RSA Tradeshow Recap

We just returned from the RSA Convention in Las Vegas and want to take a minute to update you on the new items we saw.  Please remember that some of these items are still being developed and are subject to delays and/or changes.

Pacer showed their Platinum rental skate.  This is a top grain leather rental outfit with features like ABEC5 bearings, brass eyelets, Cambrelle Plus lining, Dupont Zytel plates, and stitched outsoles on the adult sizes.  But the main selling point on this skate is going to be that it comes in a custom color pattern that you design.  Each rink gets to pick out their own colors (currently six colors are available, more may be added later) and you use those colors for the backstay, uppers, lace area, and toe box, for a unique design you pick out for your facility.  You can also add your own name or logo to be embossed on the ankle area.  Because these are custom made for each individual rink there is a minimum order of 300 pair. 

Sure-Grip showed several new products.  The GT-50 is probably going to be the best seller of their new items.  This is a new addition to the Rock line and it is one step up from their GT-40.  They should be in stock by September 15.

One night during the show they had a roller derby demonstration at a local rink.  A lot of rinks are either renting out their building to roller derby leagues for practice or hosting derby meets in their rink (and selling lots of tickets).  The Sure-Grip Rebel is the first skate designed specifically for the derby skaters.  It has a leather boot and Fugitive wheels.  They hope to have this one ready by November. 

Sure-Grip also showed us some accessories.  We don’t have all of the details yet, but look for some new skate bags and a free spinning metal wheel cover (similar to the fancy rims you see on cars) coming soon.

We’re working on a new line of birthday party supplies (plates, cups, placemats, and napkins) with a very colorful skate design.  We’ve finalized the graphics and we hope to have these in stock by October.

Our annual tradeshow will be October 7 and 8 here at our Roanoke, VA warehouse.  This is a great chance to see the new products that are coming out for the fall, meet with vendors and other rink operators, and save some money on the tradeshow specials that most of the vendors will be offering.  Invites went out in the mail two weeks ago, if you’re able to join us please RSVP ASAP.

IMPORTANT PRICE CHANGE - We initially underestimated the incoming freight cost on Bont’s new skate packages.  They ship to us direct from China, the cost to get them here is much higher than we originally hoped, and we’re going to have to go up on these packages. 

map: main > news > RSA Tradeshow Recap

We are wholesale only and are not allowed to sell to skaters or to quote prices. For info on purchasing skates please look in your phone book under "skating rink" or click here.

Always skate smart. Use appropriate protective gear. If you're not an experienced skater then learn to skate indoors at a roller skating rink. It's a flat and smooth surface with no traffic to deal with. Take lessons.