Three wheels
Two balance zones built around a central pivot.
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INLINE FIGURE SKATING GUIDES
3 wheel vs 4 wheel inline figure skating frames.
Wheel count changes the geometry of the frame, which changes the way a skater moves across it.
Four wheels
Three balance zones with a more continuous feel.
The goal
Match the frame to the skating you want to do.
QUICK ANSWER
Geometry changes everything.
Three-wheel systems create two balance zones. Four-wheel systems create three balance zones. Ice blades use three balance zones.
01 · THREE-WHEEL SYSTEMS
How three-wheel frames are built.
Three-wheel frames place a wheel beneath the centre of the foot and create a pivoting sensation between the front and rear sections of the frame.
This creates a different feeling from the continuous rocker profile of an ice blade.
The result is a rock between positions rather than a glide through them.
02 · ON THE FLOOR
What this means while skating.
Twizzles
Maintaining a stable centre position becomes more difficult.
Jump landings
Landing mechanics can feel noticeably different.
Edge jumps
The body may adapt to a different take-off position.
Glide
The overall balance window is reduced.
03 · WHO ADAPTS WELL
Different backgrounds produce different results.
Some skaters from a quad background adapt naturally to three-wheel systems.
Many ice skaters prefer four-wheel systems because the geometry more closely reflects the structure of an ice blade.
04 · FOUR-WHEEL SYSTEMS
How four wheels change the structure.
A four-wheel frame creates front, centre and rear balance zones.
The two centre wheels create a more stable centre section that more closely reflects the structure of an ice blade.
For many ice figure skaters, four-wheel systems provide the closest available approximation of the structure of an ice blade.
05 · WHY EDGE USES FOUR WHEELS
The design philosophy behind EDGE.
EDGE was designed around the movement patterns and balance zones used in ice figure skating.
Every wheel position uses an adjustable rocker axle so the frame can be adjusted to suit the individual skater.
The objective was not to build another inline frame. The objective was to build a system around the requirements of ice figure skaters.
THE HONEST SUMMARY
Compare the geometry before you compare the price.
Three wheels
Create two balance zones.
Four wheels
Create three balance zones.
Ice blades
Use three balance zones.
Geometry
Should reinforce technique rather than create compensation.
The question is not which frame is universally better. The question is whether the geometry matches the skating you are trying to do.
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