Among the three main components of a roller skate—wheels, plates, and boots— plates are the most under-appreciated. Truck geometry, action style, height, and length directly influence what a skater can do [better &/or worse]. This page focuses on the aforementioned elements.

The list directly below are generalizations that can help describe how plates vary:

• Wide trucks tend to be more stable

• Slim trucks tend to be more agile

• Longer plates tend to be more stable

• Shorter plates tend to be more agile

• Smaller kingpin/pivot-pin angles (<20°) tend to be more stable

• Larger kingpin/pivot-pin angles (>20°) tend to be more agile

• Nylon (and other plastic plates) are the lightest material but absorb force.

• Aluminum (and other metal plates) transfer force more efficiently.

note: This page is a work-in-progress