Spacer Help - Please

[amursko]

I believe that this problem has been discussed before, but I've found nothing via search. I've recently purchased new Rink Rats for my D1s. The hub is different than the Labeda's I've always used. The Rats have three pieces that extend from the hub toward the middle of the hole of the wheel - if that makes any sense. This renders my D1 spacers useless, as they don't fit. I believe that I have "floating" spacers.
So, my question is: what do spacers do? Do I absolutely need them? If so, any idea which spacers I need?
These maybe?
http://www.hockeymonkey.com/sonicbearspcr.html
http://www.1800faceoff.com/prod_sele...=135&shop_id=2

[MDE3]

We were able to get replacement wheels from Rink Rat for the same problem. Maybe they will help you too? The wheel hub diameter is smaller than the flange on the center spacer if you have the same kind of spacer we use, so that type will not fit. The new wheels look the same except the three piece hub shoulder is smaller in size and so has a larger inner diameter.

You definitely need a spacer for the wheels to work properly, as the spacer insures a solid fit between the chassis buttress/bearings/spacer assembly, with some play so that the bearings do not experience side loading when tightened. Without the correct spacers or spacers at all, the wheels will "lock up".

PS hope that helps. Rink Rat was aware of the problem and corrected it for us right away. They are worth the aggrevation. My son describes his new Rink Rats like "skating with edges" a la ice hockey. He just tried them last night. The first ones were good, but these ones are better. If the durability is as advertised, they are the best wheels yet it would seem.

We were skeptics after using the first wheels which also had hub problems, although good grip, and they didn't stand up to wooden floors (in fairness, not many of the high grip wheels do)But now there is no arguing with their performance. Will let you know our experience on the durability. (sorry Richard.....)