The blading resurgence is in full swing and with all of the rejuvenated energy flying around there also comes with it some incredible new products from some of blading’s longest running and most dedicated brands as well as new brands that are creating ground breaking products to fit all of your blading desires.
So we have decided to highlight some of our industry’s hot new items in our newest feature “Nuts and Bolts”. We will be summarizing the latest products within the blading world and give you a quick and easily digestible source to view the freshest products from all corners of the blading world from the last few weeks.
One of the biggest pieces of news within the blading industry recently has been the announcement of a new skate brand dubbed Mesmer, which is spearheaded by blading legend and all-around badass, Billy “Fish” O’Neill. Mesmer has been a little tight lipped about their hot new skate model, but the shell looks to be based on the popular Throne model with some much needed improvements, such as a one piece soul plate, which looks somewhat similar to a SSM/Nimh soul plate in its design.
Mesmer has also enlisted a team of some of the heaviest hitters within the blading industry to support them, such as established legends like John Bolino and Marc Moreno as well as the carriers of the blading torch, Dominic Bruce and Levi Van Rijn. With a team of formidable skaters such as this, Mesmer looks to be making their presence known right out of the gate and we are EXTREMELY excited to see where this brand goes moving forward. We have heard rumors of their new skate being available sometime in the near future so stay tuned for more updates from Mesmer.
FOLLOW MESMER SKATE BRAND @MESMERSKATES
Another new brand is hot on the blading scene by the name of IQON, courtesy of Disroyal Distribution. The brand is lead by none other than your favorite neighborhood super hero Montre Livingston and has a stellar team of aggressive skaters to back them such as Chad Hornish, Sacha Miguel Lopez, Brian “BFree” Freeman, Mina Lee and Catherine Reyes.
IQON has already dropped a MASSIVE line of skate products to introduce themselves to the blading market, with products ranging from ceramic bearings, aggressive and urban wheels, big wheel frames with multiple mounting options and a full line of skates in production as we speak which we hear are on their way to market soon.
Here is a glimpse into IQON’s extensive new collection and the rest of the line can be see on the IQON site here:
FOLLOW IQON BRAND @IQON_BRAND & VISIT THEIR SITE AT IQON-BRAND.COM
The long rumored collaboration between THEM Skates and the streetwear brand Brain Dead is finally here and they are as beautiful and unique as we could have expected. Their skates have gotten quite a lot of attention from outside the blading community as even some of hip hop’s most popular artists such as A$AP Ferg can be seen testing out the colorful new boots. THEM based the skates on their popular 909 model and used an eye-catching blue and white marble swirl color as well as dark navy THEM frames and recently improved 2.0 Them souls and dark grey cuffs to make one of the best looking skates in a very long time.
Check out the skates specifications which were listed on the THEM Skates site:
Sizing:
- Size X-Small : 5/6 US
- Size Small : 7/8 US
- Size Medium : 9/10 US
- Size Large : 11/12 US
Shell & Cuff –
Features: Updated TPU Impact Impact Resistant Plastic.
Them Liner V4 –
Improved features: Re-positioned allows heel to sit further into liner, for increased security. Wider tongue with increased padding provides a improved cushioning and comfort. Re-shaped cuff reinforcement provides improved structure and articulation.
Soul Plates 2.0 –
A. Thickened interior walls for longer lasting.
B. For easier customization, we introduce our new “Bridge Soul Plate Hardware”.
Them Street Frames-
Features:
UFS street skating frame, designed by Kyle Sola and Jon Julio.
Low h-block position, designed for use with flat or anti-rocker wheel setups.
Durable, low-friction material, made from injection-mold glass-filled nylon.
Precision-milled aluminum frame spacers.
Custom-made steel axles, with asymmetric head – only needs one tool to tighten or loosen.
Low riding height – 30mm from top of frame to middle of axles. Dimensions: Two wheelbase lengths – 250mm or 270mm wheelbase. Fits up-to 58mm wheels for flat-rocker setups. 110mm distance between middle wheels.
Them Wheels-
58 MM 90 A wheels (the original THEM wheels urethane pour)
Bearings:
Abec 5 Speed Bearings
On top of the incredible THEM x Braindead boots, they also released a wide range of upscale soft goods such as pants, sweaters, tees, hats, hoodies and jackets to keep you looking fresh during your next session. Check a preview of the THEM x Braindead pieces as well as some sweet new THEM tees below.
THEM X BRAIN DEAD | BLADE ENFORCER CREWNECK
FOLLOW THEM SKATES @THEMSKATES & VISIT THEIR SITE AT THEMGOODS.COM
The Roces Skate brand has been staying quite busy lately with a fresh new line of skates including an eye-catching chestnut colorway for their classic M12 boot, a slick looking all white Fifth Element as well as a MUCH deserved pro skate release for Grant Hazelton, Ilia Savosin and a never before done signature skate in two different models for Nils Jansons.
In keeping with their tradition of making eco-friendly skate products, Roces shells are 47% cornstarch-based plastic, the liner padding is 100% recycled PU and the skate packaging is recyclable and 99% plastic-free. The skates come stock with Roces hard-as-a-freaking-rock polyamide & glass fiber frames, 58mm 88a wheels, Abec 5 bearings and 97 % recycled anti rockers. Mother Earth appreciates Roces going above and beyond to use recycled materials for the majority of their skate components and you should too!
On top of the fresh new aggressive models, Roces has also released shots of their 3 x 110mm big wheel skate in a smooth red and black colorway labeled the Jurassic Red, the first of hopefully many pro skates for Russian prodigy Ilia Savosin.
Here are the specifications of the new Jurassic Red Ilia Savosin pro model skate, as taken from the Roces website:
Shell and cuff: High Quality polypropylene, Asymmetrical streamline, Total ventilation
Closure: Aluminium upper micrometric buckle, Instep micrometric buckle, Asymmetrical fast flowing lacing
Cushioning: Integraded shock absorber device
Boot: ECOleather lining, Anatomical padding, Malleolus comfort area
Footbed: Anatomical
Frame: Extruded aluminium, 3 arch design
Wheels: Roces 110mm 85A
Bearings: ABEC 7
Spacers: Aluminium
Rocker: Washers Aluminium
Axles: Zero Clearance
Stopper: Supplied with brake
Roces product visuals courtesy of Martina Margiotta, @martina_marg
Product photos: Marco Valera, @marcovalera
Roces production manager: Alessandro Cavasin, @alessandrocavasin
FOLLOW ROCES SKATES @ROCES_OFFICIAL & VISIT THEIR SITE AT ROCES.COM
The latest member to the Gawds skate line is the new Tim Franken Pro model, featuring the best components available on a classic hard boot. The skates come standard with the new MyFit Prime liner, the latest premium model in the Myfit range. The glass fiber reinforced plastic cuff has an upgraded extra strong metal buckle and a fast lacing system on the shell. The injected soul plate is lightweight, strong, fast, and completed with the perfect anti rocker setup of the Kizer Fluid IV frames and Tim’s own Pro Gawds wheels with Abec 9 bearings.
Gawds Brand have also restocked their third version of the popular Franky Morales pro model skates in a vibrant red and white colorway that looks absolutely gorgeous! The flashy Gawds Franky 3 model skates comes with a glass fiber reinforced shell with an integrated lining, 45° velcro straps to prevent that dreaded heal lift, UHMW one piece symmetrical soulplates (flipable), white Kizer Fluid 4 UFS frames and Franky’s pro model Gawds 60mm 90a outer wheels and Gawds anti-rocker wheels in the middle. The Gawds Tim Franken and F3s are available at the Gawds shop now and available in select skateshops worldwide as well.
FOLLOW GAWDS BRAND @GAWDSBRAND & VISIT THEM AT GAWDS.SHOP
The Dead Wheels brand have continued their recent trend of working with some of blading’s hottest companies with their newest collaboration with FTS. Dead & FTS have released an awesome new marble 58mm 92a wheel, which is a perfect mixture for either street or park skating. The 92a durometer wheel provides a great balance between grip while skating, and reduced friction while grinding.
On top of their new wheel collabo, they have also released a line of soft goods which shows off the 90s heartthrob, Mariah Carey, rocking some vintage skates from rollerblading’s heyday.
FOLLOW DEAD WHEELS @DEAD.WHEELS & VISIT THEM AT BLADINGISDEAD.COM
Ground Control have just released their newest version of their popular Featherlite frames with their new FLT4 which utilizes the strength of the Mega frame, the light weight of the FLT3 frame, and the wheel protection of their HD H-Block. The FLT4 comes stock with plastic h-blocks but can even be used with their aluminum HD blocks. The frame walls feature squared-off bottom edges which offer increased wheel protection and frame life and are designed to fit 60mm wheels max.
Here are some specifications on the new GC FLT4 frames:
- 46mm frame height
- 41mm frame width
- 9mm frame wall thickness
- 110mm middle wheel split
- 14mm between center of axle and bottom of frame wall
- GC 8mm Sickle Bolts w/single tool design
- Aluminum Frame&Bearing Spacers included
- H-block mounts with 2 bolts at top of frame for a secure fit
Wheelbase options: 247mm, 257mm, 270mm
Available in Black w/White Block & White w/Black Block
FOLLOW GROUND CONTROL @GROUNDCONTROLFRAMES & VISIT THEIR SITE AT GROUNDCONTROLFRAMES.COM
Kizer has just dropped their much anticipated new one piece aluminum AL Soulframe. After the success of the USD Aeon skate, Kizer took a close look at its design in the development of the new Kizer Soulframe 60. Their goal was to lower the skater’s center of gravity whilst increasing the direct feeling of grinding. The soulframe is completely made out of aluminum for maximum energy transfer, faster grinds, and designed specifically for the high-speed park, bowl skating, and coping grinds. Like the Aeon it is a non-UFS unibody soul plate with an integrated frame, to achieve the lowest center of gravity and widest split for flat setups, making it lighter and stronger whilst using fewer parts. Plate and frame are made out of 6061 aircraft aluminum, CNC machined to perfection, and coming with the new Element II aluminum H-block. The frame is designed to hold a maximum of 4x62mm wheels for, what we consider to be the perfect flat setup. The Soulframe has predrilled and recessed mounting holes which are compatible fit flat bottomed USD skates and also Salomons.
For more information on the AL Soulframe see the spec sheet listed below:
FOLLOW KIZER FRAMES @KIZERFRAMES & VISIT THEIR SITE AT KIZER-SKATE.COM
USD Skates has dropped a few new models including a brand new Transformer skate in a smooth grey and black colorway for all the burgeoning new kiddos out there. The Transformer skates features a Kizer Junior frame, which gives your child all the tools to learn how to grind, slide and even get some big air. The Transformer skate comes with an anti-rocker set-up with long-lasting 57 mm USD wheels on the outside of the frames and 100 A grindwheels on the inside, the skate gives you plenty of space for grinds like royales and frontsides, while still being fast and stable, which is important when learning how to do big airs and spins. The USD Transformer is the ideal skate for kids getting interested in getting into aggressive inline skating.
The USD Carbon Free Carlos Bernal 2 is the well-deserved second pro skate for Carlos, who has been representing USD for many years, starting as a local Spanish flow rider and working his way all the way up to the world pro team, consistently putting out one hammer edit after another showcasing his amazing skating. Carlos once again chose the carbon-free mold for his second signature mode but this time went with a classic black and white color scheme with the slightest of red accents to make for one of the most simple but elegant skates in the USD skate line.
The Carbon Free Carlos Bernal 2 skate uses a glass-fiber reinforced plastic for the shell base, whose construction feels a bit softer than the carbon and offers additional flex and freedom of movement. The trainer-like appearance gives you the lowest volume and creates one of the lightest skates on the market. The solid PU cuffs allow the perfect amount of flex, whilst providing sufficient support. The low-profile sole plate complements the overall lightweight design whilst still remaining fast and durable on all grinds and slides. The soul plates and cuffs are available in a variety of colors giving you many customization options
USD have also recently released the very well deserved and long overdue pro model for their Spanish pro rider Mery Muñoz. The Mery Muñoz 60mm Aeon upgrades include a premium vegan soft, a top-45 degree ratchet buckle, a reinforced aluminum buckle, hand crafted dual color print, an additional heel reflective print and 60mm 88a Mery Muñoz USD UHR (Ultra high rebound) wheels and fast riding Wicked Abec 9 bearings.
On top of all the incredible improvements that have been made to the Mery Muñoz Aeon skate they will be one of the first 2021 pro skates to feature their new higher royalties scheme. On all future releases USD pro team riders will now receive a drastically increased royalty per pro skate sold, alongside their usual monthly incentives schemes. This is definitely a step in the right direction and working more towards making inline skating a sustainable profession for the best in our sport.
FOLLOW USD SKATES @USDSKATES
One of the best bladies in the game, Chynna Weierstall, has been blessed with a second edition of her popular pro model wheel from Chroma. Instead of the baby blue urethane like her first edition, this time Chynna went with a bright red urethane in a 58mm bullet profile with a soft 88a durometer.
The wheels feature a unique graphic featuring Chynna’s baby, Emma the Labra-Bull, in cartoon form designed by renowned graphic artist Jeremy Beightol. Emma also makes yet another appearance in Chynna’s new ad for the wheel, which can be seen below.
FOLLOW CHROMA WHEELS @CHROMAWHEELS & VISIT THEIR SITE AT CHROMAWHEELS.COM
Create Originals have just dropped a re-up of their popular custom graphic insert frames in some fresh colors as well as some cool new pro models for their iconic team riders such as Alex Broskow, Sean Kelso & Montre Livingston.
The frames feature their patented custom graphic display with a precision center h-block groove, a light weight fast sliding formula which includes durable 8mm axle hardware and is proudly made in the USA, so that should fix whatever kind of issues they may have encountered in their models which were made overseas. Did we forget to mention that Create Originals is 100% skater owned and operated? Well they are, and you should definitely show your support to CO and pick up a pair while you can because they usually sell like hot cakes. So stock up quick!
FOLLOW CREATE ORIGINALS @CREATEORIGINALS & VISIT THEIR SITE AT CREATEORIGINALS.COM
From the brain of one of blading’s strongest bladies, Aarin Sullivan (Gates) comes Cess Socks! Cess Socks’ goal is to create high quality products that accentuate your style, and provide lasting comfort. Cess socks was also formed as a way to raise funds to support children in need, and our future generations. 15% of all profits made will be donated directly to children’s charities. So show your support for one of blading’s best and also help out some deserving children in the process. Sounds like a win-win to us!
FOLLOW CESS SOCKS @CESS_SOCKS & VISIT THEIR SITE AT CESSSOCKS.COM
Our good friends at Syeahskate have just released their newest collection of apparel and the result is some of the best looking garments within the blading community in quite sometime. If you are unfamiliar with Syeahskate they are a creative collective of individuals from Athens Greece, with deep roots in blading. They make films, art & host the popular annual Blade House events as well as run the annual Grind Challenge online competition.
All their stuff is designed, fabricated & printed in Athens, using local fabrics, eco inks & featuring designs by prominent Greek artists. Their latest shirts are a bit longer than standard EU sizes, and will hardly shrink, as they prewash all of their fabrics.
FOLLOW SYEAHSKATE @SYEAHSKATE & VISIT THEIR SITE AT SYEAHSKATE.COM
If your brand has a hot new item and would like to be featured in the latest edition of “Nuts & Bolts”, please email [email protected] for all product releases.
We would like to streamline the process of product releases and product news by offering companies the ability to reach out beforehand with pertinent information about the release. Photos/renders of the product, brief summary on the product, names and social media handles involved, release date, possible quotes we can use in the write up. By giving Be-mag staff the heads up, we can add these releases to our editorial calendar, time our news stories with your release dates without rush, and give the community fact-checked information straight from the source.
Any private information about the product will remain confidential until otherwise approved for release. Please title the subject of your email ‘Product Release’.
