OLD vs NEW // Roces Impala 62 and Sola frames

Short answer

The Roces Impala 62 offers vintage adaptability, while Sola frames provide modern precision for speed and park performance.

A look back at the Roces Impala 62

The Roces Impala 62 and Sola frames showcase the blend of vintage design and modern functionality. The Roces Impala 62 skates, with their durable metal frame, addressed a key issue of the 90s—durability. Plastic frames often broke under the demands of grinding and aggressive skating. The Roces Impala 62's metal frame offered extra stiffness, making it ideal for vert skating, where speed and stability are essential. Similarly, the Sola frames bring advanced precision and stiffness, demonstrating how both designs cater to different eras and needs in inline skating.

The Impala frame also offers impressive adaptability. You can remove its unique raised section to convert it into a Universal Frame System (UFS). This feature allows the frame to fit most modern aggressive inline skates, showcasing how the Impala 62 seamlessly blends timeless design with modern compatibility.

The modern Sola frame

Fast forward to today, and we have the Sola frame, which echoes many design principles of the Roces Impala 62. Made from high-quality aluminum, the Sola frame focuses on precision and durability. This frame is ideal for aggressive skaters who prefer park and bowl skating, where speed and stiffness are essential. Skaters like Dominic Wagner and Joe Atkinson, known for their expertise in bowls and vert skating, heavily endorse the Sola frame.

Much like the Impala frame, the Sola is designed to handle the intense forces of high-speed skating. Its robust construction ensures a smooth ride, even during demanding tricks. While the Sola frame doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it’s a refined iteration of what made the Impala 62 so iconic.

How the industry has gone full circle

The Roces Impala 62 and Sola frames highlight how the inline skating industry frequently revisits past concepts, enhancing them with modern advancements. For instance, the USD Aeon skate reintroduced the unibody design, where the frame, soulplate, and boot form a single piece of plastic. Interestingly, this concept isn’t entirely new—skates like the Roces 5th Element and K2 Fatty featured similar designs back in the 90s.

On the other hand, while skates with replaceable parts offer greater versatility, skates made with fewer components emphasize strength and simplicity. Both approaches have their distinct advantages, creating options for skaters with varying preferences and needs. For example, replaceable parts allow for customization and easy repairs, which appeals to those who value adaptability. In contrast, skates with fewer components prioritize durability and a streamlined design, which benefits skaters seeking reliable performance.

Moreover, this dual approach illustrates how innovation in inline skating often focuses on refining and enhancing past ideas rather than completely reinventing them. By revisiting previous designs and adapting them to modern needs, the industry maintains a sense of continuity while still evolving. Ultimately, this ongoing balance between tradition and progress not only preserves the heritage of the sport but also keeps it fresh, dynamic, and exciting for skaters of all levels.

What makes these frames unique?

• Roces Impala 62: Its metal frame delivers durability and speed, making it ideal for vert skating. The UFS adaptability provides modern versatility.
  Sola frame: This aluminum frame enhances aggressive park skating, offering precise control and stiffness for advanced tricks.

 

Why history matters in skate design

As technology evolves, it’s clear that many ideas have already been tried and tested. For instance, brands frequently cycle between marketing metal spacers as faster and removing them for lighter designs. This back-and-forth highlights how the industry constantly refines old concepts rather than always pursuing groundbreaking innovation.

Conclusion: Roces Impala 62 and Sola frames

The Roces Impala 62 and Sola frames excel in their respective eras, highlighting how inline skating combines innovation with nostalgia. Whether you prefer the vintage charm of the Impala or the modern performance of the Sola, both frames showcase the evolution and durability of skate design.

Want to learn more about skating history and technology? Check out our videos on YouTube or visit our store in Amsterdam to explore these iconic frames in person.