Updated 06-19-2008

 

When buying skates for the first time, please be wary of the very lowest priced 'toy' skates. In general, avoid skates which have a list or MSRP of about $70 or less. They will in no way give you the experience of what a real pleasure skating can be. They often come with harsh riding plastic wheels, cheap wheel bearings which won't last very long, and poor quality materials and fit. You can often find 'brand new' last years models for a little over half price. You can also find good 'used skate' bargains if lowest possible cost is really that important. However, proper fit (on your own feet) is the highest priority! A snug but hurt-free fit is important to your ability to skate safely 'in control'. Stand or skate in them, (do not sit), for at least 10-15 full minutes. Only then can make a reasonable determination if they are really too loose or too tight. Most skates will loosen-up just a bit over a year's time as they conform to your feet, but if they hurt you right off - you will not enjoy skating in them and will likely quit skating entirely as a result. Poor fitting skates will seriously degrade your skating experience! If you have questions - contact any of our CFTB members before buying. Please don't stop with just buying skates, your personal safety is equally important! You should also have at least a helmet and wrist guards for your protection. Wrist injuries are the most common skating injury (though really frequent), and head injuries are by far the least common but when they happen they are often the most serious. Knee and elbow pads are also available, usually in the packaged with wrist guards. Don't skimp on quality here either!

 

We can recommend the following local stores (listed alphabetically):

 

     J&H Rollersports  (Speed Equipment mostly, and difficult to reach by phone)

          1115 E. Altamonte Dr., Altamonte Springs, FL  407-834-1040

 

     Peter Glenn  (New only - they can order additional items from their Miami warehouse)

          South Orlando, 5403 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819  407-354-1234

          Altamonte Springs, 990 N. State Road 434, Altamonte Sprints, FL 32714  407-788-3334

 

     Play It Again Sports  (New & some used equipment - mainly middle line models)

          Lake Mary, Lake Mary Blvd, Lake Mary, FL 407-333-0377

          Orlando, 2823 S. Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 407-872-3351

          Winter Springs, 5928 Red Bug Lake Rd, Winter Springs, FL 407-677-5007

          Lake Mary, 3879 Lake Emma Rd, Lake Mary, FL 407-333-0340

 

     Sports Authority  (New only - mainly low end & middle line models)

          East Orlando, 90 N. Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 407-277-1994

          West Orlando, 7500 W. Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 407-291-6653

          South Orlando, 881 Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 407-857-1661

          Waterford Lakes, 610 N. Alafaya Tr, Orlando, FL 407-281-1660

          Altamonte Springs, 380 S. State Road 434, Altamonte Springs, FL 407-774-8088

          Kissimmee, 3214 N. John Young Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 407-846-6844

          Sanford, 1301 WP Ball Blvd, Sanford, FL 407-321-1661