Jamming in Style: Our Review of the Riedell Quest Skates
As avid jam skaters obsessed with improvising creative moves to the beat, we’re constantly looking for agile skates engineered to keep up with our fast-paced footwork. We want high-performance skates that combine style, speed, and flawless maneuverability to flow seamlessly in jam circles.
So when we discovered Riedell’s Quest skates (model 395) promising unrivaled freedom of movement for jamming, we immediately had to try them. We eagerly laced up the Quests and took them for a spin at jam sessions to see if they could match our lively energy.
After countless hours putting these elite jam skates through their paces, we’re ready to break down everything you need to know in this detailed review. Keep reading for the full scoop on sizing, specs, pros, cons, usage, and overall performance of Riedell’s Quest jam skates.
Table of Contents
Unboxing First Impression
Fresh out of the signature Riedell box, the Quest skates instantly give off a pro-level vibe. The supple black leather boot looks sleek yet allows natural foot flexion just standing still.
Sliding into the Quests feels like slipping on a custom glove thanks to the heat-moldable leather conforming instantly. The snug lace cover promises a perfectly locked-in fit.
The lightweight aluminum plates hint at lightning-quick moves. Every aspect seems geared toward freedom and fluidity for jamming. Our first impressions reveal why the Quest is a top choice for high-level jam skaters.
Taking Them for a Spin
Eager to test how the Quests’ elite components translated into improvised movement, we hit the rink eager to jam. Right away the customized leather boot moved as one with our feet through transitions.
The moldable padding zones enhanced flexibility then locked our heels in securely for spins. The aluminum plates felt like trampolines rocketing us forward and backward.
Weaving through jam circles felt effortless with the wheels gripping the floor. The precision bearings accelerated smoothly for creative footwork. Every aspect was responsive to our wildest moves.
After just one session, we were addicted to the Quest’s unhindered freedom. They enabled the fastest flows and footwork thanks to their unparalleled agility.
Pros: Why We Love Them
After many hours jamming in the Quests, here are the key pros:
- Perfect custom fit – Heat-moldable leather contours feet
- Elite maneuverability – Incredibly agile and lightweight
- Snug lace cover – Locks feet in securely for advanced moves
- Jam wheels – 59mm size ideal for grip and quickness
- Competition-grade bearings – Deliver instant acceleration
- Rigid support – Response perfectly to quick directional changes
- Flawless quality – Engineered to perfection for fluidity
- Smooth transitions – Carve the floor for seamless linking moves
- Broken-in feel – Natural flexibility right out of the box
Simply put, the Quest provides a pro-level experience allowing complete freedom ideal for high-level jamming and creative footwork. Their performance is unmatched.
Cons: Minor Imperfections
No skate is perfect though, and we noticed a couple of small issues:
- Premium price tag – $669 a major investment for most skaters
- Snug fit – takes time to mold perfectly
- Too advanced for beginners – Overkill for recreational skating
- Limited black color – More style options would be nice
But for elite jam skaters wanting the highest quality setup, the Quests deliver a custom experience that enables you to ignite the floor.
Technical Specs
For those interested in the pro-level specs, the Quest offers:
- Boot: Black leather
- Plate: PowerDyne Reactor Neo aluminum
- Wheels: Sonar Ninja 59mm/ 93A
- Bearings: KwiK Zenith (ABEC is not mentioned but they feel like ABEC 9)
- Toe stop: Jam plug
- Closure: Laces with lace cover
- Sizes: 2-13
- Color: Black
With premium components selected by the pros, every detail aims for flawless freedom and fluidity for elite jamming.
Sizing Guidance
Based on our experience, here are some sizing tips:
- Length runs true-to-size so order you’re normal shoe size
- Heat molding enables a perfect custom fit
- Trying on in-store allows you to test the exact fit
- Focus on achieving an ideal snug width
- Thinner dance socks enhance precision
Take the time to mold the Quests properly for a glove-like fit that responds to your every move.
Caring for Your Riedell Quest Skates
To keep your Quest skates performing at their peak, be sure to follow these care tips:
- Use quality leather conditioner regularly on the boots to prevent drying and cracking.
- Inspect the wheels, bearings, and plates before sessions for any damage or wear. Address issues promptly.
- Wipe down the boots with a soft cloth after skating to remove dust, dirt, and debris.
- Rotate the wheels frequently to distribute wear evenly and extend wheel life.
- Replace laces as needed if they become frayed or loose.
- Consider upgraded cushions for easy customization and responsiveness.
- Store skates properly in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight when not in use.
- Remove insoles and use cedar shoe trees to wick moisture and retain shape.
With some basic care and maintenance, your Quest skates will keep delivering unmatched freedom and fluidity jam session after jam session.
Ideal Use Cases
After extensive testing, the Quests excel in these scenarios:
- Elite/pro jam skating – Made for top-level jam circles
- Rhythm/artistic competitions – Flawless precision footwork
- Dance performances – Won’t restrict choreography
With their elite performance optimized for freedom, the Quests take high-level jamming to new heights.
Final Verdict
After hours of high-energy jam sessions testing every aspect, we happily rate the Riedell Quests 5 out of 5 stars for pro-level jam skaters wanting absolute fluidity. For experienced skaters devoted to mastering creative improvisation, no skate compares to the Quest’s unhindered mobility.
While the steep price means they aren’t accessible for all, nothing matches the Quest’s capabilities once broken in. They reward dedicated jam skaters with a hyper-agile and responsive ride for the demands of elite jamming.
So for devoted jam skaters ready to invest in the ultimate custom setup enabling your wildest moves, we can’t recommend the Riedell Quests enough. Lace them up and feel legendary!
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Available Colors: Black
Price: The price is 669$
Link to purchase from Riedell’s official website
Link to purchase from Walmart
Click on the link to see the best Riedell skates we recommend for every skating category.
