The battle of the different skate mounts

Choosing the right inline skate mount can be confusing, especially for newbies. It's like picking the right shoes for a hike – the wrong kind can ruin the whole experience. But fear not, fellow rollerbladers! This blog is your map to navigating the four main mounts: 165mm, Trinity, Unibody, and UFS. We'll break down their pros and cons in plain English, helping you find the perfect match for your skating style.

165mm/195mm or any other mm

Think of these numbered mounts as the most used mounts, reliable and familiar. It works with basically most boots and frames from almost all brands. The number is the distance between the 2 mounting receivers underneath the shell.

On the more expensive skates, the 2 mounting receivers can be shifted closer or further away from each other, making it extremely easy to replace parts. For shells that are fixed, you can only use compatible frames. In order to find the correct frame, measure the distance between the both mounting bolt. If it is 165mm apart, you can only use 165mm frame.

A distinct trait of a numbered mm mount is the elevated heel at the back. This is to make the user feel less likely to fall backwards while standing on the skates.

Trinity

Trinity are the latest mount that hit the market and became instantly popular. They are patent owned by Powerslide and no other brands can legally make shells and frames compatible with trinity mounts without getting their permission first.

The trinity shell has 3 mounting receivers. One at the heel and two at the top side of the foot area. This means the frame is extremely rigid and has less vibration while skating. The power transfer is also higher.

Other mounts type's mounting bolts sit right above the wheels. So there must be ample space between the wheels and the shell to prevent wheel bite. However for trinity, the mounting bolts are at the side. So this allows the wheels to go nearer to the shell making it lower to the ground. Lower skates means better stability. 

Unibody

Unibody means the shell and the frame is moulded into one. The manufacturing process is usually cheaper this way. However, some prefer the unibody because it does not require bolts and nuts, hence reducing weight tremendously. The USD Aeon uses unibody and it is one of the best selling aggressive skates right now. 

UFS

UFS stands for Universal Frame System where big brands came together to agree on a frame system where all can benefit and make skaters' life easier when buying parts. 

Shells that are UFS distinct feature is the flatness. The heel and the front is flat. There is no elevation at the back. This allow the users to be lower to the ground and easier to install soul plates

The UFS frame also has a groove and smaller mounting bolt head so wheels can go closer to the shell without wheel bite.

Bonus Tip: Don't be afraid to ask experienced skaters for advice! They've been through the mount maze and can help you find the exit.

Let's keep the wheels rolling! Share your favorite mount and why it works for you in the comments below. Happy skating!