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Rollerblade Lightning 8 is a Rollerblade 2005 model.

Purchased because of their frames.

Frames: 5 wheels "Performance Race 80" Dual Box technology, aluminum series 7000
(MOGEMA M-55 80, 326mm (12.8") frames)
They are very nice, maneuverable yet stable balance is mainained. Perfect length, good stiffness.

Wheels are so called "Lite". They are really light because of larger hub design - remarkably large as for 80mm wheels so that there is very little urethane. That's why Rollerblade wheels break so often, no wonder. Hub construction is rough. I will have to replace with better wheels after few hundreds miles.

Bearings are micro but do not have the longest free spin. Maker name is not disclosed. They are not Twincam.

Boots construcdtion: they look soft, but they are not. Medium height cuff edge is hard and gives uncomfortable pressure to my lower legs.
Lace is non-waxed non-smooth thread type with no locking system. There are three power straps to support. Lace is very difficult to tighten. One power strap with smooth speed lace would be better.
In addition, my ankle started hurting after 30 minutes skating. Rollerblade boots are very hard construction and did not agree with my feet.

Overall rating of this pair of skates is "acceptable". Great frames but all others are different from my taste. But it's OK, because the reason why I bought this pair is Mogema frames and I will be able to use these frames with different boots.

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Purchased from "Paragon @ 18th & Broadway"

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23:26 3/8/2005

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