If you’re in the market for a pair of FR skates, you’ve probably noticed how tricky it can be to figure out which model is right for you. With multiple variants, overlapping features, and a wide price range, it’s not exactly straightforward.
That’s why Jake from Loco Skates sat down to review the main differences between the five core FR skate models - all using 80mm frames - and give his honest opinion on what’s worth your money.
FR Skates Buying Guide
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FRX (£165): Best value beginner skate. Solid construction, comfy liner, rockering system, and great performance for the price.
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FR3 (£190): Adds metal mounting plates and a ratchet buckle for slightly better energy transfer and frame adjustability.
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FR2 (£220): Adds adjustable cuff bolts and stronger extruded aluminium frames. Also comes with better wheels.
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FR1 (£270): Flagship model with upgraded frame (4D), aluminium buckle, Street Invader wheels, and MW9 bearings. Includes a removable heel shock absorber.
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FR1 Deluxe Intuition (£380): Same as FR1 but with a premium Intuition liner, allowing for a smaller shell size. This makes the skate lighter, more responsive, and better for control. Highest price tag, but worth it.
Let’s dive into the lineup, from the budget-friendly FRX to the top-tier FR1 Deluxe Intuition.
FRX - Best Value for Beginners:
Price: £165
The FRX is the most popular model, and for good reason - it's affordable and performs really well straight out of the box. Key features include:
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Diecast frame (aluminium) with a built-in rocker system (ideal for sharper turns or artistic moves)
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Velcro strap and plastic buckle - simple but functional.
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Comfy padded liner that makes this skate very forgiving for beginners.
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Street Kings wheels and TwinCam MW7 (ABEC 7 equivalent) bearings.
You also get a surprising amount of versatility with this skate, including the option to rocker your wheels (even at this price point). For anyone just starting out or skating recreationally, the FRX offers unbeatable value.
FR3 - Slight Step Up:
Price: £190
The FR3 costs £25 more than the FRX, and the upgrade focuses on build quality and adjustability:
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Metal mounting plates for better energy transfer and boot-to-frame stability.
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Ratchet-style buckle instead of Velcro for a more secure fit.
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Same wheels, frame, and bearings as the FRX.
Unless you’re planning to customize your setup or need that extra foot stability, the FR3 might not feel drastically different to beginners - but it’s a solid next step.
FR2 - Better Components, Still Mid-Range:
Price: £220
With the FR2, you’re paying for a more refined ride:
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Extruded aluminium frame (stronger and stiffer than diecast).
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Ratchet buckle and metal mounting plates.
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Adjustable cuff bolt, giving you the ability to fine-tune the cuff position.
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Better wheels but still MW7 bearings.
These upgrades start to matter more if you're progressing and looking to get more precise control and energy transfer - but again, many skaters might not notice a huge leap from the FR3 unless they’re more advanced.
FR1 - The Original Flagship:
Price: £270
The FR1 was FR’s first major product and remains a solid choice for freestyle skaters:
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Upgraded 4D extruded frame, designed with freestyle skaters in mind.
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Metal buckle, Street Invader wheels, and MW9 bearings for a performance edge.
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Comfortable cushioned foam liner
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Comes with a removable shock-absorbing heel wedge, unlike the cheaper models which have glued-in foam.
A great skate, but the performance jump from the FR2 isn’t groundbreaking - especially for casual or recreational skaters.
Also worth noting unlike the cheaper models, the FR1 does not have a rockerable frame - you’d need to buy smaller outer wheels if you want to rocker.
FR1 Deluxe Intuition - Premium Fit & Feel:
Price: £380
This is where things get interesting.
The FR1 Deluxe Intuition is essentially the same boot and frame as the standard FR1, but it comes with a high-end Intuition liner - a liner that retails for around £190 by itself.
Why does that matter?
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The Intuition liner is thinner and denser, allowing you to downsize the shell while maintaining the same internal fit.
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A smaller shell means less weight, more control, and better performance.
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This is the only model in the range that truly changes how the skate feels on your foot.
This liner upgrade is the most meaningful performance jump in the entire FR lineup.
FR Skates Comparison Table
Feature |
FRX |
FR3 |
FR2 |
FR1 |
FR1 Deluxe Intuition |
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Boot |
Plastic shell, X2R frame mount |
Same shell, metal mounting plates |
Same shell, metal mounting plates + adjustable cuff bolts |
Same shell, aluminium buckle + cuff adjustability |
Same shell, smaller shell size due to Intuition liner |
Liner |
Standard removable liner |
Standard removable liner |
Standard removable liner |
Premium FR liner |
Intuition heat-mouldable liner |
Bearings |
MW7 |
MW7 |
MW7 |
MW9 |
MW9 |
Frame |
X2R 243mm (rockerable) |
X2R 243mm (rockerable) |
Extruded Aluminium 243/246mm (rockerable) |
4D Extruded Aluminium 243mm (pre-rockered) |
4D Extruded Aluminium 243mm (flat, no rocker) |
Wheels |
Street Kings |
Street Kings |
Downtown |
Street Invaders |
Street Invaders |
Cuff Adjustability |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Shock Absorber |
No |
No |
No |
Yes (removable heel shock) |
Yes (removable heel shock) |
Buckle System |
Plastic buckle |
Ratchet buckle |
Ratchet buckle |
Aluminium buckle |
Aluminium buckle |
Shell Sizing Options |
Regular |
Regular |
Regular |
Regular |
Downsized for smaller fit |
Price (approx) |
£165 |
£190 |
£220 |
£270 |
£380 |
Best For |
Beginners / budget-friendly |
Beginners wanting adjustability |
Skaters wanting more control & strength |
Serious skaters, high performance |
Advanced skaters wanting max performance & fit |
Verdict: What’s the Sweet Spot?
Best Value: FRX
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It does the job incredibly well for the price.
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Most casual skaters won’t notice the missing metal plate or less advanced frame.
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Comfortable, versatile, and super beginner friendly.
Best Performance: FR1 Deluxe Intuition
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The smaller shell makes a noticeable difference in performance.
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You’re truly getting your money’s worth when factoring in the Intuition liner.
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Ideal for skaters who want the best fit and most precise control.
One to Skip? Standard FR1
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While once the flagship, it now feels caught in the middle.
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For ~£100 more, the Deluxe version is far superior.
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And the cheaper models provide nearly the same experience for significantly less.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot to love in the FR skates lineup. Your choice comes down to how much you're willing to spend and how much performance you need.
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Just starting out? Go for the FRX.
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Levelling up or skating seriously? The FR1 Deluxe Intuition is where it’s at.
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Shopping on the fence? Skip the middle ground unless there’s a specific feature you really want.
Got questions or need help with sizing? Drop us a message at hello@locoskates.com or visit us at our shop - we’re always happy to help!