Hey fellow skaters! It’s your Inlinex blogger here, ready to talk about a pair of skates that’s been buzzing in the community – the Flying Eagle FBS+ Avian Purple Skates. If you're looking to dive into the exciting world of urban and freestyle skating without breaking the bank, or if you're just after a solid, reliable pair of hard-boot skates, you’ve probably stumbled upon these beauties. And for good reason!
At Inlinex, Singapore’s premier skate shop, we’ve seen countless skaters find their perfect stride. The Avian Purple is quickly becoming a favourite for many, offering an irresistible blend of performance, durability, and most importantly, incredible value. This isn’t just another budget skate; it’s a thoughtfully designed package that aims to give you a genuine taste of what quality urban skating feels like.
Let's dive deep into what makes the Flying Eagle FBS+ Avian Purple a standout choice, what real skaters are saying, and whether these are the right wheels for your journey.
Why the Avian Purple is Turning Heads
The first thing that grabs attention with the Avian Purple isn't just its striking colour, but its price point. At SGD $129.39, it positions itself as an incredibly accessible option for a hard-boot skate featuring an extruded aluminum frame. This combination is usually found in much higher price brackets, which is why skaters consistently praise its "unbeatable value".
But it's more than just a low price; it's about what you get for that price. The Avian Purple is designed to be a fantastic introduction to urban and freestyle skating. It brings together components that are usually reserved for more expensive models, making high-performance features available to a wider audience. It's about empowering more skaters to experience the agility and control needed for city cruising and trick learning.
Unpacking the Avian: Features & What They Mean for You
The Avian Purple isn't just a pretty face. It's built with components that directly translate to a better skating experience:
- Hard Boot Shell: This is a game-changer for urban and freestyle skating. The robust hard-boot shell provides superior ankle support and protection, which is crucial for stability and safety as you learn new tricks or navigate uneven city streets. It also ensures excellent energy transfer, meaning more of your effort goes directly into propelling you forward, making for a more responsive and controlled ride.
- Extruded Aluminum Frame: Unlike many budget skates that come with plastic or composite frames, the Avian boasts a lightweight yet highly durable extruded aluminum frame. Skaters love this because it offers greater rigidity and responsiveness. You'll feel more connected to the ground, with better power transfer and more precise control, which is essential for slalom and tight turns.
- High-Rebound 85A Wheels (80mm): Paired with smooth ABEC 7 chrome bearings, these wheels are designed for a fast and smooth roll. The 85A hardness strikes a great balance between grip and durability, making them suitable for various urban surfaces. The 80mm size is versatile, offering a good mix of speed and maneuverability.
- Dual-Size, Well-Ventilated Liner: Comfort is key, especially during longer sessions. The Avian's liner is designed to be well-ventilated to reduce fatigue and keep your feet cooler. The dual-size design (e.g., EU 35-36, EU 37-38) helps ensure a snug yet adaptable fit.
- 165mm Mounting System & Shock Absorber: The standard 165mm mounting allows for future frame upgrades, giving you room to grow with your skates. A built-in shock absorber helps to dampen vibrations and impacts, making for a more comfortable ride over rougher terrain.
The Real Talk: What Skaters Are Saying (Pros)
Based on feedback from the global skating community, here's what consistently earns the Flying Eagle Avian Purple high marks:
- Exceptional Value: This is the most frequently cited praise. Many feel it punches well above its weight class, offering features usually found on skates costing significantly more.
- Excellent for Urban & Freestyle Beginners: Skaters commend its suitability for those new to urban environments or starting out with freestyle moves. Its maneuverability and agile rockered setup (many even find it ships with a slightly rockered setup or is easily convertible) make it ideal for learning.
- Solid Support & Control: The hard-boot design is consistently highlighted for providing optimal ankle support and enhancing energy transfer, which leads to better control and confidence.
- Durable Components: The extruded aluminum frame and quality wheels/bearings are noted for their durability and smooth performance, even for aggressive daily use.
- Upgrade Potential: The standard 165mm mounting is a big plus, as it means you're not locked into the stock frame forever. You can easily swap it out for different setups down the line.
But Wait, There's More: What to Consider (Cons)
No skate is perfect for everyone, and it's important to have a balanced view. Here are a few points that skaters have raised:
- No Brake Included: A common observation is that the Avian Purple does not come with a heel brake. This means you'll need to be comfortable with alternative stopping methods (like the T-stop or powerslide) or purchase an aftermarket brake. Inlinex offers free white brakes for Flying Eagle skates, so be sure to add one to your cart if you need it!
- Sizing for Wider Feet: While the dual-size liner helps, some general feedback on Flying Eagle skates suggests they can run a bit narrow. Skaters with wider feet might experience some tightness initially, requiring a more significant break-in period.
- Break-in Period: As with many hard-boot skates, the liner may feel stiff at first. Expect a period of skating before the liner fully molds to your foot for optimal comfort. Patience is a virtue here!
- Stock Wrench Quality: A minor, but recurring, complaint across Flying Eagle products is the quality of the included wrench, which can sometimes strip bolts if not used carefully. We always recommend investing in a good quality skate tool for maintenance.
Avian vs. The Competition: Why Choose Purple?
At its SGD $129.39 price point, the Flying Eagle FBS+ Avian Purple offers a compelling package. Let's see how it stacks up against some common alternatives in a similar range:
Flying Eagle X1 Shrike (approx. £99 / ~$120 USD)
Another strong contender from Flying Eagle. The X1 Shrike is also an excellent entry-level urban skate. However, a key difference is that the X1 Shrike typically comes with a plastic frame. While plastic frames can offer good shock absorption, the Avian Purple's extruded aluminum frame provides superior responsiveness, durability, and energy transfer, giving you a more direct and precise feel, which is a significant upgrade for serious urban skating.
Bladerunner Advantage Pro XT (under $100 USD)
This skate is often pitched as a budget-friendly fitness skate. It might come with 80mm wheels, but it almost certainly features a composite (plastic) frame. Again, the Avian Purple pulls ahead with its robust aluminum frame, making it a more suitable and durable choice for the demands of urban and freestyle skating compared to a typical recreational skate.
Oxelo MF500 / MF900 (price varies, often around $100 USD)
Decathlon's Oxelo line offers popular budget hard-boot options. The MF500 is a decent entry-level hard boot. While good for the price, the Avian often distinguishes itself with potentially higher quality stock wheels and bearings, and a consistently praised aluminum frame setup that feels more responsive right out of the box, especially for those looking to push into more technical urban skating.
In essence, the Flying Eagle FBS+ Avian Purple offers an aluminum frame at a price point where competitors usually offer plastic or composite. This alone makes it a very strong contender, providing a more robust and responsive skating experience.
Who Should Lace Up the Avian Purple?
- Beginner Urban/Freestyle Skaters: If you're just getting into urban cruising, city exploration, or starting to learn basic slalom or freestyle tricks, these skates are an incredible starting point. The hard boot and aluminum frame provide the support and responsiveness you need to progress quickly.
- Budget-Conscious Skaters: For those who want quality without the hefty price tag, the Avian Purple delivers exceptional value.
- Skaters Upgrading from Soft-Boot Recreational Skates: If you've outgrown your basic fitness skates and want more control, durability, and the ability to tackle more dynamic skating, this is a perfect next step.
- Anyone Who Appreciates a Good Deal: Seriously, the features packed into this price make it hard to beat.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
- Skaters with Very Wide Feet: If you know you have particularly wide feet, you might find these a bit snug. While the liner will break in, it might be worth trying them on or considering other wider-fit options if extreme comfort is your absolute top priority from day one.
- Dedicated Speed Skaters: While the Avian is fast for urban skating, its 80mm wheels and hard-boot design aren't optimized for pure speed racing or marathon skating.
- Skaters Who Absolutely Need an Integrated Brake: If you're not comfortable learning alternative stops and don't want to purchase/install a separate brake, you might consider skates that come with one pre-installed. However, don't let this deter you; learning to stop without a heel brake is a fundamental skill for urban skating!
Sizing & Fit: Your Foot's Best Friend
The Flying Eagle FBS+ Avian Purple comes in dual sizes (e.g., EU 35-36, EU 37-38). This means the liner is designed to accommodate two sizes. Generally, Flying Eagle skates tend to fit true to size, but as mentioned, they can feel a bit snug, especially for wider feet. Here's our advice:
- Measure Your Feet: Always measure your foot length in cm and compare it to the size chart provided by Inlinex.
- Try Them On (If Possible): If you can visit Inlinex, trying them on is the best way to ensure a comfortable fit. Pay attention to any pressure points, especially around the sides of your feet.
- Expect a Break-in: Don't be alarmed if they feel a little tight or stiff initially. The liner needs time to compress and mold to your foot's unique shape. A few good skating sessions should do the trick.
Final Thoughts
The Flying Eagle FBS+ Avian Purple Skates are a testament to Flying Eagle's commitment to delivering quality performance at an accessible price. They offer an incredible entry point into urban and freestyle skating, providing features like a hard boot and an extruded aluminum frame that are typically found in much more expensive models. If you're ready to step up your skate game and explore the city on wheels, these purple powerhouses are definitely worth your serious consideration.
Shop the Flying Eagle FBS+ Avian Purple Skates at Inlinex
Available at Inlinex with free shipping in Singapore. International shipping available worldwide.
