So I worked on my skates a week ago. I cleaned my bearings, got me some new wheels, and I changed out my cushions. Wow! My skates feel so different now. Changing the cushions completely changed the responsiveness. I love being able to lean in and turn on my edges, but it came with a bit of instability and my balance isn’t as good as it was before. I’m trying to figure out if I should go back to the firmer cushions or try and get better balance with the lighter cushions. Is it all a matter of preference? Also do you all tighten your wheels all the way? One video said to completely tighten wheels and then do a quarter turn back. I tried that, but I feel like it made my wheels roll back too easily when I try to balance on one foot. Since I’m new, I’m trying to figure out what I should focus on getting better with vs what is an equipment issue. The possibilities seem endless. For added info, I skate outdoors on a soft (78A) wheel.

My personal new year starts the day I was born but this 2026 I want to start skating everyday. Not sure if I do 30, 60, 90 or 365. Anyone else starting any skate resolutions or skate goals in 2026?

Just got my setup from Riedell (they messed up the order). I’m ready to roll now! The setup: Riedell 120 Uptown PowerDyne Thrust Nylon Trucks (needed that flexibility for beginners) KwiK Swiss Nitride Bearings Sonar Demon EDM 95A wheels 62 x 43 Missing from order: Radar Varsity 62×31 (98A) wheels Have 85A wheels on the way for outside practice (tennis court).

Hey anyone with color labs? Please show me your skates! 🥰 I need inspiration lol!

I'm looking to invest in some new skates this year. My go to's are sure grip stardust roller skates or just some Impala's when I'm trying to be affordable. Does anybody have suggestions for intermediate skaters? I skate mostly outdoors btw.