Best Derby Skates of 2019

DW Staff evaluated dozens of complete skate packages based on performance, comfort, and value to bring you this list of the best of the bunch!

The Jet Carbon Boot is brand spankin' new and is Antik's first foray into the world of carbon wraps. It's mounted to an Arius Platinum Plate with Morph Solo Wheels, Moto Deluxe Bearings, and a Superball Toe Stop.

Performance: 9 /10
As one might expect, the carbon shell provides an extremely rigid base that translates into clean power transfer and pinpoint response. The Jet Carbon truly FEELS like it's responding to your every move, which brings us to the Arius Platinum underneath. This kingpin-less plate is the lightest plate on the market, skates smooth, and, like the boot, responds quite impressively. Finding the right cushion combo tends to be a painstaking process but it pays off in the end.

Comfort: 8 / 10
The Jet Carbon features a very fit-friendly last that is wide throughout and squared at the toes. It's the sort of fit most people "oooo" at right out of the box. Our testers actually struggled with too-much volume until heat molding - both the heel cup and toe box are moldable and truly make a difference in how the boot fits, feels, and performs.

Value: 9 / 10
That's no small chunk of change but it actually checks in as the least expensive package featuring the Arius Platinum. Wheels and bearings are solid but could stand to be upgraded to squeeze out that last bit of performance.

-------------------------

The Q4 Falcon has been one of Atom’s flagship packages for years now and it is truly the sum of some very impressive parts: a Vertigo Q4 Boot, Pilot Falcon Plate, Atom Savant Wheels, Bionic ABEC 7 Bearings, and a Super Stopper Toe Stop.

Performance: 8 / 10
The Vertigo Q4 is constructed using stiff leatherboard counters wrapped in microfiber - a combination that creates a supportive and amazingly tough skate boot that responds to your stride better than traditional, soft leather. The Falcon Plate has been one of our favorites for years and is our go-to recommendation to anyone asking. Its 16-degree action is a sweet spot for derby, wonderfully balancing tight turning capability with stability and power.

Comfort: 8 / 10
Built on a last that feels great for most feet right out of the box with AquaTech heat molding that really integrates your foot into the boot. Even the footbed is heat moldable, which says a lot in a market of otherwise throw away stock insoles. There is quite a bit of volume available, meaning a Cinderella slipper-fit can be achieved for almost any foot if you are willing to take the time AquaMold the boot, sometimes more than once.

Value: 10 / 10
This setup offers performance that rivals packages that cost several hundred more and that’s where this package really excels. A high performance boot on one of the best modern plates made for derby, rolling on Savant Wheels that are trusted at the most competitive levels of our sport. There’s very little you’d want to upgrade out of the box, unless you want to swing for the fences with some Swiss or ceramic bearings.

-------------------------

The Quadstar made Bont more accessible to a greater share of the market with its affordable pricing; but it wasn’t until the Athena Plate came along that a truly high-performance, derby ready package emerged for the masses. With Ballistic Wheels, ABEC 5 Bearings, and a Bont Toe-Go (Toe Stop).

Performance: 7 / 10
The Quadstar utilizes a fiberglass base that doesn't quite match up to the performance of carbon but provides similar qualities at a lower cost. The 20¡ Athena earns great marks for stability and power - jamming on it felt great! - but we needed better (and harder) wheels before we felt good with its edging and response.

Comfort: 7 / 10
Universally, heel comfort and security were everyone’s favorite aspects of the fit. Doubly so when you consider that nearly the entire boot is heat moldable (and we STRONGLY recommend heat molding). There are reports of discomfort and nail bruising from the low toe box and after some toe stop work, some of our staff can confirm that discomfort though it was not universal.

Value: 9 / 10
Bont sought to challenge other elite packages on the market with an affordable option and this skate hits the nail on the head. The Quadstar’s technology and performance stand out in a price range where most brands are still offering Competitive Level skates. It's not all sunshine and rainbows though, the bearings don’t inspire much confidence and are worth replacing almost immediately.

Think you can do better? Of course you can! Piece together your own personalized ‘best skate package’ and make it a reality with our Custom Skate Builder.