Testing the Bont Semi Race III long distance skate

The Bont Semi Race III on the test bench

Our opinion at a glance

We were delighted when the Australian brand Bont offered us the opportunity to test the new opus of the Semi-Race III! This skate is an hybrid between long distance and speed-skating. The previous versions have been a great success since 2008. And this third edition keeps its promises. Its main asset of the Bont Semi-Race III remains the quality of its boot. Indeed, the high upper combine support, precision and lightness. In addition, it also provides more comfort than the previous models, which were even more race-oriented.

You can choose the setup of your rolling part: 3×125 or 4×110 mm according to your needs. Our preference will be for the 3×125 mm for the long distance and the 4×110 mm for road and track races. At €499, the Bont Semi-Race III is €100 less cheaper than most of its competitors. The Bont Semi Race III has serious assets to enter in the competition.

If you want to treat yourself, opt for a version equipped with the Bont Supercell 2.0 carbon frame. This frame is more responsive. It also brings a gain of reactivity, precision and lightness.

Strong points and points to improve

Bont Semi Race III fact sheet

• Boot: carbon composite shell – High microfiber upper – anti-stretch – articulated cuff
• Liner: Integrated – Suede-L with soft memory foam – no insole
• Fastening: Two micrometric buckles, one with lace covers, waxed laces
• Setups: available in 4x110mm or 3x125mm
• 3×125 mm frame: Aluminium 6061 – 2PF Unity Inline extruded Axles: 8mm Single race axles – Aluminum 7000
  • 11,8 inches or 300 mm (3x125mm setup)
  • Weight: 230 grams
  • Front deck: 52.5 mm
  • Rear deck: 63.5 mm
• 4×110 mm frame:
  • 13,2 inches or 335mm (4×110 mm setup)
  • Weight: 243 grams
  • Front deck: 49mm
  • Rear deck: 60mm
• Maximum wheel size: 110 or 125 mm depending on the chosen setup
• Wheels: Bont – Elemental Black – 110 or 125 mm 85A
• Bearing: Bont ABEC 7 (608)
• Spacers: Aluminum

The video of the test

The Bont Semi Race III test in detail

Design

Bont has chosen a black shell for the Bont Semi-Race III. A simple, effective and proven design. The aesthetic of the shoe reminds « old-school » inline speed skate. The carbon shell is widely visible and the synthetic leather offers clean lines. Even the frame recalls vintage designs, as a tribute.

The main difference with a speed skate is the structure of the upper. Indeed, it is much higher than that of a classic racing boot.

An impeccable finishing

The finishing is excellent. The parts are perfectly cut and fitted to the shell. We found no traces of glue or defective stitching.

The inner boot / liner is also very well finished. We did not notice any bad seam. So you can put these skatee barefoot without fear of injury.

The fit: large, thin and precise

Bont has always proposed large skates. It is therefore not a surprise to know that you have to take your exact size, or even the smaller size depending on the sensations you are looking for. Be careful, the boot can be quite close to the foot. It is therefore more suitable for a narrow foot. On the other hand, be careful not to overtighten the lace and the micrometric buckle.

The fastening system of the Bont Semi-Race III

The boot is equipped with a lacing system over its entire height: from the tip of the foot to the tibia. This waxed lace does its job well, it slides well in the metal eyelets. Tip: you can push the cuff backward to make ease the tightening.

The micrometric buckle with lace cover allows you to fine-tune the tightening of the upper part. Unfortunately, as with many brands, the micrometric buckle tend to wear out quite quickly. It is therefore necessary to change the part with the notches over time to maintain precise tightening.

On the other hand, we noted a very practical little detail: a scratch allows you to fix the tongue. Thus, it does not rotate and remains perfectly in place when skating. Well done Bont!

Support / stiffness

The Bont Semi Race III has answered the difficult stiffness equation without sacrificing freedom of movement. Indeed, it has excellent support, in particular thanks to the upper which goes well above the ankle and thanks to the cuff. But also thanks to its effective tightening. On the other hand, the front/back flexion is very easy. So you won’t be hindered in any way in your movements.

Comfort

Although quite stiff, the Bont Semi-Race feels comfortable overall. We didn’t feel any pressure points. On the other hand, as we said above, the finishing of the inner boot (liner) is quite soft. So you can ride for several hours without fear of injury. Especially since the upper is quite high above the malleolus and reduces the risk of friction on the Achilles tendon.

The rolling part of the Bont Semi-Race III

The Bont-Semi-Race III is equipped with a 2PF Unity frame. 2PF for « Two Point Frame ». Indeed, the Australian brand also produces three -point frames.

The walls of the frames are ticker on the lower part which hosts the axles. This construction increases the longitudinal stiffness and improves solidity. Then the walls get thinner in their upper and provides a little flexibility. Finally, the walls are interconnected thanks to arches and reinforcement bridges to enhance stiffness and solidity.

The Bont Semi-Race III is therefore available with different choices of frames, either 3×125 mm, or 4×110 mm. On the other hand, the shell has along sliding inserts. So you can adjust the frames longitudinally and laterally. A real advantage for fine settings.

The BONT 2PF Unity frame – 3×125 mm

As we explained above, Bont provides us with a fairly compact frame) (11.8 inches). This is a very appreciable dimension for people of an average size (1.70 m in this case)! Indeed, many manufacturers offer their 3×125 mm endurance models with frales from 12.8 to 13.2 inches. However, it is not always very maneuvrable! The skate forgives technical faults and still allows you to reach appreciable speeds.

The 2PF Unity inline platinum is made of extruded 6061 aluminum. In addition, it weighs 230 grams. A slightly higher mass than the average of the frames available on the market. But it remains reasonable. This frame is robust and offers a good responsiveness.

The 4x110mm frame

The 4x110mm frame weighs 243 grams. It is quite massive also but more slender than the 3×125 mm version. It is rather a guarantee of solidity and longevity. On the other hand, this frame will be heavier for races.

As for the 3x125mm, it is an extruded frame. The two walls are connected in their center by two reinforcement bridges which provide good central stiffness. The bridges are positioned rather in the upper part of the frames, so it decreases the sensation of stiffness and the famous « rail » effect. Thus, the extremeties are also a little more flexible and provide maneuverability.

Bont Elemental wheels

The Bont Elemental is a mono-density wheel. Its elliptical profile offers a fairly thin tread. The 110 mm as the 125mm provide good rolling. They are quite logically a little stiffer than bi-density wheels.

Bont 125mm Elemental wheels

The 125mm version of the Bont Elemental wheels displays 178 grams on the scale. A fairly big weight, but which can also benefit to your inertia when you’re skating.

The rebound test turns out to be concluding with a quick return from the wheel to a good height. Proof of the resilience of polyurethane.

The design of the core is based on seven spokes which are doubled from the base of the bore. They are large enough and thick to provide good stiffness to the wheel. However, they splay to offer a little bit of flexibility.

The 125 mm gave us a slight feeling of rail in a straight line. The passage on the damaged surfaces reminds us the imperfections of the ground. On the other hand, the glide is good and the feeling of speed is present.

Bont 110 mm Elemental wheels

The 110mm Elemental wheels weigh 131 grams per unit. A rather reasonable mass for this diameter.

The wheel consists of a red nucleus with 14 straight spokes. They are wide on the basis of the bore and thinner on the outside. The profile of the on-core is elliptical and thin. It reduces the friction on the ground.

The 110 mm offers a good glide and appreciable speed. Its wear is regular and slow enough if you do not abuse T-braking.

Bearings

The Bont Race Abec 7 bearings are crimped. That means the flanges are not removable. This has the advantage of reducing their fragility to external aggressions. On the other hand, their maintenance will be limited to cleaning and surface lubrication. They give a good rolling to the skate and remained silent during all our tests.

Excellent value for money

At €499, the Bont Semi-Race III is positioned at 100 € less than the Rollerblade REVV or that the Powerslide Arise Marathon. An difference that will have weight in the final choice of skaters!

Behavior of the Bont semi-Race III during the sessions

We tested the Bont Semi-Race III in different conditions and configurations: during long distance sessions, in urban areas and bicycle path. But also in race configuration and with a speed slalom setup.

A truly interesting boot

The big highlight of this skate remains undeniably its carbon boot. We can summarize it in a few words: stiff, precise, responsive and tolerant.

Its conception is much simpler than a model like the Rollerblade E2 Pro that we had tested two or three years ago. However, it perfectly meets the need. Simpler is better. This shell goes to the essentials without frills and it is perfectly suited to its target: the skaters who make both endurance races and long distance sessions.

The Bont Semi Race III – 3x125mm setup

Although we have tested a 3x125mm compact frame (11.8 inches vs 12.8 to 13.2 inches in general), maneuverability remains moderate. We felt this slight feeling of « rail » which we were talking about above. It is interesting for the courses with straight lines but you lose maneuverability on a more winding course. Taller skaters can opt for a longer version of the 3x125mm frame.

Testing the 4x110mm setup

The BONT 2PF 4x110mm frame measures 13.2 inches. It is the minimum size for a 4×110 mm frame. We could have expected a significant loss of maneuverability compared to the 3x125mm, but the transition is easy. A smaller diameter and a lower gravity center compensate the length gain. The accelerations are easier, compared with the 3x125mm. The four wheels provide more contact points with the ground and a more efficient push in the corners.

4x110mm setup with carbon Bont Supercell 2.0 frame

The addition of the Bont Supercell 2.0 carbon frame provides a significant value on the Bont semi-Race 3. The accelerations are faster, the starts are also more sharp. We also feel more precision in the assembly and more reactivity. Over time, the lightness gain is felt over the kilometers. To sum up: if you have the money to buy it, treat yourself!

The Bont Semi-Race III shell with a speed slalom setup (2×100 / 1×104 mm)

This is not necessarily the first use you might think about for the Bont Semi-Race III. And yet, the boot presents serious assets for Speed Slalom! Its high cut upper / shell is particularly responsive in speed slalom. We set up the skate with a 3×110 mm ROXA frame (length: 243 mm). We used a « banana » mounting (100/104/100 mm).

And the skate is particularly nervous between the cones. It is extremely precise, responsive and light. To summarize, it is undoubtedly the best boot that we have found to date. A real pleasure! There is no doubt that a number of speed-slalom skaters will get this boot to make a custom. It is available at a price of € 289.

Photo gallery of the Bont Semi-Race III

To go further

Bont Europe WebSite