table of contents - Dixie Derby Girls

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Skates ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Wheels .................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Surfaces ............................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Hardness ............................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Other Factors ...................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Outdoor wheels .................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Tools .................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Bearings................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Bearing Ratings ................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Tools .................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Bushings .................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Trucks ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Plates ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Toe Stops................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Knee Pads ................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Elbow Pads .............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Wrist Guards ........................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Helmets ................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Mouth Guards ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Accessories ............................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Butt Pads ........................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Shoe Laces ......................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Boot Toe Covers ................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Specialized nuts................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Skate Bags ......................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Shin Guards ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Cleaning and Maintenance of Gear ...................................................................................................................................... 12
Skates ................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Wheels .............................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Bearings............................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Pads ................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Helmet............................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Mouth guard ..................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Note: This is just a guideline to your gear. Since derby is a rapidly growing sport, companies are making new products
faster than ever. The products named in this manual are some products that are presently available.
Skates
Skates must be quads, everything else about the skate is your own choice. If you do not know your shoe size, measure
your feet first.
Most skate brands run in male sizes, which means if you are a size 8 in shoe you get a size 8
in skate. Female sizes run, usually, 1 size smaller than your shoe size. Most common skate
brands do not run in 1/2 sizes (i.e. female shoe size is 8 1/2: skate size is 7). Skate sizing can
be deceiving. Try before you buy! If your foot slides in your skate the skate is big and if your
foot is cramped the skate is small.
As a beginner, it is advised to start with a cheaper brand of skate and work your way up to the more costly skate. This
gives you the ability to save a little money in beginning while learning what brand you like the most. You might find that
you like a cheaper brand skate and stay with it forever. However if you can’t seem to find the “one” brand you should
try companies that custom fit your skate. Bont, for example, is a skate company that form fits your skates, as well as,
giving you the opportunity to custom assemble everything from stitching color to color of leather.
Common brands
Labeda, Carrera, Riedell , Targa , Aurora, Pacers, Rock,
Bont
Can buy at
Skate rinks, skateboard shops, thrift stores, friends and
family, teammates, online and a mail catalog.
Wheels
Surfaces
There are many types of wheels, so choosing the best pair can be overwhelming at first. The first step is to understand
your skate surface. Derby is played many different types of surfaces.
From stickiest to slipperiest:
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Outdoor skating
wood (roller rink)
skate court
Masonite
sport court
polished concrete
painted concrete
Hardness
When looking for wheels you will see for example: 88A 62mmx38mm. The 88A is the hardness, 62mm is the height and
38mm is the width. The wheel’s weight and width are something to take into consideration. The first chart is the wheel
hardness, the second chart is wheel weight and the third chart is wheel width. When first starting out a heavier wheel
(59-62mm), wider wheel (44mm) with hardness of 88 or 86 is a good place to start... 88A 59mmx44mm...The
combination helps you keep your balance when beginning.
Rule of thumb about wheels hardness:
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Lower numbers are softer (gripper and slower)(78-85)
Middle of line all-purpose (86-93)
Higher numbers are firmer (less grip and faster)(94-102)
Other Factors
Now when trying to determine what wheel is best for which floor there are three things to take into account.
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How much you weigh.
What kind of surface is it?
How do you want to skate on that surface?
For example, you weigh 200 lbs. and the floor is wood. You want to be able to slide a little but not stick too much, the
wheel hardness you would pick would be between 90-93. Another example, you weigh 110 lbs. and the floor is wood.
You want to slide a little and not stick too much. The wheel hardness you would pick would be between 84-88. The first
person is heavier, so they need a slippery wheel to be able to slide, but they are heavy enough that they can still stick
when needed. The second person is lighter so they need a stickier wheel to be able to stick. If they are light enough they
may need an even stickier wheel (80-76). Point is you need to try out wheels before any game, especially if skating on a
floor that is new to you. Keep testing until you get the desired feel. For starters get 88’s, it’s a great place to start!
Common wheel brands
Radar, RollerBones, Atom, Reckless, Heartless, Suregrip
Can buy at
Skate rinks, skateboard shops, online and mail catalog
Outdoor wheels
Outdoor skating is a great way to cross train. It is also fun for recreation. You can skate at skate parks, greenways,
parades and in the neighborhood. Outdoor wheels are really sticky. The hardness is usually 78 or lower. The bearings
that you will use for your outdoor wheels are shielded. The ABEC rating will be 5 or 7.
Diameter (in mm)
45mm
57mm-58mm
59mm-62mm
65mm-70mm
Typical use
Artistic, Freestyle
Derby, Speed, Jam, Artistic
Derby, Speed, Jam
Outdoor, Long-track Speed
Example of Product
Sure-Grip Fo-Mac Mini Mac
Sure-Grip All-American Dream
Sure-Grip Twister
Kryptonics Route Outdoor Wheels
Width
31mm
Description
These super narrow wheels are
amazingly light and offer a ton of
agility, but they are also the least
stable and offer much less grip than a
wider wheel.
These narrow wheels are light and
offer agility, but give you a little more
stability and grip than the super
narrow wheels above.
These slim wheels offer a good
balance of agility, stability and grip.
These super wide wheels provide
great grip and stability
Skater Level
Advanced
35mm
38mm
44mm
Common outdoor wheel brands
Radar Energy, Hyper Sonic Quad, Atom Pulse, Sure Grip
Intermediate / Advanced
Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Beginner
Can buy
Online, skate shops, teammates
Tools
When taking wheels off you need a skate tool to remove nuts. There are many kinds of skate keys out there just start
with cheaper one and go from there.
Common skate key brands
Sure grip, Powerdyne, Bones
Can buy at
Skateboard shops, catalogs, online, bike shops
Bearings
Bearings are what hold the wheel to the axle. They generate as much speed as you put out. Keeping your bearings clean
is important. They will last longer. When buying bearings you can use skateboard bearings too.
Two bearing Types:
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Sealed-(outdoor) bearings are for dirtier environments which takes less maintenance. (Don’t have to clean,
these are cheap bearings. Buy another pair when these wear out)
Shielded- (indoor) bearings are higher quality for racing. Less friction but more maintenance. (Clean once a
month)
Bearing Ratings
ABEC 1
ABEC 3
ABEC 5
ABEC 7
ABEC 9
The most crude, the least precise, the most durable and the cheapest.
What most cheap skates come with, especially skates from China. ABEC 3 bearings will work for most
skating, but won't roll very smoothly or fast.
The norm bearing sold in skate shops. You get a reasonable amount of speed, and at a reasonable cost.
Are very fast and smooth, but very expensive. Plus, you start to run the risk of needlessly damaging them if
you skate hard or aggressively.
Would be ridiculous to use in a skates, unless you are doing downhill, style skating, or something else
where your goal is to go insanely fast.
Tools
A bearing press, bearing pull and bearing cleaner bottle are tools you don’t have to buy in the beginning, but once you
have stuck with the sport for a while it is advised to get them. Easier placement/removal and upkeep of bearings are
what these tools help with.
The first picture of the bearing press may be available to you at your local skate rink or local skateboard shop. Just ask.
Common brands
Bones Redz, Bones Swiss, Kwik, Qube, Cheezeballs,
Bionic, Venom, Moto Deluxe, Girl Gold, Koston, Indy’s 7
Can buy at
skateboard shops, skate rinks, online and mail catalogs
Bushings
Bushings are also called “cushions”. These allow you to lean from side to side, applying differential pressure to your
wheels, and thus execute daring darts, waves, and turns. There are three shapes that are most used in the world of
roller derby: barrel, standard and cone bushings.
Barrel bushings have a symmetrical "barrel" shape (same width at top and bottom). This popularity is
due to the barrel bushing greater mass and surface area which provides stability and an appropriate
level of response at faster speeds. These are usually the bushings that come in a stock roller skate.
Standard bushings is the term we use to describe a set of bushings made up of one barrel and one cone
bushing. This combination gives skates a smaller turning radius (thanks to the cone) while still
maintaining a good level of stability at high speeds.
Cone bushings are normally used for cruising and carving purposes because they have the least amount
of mass, and the shape is less supportive around the center of the bushing, therefore providing less
resistance when turning. This makes them great for lighter riders.
The three common durometers of bushings used in derby are: soft (flexy), medium and hard (stiff). When determining
what the best bushings/cushions for you, your weight and riding style are the two things to consider.
Below is a chart used in longboarding for carving/cruising bushings
Weight
50 - 100 lbs.
75 - 125 lbs.
100 - 145 lbs.
125 - 175 lbs.
145 - 195 lbs.
175 - 220+ lbs.
Flexy
65a
80a
85a
87a
88a
91a
Medium
78a
83a
87a
89a
93a
93a
Stiff
81a
85a
88a
91a
94a
97a+
Common brands
Sure Grip, Rollerbones, Bones, Independent, Bont,
Powerdyne, Magic, Khrino
Can buy at
Skateboard shops, skate rinks, teammates. online, roller
skate catalogs
Trucks
Trucks are what hold your wheels to your boot via plate. Trucks also help in
maneuverability. The truck is the piece of metal, usually aluminum that the axle passes
through. It has a pivot pin that inserts into the pivot cup on the hanger. It also has a
circular “boss” section which has a machined out area for the cushions to sit in. There is a
hole in the center of the boss for the kingpin to pass through
There are two types of trucks single action and double action. Double action is what you usually see in derby.
Single action trucks have one cushion, usually made of rubber or polyurethane that
sits top of the boss on the truck. The double action has two cushions, one above and
one below the boss. The single action has more of a snap type action to it then the
double. It was initially developed for use by roller derby skates, as it tend to give a
feeling of clinging to the skating surface and rolls well over non flat surfaces such as
banked tracks and roads. Single action trucks are very sensitive to the slightest move
of the skater's foot and are not usually used for artistic or dance type skating.
On double action trucks, the lower cushion helps to dampen movements a little bit and make one
footed spins and trick movements more manageable.
When buying trucks you can find all kinds of various brands that are not for roller skates. You have
skateboard and longboard trucks to look through too. Also, you have different widths to consider. If
you want to skate ramps, you can get trucks that are wide enough for a smooth ride. Again, play
around with your equipment. It’s all about personal preference.
Common brands
Sure grip, Powerdyne, Power-trac, Vanilla
Can buy at
Skateboard shops, catalogs, online, bike shops
Plates
Plates and trucks are already on any stock skate you buy. Some skates are made so that you cannot change the plates.
Yet again if you are just starting out, you need not worry about plates. Once you have found the “Boot”, then you can
start playing around with your plates. Below is an example of how technical you can get with your skates, these weights
are not including wheels or toe stops.
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Roll-Line Driver, size 160: 526 g (18.6 oz.)
Roll-Line Mistral, size 160: 495 g (17.5 oz.)
Roll-Line Mistral 160, drilled to lighten it: 445 g (15.7 oz.)
Roll-Line Variant, size 160: 485 g (17.1 oz.)
16 Atlas Figure E97: 550 g (19.4 oz.)
6 Ultimate II: 388 g (13.7 oz.)
154 Boen: 306 g (10.8 oz.)
156mm Powerdyne Reactor: 397 g (14 oz.)
Kiwimaster's Carbon Plates with boen trucks/kingpins, length 165: 275 g (9.7 oz.)
Sure Grip Super white magnums, length 155: 400 g
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Sure Grip Super white magnums with toe stops cut off, length 155: 340 g
Plates with lengths other than 160
Labeda Proline 725 (184mm): 408 g (14.4 oz.)
Sure Grip Super White Magnums Size 5 (173 mm) 17oz/482g
Common brands
Sure Grip, Powerdyne, Kiwimaster, Labeda, Synder, Nos
Laser, Roller Derby Elite
Can buy at
Skate shops, catalogs, online, roller rinks
Toe Stops
Toe stops are what stop you. There are two kinds, adjustable and non-adjustable. This depends on your plates. There are
two types of adjustable toe-stops. In the first picture, you attach toe-stop to plate with a nut and wrench and in the
second picture you attach toe-stop to plate and tighten with an Allen wrench. The whole is in plate above toe-stop. The
third picture is a non-adjustable toe-stop. These can still come off but you may have to remove plate to re-attach toestop. Choose the height you want them then tighten. Make sure both toe stops are equal height. Loosen to the left,
adjust toe stop by hand, and tighten to the right. Have an Allen wrench in skate bag to tighten toe stops. Make sure that
before you skate check your toe stops and that they are tightly fastened.
Common brands are
Rock mini, Nova, Synder, Grabber, Mini round, Gum Drop
Stop, Riedell, Sure-Grip, RC Webb, Bionic Super Stops,
GumBall, Crazy
Can buy at
Skateboard shops, skate rinks, on line or mail catalogs.
Knee Pads
These are the most important part of your gear. It is pricey but buy the best for your knees! It is advised to go with the
company Pro Design. They custom fits your knee pads. You can save money on your elbow and wrist guards. There are
many types of roller derby pads these days. When trying on pads you want the pad fit. Test them by putting them on
and then sit on your knees. If they feel tight or loose try another size. Please stay away from Pro Tec for your knees. Protec elbow pads will be fine. 187 Killer Pads is a good place to start. It isn’t the best but it is better than Pro-tec knee pads.
When you buy a good knee pad you have a choice of putting caps on top of caps. Caps help prolong the life of your knee
pad/cap. If the caps wear out you can replace cap. Instead of having to buy another set of pads. You spend money up
front, but in the long run you save money and your knees! Just remember if your caps crack or straps break replace your
pads soon! If your straps become stretched out on some brands you can just tie a knot in them and you should be ok,
but not all brands will allow for this due to the way they are made.
Common brands
Triple 8, 187 Killer Pads, Pro Design, Rectors, Kryptonics,
Razor, Ventura, Smith Scabs, Pro-Tec, TSG Roller Derby,
Atom
Can buy at
Wal-Mart, Target, Dick’s, skateboard shops, online
or mail catalogs
Elbow Pads
You can spend less money on elbow pads in the beginning. Although your elbows see less action than your knee pads or
wrist guards, just remember if your caps crack or straps break replace your pads soon! If your straps become stretched
out on some brands you can just tie a knot in them and you should be ok, but not all brands will allow for this due to the
way they are made. Just like knee pads you want the elbow pads to fit snug. Make sure the pads are not tight or loose.
Common brands
Triple 8, 187 Killer Pads, Pro Design, Rectors, Kryptonics,
Razor, Ventura, Smith Scabs, Pro-Tec, TSG Roller Derby,
Atom
Can buy at
Wal-Mart, Target, Dick’s, skateboard shops, online or
mail catalogs
Wrist Guards
When buying wrist guards make sure you get a pair that fits. These are about personal preference, some people like the
glove fit, some like less restriction.
Common brands
Triple 8, 187 Killer Pads, Pro Design, Rectors, Kryptonics,
Razor, Ventura, Smith Scabs, Pro-Tec, TSG Roller Derby,
Atom….
Can buy at
Wal-Mart, Target, and Dick’s, skateboard shops, online or
mail catalogs
Helmets
There are many types of helmets. Hockey, skateboarding and roller derby helmets are most commonly worn. It is
preference. Buy a helmet that fits and does not slide around on head. Also make sure the chin strap fits snug under your
chin. The last picture is padding for helmet. The brand is for Pro-Tec helmets. Proper padding is extremely important to
your brains safety. The padding in most helmets is attached by Velcro. This makes for easy replacement. Padding in
helmets wear quicker than you think, due to the sweat eating away at material. Keep tabs on the padding and replace
when necessary. If any part of your helmet breaks or becomes cracked, replace immediately.
Common brands
Pro-tec, Triple Eight, Sure grip, BonzSheild, S-One Armor,
Bauer, Reebok
Can buy at
Wal-Mart, Target, Dick’s, skateboard shops, online or
mail catalogs
Mouth Guards
There are several options. You have mouth guards for many different sports. For example, football, basketball, hockey
etc. There are roller derby specific mouth guards, which allow for speech. This is a piece of your equipment that is a
personal preference. Since you are just starting out you can buy a cheap mouth guard. However, read the instructions!!
It’s extremely important that your mouthpiece form to your teeth, you want to see teeth imprints. Once you are on a
team it is suggested that you buy a better grade mouth guard. You can also have form fitted mouth guards these run
real pricey.
Common brands
Wilson, Nike, Aero Guard, SafeTguard, Shock Doctor
Can buy at
Wal-Mart, Target, Dick’s, Academy Sports, skateboard
shops, online or mail catalogs.
Accessories
This is where everything else is. Butt pads, shoe laces, boot toe cover, specialized nuts, skate bags, and shin guards.
Again all these are about personal preference.
Butt Pads
Butt pads are good for when beginning. You will fall and sometimes if you are a full grown adult it takes a while for you
reflexes to perform. Butt pads are used in skateboarding and snowboarding. So you have many options in the style you
prefer.
Common brands
Triple eight, Azzpadz, McDavid, Wolfbike
Can buy at
Online, skateboard shops
Shoe Laces
You have many choices. The first step is making sure you have the right length. You do not want to skate with laces that
are too long or to short.
Can buy at
Skate rinks, skate shops, catalogs, online
Boot Toe Covers
This is really helpful in prolonging the life of your skate. You can personalize your covers.
Common brands
Ridell, Sure-Grip, Bont, Rubber toe cap, Toesavers
Can buy at
Skate shops, online, mail catalogs
Specialized nuts
Again this is a personal preference.
Can buy at
Skate shops, online, mail catalogs
Skate Bags
You do not have to buy a special bag for derby. You can use anything.
Shin Guards
Most derby people do not use these, however they are fantastic at saving a skate in the shin. These are mostly used in
other sports, so when looking, you will find them in soccer, roller hockey, ice hockey, martial arts... so when choosing
you have a lot of product to choose from. The hockey shin guards include a knee pad as well. You can use this in derby,
however, the knee pads itself isn’t attached to your knee like a roller derby or skateboarding pad.
Common brands
Armour Flex, Triple-eight, Bauer, Adidas
Can buy at
Academy sports, Dick’s, online
Cleaning and Maintenance of Gear
Skates
Breaking in new skates takes time. Keep Band-Aids, medical tape, mole skin, and whatever saves your skin in your skate
bag. You can use leather softer on leather boots. If you have big or wide feet, skip lacing the first holes when lacing. If
your Velcro strap is coming undone go to a cobbler, take the plate off before you go to decrease the cost. Walking
around in skates will also help stretch the boot and save your feet from blisters.
Wheels
When you get new wheels clean them with a degreaser dish soap and H20. Brand new wheels have film on them which
make them slippery. This is the only time you use a harsh detergent on wheels. When wheels are extremely dirty take a
towel or rag clean with rubbing alcohol, 409, Simple green or warm H20 and dish soap. Maintenance cleaning, like inbetween practices, use water and rag to clean. If wheels are washed continually with detergents it breaks down the
rubber. Rotate wheels like tires. Rotate at least once a month. You want an even wear. Every several months test the
tightness of the wheel nuts. These should give very little play in the wheel and does not hinder wheel from rolling
smoothly.
Bearings
Take off shields or seals spray with WD-40, wipe of excess oil, re-lubricate. Replace shields or seals. Lube can be grease,
oil, or synthetic gel. Some bearings call for certain type of lube. Check packaging. Grease works fine but gums up at high
temp. = high speeds (jammers). Oil is usually used by racing skaters. Synthetic gels are usually best. They have the
quality of oil and the ease of application like grease without the gumminess. Once your bearing have lost the
smoothness and aren’t as quiet as before get new bearings!
Pads
You need to air out pads after every practice and/or anytime you use them, make sure that they get plenty of air and
sunshine. You can Febreze weekly or wash every once and a while. Wash with a few towels in a mild detergent to
maintain longevity.
Helmet
Make sure you air out your helmet after each use, reduces padding wear and tear. Once the padding wears out you can
buy replacement padding. If the helmet is cracked you need to buy a new one.
Mouth guard
Be sure to wash out after each practice, use rubbing alcohol and dry.