be put in a straight line down the middle, and this inline pattern remained the industry standard for several more decades. So the big question is, what will the next step in skating evolution reveal? Well look no further, for the sultans of spin over at LandRoller may just have hit upon it with the introduction of their Terra 9 skates. The big idea: replace the four inline wheels in the center of the boot with two giant angled wheels mounted on the outside. The result is supposed to be a smoother, faster and more controlled ride.

Looks good on paper, but how do they skate? Deceptively well. We tested a pair of size 10.5 Terra 9 skates and were simply blown away by the way that they handled. At a glance the huge angled wheels look like they'd be a nightmare to ride, but nothing could be further from the truth. It's not until you stand and start to pump that you realize the genius that went into LandRoller's design; the balance and center of gravity are spot on perfect… very counterintuitive to what you'd expect. Constructed from super strong, ultra light 383 aluminum with Hyper High Performance polyurethane tires, the Terra 9's wheels aren't anybody's punk. The oversized wheels pick up speed much faster than standard skate wheels while keeping turns crisp and easy and braking a breeze. They also make easy work out of pebbles and cracks that would jam up traditional wheels.

But every skater knows that a great skate is more than a good set of wheels. That's why the Terra 9s bring more to the party. The lightweight hybrid boot with LandRoller's proprietary air venting system guarantees that your feet will stay cool and dry no matter how long you skate. The Terra 9s also come standard with reflective fabric on all sides just in case you feel like going after the sun calls it quits. The brake can also be moved to either foot, depending upon the rider's preference.

Bottom line is, if you are looking for something a little different in a skate that still retains exceptional properties of speed, balance and safety, then the Terra 9s from LandRoller are definitely for you. Available in men's sizes 5 through 12 and women's sizes 6 through 11 (1/2 sizes also available), for about two hundred and fifty dollars you can grab a pair almost anywhere skates are sold or online at www.LandRoller.com.