Green roller : the K2 ETU 2009
This year will be ecological. Some companies like K2 decided to invest in sustainable development. Perhaps initially due to marketing, this is a good idea for planet. We thank K2 to procure a model equipped with a bamboo frame, the "ETU" concept tested here...
Par alfathor
Ecological but realistic…
The green range consists in ETU model for men and MAIA for women. Both have a bamboo frame. Every part of the boot is made with recyclable or recycled materials.
Boot
The « SoftBoot » a mix between soft and hard boot, fresh and ventilated, was patented by K2 in 1991. It is mainly composed of a white and kaki mesh textile. 
Flexibility
The forward flexibility is very good, the backward less. Putting on ETU leads skating into a slight bended position.
Fitting
Foot is well maintained, although ETU is a fitness product. With time, boot becomes more supple. This roller is quite sufficient for leisure, but avoid stiff practice (sprint, dubble push…) 
Tightening
Tightening is efficient and quick. It begins with a front lace, plus a Velcro strap for the kick, and a micrometric buckle at the top. This last one achieves foot maintaining. Improvements should be done by a stop-lace system, and metallic buckle to improve solidity.
Comfort
These roller skates are like slippers ! when putting on, the first feeling is comfort due to inside thickness. Dynamic test is concluding, vibrations on rough ground are filtered by bamboo frames. 
Frame
Wooden made, bamboo in this case, the frame is funny. In fact treatments give to bamboo fibre strong mechanical properties. The two blades are putted to boot by rivets, so lateral adjustment is impossible. It is not a problem, frame mounting is normally centred. Because of bamboo fibre damping, the efficiency of frame is not exceptional, but comfort is quite improved. If strength is satisfying for a normal and reasonable using, donât risk doing stair jump or tac-tac !
Wheels
Wheels are 84mm K2 model, shore 80A. Diameter is sufficient for fitness, softness contributes to global comfort. The rub wears on quickly, especially on rough ground. K2 has chosen wheels according to frames, for a better comfort. 
Bearings
Classic ABEC 7 Twincam bearings are mounted with the wheels. Silent and soft, they donât appreciate rain.
Axles and fastenings
As for bottom and medium range rollers, K2 has equipped ETU with 7mm axles. A convenient choice for such a model. Every axle is fitted by additional screw (2 pieces by axle). Struts are longer than for standard 8mm axle model, to balance the 7mm up to 8mm difference.
Finishing
Quality of making is very good, with no visible glue drip and well adjusted pieces.
Using…
Once the initial comfort has been appreciated, you can feel a âforward transferâ. Similar to a wedge under the heel, that puts yourself in skating position.
Conclusion
We notice in this test amazing qualities of ETU. K2 proposes to market a product with a good value for money. The main strengths are sustainable development â the K2 marketing – and also comfort. ETU is ideal for urban walking or short distance fitness.
Main strengths and improvements
 |
Good points + global comfort | 
Points to improve – forward transfer too important |
Notation
| Softness |  |
08/10 |
| Support | |
08/10 |
| Tightening | |
08/10 |
| Comfort |  |
09/10 |
| Frame | |
08/10 |
| Bearings | |
08/10 |
| Wheels |  |
07/10 |
| Axles and fastenings | |
07/10 |
| Finishing | |
09/10 |
| Value for money | |
08/10 |
|
Final score: |
80% |
Technical caracteristics
Brand: K2
Model : ETU
Year : 2009
Boot : softboot
Tightening : micrometric buckle, strap, lace
Size : 36.5 â 49 (Europe)
Frame : bamboo
Mounting spacing : 165mm
Wheels : K2, 84 mm, 80A
Maximal diameter : 84 mm
Bearings : standard(608) â ABEC7 Twincam ILQ
Struts : aluminium
Brake : pad
Mass : 1515g (size 41)
Price : 169 Euros
Recommended using : short walking, fitness
Pictures
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Links
www.K2sports.com
Translated by Valino
Photos: Alfathor
