Echo Freeskate "Founders Edition" In Depth Review

[@SJRollerblading]

Let me know: What do you like or dislike about this skate?

[@MrMokey24]

I do a mix of freeskating on 4x90mm wheels with a slight rocker and 4x80 flat and would like to try light wizard skating on 5 wheel frames, so that means this skate is not for me. I'm not a fan of the rockered axles. 2mm is way too much of a rocker on a 4x80 frame for me. I don't know why the skate 'needs' a different mounting system, for sure they could have just went with the trinity system. I guess it's okay for people who just want a single frame setup. Another thing I would change is the shock absorber. In my experience, foam absorbers take a lot of energy out of the stride, that's why I much prefer rubber shock absorbers. But that is preference I suppose, I don't do big gaps myself. What I find is most lacking in the current options for skaters, is more options for costumized skates, with a proper foot measurement, options for frames, wheels etc. Every manufacturer just goes for a "one size fits all" approach with only limited amounts of molds and liners. Ordering skates online is a big gamble because of this. Skate manufacturers that offer a different mold for every EU size are far and few between and getting sizing information is rudimentary at best.

[@DraftyVi]

i dont think you're realising just how insanely expensive it would be to have different molds for every size, and it wouldnt be the manufacturer paying that price, it would be us. Personally I skate a 4x90 with a 4mm rocker so having rockerable frames is a nice feature for me. I do agree that the new mounting system isnt overly needed, but if the plan is to have a bunch of different frame styles then i can see it being massively beneficial because of that super low ride you'll get, but if nobody gets on board with it then it may as well be a riveted frame, and also as for trinity mounting, i believe (not 100% sure) that is exclusive to powerslide skates as i think they hold the patent for that.

[@MrMokey24]

@DraftyVi Yes, it's patented. Trinity can be licensed. But that's between them and PS. I don't get how different molds would be more expensive, when skate manufacturers constantly come up with new molds. The design of a completely new product line with the molds etc. also come at a cost we pay. I would rather see less new skates and more mold sizes. But the manufacturer probably thinks we buy it anyway as long as the marketing is good. Them skates for example only had 4 molds I think, but everyone still went nuts for it because of the marketing. In the end, it doesn't matter to them how well the skate fits or how it performs as long as we buy it.

[@DraftyVi]

@@MrMokey24 The price when it comes to mold sizes ultimately comes from the insanely high price for the tooling of the molds themselves (can often be upwards of $10k), and from the extra storage space needed to house 100s of every possible size of shell, which is why you'll often see shells made to be dual size, cuts down on storage space needed, cuts down on stock waste since there are naturally less needed sizes in most cases and a boot being slightly too big or slightly too small is usually able to be fixed with a different liner

[@MrMokey24]

@ There are single size skates that don't cost an arm and a leg

[@SJRollerblading]

This rollerblading industry is certainly a complex one. I believe companies are largely operating within the constraints of what they can afford. If they had the resources to offer more (such as higher quality parts or greater size options) I’m confident they would. Maybe, in time, we’ll see skates manufactured in U.S. factories with top-tier components and extensive size ranges. It’s worth noting that the skiing industry already offers these options, though it benefits from significantly larger budgets to support that.

[@londonskatelife]

Sounds like a great skate!!🙌 Love the hat😉

[@SideZwipe]

Whatyoutalkinbout 😂 Great review mate

[@DraftyVi]

The skate looks like it has the potential to absolutely burst onto the scene in the lower cost options much like the Verve, Liner looks class and the cuff is still as good and useful as it was on the Verve. biggest weak point im seeing, at least from your review, and from other skates is that big chunky 45 degree strap since they always break so easily, but as you said as well those are a matter of a few pound to replace. I think the real make or break for this, at least in terms of its staying power will be in that mounting system, if frame makers adopt it, it could be a huge benefit for a lot of skaters since its got that good crossover between the benefits of a sturdy riveted frame like you'd get on the Powerslide Zoom, but obviously you'd be able to switch it out. Would be interesting to see if they would be able to somehow get both this mounting system and the standard 165 into a future product, maybe a similar idea to the new IQON skate with the adapter.

[@SJRollerblading]

Yes, I'm really curious to see where they go next. Who knows what the plan will be if this skate is a success. I like that they are tesing the waters before over commiting. Thanks for watching!

[@SlicksSkateStore]

[@HeadNtheClouds]

What size frame is that? Can you eat the wheels? 😅

[@SJRollerblading]

@@HeadNtheCloudsI don’t actually know the length of the frame. I should measure it. But it’s perfect for 80mm wheels. Also, it is physically possible to eat the wheels if you have good teeth but it might take a lot of chewing and won’t feel so nice on the way out. I wouldn’t recommend.

[@AudroneStorm]

Nice to see that the skate seems to be good. Are the axels shallow like FR front and back ones on rockerable frame? Or deeper? I keep stripping FR axels no matter how careful I try to be 😅

[@SJRollerblading]

@@AudroneStorm the good news about this skate is that using two Allen keys makes it harder to round a bolt. If it’s screwed on tight, you have 2 sides you can unscrew at the same time meaning it’s more likely to come loose. In my experience anyway. So hopefully this means less need for drilling out bolts 💪 great question, thanks!

[@jerusunum8160]

It's sad that you support echo so much when they basically just ripped off the 909 shell design.

[@skatesam_gh]

How differently can you actually design a skate in terms of looks...?

[@SJRollerblading]

I have huge respect for both companies. I think Echo did a great job of creating something different. There are similarities of course but it’s nearly impossible to design a completely unique skate from scratch without overlapping with existing designs. The industry has collectively learned what doesn’t work, so it’s natural for skates to start resembling each other over time. We see this in other industries too. Like dress shoes, or maybe sunglasses and ski/snowboard equiptment for example. Many of them share similar designs because companies have refined what is functional and appealing over time.

[@skatesam_gh]

@SJRollerblading just my take... This is true...

[@ilariadimaio1979]

The hat needs a propeller @thebiglezshow

[@SJRollerblading]

My hats alive moit

[@ilariadimaio1979]

oh fuc it’s floyin