Welcome New Derby Skaters and Parents
We know that buying gear can be expensive and confusing when you are new to derby. Here are some sources and recommendations of the best gear at the best price for beginning skaters. As they advance you can change out wheels, bearings and bushings for a more customized skate. We do not recommend Play it Again Sports, toy stores or discount type stores (Target, Wal-Mart etc.) for derby gear.
For skates we recommend the Carrera skate, many of our skaters have started with this skate and it holds up very well for at least season or two of heavy skating. We specifically DO NOT recommend Chicago brand, Volt or the ones from discount stores that say “Roller Derby” on the strap. Skates need to have a removable, NOT FIXED, toe stop. Feel free to ask any of our skaters to try on their gear before ordering online. Also please ask us if you have any questions at all about what derby gear to purchase.
Stores/Websites
lowpriceskates.com (best prices on skates and usually no shipping charge)
xsportsprotective.com (good prices on pads, typically has coupons and no shipping on orders over $50)
Starr Skates (2905 E Broadway, 327-0217 – local and offers a 10% derby discount but prices still higher than many online stores and they don’t sell skates-just pads and helmets)
SKATES Most skates are in men’s sizes remember to order down a size or check the sizing chart.
**Carrera Quad Speed skate-leather ($99.99 incl. shipping at Low Price Skates)
Reidell Dart skate - vegan/lots of colors ($99.99 incl. shipping at Low Price Skates)
Reidell R-3 Quad skate vegan ($119.99 incl. shipping at Low Price Skates)
PADS (if you are buying pads online feel free to ask a similar sized skater if you can try their gear on for size before ordering)
**187 Brand (makes a really nice junior (typically fits 7-10 year olds) 3 pack for under $50.00)
Triple 8
HELMETS* (make sure it is a skate or skate/bike helmet (dual certified) –NOT just a bike helmet
**S-One Junior or Lifer model us for a discount code for ½ off.
S-One is a sponsor of the TDBs)
**highly recommended *We DO NOT recommend the Triple 8 Brainsaver/Sweatsaver or the Little Tricky helmets
Updated July 2013