Freeline Skates

Freeline Skates, also called Free Skates or Drift Skates depending on where you are on the globe, are an incredibly unique skill toy that consists of two separate foot sized platforms under which is mounted a set of inline wheels.

Freeline Skates are ridden horizontally in either a regular or goofy footed stance as is typically seen throughout board sports.  Unlike board sports though, both legs are free to move independently from each other like you might see with a set of roller blades.  Because both legs are free to move it allows the rider to have that boardsport like sensation but at the same time do things that couldn’t be done when the legs are contained to a single platform.  With freeline skates the rider can propel themselves forward without ever having to put their foot down onto the pavement.  The forward movement motion is very similar to how a ripstik by razor is ridden.

Drift skates are a very peculiar invention but are very interesting because of what they can do.  They are honestly one of the first mainstream inventions that in terms of simplicity could be in the same playing field as a skateboard, rollerblades, or scooter.  They differ enough from these cousin inventions that they by no means could be categorized as the same thing, but at the same time are similar enough that they should be looked at as a mainstream respectable new technology.

Their basic construction typically consists of a reinforced aluminum frame, on top of which sits a platform made of either wood or aluminum depending on the model.  Like other concrete sports they also sit upon a set of polyurethane wheels that can be replaced when they begin to wear down or get flat spotted.

Freeline skates have been around and accepted in the industry for about ten years, so many people have gotten quite skilled when it comes to riding and performing technical tricks.  While freeline skates will probably never reach the popularity that its cousin technologies have, they are definitely an awesome invention and skill toy that should be checked out and experienced.