Goalie wheels

[whalercane]

The Labeda Closer wheels that come with the Tour Redline 5000 skates flat-out suck. I've worn the skates for 3 full games and one 5-game tournament and the back two wheels on each skate are all but shredded.

Anyway, I was planning on picking up a set of the RR Crossbar wheels before I even got my skates but I wanted to hold off as long as possible because a full set (after shipping) will wind up costing me close to $90. Now that I've been forced into considering the purchase right away, I was curious to know if there's any indisputable practical advantage to buying the 47mm versus the 59mm? Personally, I think I prefer the smaller wheel with the squarer footprint (47mm) but my question is: Is there more to this choice than just personal preference?

Thanks,
Ryan

[Leaferguy]

I prefer the 59mm because of the narrower wheel profile.

When I play ice, I don't play on a steel block, I play on a blade. It doesn't feel natural for me to have a huge amount of surface area touching the floor. Soooo, with that said, there are differences for each wheel, but you're getting into physics that won't really make a huge difference.

Your best bet is to go with what works for you. Personally, the square Hypers were the worst wheel I've ever used. I was fortunate enough to get some RR Crossbars in 59mm, and I will not use anything else as long as they're available.

[MBurke]

I prefer the 59mm because of the narrower wheel profile.

When I play ice, I don't play on a steel block, I play on a blade. It doesn't feel natural for me to have a huge amount of surface area touching the floor. Soooo, with that said, there are differences for each wheel, but you're getting into physics that won't really make a huge difference.

For what it's worth, I've used both and I've found I prefer the 59s for the same reason - they feel like they have more "bite".

[whalercane]

Thanks guys

[whalercane]

I prefer the 59mm because of the narrower wheel profile.

When I play ice, I don't play on a steel block, I play on a blade. It doesn't feel natural for me to have a huge amount of surface area touching the floor. Soooo, with that said, there are differences for each wheel, but you're getting into physics that won't really make a huge difference.

Your best bet is to go with what works for you. Personally, the square Hypers were the worst wheel I've ever used. I was fortunate enough to get some RR Crossbars in 59mm, and I will not use anything else as long as they're available.


I think you mentioned in another post that you ordered the Carbon GX's. Have you used them much? What's your impression of the Patriot wheels that came with them or did you just throw a set of Crossbars on them as soon as you got the skates?

I'm curious to know how the Patriots have held up (if you've used them at all), because I'm wondering whether JUST the Labeda Closers that have fallen apart on me are garbage or if Labeda flat-out doesn't make good goalie wheels at all.

Thanks,
Ryan

[Leaferguy]

Didn't get 'em yet because I have to send a helmet back to Inlinewarehouse for store credit. I don't like the look of the Patriot wheels, but that's not saying much. I do know I will likely be throwing on Crossbars with new bearings, but I'll give the set they throw on a try first.

[whalercane]

Keep me posted if you want, but I guess it doesn't really matter because I'm going to get a set of the Crossbars anyway...

Thanks