When seeking our next go-to pair of skates for casual indoor laps and sessions, the Sure-Grip Cyclone immediately caught our eye in the affordable price range. In this Sure Grip Cyclone skates review, we’ll share our experience as recreational skaters who want comfort and ease of use above all else.
After reading about the Cyclone’s generous fit and enjoyable stride, we decided to take the plunge on these affordable vegan skates. Here’s our full breakdown after putting the Sure-Grip Cyclone skates through their casual paces.
This comprehensive Sure Grip Cyclone skates review covers whether these budget-friendly skates delivered the relaxed riding experience we were after for indoor skating sessions and laid-back laps around the rink.
Table of Contents
First Roll: Comfort Galore
Unboxing the simple black Cyclone boots, we loved their lightweight minimalism from the start. The vegan materials looked cleanly styled without flashy branding or colors. More importantly, the ample interior padding wrapped our feet in a plush, secure fit. Those with wider feet will particularly appreciate the roomy toe box.
Lacing them up, we quickly realized the incredible step-in comfort of these skates. The flexible boot construction required zero break-in period – a rarity for new footwear. We hardly noticed them on our feet as we stepped onto the rink for initial strides.
The Cyclone’s 62mm 95A wheels are nicely balanced for recreational skating too. They gripped sufficiently for controlled turns yet offered a smooth roll for picking up a bit of speed when desired. And the ABEC 5 bearings felt well-matched for lively yet stable momentum around the rink. A solid all-around foundation for casual sessions.
Initial Rink Sessions: Pure Joy
Any worries about comfort quickly dissipated when we took our first strides. The Cyclones lived up to their breezy, effortless glide out of the gate. We were able to maintain stance easily thanks to the secure fit and padding around the ankles. Yet the flexibility allowed full articulation for cross-overs and spins.
Despite the budget rock nylon plates, we felt balanced confidence leaning into turns and lateral movements. The grip from the wheels was reassuring without ever feeling grabby or imprecise. Even extending with single-leg glides posed no ankle instability.
We were also pleased by how little vibration transferred into the boots when stomping stops or drag-stopping. The padding absorbed most excess chatter from the plates and firm toe stops. Our feet felt freshly energized at the end of multiple laps.
Overall, the Cyclones provided an incredibly fluid, comfortable rink experience from our first sessions. Their recreational strengths were clear and plentiful.
Technical information about the product:
- Used for: Roller Derby / Speed Skating (we believe they are better for recreational rink skating)
- Boot Material: Vegan boot
- Plate: Rock nylon plate
- Wheel Size: 62mm
- Wheel Hardness: 95A
- Bearings: ABEC 5
- Toe Stop: Carrera toe stop
- Price: 135$ – 140$
- Available colors: black
- Sizes: Men – 5-12, Women 6-13
Recreational Rink Skating Pros and Cons
After a couple of months of regular 2-3 hour rink sessions in the Cyclones, we’ve formed clear opinions on their strengths and shortcomings:
The Pros:
- Incredibly lightweight and effortless strides
- Generously roomy toe box ideal for wide feet
- Plush ankle padding and secure fit out of the box
- Smooth 95A wheels well-suited to indoor surfaces
- Suitable for beginners – high stability and easy maneuverability
- Excellent cushioning soaks up stop/fall impacts
- Unbeatable value at under $150 price point
The Potential Cons:
- Not the most durable boot materials
- Rock nylon plates lack rigidity for intense action
- Laces lack locking strap for extra security
- Only available in a basic black color scheme
Who Should Try Sure-Grip Cyclones?
We wholeheartedly recommend these Sure Grip Cyclone skates for:
- Indoor rink skating hobbyists of any experience level
- Those preferring generous interior space (wide feet)
- Skaters wanting effortless step-in comfort and low-weight
- Casual sessions under 3 hours where cushioning matters
- Recreational skaters unwilling to break the $150 barrier
However, the Cyclones may disappoint for these audiences:
- More serious derby skaters or competitors
- Outdoor enthusiasts frequently encounter debris
- Those expecting long-term durability under abuse
- Skaters who prioritize speed or precision over comfort
- Those wanting flashier colors or styling options
For a fun, affordable, and delightfully comfortable indoor rink experience though, the sure-grip cyclone roller skate delivers the perfect relaxed riding partner!
Our Final Thoughts on Cyclone Skates
After giving the Sure Grip Cyclone roller skates an honest evaluation, we feel they’ve earned a respectable 3.5 out of 5-star rating from us as recreational rink enthusiasts. Their comfort-first design philosophy meshes perfectly with our priorities.
While they may lack the aggressive durability or premium materials of more expensive skates, the Cyclones absolutely nail the lightweight, laid-back sensation we crave from recreational skating sessions. Being able to affordably wring maximum enjoyment out of time at our local rink is the name of the game.
So if you find yourself seeking that breezy glide and want maximum step-in comfort for wide feet without breaking the bank, we can’t recommend the Sure Grip Cyclone lineup enough. They turn every casual rink session into a low-key delight!
However, as mentioned, the lower-quality boot construction and rock nylon plates mean the Cyclones likely won’t withstand intense derby action or heavy outdoor abuse in the long run. For dedicated derby skaters, upgrading to a leather boot with an aluminum or metal plate would be advisable for superior durability and performance.
We hope you enjoyed our Sure Grip Cyclone skates review, you can explore more reviews of other Sure Grip Skates and find out why they’re a fan favorite!
Summary
- Overall Rating: 3.5/5
- Available Colors: Black
- Price: 135$ – 140$
- Link to purchase from: Amazon.com
- Link to purchase from: Walmart.com
- Link to purchase from: Roller Skate Nation