A True Revolution -
Written: Sep 21 '04 (Updated Sep 13 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Safer, smoother ride.
Easier to learn.
Easier to service.
Good price point.
Cons: Have to wait for the next version to see an integrated grind plate.
The Bottom Line: The Revolutions represents a new era for this multi-functional shoe. It also presents the market with the best starting place for beginners in this emerging sport.
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| merlyn_dhc's Full Review: |
Once again, if you were looking for general information on Heelys, I would first read this page instead:
Heelys Flow Review
This review focuses attention on aspect specific to the Revolution style of Heelys.
Introduction
Heelys is specialized sneaker that has a removable wheel in the heel. It allows the wearer to seamlessly transition between walking, running, and skating. However, the development of this multi-functional shoe has not been easy. Heelys has undergone a rapid evolution in the past 2 years. For a product that has been out only for 3-4 years, this has caused some confusion in the consumer community. In the past two years alone, the product has made eight substantial design changes.
- Hard Narrow Wheels to FATs model wheels (wider)
- C-Clip Axle to Easy Access Axle (reduced noise)
- Easy Access Axle to Coin Axle (reduced noise again)
- Inclusion of grind plates
- Revision of grind plates
- Tried external wheels (Macks Style)
- Two under-shoe shoe wheels (ala Thunder Style)
- And now, the “Mega-Wheel” (ala Revolutions)
Other more subtle advancements include using lighter materials, more durable materials, more comfortable materials and more updated style designs. Yes, they’ve been busy. Today's Heelys are definitely NOT your daddy's inlines.
The Revolutions represents Heelys latest attempt to perfect the already functional Heelys skate-shoe. And while its immediate predecessor (the Mack) had certain failings, its contemporaries (the Rave and Vector) are already fully mature products.
So if there are already “mature” Heelys shoes, why continue to evolve?
Well, the primary appeal of Heelys is “fun and convenience”. But with that convenience comes a price. There are two, to be specific. These two have limited the Heelys audience and is what they are actively looking to address. The two problems are:
- Stability over irregular terrain
- The steep learning curve (requiring natural balance)
While traditional Heelys models (Flow, Vector, Rave, Dazzle, Storm, etc.) are very functional, they have met limited resistance in the marketplace. As evident, their audiences tend to be younger (boys 10 – 21). Younger users tend to have more natural balance (to overcome the learning curve), and less aversion to risk. Heelys continues to break this age barrier by resolving the two lingering drawbacks. Their initial answer (the Mack) deviated too greatly from the original Heelys concept. And as such, it falters on delivering Heelys’ traditional advantages.
So, do the Revolutions succeed where the Macks faltered?
Yes. The “Mega-Wheel” which is nearly twice as large as the FATs wheels, provides the user with nearly twice the stability. Its greater wheel height provides greater resistance to cracks and pebbles. With a slightly wider stance, the Heeler can overcome road obstacle that would have previously clobbered him. The ride is slightly higher (about an additional quarter inch), but this does not impede walking or running.
The wider wheelbase affords newbies additional support when learning to balance on two wheels. The wheel width is now roughly 50% wider providing for more balance in both shoes. This is evident as balancing in the classic “V” heeling position is no longer a chore for most neophytes.
The coolest thing about all these new additions is that Heelys was able to do this all through tighter manufacturing. You’ll notice that the shoe size itself has not increased. Nor has the shoe increased in weight. Heelys re-engineered the under-shoe to make available some unused space. And with great relief, Heelers everywhere are happy to see Heelys returning to its original “wheel in the HEEL” concept.
Serviceability
One other notable change is that the “Mega-Wheel” uses the standard 608 size bearings (ABEC 7). This means that the bearings can be replaced with the same bearings found in most sports store (used for inline and skateboarding). The previous FATs wheels used 688 bearings (also called a "micro-bearing"). And while the smaller bearings are no better or worse (still a high grade ABEC 7), they are more difficult to find in retail stores. Either can be serviced with a standard tool set.
Cost
The cost of the Revolutions is comparable with all other models, findings it's price point slightly less than that of the Flow, Rave or Mack. This is an excellent place to be for the new-comer. This means that Heelys is offering its new flagship model below traditional costs. And they do this without forefitting quality. Strict manufacturing in the "Mega-wheel" is easily evident upon close examination. How do they do it?
The only drawback to this first version of the “Mega-Wheel” models is the lack of a grind plate. And while I originally shied away from the Revolutions at first, I can understand the obvious benefits of this business move. Truth be told, not everyone grinds. The debut of the Revolutions marks a new plateau in Heelys development. There was no reason to muddle this success with additional features (that also reduces initial cost). Still, avid Heelers will wait anxiously for the next revision that brings the two features together.
Hence, with the advent of the “Mega-Wheel”, Heelys scores its first true blow in penetrating the mass consumer market. Even without the wonderfully fun, patented grind plate, its still currently the best Heelys has to offer. Updated, see: Heelys Evolutions Review.
Where can I get additional information?
The Heelys website is http://www.heelys.com/
Some Heelys Videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW7ZXF4AaIE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVigkabHbpU
Popular Heelys Forum and Store is http://www.heelychat.com
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
merlyn_dhc
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Location: New York, NY
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 1 member
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