I used to be an avid 'blader. I bought a pair of less expensive Rollerblade and upgraded the bearings and wheels. One important aspect is "rocking", skates that rock have the two center wheels slightly lower so all four are not touching the ground at the same time. This makes them more manuverable, however some like them not to rock. Most good skates have adjustable axles on the center wheels to accomodate either setup. Mine didn't so I bought slightly larger wheels for the center.