quadskate

Quad skate, or quad skates, is a type of roller skate in which four wheels are arranged in two side-by-side pairs, forming a two-by-two wheel layout. This contrasts with inline skates, which place all wheels in a single line. Quad skates have been used for recreational skating, artistic roller skating, and roller derby, and are closely associated with early skating culture and the roller-disco era.

Quad skates consist of a boot mounted on a plate with two axles, each carrying two wheels. The wheels are typically the same size and arranged with a front pair and a rear pair. A toe stop is commonly mounted at the front for braking and balance. The plate is attached to the boot by trucks or kingpins, enabling turning, and wheels are usually polyurethane with bearings for rotation.

Quad skates were among the earliest commercially successful roller skates. They rose to prominence in the 20th century, with widespread use in recreational skating and in roller discos of the 1970s and 1980s. While inline skates later became more popular for speed and urban use, quads remain common in artistic skating and in some roller-derby communities.

Quads offer stability and a broad stance, which eases learning and certain maneuvers. They are typically used indoors on smooth floors and outdoors on paved surfaces with suitable wheel hardness. Variants exist for different activities, including softer outdoor wheels for outdoor use and harder indoor wheels for performance.

Regular maintenance includes inspecting the boot, plate, and fastenings, replacing worn wheels and bearings, and cleaning or re-greasing bearings. Use protective gear such as wrist guards, knee and elbow pads, and a helmet to reduce injury risk, especially for beginners.