Our review of - IDT Sports Skate Elite Pro PU Roller Skis
Rolling fun on wet asphalt roads has tested IDT Sports' new Pro PU roller skis and concludes that they keep their promises.
Tested/written by: Eirik
This year's news from the Norwegian roller ski manufacturer IDT Sports is the new Pro PU models. The skis come with one of the market's most directionally stable aluminum frames, as we are familiar with from previous models. In addition, the skis come with new wet wheels for rainy days and wet asphalt. The new, durable rubber compound has been used on the gold model for a few years, but now comes with plastic rims for a more cost-effective alternative.
Firstly, there is no doubt that the new wet wheels keep what they promise. You can walk with a completely different confidence on wet asphalt. Even when it's pouring down and almost for aquaplaning on the walkway, you can easily press well from the slides without experiencing a slip roof. If you encounter wet asphalt combined with leaves or oil spills, the case is a little different, but here you almost have to take a little extra care anyway.
You've probably heard before that a longer trunk provides a more ski-like experience than a shorter roller ski. But it doesn't hurt to repeat a good message and advice. There is a significant difference to go on Skate Elite versus Skate Std. A longer roller ski simply forces you to a more ski-correct push. More tiring, yes, but how nice is it to take technical progress into winter instead of playing away summer on too short skis? Contrary to what many others believe, we do not experience that a longer ski is more demanding to go on balance wise for a beginner. Instead, it's more about growth and height. In other words, the Skate Elite models should also be considered by beginners/non-active runners. It is also worth mentioning that RM1, which we tested on our skis, should be considered as a more relevant option on skate skis for more people. The natural resistance is higher than when you go classic, and in that sense, RM1
In short, we can safely recommend the Pro PU models, whether in the Skate Elite or Skate Std. version. The new wet wheels work great on both dry and wet asphalt, giving you a durable rubber compound on a proven, directionally stable trunk.
