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Rollerblade Crossfire 8.0 men's skate Rollerblade has come out with its first high-cuff fitness skates with 100mm "big wheels." The new Crossfire 8.0 (men's model) and Activa 8.0 (women's model) come equipped with three 100mm wheels and one 90mm. The smaller wheel is positioned second from the front, directly under the ball of the foot. This arrangement allows the skater's foot to be positioned closer to the ground, which makes for a lower center of gravity and better balance. The idea of the new models is to allow skaters to go faster without sacrificing stability or ankle support. Rollerblade says the skates "are designed for those who want performance, comfort and support ... and also enjoy saying 'On your left' on the local trail." The expected street price is $249 for both models. New Fit
Rollerblade Activa 8.0 women's skate The boots themselves are nearly identical to the models they replace: last year's Crossfire and Activa II 90. However, Rollerblade has built the boots around new lasts. (Lasts are foot-shaped forms that skate makers use when making boots.) As with all of its women's fitness skates, the Activa 8.0 is built using a women's specific last. The boots' shape, width and toe box are designed for women's feet. The liner is also specially shaped to conform more closely to women's calves. Rollerblade has also updated the color schemes. The men's model is an attractive gray and gold. (Last year's was dark blue and gray.) The women's version is a pleasing white and silver. (Last year's was silver and lilac.) Buckles and Laces The closure system on both skates remains the same: a combination of a ratcheting buckle on the cuff and Rollerblade's excellent TFS one-pull lacing system. The lacing system allows for easy tightening on the fly.
Both skates feature breathable, dual-density boot liners, which can be removed for easy cleaning or even replaced. The liners are made with memory foam, so they conform to the shape of the skater's foot, providing for more comfort. Their breathable nature helps keep feet cool and dry, which is important for heading off blisters and foot odor. The skates come with Rollerblade's Spiral Wheels and SG9 bearings, the company's highest-rated bearing. The Crossfire comes in sizes 24.0 to 31.5 (Mondo Point Sizing), which translates to U.S. men's 6.5 to 13. The Activa comes in sizes 22 to 27.5 (Mondo), which translates to U.S. women's 5 to 10.5. [Peter Doucet is the Inline Planet's product editor and the webmaster of Speed Skate World.] • More Skate Reviews and Previews Skate details: Boot: 3 Tech Shell Fit system TFS One-Pull Closure System with a ratcheting buckle Easy-entry, Breathable Liner with Memory Foam Performance: Spiral 100mm 84A (3) & 90mm 84A (1) Wheels SG9 Bearings (Equiv to ABEC9) Frame: New Alu-tech 3x100mm & 1x90mm Frames provide incredible power transmission Brake On Skate APP: $249
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