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Powerslide Doop Skates Review

25/3/2014

12 Comments

 
Picture
Muddy boots in Doops.
PictureMy customised Doops.
This review came about after a post on a Facebook group post. I've written a lot of this for friends previously so I collated it all here for all who want to know my own thoughts on this unconventional skate:


I got a pair of Powerslide Doops last year. 84mm wheels version. The selling point of these skates is that you can wear any flat shoes with them, so it reduces the need to carry your shoes whilst you skate. Previously I had a Salomon Chill LX which had a similar design, I really loved them but they started to fall apart after years of use. Sadly they stopped manufacturing them so I was hopeful the Powerslides would compare well to the Salomons.


The Doops.
Surprising the Doops are still quite heavy even though it’s missing the boot. (My Seba FR1 are about the same weight). This might be an issue for some people but I don’t mind giving the legs a little extra weight to work out with!

They do feel very secure and responsive. People often question this but remember they’re based on an aggressive skate, Xsjado, so it’s going to be able to take some punishing!

I like the ratchet system in the middle that makes it feels nice and snug. Two of the other tightening mechanisms are just Velcro but these can be replaced if needed. I've substituted the mechanism above the ankle with a more standard skate strap just so it's that little bit faster to tighten.

The break is a standard Powerslide setup which in my opinion is really badly designed. It’s difficult to and fiddly to put on. You need to keep an eye on the wear and adjust it every now and again. Salomon’s break pad was so much simpler and easy to use, which I’ve also heard repeatedly from other skaters and even skate shop staff.

          I’ve tried swapping the break system with a Seba breaking system. This is easy to install but the break pad is very small, which will result in it being replaced often. Also it makes a horrible squeaking sound that doesn’t do much for my street cred. On the plus it ensures everyone around you are aware you’re coming!

Usually the wheels that come with any skate are basic. The ones that come with these are absolute rubbish. Rock hard wheels which I could feel every bump on the London roads. It made hard work of the ‘Sunday Stroll,’ skate.

The frames that come with them are also of poor design. I have to pull and force the wheels on some sections of the frame to get them in and out.

Since I’ve bought them I’ve swapped the frame for some Sebas ones. I’ve also got some nice Gyro wheels in combination to the horrible wheels. The horrible wheels are just on the toes, which I use as a break. (Good to find some use for them). Because of this I’ve got a semi rocker wheel layout. The setup is now great.


Are the Doops fast?
I’ve been asked this a lot, but they're only as fast as the wheels you've got attached, or more importantly the skater using them!


Le Mans.
I used the Doops for the Le Mans 24 Hours Skate relay race. The starting skaters are required to have their skates on the other side of the track. When the race starts you run across the track and put on your skates before racing.
          Now I thought the Doops would give me a nice advantage but even though it took me 25 seconds to put on both skates, there were people booting up a lot faster. The benefit for me however is that the mats we were standing on at the start of the race were wet, so no soggy socks for me whilst I skate!


What shoes can you wear with the Doops?
Most flat shoes work well. I’ve managed to use my formal shoes and even some wellington boots with them. Chunky Vans don’t work; they’re just too wide.

The thing for myself is that I have really wide feet. Last year I bought some cheap New Look sneakers, however the tight fit of the shoes started to become a problem for me. This problem only started when I began changing my skating style, skating more like a speed skater and hitting the outside edges of the wheels. So my toes felt most of the impact in my tight shoes. (This problem wasn’t particular to these skates as my speed skates gave me similar issues until they were heat moulded).

I tried using the shoes that worked previously with the Salomons and similar pains still happened that never occurred with the Chill LX.  For most people the shoe fitting wouldn’t be an issue but having wide feet has often been a problem for me. There are definitely shoes that would fit my feet and would work with my Doops but I’m yet to find it.


Powerslide Doops vs Salomon Chill LX.
Both have plus and minuses. Weight-wise the Doops are slightly more heavy but not a huge amount. Salomon just seems to be made of better quality material but the buckles eventually gave way. The Doops already has some fraying with some part of the fabric. However the main ratchet on the Doops just feels so much more secure. Salomon loses out massively by the fact the frames cannot be changed, as they have been riveted into the boot. Doops can fit most frames, it can even attach to those mountain skis!

doop baseplate
Baseplate.
As with most skates the frames can be removed. I personally don't know much about the common frame setups as I've only ever swapped the frames once before. For my Doops the shop assistant suggested the Seba GT frames. 


However here is an image of the baseplate which will give you a general idea of what you can fit on to the Doops. 

Summary.
Regretfully I’ve stopped using the Doops for now and gone back to my nice wide fitting Seba skates, until I find a suitable shoe. However I really miss the convenience the Doops offer whilst street skating, especially hopping on and off public transport, or popping in quickly into the shops.


12 Comments
erik orrmalm
21/2/2015 05:07:41

Hello!

I have a question you might be able to help me with.

I read that you switch the frames of your doop. So the doop "boot'' can be put on other frames? What kind of fastening is it? can you put on any frames? I had an idea to use the Powerslide SUV frame with 3x 125mm air tires and if possible put on a Doop "boot", possible? I am basically looking for a way of having both air tires and hard tires with me for long distance (multiple day) trips as light as possible and like the idea of using my own shoes.

Thankful for any help or tips

Regards,
Erik

Reply
Limlani
3/5/2016 11:04:02

that's the dream! let us know how it goes ... i'd love to hear a success story of that working : ) fully functional wheels!

Reply
Jonathan link
24/2/2015 16:43:13

Hi Erik,
I attached a Seba frame onto my Doops, which uses a standard bolt size. The slots are 8mm in width. I've also update this post with an image so you can see the positioning available to you.

I couldn't comment on the type of wheels and frames you're using as I've never tried them.

Hopefully the above is of some help to you!

Out of interest how come you're using both air and hard tires? What are the benefits of tires? :)

Reply
Nabila
18/4/2015 02:06:00

Hi! I hv a problem with my Doop I hope you could help me.

I experience huge pain on the middle part of my feet when skating (I think because of the rubber thing that makes the heel part higher than the toe part). I can't skate for a long time because of the pain. How can you skate all day with Doop? Is it because of the shoes? I usually wear Vans Old Skool with Doop.

Thanks!

Reply
Jonathan link
19/4/2015 05:57:57

Hi Nabila,

From what you've described you seem to have answered your own question. It's more than likely to be your shoe itself if it's the heel which is hurting.

You could be skating a lot more than your body is ready for. I can feel the sole of my feet hurting from when I use my speed skates for a long time, so I carefully manage how much time I use with them. Increasing it little by little.

The only thing I could suggest is to try using a different insole, one which will provide more support for your feet.

Everyone's feet is different so no one solution is going to work for the everyone, especially for off the shelf equipment. Hope you find a solution that will work for you.

Reply
Juan
6/6/2017 02:59:53

Hola, pudiste resolverlo. A mí me pasa igual. Me duele mucho una parte de los pies si los uso mucho tiempo...

Reply
Nathan
2/12/2015 16:34:50

Hi! Nice article! Could you give me some advice? I'm doubting between this two doops:

http://doopshop.com/doop-skates/doop-freestyle-iii.html

http://doopshop.com/doop-skates/doop-classic.html

I love red color, but I'm doubting if velcro straps are strong enough. Could you help me?

Thanks!!!!!!!

Reply
Jonathan link
3/12/2015 23:58:22

Thank you Nathan.

For me the Classic worked well, the velcro needed to be pulled a lot tighter as I experienced more wear. I felt that the main central ratchet was doing the most work in holding your feet in. However if I had option now I'd definitely would opt for the Freestyle III because the ratchet will give you a much better and secure fit.

You said you like the red but generally speaking I'd always go for function over style when it comes to skates. (Although I can’t help but think that a Stormtrooper would look awesome in the Freestyle!).

Reply
Michael Angove
28/8/2017 11:47:51

I've been running Xsjado for years now, and recently stated some distance skates with them. Tried and failed for many shoe styles. Slim (still ample space for wide feet) skate shoes are best, in my opinion. A rounded toe leaves plenty of room for a hard and long push, with enough lower support beneath the ankle and added cushioning for the heel. Low backs are a better fit with the cuff pad than a trainer-style back. I'm running a 2.0 set-up with Kizer lvl 2 (76mm), but I'm about to go to the Trimax (110mm triskate) for the Berlin marathon. I say this now as I'm currently looking for a new pair myself, but sizing is my issue. Slim 11s aren't the easiest to get hold of.

Reply
Jonathan link
28/8/2017 12:58:24

Hello Michael,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and finds. You're going to notice a massive benefit with the jump in wheel size! I hope you find your size 11's and have a great time at Berlin!

Reply
Julita
12/3/2018 08:48:25

Hi, thnx for the great review. I got Doop Swift 100 and they are great in terms of stability and contol. The only thing about my pair is that i have bruises on lower part of calves - i guess from the flap of the boot being too hard - my question is what can i do about it - its already hurting withouth strapping it tight yet i dont feel it while riding really just after taking skates off and sputting on- would athletic tape work or do i need to heat it to break the plastic?

Reply
Jonathan link
25/3/2018 21:36:51

Hello Julita,
Thank you for your message. Sorry to hear you're experiencing discomfort with your skates. I'm not an expert with boot fitting, but you may need to wear some thicker socks, or multiple layers for now. Just until your calves get used to the edge of the flap rubbing. I would be hesitant to heat and break the plastic as it my alter the strength of the boot.
Hope you find a suitable solution soon though.

Reply

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