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 | Planet Extras! | | Industry News ... LandRoller Wins Sports Edge Product of the Year Award Now Comes the Tough Part: Getting People to Buy Them By Robert "Just the Factoids" Burnson Sports Edge magazine The skates, set to reach the market this summer, roll on two oversized wheels that angle alongside and under the boots. "Many believe that LandRollers will revitalize the skate category just as inline skates did 25 years ago," said Brian Conners, president and CEO of LandRoller. Apolo Landrover LandRoller says it has signed Olympic gold medalist Apolo Ohno, a former inline champion, to help promote its skates. "Apolo ... loves his LandRollers and will be testing the limits of the skate's capabilities," says the company's web site. Advantages? By angling the wheels of its skates, LandRoller is able to use larger wheels without raising the center of gravity. The skate's toe wheel is 145 mm; its heel wheel is a 177-mm monster that reaches ankle-level. LandRoller says the larger wheels provide for a smoother ride and added maneuverability on all surfaces. "People who have been intimidated by inlines or do not have ready access to smooth sidewalks will see the advantages," Conners said. Faster Than Inline? LandRoller says it believes the larger wheels will also make the skate faster than conventional inlines. "Two professional (roller) skaters are anxious to attempt to break their world records by skating on LandRollers," the company says. "We are looking forward to the outcomes." [The skaters were not named.] The skates will sell for $250 (US) and will be sold online and in sporting goods stores. Bad Company LandRoller is the second skate to win the Sports Edge Product of the Year Award in the last three years. TrailSkate won in 2002. The two-wheel, off-road inline skate (made by GateSkate) has failed to make a dent in the skate market. Mike May, the spokesman for the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association (SGMA), announced the winner of the Top Sports Product Award yesterday on Fox TV's "Fox and Friends" morning show. SGMA publishes Sports Edge. (posted on May 17, 2005) | Discuss Related reading: | |||||||||
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