The Derby Shop Rookie Guide
A warm welcome to roller derby from THE Derby Shop, owned and run by Dirty Job. We love derby, good gear, and the people who make this amazing sport what it is!
One of the more difficult aspects of being a Rookie is figuring out what exactly is required in terms of gear. You need skates, but if you're like most beginners, you might feel like you're rolling around on spaceships. There's a lot of information online, but it can be difficult to determine what comes from a reputable source, and opinions on gear are often strong and divergent. To help those new to the sport sort it all out, THE Derby Shop is here to assist. You are always welcome to call or email with questions or requests. Remember, there are no stupid questions!
Before we discuss boots, trucks, bearings, or wheels, we want to focus on your most critical components: your knees and your head. They break easily and are hard to repair! So, before anything else, get really good knee pads and a certified helmet.
Knees
You will fall on your knees frequently in roller derby, sometimes intentionally, other times unexpectedly, and often with significant force. Cheap recreational-grade knee pads used for inline skating are NOT sufficient for roller derby.
Our advice is to get the best, cushiest pads you can afford and learn to skate with them from the very beginning. This will greatly extend your derby career and minimize the chances of knee injury, which is one of the most common injuries seen (besides bruises).
Lower-end knee pads with less padding (starting around €50) offer sufficient protection for roller derby – but only just sufficient. These pads are suitable for rookies on a budget, referees, and very light skaters. If you are not one of these, or even if you are, please consider better knee pads with thick, good quality padding.
Helmets
Next, your head. Your helmet should fit snugly but not painfully. It should sit low on your forehead, near your eyebrows, and should not slip around.
A good and certified helmet is not necessarily the most expensive. Certified, multi-impact helmets start at €45. We strongly advise against buying second-hand helmets. There is always the risk that something happened with the helmet even though no damage is visible. Taking risks like that with your head is a bad plan.
Skates
When buying your very first pair of skates for derby, the options can seem overwhelming, as can the price tag. You may be tempted to dust off old skates or go for the cheapest option to see if you like the sport. However, very cheap skates often have parts that cannot be replaced, like bolt-on toe stops. It's also more likely that the plate will crack or the boot will pull away from the plate. These skates usually offer no support or control, which can ruin the fun of skating.
If you have a limited budget, some lower-end derby skates are a good starting point. In the €150 to €250 range, there is already some choice. While they often come in whole sizes and are made of cheaper vinyl, fit is paramount in this price range. The shape of the boot must match the shape of your foot.
A mid-level skate package typically costs between €300 and €500. Boots in this range often come in half sizes, and the (fake-)leather is of good quality. These skates provide better support and control and will last much longer. We consider mid-level packages to be athletic gear, while less expensive skates are more recreational, though still suitable for your first strides on the derby track.
Skate Components
A roller skate is shown with its primary components labeled. The BOOT is the main structure that fits around the foot. The WHEEL is the round component that makes contact with the ground. The PLATE is the flat base that attaches the boot to the wheel assembly. BEARINGS are located within the wheel to facilitate smooth spinning. The TOESTOP is a stopper located at the front of the boot.
Boots
When trying on skates at the shop, expect them to feel very different from your sneakers. The break-in process for a skate boot is similar to breaking in combat boots, and you can expect some discomfort, whether it's a beginner or mid-level boot. A well-fitting boot will eventually feel like an extension of your leg and should be very snug but not painful when standing. You'll know a boot fits properly if you can stand on your toe stops without feeling your heel lift. Vinyl boots are often more comfortable initially, but be aware that any cushioning inside the boot will break down over time, creating more space.
Wheels
All beginner derby skates at TDS come with decent beginner wheels. Don't worry about the wheels when buying your first skates; you will develop a preference over time. Your beginner wheels will be fine for now! TDS will also switch out the wheels on your beginner skate if we feel it would benefit you more.
Plates
When it comes to plates on entry-level skates, there isn't much choice. Most come with the same type of nylon plate, which is light-weight and affordable.
A roller skate plate assembly is illustrated with its parts labeled. The PLATE is the main base. Attached to the plate are the TRUCK components, which hold the wheels. The AXLE is the rod that the wheels are mounted on within the truck. The KING PIN is a central bolt that connects the truck's components and allows for pivoting. CUSHIONS (often rubber or urethane) surround the king pin and influence the skate's turning characteristics. The PIVOT is the point where the truck pivots on the plate.
Toe Stops
Pay attention to the toe stops. Black toe stops leave marks and are often not allowed at most venues. Buy a set of good, non-marking toe stops with your first skates so you can skate on any floor.
Protective Gear
Elbow & Wrist
Wrist guards take a lot of abuse in roller derby and wear out quickly. Always look for wrist guards that have plastic inserts on the top and bottom of the hand for proper protection of the wrist joint. They need to fit snugly and comfortably.
Elbow pads must also fit snugly. The amount of padding they offer is secondary to fit. It's unlikely you will fall on your elbows very often, but if you do, they need to stay in place to cushion the impact. Both wrist guards and elbow pads can be bought second-hand or cheaply, as long as they fit properly and stay in place when you use them.