Rollerblade Crossfire: Inline Slalom/Urban Skate Review

[@DeezSkates]

DISCLAIMER: KZbin requires the Paid Promotion tag you see at the beginning of this video, because this product was sent to me with the expectation that I would review it. I was not paid to make this review, and everything said in it is my own opinion. I never accept products from any company or individual who does not agree to allow me full creative control of my video. Also, check the description for the Brannock size chart I used in this video.

[@JFarlette]

As someone with a EE foot I really appreciate you reviewing skates for width. I have subscribed. Please keep them coming.

[@GameConnoisseur69]

Also would like to give a huge shout out to Rollerblade for FINALLY giving more advanced skaters a Carbon model boot that doesn't bend your wallet over and is still a quality product is INCREDIBLE

[@kathestrophic]

We do be caring about width. Thanks for adding such a detailed sizing overview!

[@vasvsilva]

So glad Rollerblade sent you their new skates so you could review them, no doubt you're the best one to do it on KZbin. They seem really nice, and the fact they look comfortable caught my attention, since I still have foot fatigue riding my hc evos, even after years having them. Looking forward for new videos on these skates!

[@DeezSkates]

I appreciate that! Yes. These are a level up in terms of comfort. Especially if you have the previous Evo model from 2018/2019 era.

[@Skating-Southern-New-England]

Yesterday, I saw a review of these skates, but nothing like this one, which I knew would be as detailed as possible, along with your excellent, in depth experienced explanations and opinions. My first Rollerblades were the TRS Lightning in the late 1980's and I remember them being the most comfortable pair of skates I ever had. (I ice skated all my life until that point) When I got back into skating 3 years ago, I used the Rollerblade Macroblade 80's (still have 3 pair of them), and a pair of RB110's. Every pair of Rollerblades I have ever owned, I could wear all day long, it seemed, so your comments about Rollerblades and comfort are right on. I have always felt that Rollerblade puts out a great product for the money. Thanks for the great review! I will be adding these to my arsenal.

[@DeezSkates]

Thanks for that! 🙏 I’m glad to know that putting out comfortable skates seems to be standard for Rollerblade. This experience with the Crossfire has certainly been enlightening.

[@Va1shnav]

I have to say, this is the most comprehensive review on these skates so far. After this watch I’m definitely adding deez 😉 skates to my list of carbon skates I plan on getting down the line. Since I already have FR Spins, I wanted to try another brand’s carbon boots, but none of them come close in terms of price. And Rollerblade skates are always high quality like FRs!

[@DeezSkates]

I see what you did there! 😅

[@marciosantos_br]

Would you like to know which is better between Cross Fire and FR Spin?

[@marciosantos_br]

Was the FR spin due to the low cuff a problem for you in the slalon?

[@GameConnoisseur69]

Fantastic review hopefully Rollerblade sends you more stuff to review in the future!

[@BalaHormiga]

Your review pretty matched my opinion as well. I have not yet had much time to try them given the weather but we agree on everything actually.

[@skyhymitch]

Great review! I really appreciate the detailed sizing break-down. Sizing is a huge gripe for me with a size 13 foot which limits the boots I can choose from since not all of them are manufactured that large. I've been eyeing the Seba Highlight Carbon for that singular reason. I'll definitely check these out!

[@ColinThia]

Very clear and comprehensive review! Well done! Keep it up! I'm subscribed and sold! 😄

[@Sagora123]

Dude you got them! I got mine a couple weeks ago. Absolutely worth the money. But the blisters when breaking them in.. oh the blisters

[@rollingdubaiguy6415]

Great review! Seriously considering getting a pair this summer!

[@rollingdubaiguy6415]

Hey I wanted to ask you how find these in terms of jumping and landing and impact from landing. I have the Flying Eagle Drift and got a fairly tight fit. They are great for slalom and when skating a big wheel frame they feel amazing for responsiveness. However, for jumping and landing I feel my toes hit the ends of the skate and there is not really any padding in the toe box. I realize that any carbon skate has better power transfer than a plastic skate and as a result, that means the reverse is true and you get more impact when landing jumps. I like how you say the Crossfire is very comfortable with the liner so I am assuming there is some padding in the toe box. How do you find your Hardcore Evo, Seba High Light, and the Crossfire in terms of jumping and landing impact? Thanks.

[@0hkels0]

Great video! Super informative

[@spookwackadoo]

Incredible review, very thorough. The way you move your feet is crazy haha

[@rerollinginline]

Excellent review as usual! I'm going to pick up a pair of these boot only. As you mentioned at the price, especially as boot-only, they're incredibly appealing and I feel like I've gotta try them. These would also be my first Rollerblade skates. Have you been using the Endless Arc a lot? It's a really great frame.

[@GameConnoisseur69]

Rollerblade seriously makes fantastic products, I ended up getting a pair of FR Igors as my first carbon model skate but my Twisters served me EXTREMELY well! Happy rolling

[@DeezSkates]

I have used the Arc since March of 2022. I got the prototype in the beta testing phase so I have a lot of experience with it, but so far have only had one session on it paired with the Crossfire. So far it’s a great combo, but you gotta lace up tight for the support factor on it.

[@rollerbladingbrisbane]

Excellent review. Really covers everything. Awesome work Deez Skates. Definitely subscribing.

[@faichan3174]

Very good review! Thank you so much for this! All skates reviews should be at least like this so viewers can know much more about length and width are suitable for them or not.

[@3whitehens]

I love the Charlie purrs 😻

[@DeezSkates]

He’s the sweetest boy. 😺 More Charlie purrs to come!

[@Ko6pa]

Terrific review mate ! ❤

[@PhilipReese]

Great review, thank you so much!

[@KurtLauerman]

Great review!!! I always love your attention to detail. I will definitely be looking to get a pair of these!! I know this is ticky tack but what type of socks did you use? Sometimes that can have a big effect on break in (for me at least)

[@DeezSkates]

Good thinking! I *always* use thin dress socks for inline skating. The thinner and smoother the sock, the less friction there is.

[@Daedje]

Glad to see you make some interesting content again man, really missed those quality videos. Maybe I missed it but are these skates heatmoldable like the skates you compared them to?

[@DeezSkates]

Thanks! Rollerblade confirmed for me they are not heat moldable.

[@9jhlikesmusic9]

Thanks for the detailed width sizing info! I appreciate that so much, especially given my wife feet. Thanks!!

[@Lvoonok]

Hi, could you please take a look at Iqon TR10 Trinity boots, and give your opinion. Thank you

[@chrisogrady28]

Glad you hear it's synthetic leather, thanks for asking them

[@SaccoBelmonte]

For context (because we usually refer carbon skates as light). All my 4x80 setups weight around 1.5Kg per skate. (Twister XT, Powerslide Imperial, Oxelo MF500) and my 5x80 setup is about 1.9Kg (Twister XT 42 and Rockin 5x80). So a carbon boot doesn't necessarily means a lighter skate.

[@Aaron-vy3ti]

I’m sold… thanks for the great video and thanks rollerblade

[@christopheludet2819]

U can let Rb know that I was about to buy fr spin and based on your thorough review, I just bought the crossfire. Cheers from France.

[@Mendy_A]

Hey can u confirm it's the good choice ones you ride with them ? I'm still hesitating..

[@christopheludet2819]

@@Mendy_A hello. I use them strictly for slalom and I came from a pair of twisters with a Fe rocker frame. These are way more responsive and they bend way easier at the ankle. They also are very comfortable. I had to break them in but after a few hours we are getting there now. I was between these, fr spin or Igors and I think these were the right choice.

[@randywade4008]

Nice vid! Think they will work well for distance skating? How much does that cuff flex?

[@DeezSkates]

I’ve skated about 13 miles in these in one session. I could have gone longer. Not sure how far you’re trying to go in them.

[@Glowtrey]

Its super interesting for me since my favorite skate boots are 16 years old rollerblade Crossfire 😂 For the width, my local skate shop said it was one of the largest boot, so people with wide feet should look it up.

[@davidariel1261]

Very good video, thank you very much for your information. I would like to know in your opinion, which skates you prefer between ROLLERBLADE CROSSFIRE or the FR SPIN BLACK 4W. Thank you very much.

[@HeadNtheClouds]

Wow! Those are some nice skates! I ❤ Rollerblade skates over all others, but swapped my frames out for 255mm seba 84mm’s & Powerslide MyFit liners & use a memory foam footbed. So comfy & responsive 😺

[@ryanyepp50]

Hi Deez, i am looking for my first carbon fiber skate and comparing these rollerblade crossfire with micro delta F. what is your opinion on it? going to be using it for urban skating. i am doing a endless 80 frame setup 80/84 wheels.

[@Z_T_B]

Hi, Thanks for the review! Do you have information about the skate has got a heel dampening material under the heel, inside the boot?

[@DeezSkates]

Hey thanks! I pulled the insoles out during the making of this video and the inside of the boot looked the same as other carbon skates like the Evo. There are no heel dampeners, but as long as you don’t have a super wide foot I think they could comfortably be added.

[@Sagora123]

There is a considerable amount of padding compared to the Evo. I brought both pairs to the rink yesterday to compare the two. While there might not be padding directly under the heel, there’s extra padding on either side of the heel.

[@nightdipper5178]

Don't use the 'pre-buckle' retainer (nylon strap) on the 45 degree strap and it will disengage properly. The Crossfires used in the *ROLLERBALDE* demo video don't have this retainer on the skate so they must have figured it out. If you don't lace the strap through the retainer, the buckle works as intended ---> Those buckles are made to adjust a boot/shoe with just a touch while in use, pull to tighten, push to loosen. This type of buckle is used on a lot of bike shoes so that you can adjust the shoes insitu, a bit while riding, which is useful in a several hour race. Just an additional detail on the root cause - The strap tip is closer to the skate than the buckle entry when the nylon strap (pre-buckle retainer) is used. The strap ends up going through the buckle at a very slight angle and this causes the disengagement issue. The alignment is correct if the retainer is not used. If the nylon retainer loosens up with age/use it may resolve itself as you mentioned.

[@DeezSkates]

Correct. After this video released I exchanged emails with the Crossfire development team, who confirmed that they recommend what you’re saying here. Also, they told me there was supposed to be a tag attached to the skate explaining this. Mine did not come with it, but I’m sure they will take steps to make sure future runs come with it.

[@nightdipper5178]

@@DeezSkates I just got mine yesterday and there was no tag, unless I missed it in the excitement of the de-boxing.

[@FRANANGELICOONA]

Are these narrower than the FR1 skates?

[@CityBlades]

CROSSFIYAAA!

[@DeezSkates]

YOU’LL GET CAUGHT UP IN THA…

[@CityBlades]

@@DeezSkates CROSSFIYAAA… HOOAH!

[@bigb76180]

LMFAO great game !

[@derekcstahl]

My feet are exactly to the MM the same length as yours, but slightly wider. I have found in other skates a size 8.5 / 41 seems to break in about right but can make my left toe a little sore at first. I'm surprised you don't find the size 9s packing in to be too large?

[@DeezSkates]

Possible it has to do with foot shape. The first Evo I ever had was a size 41. It had so much foot pain and the toes were too bunched up. What I find is that my left foot being 268mm and slim, but my right being 265mm and slightly wider, means that my left foot fits a 42 lengthwise and the right fits width wise. If I go down to 41, the left toes are crunched against the end, and the right foot gets crushed by the toe box.

[@danknoize]

Awesome shakedown of the Crossfire and a very well done video over all as well. I really appreciate your clarifying the subjectivity of fit and performance. It is important to recognize and take into account. I have to thank @billstoppard for leading me to you and @rerollinginline for leading me to Bill Stoppard. Thanks again David!

[@klerkusmaximus]

Is it possible to change the cuff, and the 45° strap for like FR iGors stuff? Altough you said they need a carbon cuff the least, it is the buckle mechanic that kills them for my purpose. Same as the 45° strap, I somehow like the built for FR 45° straps.

[@DeezSkates]

That is understandable. I don’t know that the FR straps are interchangeable here. I think a friend of mine tried that and it did not work. Also, the 45 degree strap is not truly 45 degrees. So if you have a narrow heel, you may have issue keeping your heels locked in this skate. Scroll through the comments and you’ll find at least a few who have complained of that. There’s also another review on KZbin where a skater had this issue.

[@fisherchi]

Great review! Is the mounting plate for the frame just for 1 position or are there several positions? I currently have the FR Spin 4x80 and their plates have 5 position holes, which I've had to use for various frames. Thanks for posting review!

[@DeezSkates]

Hey Erwin! It does not have multi hole mounting like FR and Seba are known for. There is an oval shape cutout in the carbon at each mount point with a female threaded insert which can slide forward and backward. I cannot remember the maximum distance I measured when I slid them as far apart as they would go, but I can tell you for sure that it will not allow you to fit 180 or 195 frames like the five to seven hole mounts will.

[@fisherchi]

@@DeezSkates Good to know. That's probably one way they were able to keep the cost down. But it looks like a very good skate otherwise.

[@klerkusmaximus]

Might be dumb auestion but what plate does the FR iGors have? Normal 3 holes or more?

[@thatkidraine]

so skilled! I would snap my ankles.

[@gabiporter6552]

Have you ever tried the SUV inline powerslide ? They have several models and I'm curious how they handle. But I am intimidated by them. Plus they are pricey plus, plus I have just recently got back into rollerblading. And they are tall. Any feed back would be appreciated. Thanks

[@fabriziodesimone2439]

Hi, which Rollerblade among these 2 would you recommend? Crossfire or Twister XT...thanks

[@shckg]

Is the sizing tight? I measure just about 26 cm foot size, so should I go with the 7.5 or 8.5?

[@RealityDecode]

😂 I have the same question Did you figure that out ?

[@shckg]

@@RealityDecode I got the Crossfire in a 7.5. It broke in the skates after a few weeks of skating. The only thing I have an issue with is that the heel cup is slightly loose.

[@claudeJUNIOR]

Thanks a lot!!!

[@edgarquintero2876]

I’m getting them thanks

[@ignasiusadam]

I want to buy a Crossfire rollerblade. what size for a 27cm foot? My foot type is wide in the front. should I size up?

[@breandanholmes1]

Would you recommend this over the fr fs1 80 or the fr ufr 90?

[@Lvoonok]

Could you please make a video on proper skate sizing for carbon fiber boots (PS, Micro, Iqon Tr, etc) on how to properly fit and why. There are no videos on carbon fiber boots, all explanations are for hockey skates and plastic boots. This would be an interesting content. Thank you

[@DeezSkates]

This is a good idea. I have marked it in my notes for future videos. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here!

[@robertgiacomo2655]

I need a skate for narrow feet. I was looking at these but you hinted they are not so narrow? Any suggestions?

[@DeezSkates]

Powerslide hardcore Evo will be much better for narrow feet.

[@marciosantos_br]

It is important for people to know if the spare parts in general, you can put other models for example "FR or SEBA" Because depending on the country, there is no Cross Fire model, like here in Brazil, so what is the solution for this?

[@marciosantos_br]

Would you like to know which is better between Cross Fire and FR Spin?

[@americanbystandard]

I wish someone can help me answer me on Crossfire. I used to be a competitive speed skater when I was in my very early teens but I had a falling off, because it was too hard on my little body and conditioning really sucked(also hostile and abusive environment). I am 32 now and I am trying to get back into the sports via. inline skating. I've been looking at Crossfire and Twister XT; it's hard to choose. Which one has better boots? because I know for sure I will upgrade the frames once I spend more time on the skates.

[@klerkusmaximus]

It really depends on what you are into. If you want to go back to speed skating I would look into a speed skate more than the crossfires and split the budget for some cheap urban skates like Oxelo MF500/900. If you want to switch and the Crossfire fits you well go for them and buy time to time some different frames.

[@cristianamurtas2381]

Delivery today 🎉. Tomorrow i will try 🎉🎉🎉. Ho avuto problemi anche io con la taglia perché ho preso due numeri in più del mio è il padrone era strettissimo. Ho dovuto acquistare un pattino di tre taglie superiori al mio numero solito

[@MkNine]

Do you guys think this will be a good boot for a 3x110 setup for distance?

[@manpreettrainer]

Hello Is this good skate ? I am going to buy this

[@diegofernandoparramoreno9965]

Hi, greating from Colombia. Please can you activate Cc? My english is bad, and i really want this crossfire

[@skip1978]

Are the first and 4th wheel rockerable, I have 27.5cm foot, what size do you recommend? Thanks

[@DeezSkates]

The first and fourth wheels are the rockerable ones, yes. Given your foot length, I expect that you would wear a EU size 43, as I wear a 42 and the size range for my boot is 266mm-272mm. I think your experience on this skate will be very similar to mine. One size difference shouldn’t be a big deal.

[@skip1978]

@@DeezSkates thanks for your quick response, have a great day

[@spencerlamb1017]

What Dallas rink are you at?

[@DeezSkates]

The rink scenes in this video were shot at Forum Roller-world in Grand Prairie.

[@infinityphotorob]

Another boot I need to get my feet into! My feet are so damn wide and flat it makes finding any shoe hard. But jam my feet into hard plastic boots can be torture. My FR1s are so damn big on me to get my width that it put the arch in a weird spot. My mission for next season is get boots that are perfect.

[@DeezSkates]

If you get these please let us know how they work! Colllecting data within the community is very important for inline skating because companies seem so unwilling to make the data available.

[@leyitah2]

I’m between this and FR1 Igor… which would you advice?

[@klerkusmaximus]

Depends on your budget. FR iGors are mostly 200 to 400 bucks more. The only thing what you get for it might be better wheels (FR MPC Junk Freestyle, and as far as I seen maintainable ILQ-9 bearings), better 45° straps, and carbon cuff with a better buckle. FR iGor might be lighter but I wish they built a changable velcro strap aswell (it is sewed on side not like HC Evo Pro or the Crossfire Carbon; so if you destroy it somehow on the iGors you'll have a problem).

[@ericbernardi8116]

Good that I didn't see your review before I could try them in my local shop 😅 they fit size wise but no matter how much I tightened them up, my heel kept moving up and down... You did not mention if other brands frames are centered on this boot, Rollerblade's other boots have "normal" urban or slalom frames off center (165 speed frames are centered)... As this comes boot only too might be important for people to know 🤔

[@DeezSkates]

Thanks for the input. I am aware that I didn’t say the things you mentioned. To be clear, I said in the beginning of the review that I only had the skates for a short time, I had only used the stock frames and had 1 session on the endless frames. I’m not gonna try to tell you details that I don’t know. I can say the frames that I used had no problems centering, but that’s it for the moment. I did not have any issues with the heel. However, since I have released this review, a few people I know have. So I would not recommend buying the skates based only on my review from two weeks of experience with the skate.

[@MrMokey24]

I don't know how much I like these carbon freeskates. I guess they are more responsive, but is it actually night and day? It seems hard to justify spending more than 400 bucks for some skates, if normal ones perform just fine in comparison. I guess if this was an actual sport with money prices in competition I could understand wanting all the performance you can get.

[@DeezSkates]

I can tell you for certain the performance between carbon and plastic is night and day. The question is, as you said, do you need the performance? Personally, skating is my whole life and has been since I was a child. So, no matter whether I’m ice figure skating, jam skating, urban skating, etc., I want the best skate I can afford for that application. Rollerblade did send me these skates to review, so I didn’t have to pay for them. However, prior to these I was riding on a paid of carbon skates that cost a few hundred dollars more than these that I paid for 100% out of my own pocket. And I still prefer these Crossfires. So I think the price is really good for what you’re getting. They absolutely a class above any Freeskate you can get for half the price or less.

[@MrMokey24]

Yeah I think you are right, they seem worth it for you. I personally am skating on some worn down wheels with some really cheap plastic freeskates (Oxelo MF500) and I am having a blast for how much they cost. I've bought some endless frames after your shining review and I don't regret that purchase at all, it made a big difference. But with frames you don't have to worry about sizing. If there were more shops to try on skates to see how they fit, maybe I would like such a skate, but I don't want to risk it with online purchases anymore, finding out after a session or two that the skates don't fit my feet. @@DeezSkates

[@bladeshred01]

RB looked at FR and said OK 🤣 down to the insoles.... can't beat em, join em

[@Mendy_A]

Guy's when you get them: mind the heel lift, i bought them 10 days ago and it really bothers me, it changes the all experience, especially for slalom.. and i have realized that i'm not the only one with this issue.. 😢

[@samuelsg27]

The width is great but the toes feel a lil pinched at the top of my foot. Im mad mad because tmit was ALMOST a perfect pair of skates for me.

[@DeezSkates]

Hi! Maybe a tip to help: Try removing the insoles from the skates. Put them on your feet and lace them up. Is the problem still there? If not, that tells us that the insoles were raising your feet a bit much and taking up too much volume in the skate. A good insole replacement I use is Superfeet hockey and superfeet carbon depending on the skate. They have plenty of heel and arch support while being thinner below the toes and ball of the foot. Another thing is to consider how thick your socks are. An option you might consider is buying ice skating socks. They’re extremely thin like leggings/stockings. This is what I wear in my ice figure skates as they fit my feet exactly like a glove and wearing normal socks gives me the same problem you’re describing.

[@nightdipper5178]

I prefer real leather, carinthian to be specific.

[@ravenouspathogen]

With all the money you've spent and all the skates you have, you could have just gone actual wizards and been happy by now instead of continuing to try to find that right skate for yourself. All of these frames you keep trying are aimed at people that either can't afford or get wizard frames. Don't get me wrong, I loved my endless 100/110 and my NN 80 dragons are okay, but once I got my PR80s and then my NR100s, I could tell the difference. Quit trying all the alternatives and just get the full wizard setup, you're just wasting time and money with all the other wannabe wizard setups.

[@DeezSkates]

I think there is a bit of misunderstanding here. The vast majority of items I have are sent to me by companies to test or review. I have actually purchased a very small amount of them. A lot of the Wizard stuff is not conducive to my style.. my personal preference lies with short frames on a raised heel. I would test and review Wizard frames if they were sent to me, but there’s no way I’d spend that much on a setup that is just for me to review, and wouldn’t compliment my style.

[@ravenouspathogen]

@@DeezSkates Cool, that's good to know.

[@sighange]

Can you elaborate on how different the wizard are to the endless and NN? I keep wondering about it. Thanks

[@joshcarter-com]

I have Seba Trix which I'm not real happy with; they're bulky, heavy, and mine fit a little loose (the latter part being my fault). I'm considering replacing the boots and the Crossfire is on my radar. Can the upper cuff be removed on the Crossfire? I’d love it if I could just use laces on the upper part and skip the plastic frame. Thanks so much for the review. I’m a huge skate nerd and I appreciate all the details!

[@blackmanfu]

Well I WASN'T going to spend $450 on new skates but HERE WE GO AGAIN

[@Mendy_A]

Guy's when you get them: mind the heel lift, i bought them 10 days ago and it really bothers me, it changes the all experience, especially for slalom.. and i have realized that i'm not the only one with this issue.. 😢

[@lars1968schenk]

Same here. Rollerblade Germany has suggested to me to use small self-adhesive heel pads. I didn't liked that idea for a boot in that price range. It seems to me that I have improved the heel lock with an orthopedic insole. It's slightly thicker and an overall upgrade over the standard insole that helps my feet.