Since the evolution of skating has begun, human civilization has witnessed various new forms of skates. Among those, no skates have gained as much popularity as Inline skates. It had become so popular that the producers had to produce other genres of inline skates to match the customer requirement and grasp the market. And when we talk about inline skates, the other name that automatically pops out in our head is Rollerblades.
Now, the very frequently asked question is, are inline skates the same as rollerblades?
Let’s find out.
Inline Skates
These are the modern type of skates, where there is a streamline of three to five similar-sized wheels (mostly 4) are attached to the boot with the help of an aluminum or a strong plastic frame. Inline skates are mainly popular for its easier maneuvering capabilities, better acceleration, easy cornering, sharp turning, etc qualities.
The beginning phase with these skates might be a bit rough for you, but once you get the control over it, it will turn into your best buddy very shortly.
Rollerblades
In the early ’90s when inline skating was gaining popularity so rapidly, Brennan and Scott Olson, two brothers, first established a company, which manufactured inline skates on a commercial basis. The company was named “Ole’s Innovative Sports”. This very company was renamed “Rollerblade Inc.” after a couple of years.
They started to produce the inline design of skates with no brakes especially for ice skating and hockey players. But very soon, their products got huge popularity even among the general public. Basically, they introduced the concept of inline skating to a vast population and thus gained its profound fame. And from that viewpoint, they are unarguably one of the pioneers of inline skates.
Are Rollerblades The Same As Inline Skates?
Well, the answer to this question is a big NO.
Because, inline skating is the activity which is done with inline skates, and Rollerblade is the producer and pioneer of inline skates. But since the basic product of rollerblade has gained so vast popularity that it has become the other name of inline skates among the mass population.
Rollerblading and inline skating might confuse you with two different names, but in actuality, they refer to the same sporting activity.
Because, if we dig deep, we’ll find out that Rollerblading refers to inline skating with the skates produced by a particular company, Rollerblade. The skates or rollerblade became so popular that it became almost the similar terminology of inline skating. Even, there are a huge number of people who don’t get the concept with the term “Ice skating”, rather they prefer to call it rollerblading, which creates confusion.
But, whose fault is it or who is to be blamed for this misconception?
Well, you can’t just simply point your fingers at anyone.
Because, the company did their job perfectly, which is producing quality products and grasp a massive customer base. And the mass people cordially received the product and adored and promoted it so much that it became a similar term of the activity of inline skating.
Final Thoughts…
On the whole, Rollerblade is the company and producer, inline skate is their product and inline skating is the activity that we do. Rollerblading does not grammatically represent any particular term of action, rather it has become a very common phrase through popularity.
But does it matter?
Does that affect your experience of skating to any extent?
Well, no and if there’s no hindrance to the activity, you shouldn’t be bothering much with the names rather enjoy the sports to its most.
So?
Are rollerblades the same as inline skates?
The answer is a No.
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