frame sizes.

Let's talk about frames for aggressive skates.

Jacob using Medium Iqon frame on flat 4 x 60

It appears to be a common practice that when launching a new skate, with new moulds and a different approach to sizing, that frames can be somewhat generic in their offerings. Smaller sizes would typically use the 250mm frame, while larger sizes would use the 270mm frame. This has become a general compromise that brands adopt to share sizes, primarily as a cost-effective measure to cut down on production expenses as moulds are notoriously pricey (that's no secret). The downside is that this setup doesn't always work.

We were no exception to this. It was an early decision that we intended on launching Verve using the two frame sizes; 250mm and 270mm. We felt the anti-rocker setup was the best setup and had designed the frame based on this. This decision allowed us to work with the limited frame sizes whilst still feeling supported across boot size. Whilst many people said they were positively surprised by how we paired the EU41-42 with a 250mm anti rocker frame, others had voiced frustrations, feeling tired of brands not listening or adapting.

We get it.

Skating is such a personal experience that it can be frustrating when your needs feel ignored. Our comfort levels vary from person to person, what feels balanced and supportive for one might feel off to another. So when we received the feedback, we pressed go at getting the 260mm frame to the market sooner rather than later. It made sense to act quick! Now, we have introduced the frame as part of the complete skates for sizes EU41-42, this is now standard. The frames are also available as pairs, so now you can experiment with your current Verve skates, available in 3 colours allowing you for extra customisation.

Why would a third frame size make a difference?

We thought it might be a good opportunity to deep dive into frames, how they fit the skate and why size DOES matter.

-              Pairing the right size frame to the right size boot

Getting the frame - to boot size right, will alter and improve the balance and responsiveness of the skate, along with helping on stability in general. We think the best balance is to find a pairing, that allows for some stability, without the feeling of skating on rails, whilst allowing movement.

Our base suggestion is shell sizes EU41-42 should run a 260mm anti-rocker setup, while EU39-40 and below running 250mm, and EU43-44 and above 270mm. This allows playful skating, while still being supportive enough.

-              Take a look from above

Hayden wearing EU42 Verve with the large Iqon flat frame 4x60mm

A very easy way to check if your frames fit your boot, is by looking directly down on your skate. If the wheels aren’t visible, you are most likely running the frame to short, and if you can see more than half of your wheel, you are generally running the frame to the long side.

-              Frames is a very personal matter

Picking the right frame for your boot, will ultimately be a personal preference, especially for the seasoned skater that has years of experience riding different kind of frames. Generally for anti-rocker setups, you can pair the frame a little smaller to the shell, compared to flat setups. For example, Jacob run his Echo Verve EU40 with a 250mm anti-rocker frame, but when skating flat-frames he generally tend towards the 260mm mark instead.

Tobias EU42, 260mm Echo anti rocker

You can find our frames in most specialist skate shops, click here to find a shop near you.