Test : Kizer Powerblade frames and wheels

Test : Kizer Powerblade frames and wheels

Review…

For some skaters, it is a step backwards, back to the early stages of aggressive skating. For others, it is a new opportunity to express their creativity. For me, it is just a means to have fun in the streets of my town while waiting for the good weather. I set the frames up on my Xsjado Avants and let’s go!

Getting used

On Xsjado skates, you are both high and supported. That is not surprising given that the skates are already quite flexible. However the height remains a bit disturbing. You need to push a bit more to take speed and to land for a grind. Landing is both easy because I know the skate and hard because of the sensations, higher but also wider. After a small hour, you progressively get used to the height and support. New options are considered on your spots and you start appreciating that feeling of speed.

Solidity

Obviously with such frames, you cannot do the same tricks as usual, and not in the same way. As a result, you fall! Let’s not look the other way, you do fall and from higher! However, the design of the frames is well thought. Very close to a Kizer Fluid, it knows how to roll with the punches. Moreover, you quickly make notches to find your marks for grinds. It helps to avoid stupid falls. As for the screws protection, it is wide enough not to get sparkles at each slide. Nothing more to declare…

In addition, the frames are quite flexible, and it is hard not to realize it when you put on your wheels. The frame loses its shape towards the screws, which is a bit annoying for rigid frame lovers. Once the wheels screwed, the frame is more rigid but you can still feel the flexibility in bends and grinds.

Gliding

The gliding corresponds to that of the Fluids with a flexibility recalling that of the Ground Control. Here again, you need to take time to tame the frames. You have to go further for the wheels not to touch the wall when you grind.

Otherwise, the sensations are close to those of your usual slides. You have to get used to the rolling and to the (less precise) support. That is why these frames must be more enjoyable if they are set-up with boots with good notches like the USD Carbon. Let’s note that each basic slide becomes some kind of feat when you manage it. This is a very good means to enjoy yourself on spots that you know by heart!

Wheels

The wheels are quite soft in order to have a good grip on the asphalt. But in grinds, they stop if they touch, which is quite a shame for wheels destined to a frame that is designed for sliding.

As for the speed taking, their diameter is beneficial but I would not skate ramps with that kind of skates. You take more lines into consideration and you easily have fun in a bowl. That is one of the advantages of the Powerblade frames: the maximum speed for the minimum effort. 80 mm and 88A, the wheels have a good life expectancy.

Conclusion

These frames are far from changing my life. But they are quite entertaining. You can immediately feel that speed offers new perspectives. There is some quality in the rolling, however getting used to them may discourage some skaters. Even if I like the freeskating side of the frames, I am disappointed as for the slides part. Once again, some will love them, some will hate them, and some will just find in them a new way of skating their spots. However, even if it is not a revolution, the Kizer Powerblade frame shows a new way of skating, and novelty is always a good thing…

Photo gallery

Useful links

Website of the Conference

By Bobor
Translated by Close Yr E’s
Photos: Alfathor & Conference
Photos: Alfathor & Powerslide
Thanks to theconference