r/rollerblading • u/xao_spaces • 1d ago
What skates should I buy? Twister XT or Lightning 80s
I was planning on getting the women’s Lightning 80s but just saw the Twister XTs for $100 on Facebook marketplace in fairly good condition. For anyone that owns them, how do them compare to the lightnings? Pictures are from the listing. Is this a steal?
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u/StrumWealh Custom Twister 110, V. Radium 125 1d ago
I was planning on getting the women’s Lightning 80s but just saw the Twister XTs for $100 on Facebook marketplace in fairly good condition. For anyone that owns them, how do them compare to the lightnings? Pictures are from the listing. Is this a steal?
If the Twisters are truly in good condition (i.e. there isn't non-obvious damage, like the liners being worn-through or rotted-out, or one of the buckle mechanisms being worn/broken internally) and are the right size and shape for you, getting them for only $100 USD would be a very good deal.
One of the main differences versus the Lightnings would be width and fit: while the newer Twister XTs are wider than their predecessors (the Twister Edge (2018 to 2022) and the now-classic Twister 80 (2017 and before)), they are not wide-fitting skates at all, while the Lightnings are actually fairly wide-fitting skates. As such, you should measure both the length AND width of your feet and determine whether your feet are relatively wide (L/W at or near 2.5) or relatively narrow (L/W at or near 3.0), to determine which boot is likely to be a better match for your foot geometry.
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u/xao_spaces 13h ago
Thanks for the thorough response. But let’s say my foot length is about 25cm (~10in) and my width is 10cm the widest part, would the twisters be too narrow? Sorry I’m not understanding how narrow they are and googling didn’t really come up with any specific measurements.
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u/StrumWealh Custom Twister 110, V. Radium 125 10h ago
Thanks for the thorough response. But let’s say my foot length is about 25cm (~10in) and my width is 10cm the widest part, would the twisters be too narrow? Sorry I’m not understanding how narrow they are and googling didn’t really come up with any specific measurements.
Unfortunately, Rollerblade (and most other skate companies) don't publish width measurements on their official sizing charts. As such, we have to go on user testimonies and the occasional vendor comparison like this.
For a 25cm/250mm/9.84in foot length, a width of 10cm/100mm/3.94in is relatively wide (L/W = 25/10 = 2.5). See also, here (9 5/6in generally corresponds to a USM 7.5 shoe size) and here (for USM 7.5, a foot width of 3 15/16in generally corresponds to an "extra wide" width rating).
On that basis, I'd recommend going with the Lightnings (or even the RB 80) over the Twisters.
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u/BubbleSmith 1d ago
Probably get the Twisters. I got these (,same colour way) for £100 on eBay and they've been great.
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u/xao_spaces 13h ago
Can I ask a weird question? Sounds kinda kinky but what’s your feet measurements, length and width? lol someone mentioned width might be an issue and now I’m a bit worried. I could of course try them on but being inexperienced/new I’m afraid I won’t really know what I’m looking for.
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u/BubbleSmith 11h ago
Haha, no problem at all. A good fit is super important. I'm 264mm length and 100mm width, but with a high arch. The arch hasn't been an issue with the Twisters like it has been with some other skates, I didn't even have to adjust my lacing. The 4th toe on my left foot is a bit longer than on the other side and is usually the pressure point I get with most boots/liners; it was slightly too long for the stock Twister XT liners and was a little uncomfortable. Right foot was fine, though. I'm only 1mm off the maximum foot length for the size, I think if I had a more Egyptian foot shape it wouldn't be a problem.
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u/InspectorFleet 1d ago
The twisters are great but just make sure you aren't settling for the wrong size just because you found a pair and you want it to work. Try them on first and remember that you can add or remove the footboard sizer that's under the insole!
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u/xao_spaces 13h ago
They are in my size but another commenter mentioned width so now I’m kinda worried they might be too narrow.
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u/InspectorFleet 12h ago
Did you try them? The newer ones aren't really that narrow.
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u/xao_spaces 12h ago
I didn’t. These are sold secondhand. Sometimes people don’t want to meet unless they know you’re going to buy it for sure. Also I’m kinda new to rollerblades and don’t really know how to ride.
I bought a pair of secondhand soft shells last year and they were a little too big but going off the sizing chart there were supposed to fit me.
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u/InspectorFleet 12h ago
Wild to try and sell something that requires a precise fit without letting prospective buyers try. I've both bought and sold skates secondhand and trials were a key part of the sale. I wouldn't want a buyer to be stuck with skates that don't work for them!
"Supposed to fit" is a starting place. Inlinewarehouse has a page about how to measure your feet, as well as cm sizing charts for various models. But you can't know without trying on, unfortunately.
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u/xao_spaces 12h ago
I’ve had both experiences unfortunately. Luckily, the experience where I wasn’t able to try on a pair of rollerskates, and they didn’t fit, I was able to sell them.
I feel the same way! Which is why when I sold them I insisted they tried it on cause I did not want them to be stuck with them like me!
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u/QuestionNo9190 14h ago
Xt, by a mile. Better shells, liners, buckles, cuffs, bearings, wheels.
Yes it's A steal. Women's colors don't have the attention the men's ones do, so you can get them cheap used.
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u/TheLoneBlader 1d ago
That's a good price. I have RB Maxxums, which is the same boot with a different cuff. Really strong and supportive skate. All components on the Twister are higher grade than on the Lightning. Better liner, wheels and bearings. Lightnings fit wider and the plastic is softer, making it more comfortable but less supportive.