Quad Roller Skates

The four-wheeled turning roller skate, or quad skate, with four wheels set in two side-by-side pairs, was first designed in 1863 in New York City by James Leonard Plimpton in an attempt to improve upon previous designs.

The skate contained a pivoting action using a rubber cushion, and this allowed the skater to skate a curve just by leaning to one side. It was a huge success, so much so that the first public skating rink was opened in 1866 in Newport, Rhode Island with the support of Plimpton. The design of the quad skate allowed easier turns and maneuverability. The quad skate came to dominate the industry for more than a century.

For many skaters Quad skates are the only way. Even though inline skates tried to crash the industry in the late 80's, quad skates  are still the staple of the industry and are still the choice of the die hard skaters. With the emergence of the jam skating and the reemergence of Roller Derby, quad skates are just over taking the market once again. Many new brands are being designed with different colors and designs.