Upgrade advice

[Dekindy]

I posted this in quad roller skating but am just learning the forum and thought this might be a better forum.

At age 56 I decided to attempt to learn to skate well enough to be a Division 1 roller derby referee. May not reach this goal but enjoy roller skating and plan to continue as long as I can.

Purchased skate package with Riedell 126 boots, Powerdyne Thrust nylon plates and Radar Villian wheels. Lots of difficulties learning but finally started getting better after getting therapy on an ankle and getting the factory overtightened trucks loosened so that the cushions were not grossly compressed and have gradually loosened them but still have some adjustment before needing different cushions.

Current skill level is beginner/intermediate and have recently started improving significantly. I am having fun and instead of dreading trying to learn a new skill to eagerly anticipating my next lesson.

I am happy with the boots and wheels but wondering if I need a plate upgrade.

I weigh 215 pounds and read that heavier skaters should have metal plates and metal hub wheels to avoid flex. I am having foot pain along the entire bottom of both feet, well more like aches after skating for an hour or more and it is also aggravating my plantar fasciitis.

None of these problems are bad enough to keep me from skating but wondering if I would be more comfortable and better served by upgrading the plate or is just building up strength, flexibility and endurance and learning to skate is the best course right now?

Definitely going to upgrade from the stock cushions as I have seen from several sources that will improve my skating significantly.

If I do upgrade plates was considering a Sure Grip Avenger plate with the thought that it would be easier to transition change to DA45 while I am still learning. It is my understanding that I could set the Avenger initially to skate more like my current plate and gradually adjust to more maneuverability. Also considering Roller Bones Turbo wheels and would be interested in hardness recommendations.

Thanks in advance!

[Doc Sk8]

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