Review Seba CJ skates
Short Answer
The Seba CJ skates are versatile, originally designed for aggressive skating but now popular for freestyle and wizard skating. With their wide fit, dual sizing options, and durable design, these skates are suitable for a range of skating styles. Whether you’re into aggressive tricks or freestyle moves, the Seba CJ offers comfort, performance, and the ability to customize.
History of the Seba CJ Skates
Seba started as a slalom skating brand but expanded in 2013 with the Seba CJ Pro skate. Named after pro skater CJ Wellsmore, these skates were initially designed for aggressive skating. However, they quickly gained popularity in freestyle and wizard skating communities. The first edition featured a gray design that lasted for several years before new models were introduced. Despite these updates, the Seba CJ remains consistent in design, ensuring skaters don’t feel left behind by constant changes.
Review Seba CJ: Models and Editions
The Seba CJ series includes several models: CJ1, CJ2, and CJ2 Prime. The CJ1 is available in single sizes, perfect for those who prefer a snug fit. The CJ2 and CJ2 Prime offer dual sizing, which is helpful for skaters needing more room. The CJ2 Prime, with its removable liner, is popular among those seeking a customizable fit. Seba has also embraced wizard skating by offering setups with larger frames and wheels, designed for fluid, freestyle movements.
Fit and Comfort of the Seba CJ
The Seba CJ skates are known for their wide fit, making them comfortable for skaters with wider feet or those who struggle to find a good fit in standard skates. These skates generally fit one size larger than your regular shoe size. It's recommended to go down a size when purchasing. For example, if you typically wear a size 45 shoe, a size 44 CJ skate may fit better. The integrated liner in the CJ1 and CJ2 models breaks in significantly over time, creating more space within the skate. However, the Prime version, with its removable liner, offers a tighter fit right out of the box.
Flat boot design and heel raise
The Seba CJ skates feature a flat-bottom boot design, common in aggressive skates. This means there is no natural heel raise in the boot itself. Instead, any heel lift is achieved through a small shock absorber inside the skate. Some skaters may feel as though they are leaning backward due to the lack of a pronounced heel raise. To counteract this, many recommend adding an additional heel raiser or a more rigid shock absorber. This can improve stability and control during skating.
Liner options and customization
The Seba CJ skates offer various liner options. The standard integrated liner is comfortable and breaks in significantly over time, making it ideal for skaters who prefer a softer fit. However, for those seeking higher performance, the CJ2 Prime’s removable liner or an aftermarket option like the Intuition liner is recommended. If you want the best of both worlds, you can “gut” the skate by removing the existing integrated liner and replacing it with a liner of your choice. This process, though a bit involved, can greatly enhance the fit and performance of your skates.
Buckle and cuff design
The Seba CJ skates come with one of the best buckles on the market. The metal buckle is durable and provides a secure closure, essential for maintaining control during aggressive or freestyle skating. However, the buckle strap can sometimes be too long, causing it to dig into the cuff or liner. This issue can be resolved by trimming the buckle strap to a more suitable length. The cuff of the Seba CJ skates is also adjustable, allowing skaters to customize the height and stiffness to their preference. If the cuff flaps interfere with your skating, you can cut them down for a better fit.
Conclusion: Customizing your Seba CJ skates
The Seba CJ skates are versatile and highly customizable, making them suitable for various skating disciplines. Whether you’re using them for aggressive tricks or wizard skating, these skates offer a comfortable fit, excellent support, and the ability to modify them to meet your specific needs. From adjusting the heel raise to swapping out liners or experimenting with different frames, the Seba CJ skates provide a solid foundation for skaters looking to take their skills to the next level.