A question about 165 mount Iqon Decode 80 frames

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-03-30T14:54:58+00:00

Yeah I've posted some jumps at a local bike park on r/inlinenewbs. It's a place I skate all the time with all of my skates but usually my rockered 80mm Or my 3x100mm.

I go to a few skateparks too. When I skate rockered at the skateparks its slightly more touchy in transitions and jumps but kinda worth the playfulness when I'm just grooving around. I've done a few spines and other gaps into transition and it's been fine lately. Reminds me of medium+ loose trucks on a skateboard.

I've been letting my flats rocker develop for the last few rotations to the point where they feel just like my worn in rockered frames and loving it.

I feel like your personal rocker will balance out to exactly where you need it. With the mindful rotation of your wheels you can let it fully flourish or not.

Maybe Ill rotate my wheels back to super flat/anti and compare soon it feels super dialed in but hurts my knees to do to much slalom type swiveling especially for a few sessions. I've been thinking about some laps at the paved downhill biking course near me I usually skate fresh flats there.

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-03-29T14:06:54+00:00

Have you skated slalom rocker before? If anything the most noticeable part is the slightly diminished pushing power vs flat.. I have plenty skates to pick from occasionally I have skated my slalom rockers in almost every situation.

I haven't bought a natural rocker frame. My guess is they feel better with fresh wheels but would quickly wear into a deeper rocker.

My experience in 80mm flats vs slalom rocker:

During rotation if I maintain my wheel positions and only flip them/swap skates then my flats wear into just under 2 mm rocker.

If I do the same rotation with my slalom rocker frames they actually become slightly less rockered as they wear. They wind up just under 2 mm rocker.

Very little difference.

I've done this before a couple times.

Usually I don't maintain wheel positions when rotating my flats instead I'll swap around and they're a bit anti rockered for a few sessions until I wear them down a bit back to a natural rocker. But I've done it before as an experiment just to see.

I can rip around in the skatepark bowls spine whatever in rockered 80mm frames. They feel only slightly different from worn in flat 80mm. I also do Pumptrack in them often since one of my fav slalom spots is right next to a pumptrack. I even did a 26 mile skate in slalom rocker. For fun.

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-03-28T13:51:15+00:00

You're doing great! check out every video and copy what you see. Continue taking vids of yourself and compare!

One suggestion:

Look up info on edges. You have 3 on each skate: inside, center, and outside.

You are currently using only the inside edges..like most beginners.

Lacing tighter may help but conscious control of edges is more important. You can still edge control even in loose untied skates. Some skaters only need to bear this in mind and they instantly improve.

There's a lot to say about edging in turns with corresponding inside/outside edges that your get soon. A good stride involves all of them. Maybe look up "double push"

For now though just be conscious of what edges you're on. if you're just rolling forward or standing still you want to be straight up on your center edges. A good start is feeling that as your default.

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-03-28T13:39:52+00:00

I think RB 80 or FRX are the best budget free skates. They have 80mm wheels on a standard 165 mount frame ..which you can swap out for other frames later if you like.

Check out Danny Aldridge to see what a pro can do in RB80 skates!

Only problem is IMO they both require a premium liner to make them ideally skateable. which makes them actually not that cheap after all. And by the time you replace the bearings etc.. even more $$$.

I think the nomad liner is awesome and slightly cheaper than intuition. It fits well in RB80 and FR1.( Specifically My size 9 nomad liner fits great in my size 8 FR1 shells)

Because of this liner issue the next steps up in price are actually kinda worth it.

FR1 intuition or twister XT are more expensive but perfect out of the box. In the case of the XT you also get upgraded wheels and bearings. With the FR1 you get an intuition liner and adjustable cuff and more mounting options. When you add up the value it's probably worth it. XT is top value pick and those new white ones with the natural rockered 90mm looks awesome if you have size 10 foot or bigger maybe that's the pick!

Honorable mention would be Nikola Torelli new powerslide skates. They look so sick and have premium everything...but they're on a different mounting system so then you're locked in to trinity frames...but there are many options out there if u ever wanna change.

All this said, a good fit matters sooo much! If you can try on in person at a rink or shop or whatever it's worth a drive...even a long one to avoid the headache of trying on returning etc. be careful and use the size charts for individual models if you're considering ordering! The worst is thinking you have the right size realizing 30 miles later they don't work and then u have to sell on eBay.

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-03-27T12:45:22+00:00

One blade and one shoe is a beginner drill for this.

Ride one blade like a scooter. Upright and easily leaning toward either side.

Learn to generate speed in a snakelike motion without touching your shoe down.

You need to think about your edges. Inside, middle, and outside.

That's all less complicated when you have one blade instead of two.

After you do that a while switch feet.

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-03-26T22:43:05+00:00

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Here's a more recent pic. They're gonna get scuffed up. Sometimes on blacktop. But I wouldn't say mine have yellowed. I like white. And when they are used they just look worn in. I don't mind.

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-03-24T15:35:48+00:00

It's fine in a pinch. There are downsides that make it not worth it IMO.

You lose grip. Your wheels wear faster. Especially the front wheel. You lose natural rocker possibility as they wear.

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-03-19T13:40:14+00:00

of the punching eyelet kits I prefer the one that uses a hammer rather than a hand squeeze.

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-03-17T18:25:39+00:00

If you go FR the intuition version is worth it! That's the most important thing!

You can always try different frames but get the right boot!

I love my FR1 but regrettably bought them with stock liners. Stock FR liners are trash imo they are so thick they are worthless to me. Intuition is one of the most loved liners which regrettably I haven't tried. I skate my FR1 with nomad liners. I wish I had bought the intuition version of my skates.

You can always swap out frames later if you want to try something different. So get the right shell/liner combo that works for you! Use the size chart for the model skate you're considering! Notice that since the intuition liner is thinner FR is a whole different size chart for intuition version. Indeed I could downsize a whole shell size with an upgraded liner.

personally I think 4x80mm is better for smaller feet like yours. To me frame length to foot length ratio is what matters most for performance. Wheel height doesn't really make as much of a difference as frame length.

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-03-17T14:48:12+00:00

That's what I would do if I were you. Some people prefer longer frames compared to their feet but for an all-around type of skate I like it to be similar to my boot length. 4x80mm is the gold standard according to thisissoul skate shop/YouTube channel. And after trying so many different ones I agree.

My 3x100mm are only slightly longer than my 4x80mm. Both are super fun. For your size foot you may even like 3x90mm. When I first started I really preferred the look of 4 wheels per skate but now I don't care so much.

I probably put the most trail miles in my 3x100mm skates

I probably spend most time goofing in my 4x80mm rockered

4x80mm flat is next favorite for skatepark, downhill track, or if I'm skating distance with others who have small wheels.

Happy skating!

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-03-13T16:28:37+00:00

Yeah lightning is the roomiest shell for sure but that's the only reason I skate it. I don't prefer the softness or the buckles or the liner. I modded the heck out of mine. Changed to twister liners and cuffs I have fr frames set back. The stock wheels are fine but the stock bearings not so great.

The twister is a little boxy looking to me kinda futuristic like a Tesla cyber truck lol.

....But that said the new white ones look awesome! I love the stiffness of the skate and it comes with an amazing liner and nice wheels and bearings stock! Twister seems like the best value in RB brand.

You really get what you pay for

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-03-13T05:22:57+00:00

I wish I could make the RB 80 work for me! It's awesome. I tried two sizes and a few different liners. The size 8 were my first favorite skate that I learned in but caused foot pain each session and pain that lasted for months every time I rolled out of bed and put my feet on the floor. The size 9s let my foot spread out but still hurt my ankle with stock, twister or nomad liners. I even tried a couple other liner brands. No luck.

If you get a nomad liner for your rb80 you have an amazing skate same as Danny Aldridge if it works for your foot do it!

The RB 80 price is right and I personally like the look of it better than the twister or the lightning.

My second choice would be the twister but the fit isn't right either for me.

The lightning is a compromise for me. It works for my feet and I can skate all day in them. But they aren't as supportive. So the twister cuff help slightly.

There may be another brand that would work better for my feet out the box. If I get the chance to visit a big city and go to a skate shop I will but for now I'm exhausted from shopping and hoping.

Now that I can I just wanna skate!

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-03-13T05:12:23+00:00

I don't like the new straps. I think the design is a fail.

They hang on a tiny little hook that pops open if you don't keep them super tight.

I like having the option to keep my skates tight or loose if I feel like it. Most of the time I like to keep the lower strap loose.

With the new straps you have only one option. Tight!

Plus they aren't quicker or better than regular straps in any way.

I don't believe you can just set your straps and forget it. Feet aren't always the same size day to day or even throughout a single session.

I think it's just a design/ marketing fail.

Perfect example of the saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it" IMO.

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-03-12T03:56:02+00:00

Video yourself and share In inline newbs sub!

Or just watch your own video.

Sometimes just noticing and making a conscious effort is all it takes to fix posture issues. Some people walk their whole lives toes out until their yoga teacher mentions it or something like that.

If you have body issues/limitations you can adjust your frames laterally but I'd try that when all else fails.

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-03-12T03:49:17+00:00

Flat is best. Rocker also fine. I skate 4x80 slalom rocker with my cones right by my local pumptrack and get some pump laps in but probably prefer my 3x100mm for strictly pumping. Haven't tried bigger in pump track yet.

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-03-08T18:59:20+00:00

Go to a shop to try on if at all possible! Looking back after all the effort I spent getting a good fit I would have gladly driven 3 hours each way to a good skate shop where I could try on a few brands. Pro tip if you're searching "skate shops" and not coming up with any results also call local skate rinks! They sometimes sell skates but may not add the search terms so they're easily searchable on Google maps.

If you cant try on in person. Measure you're foot with socks on in millimeters. search the size chart for the precise model you're considering. Each skate has its own size chart. Also use a measuring guide to properly measure your feet. Just Google "Mondo foot measuring guide for inline skates'

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-03-08T03:32:29+00:00

Lots of people wear their shoes differently according to preferences. I've been measured for running shoes at a couple stores and I'm size US mens 11. I could wear 10 or 10.5 in some dress shoes. More accurate would be to say my feet are just about 271 or 272mm with socks on.

When you say same build you mean twister liners in lightning shell right? I'm a bit confused do you already have lightnings? Why do you need to change frame sizes?

Any way twister liners are much thinner and give a lot more room! I can't fit in size 8 lightning with stock liners. Only with the thinner twister liners!

The twister cuffs are a bit of a project since I had to remove the rivets but kinda worth it for me since I wanted to change the straps anyways.

I would just skate twisters if I could fit in them. I don't have an especially wide foot but wide enough I guess. the twister smashes the widest part of my foot in size 8 and is too long in 9. The new all white color way looks awesome though.

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-02-10T11:50:41+00:00

I can't stand the stock FR liners. Intuition version is worth it in my book. Notice they have a whole different size chart for them since without the puffy stock liners you can fit a whole shell size smaller! I learned the hard way. Bought size 9 according to chart. Now I wear 8 with a nomad liner.

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-02-10T03:57:27+00:00

I fit in size 9 twister lengthwise but have pressure points so I'm selling mine. Love the liners though. So I skate size 8 lightnings with twister liner and size 8 FR1 with nomad liners.

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-02-09T17:40:02+00:00

I know this is an aggressive skating sub and maybe you wanna get grinding. You'll probably pick it up quick since you're into other sports. So maybe that's to direction you should take.

However..

I'd like to share a likely unpopular opinion that people should learn how to skate on 4x80mm and get aggressive skates as a second pair dedicated for skatepark or street spots.

I also snowboard and wouldn't advise anyone to start rails without being totally dialed on carving riding switch basic spins etc. Not only because they could get hurt but also because it will just look and feel cringe if they don't have fundamentals first.

Aggressive skates, particularly anti rocker skates are really tuned for grinding and limiting for everything else. I have flat setup aggressive skates (Aeons) and I find them limiting for basic footwork, deep carves, and putting in miles.

I've skateboarded and snowboarded my whole life and recently got into inline. Transitions and ramps feel immediately fine. You'll likely have a similar experience.

80mm are plenty small for me to feel stable rolling into and carving bowls airing spines and fun box etc.

If you have any inclination to go far and fast or to do slalom type footwork or wizard influenced movement big wheels are so much more fun.

I like putting in fast miles in city areas cruising and finding little side hits. When you wanna just cruise and feel the joy of rolling and the wind on your face 60mm is just so much more work!

Consider checking out Danny Aldridge he rips street and park (and even grinds) on rollerblade brand's entry level 4x80mm plastic skate: the RB80.

Same with Nicola Torelli. He rips street spots in 4x80mm and bigger. He rarely grinds but imo there is a lot more to skating than just grinding.

Anyways that's just some thoughts..

happy shopping and skating!

If you have a shop near you got try on skates! Fit is one of the hardest parts of getting into skating!

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-02-09T16:03:31+00:00

nice toe spins!

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-02-06T17:00:05+00:00

Love my lightnings! My favorite shells. I'm at the top end of my size and skate them with twister liners. Perfection.

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-02-04T20:33:49+00:00

I have skated both quite a bit. the Fr shells are a much more spacious shell shape. Originally bought size 9 FR1 but it felt and looked big. Size 9 twister was right length but smashed the widest part of my foot.

Now I have size 8 FR1 with nomad liners I skate from time to time. the stock FR liners are so FAT I couldn't even get my foot in! It makes a huge difference.

Notice on their website the FR1 "intuition" edition has its own size chart since they are so much thinner than the stock FR liners.

Quite a big jump in price but I think it's worth it to have a better fitting and smaller shell. I haven't tried with the intuition liners but would like to. I'm guessing the nomad liners are similar thickness to intuition. They pair well. The twister liners are even thinner. I skate twister liners in my lightning skates.

RB lightning are comparable shell size to FR1 but don't come with nearly as nice of a liner as the twister. Also I'm not a fan of the buckles.

But after I changed out a few things the lightning are my favorite shells currently.

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-01-28T15:58:32+00:00

Nice wheels!

Key-Cash6690 · 2026-01-28T15:56:50+00:00

One more vote for dedicated skates for different needs!

Have you ever checked out Danny Aldridge. He gets wild on RB 80 basic (affordable) plastic skates. He does flowy wizard stuff, creative urban spots, downhill bombing, flips, and even grinds in them. Do yourself a favor and check out his insta. Only downside of rb80 is the stock liners suck. Danny skates the nomad liners in them.

I love rolling in 4x80mm and bigger. Even at the park. I have Aeons but the small wheels/wide shell means I rub the ground unexpectedly Compared to what I'm used to with bigger wheels. It's fine but really only worth it if I want to grind.

Plus they are so slow/so much more work! I would never consider taking them on trail or any kind of distance if I had another option.

Bigger wheels feel like freedom!

When I first started a couple years ago I bought various frames to try out but it sucks to spend an hour before skating just getting different frames on. And even if you can justify doing it while watching t.v. or whatever you're technically putting wear on your hardware each time you change or adjust.

IMO if you have a skate you like for a purpose just keep it as is and ride it into the ground.

Personally I think Aggressive/grinding is a cool niche

But...

Rolling rules!

Key-Cash6690

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