#vanilla backspin

I was able to get to the local rink, Lloyd's Recreation, a few weeks ago to roll some wheels and compare them. I've been meaning to do this since Rollercon, but I've apparently been busy.

Here are the wheels I rolled:

Radar Prestos 95A, Vanilla Backspin Deluxe 95A, Aussie Scott Super Enforcers 96A and Rollerbones Turbos 97A. 

For those who are curious, The Scotts have my usual no name industrial bearings in them. I do not remember when they last were cleaned. The Prestos got my mixed set of Fafnirs and others, the Vanillas ended up with my other set of Fafnir's and the RBT's shared bearings with the Vanillas. 

Here's how they compare physically:

Radar Prestos - 59.3mm X 37.6mm. I wanted to try a shorter wheel. They are available in the standard 61-62mm height. Two piece plastic hub that seems fairly stiff. 

Vanilla Backspins - 61.5mm X 41.5mm. Pretty standard height with a slightly narrower profile than I'm used to. Aluminum hub, which I like.

Rollerbones Turbos - 61.8mm X 37.6mm. Standard height, narrower than I normally roll. They have a really neat spiral shaped aluminum hub. 

Aussie Scotts - 62.2mm X 45.4mm. This is what I'm used to. Wide and tall. The only 2 piece wheel in this review. 

Whats your name, team, and what position(s) do you play?

Wheelzabub, Cowtown Butchers/  Mostly blocker, occasional jammer - also coach for the MoKan Roller Girls and Referee for the Kansas City Roller Warriors

What kind of boots/plates are you on?

Bont Quad Racer/ Sure-Grip MG Avenger

How does your current setup differ from your last? What improved?

My past boots were Riedell 595s... I have skated 595s since the early 1980s.  I chose the Bonts because I wanted to try something different.  My current pair of Bonts have been in use since May of 2010... almost 3 years.  They were comfortable on day 1 and are still going strong. I am pretty my next boot will also be a Bont

Plates:  The Avenger plates are nice and light.  I have been skating DA45 for 3+ years and skated mostly single action 45 degree before that.  They skate no better my other DA45 plates (XK-4 and Magnum), but the lighter weight is an improvement and I like the new hollow kingpin

What is your 'holy grail' perfect skate?

What I have works well for me.  I would like to try a high end Roll Line plate sometime or maybe even the new Pilot plates, but I don't really have skate envy

Have you tried different mount positions (forward, sport, standard, etc)? If so, what are your thoughts? If not, why not?

 Yes!  I have tried many different mounts.  I have preferred a shorter mount since the early-mid 1980s.  My speed coach, Mike Layport, put me on these funky "outdoor" skates that had 10 degree plates mounted with the front axle under my big toe and the rear axle under my heel.  The mount really worked for me.  I could never get used to having wheels to the back of my boot after those skates.  Even indoors, I started mounting all my plates shorter and more forward than most people

For Roller Derby, I prefer what is essentially a sport mount.  Front wheels under the ball of my foot, rear wheels just slightly behind my ankle bone.  I also prefer no Heels on my boots  

What are your favourite wheels?

 I am a big fan of Backspin  wheels.  I have been using Backspin Deluxe as my go to wheel.  I am now using their new small wheels, they Mayhems, and am liking them

What kind of safety gear are you using, and how do you feel about it?

All triple 8.  It seems to protect me well enough.  The 187 knee pads are super nice, but too bulky for my taste.