I'm genuinely pleased you took the shock out and showed it. Nobody ever shows that. Always thought they would be much thicker than that as the orange of the shock you can see from the outside, I just thought it was that thick but it clearly isn't. Similar to you, I hate high heels, always annoying when stock shocks are an inch thick so knowing this makes this skate far more appealing

I've got the Danny Aldridge version, definitely comes with a superior Hydrogen wheel instead of the Supreme, but otherwise I think it's much of a muchness. I've also got a gutted SEBA wizard boot with all the bells and whistles, but the Rollerblade skates get used more. Easy, comfortable, simple, decent wheels. Really nothing to complain about at all. The tongue on the stock liner is a bit thick, but like you I'm used to the Intuition V2s.

That stock liner looks like the RB Twister Edge stock liner (I assume it's basically the same) that I use to fit into the THEM 908s. Real nice liners, if you can fit them comfortably of course. I did hear somewhere they've made them thicker on models past a certain date which is a shame cuz the low volume ones I've got are great. Those RBs look very nice for a rec/freeskate, the lines and shape make it stand out from the crowd as well. I think if I had to buy a non-ufs skate this is the one I'd go for.

My local skate shop had me try these on and I might try them. They are just so fricken cheap. I have freakishly wide flat feet and my FR1s are not great for my foot shape. I sized up bigtime to get width but the arch in the boot really sucks for me. It took a lot of heat gun action to make it bearable for me. And I do get some heel lift after they have broken in. These RBs seem like a really good option. They are not only wide but they are very flat in the arch. I would get the either the new Nomad liner or intuitions and put my NN Dragon + frames on them. It could be a great combo for me.

Did you feel much benefit to a 45 degree strap? Would you try one out on your aggressive slates?

Is the Shell heavy? I had the Twisters in hand and boy are they TANKS!! I'd prefer a lighter boot as I plan to change wheels and frame anyway! But definitely a hard shell boot

Would you recommend these RB X for first skates?

I bought Powerslide Next 80 (released 2022) as well. First skates in my life. It was horrible experience to my feet. Plastic on them is very very hard, that even laces were useless. Returned them to shop after wearing 20 minutes on my feet. And it all seemed like cheap shit made in China incomparable for such requested money. Maybe before it was a good product, but now... I'm choosing now alternative for Powerslide Next between RB Cruiser and FR3.

Stupid thing about the Rolleblade skates that those thick and absolutely useless laces they use are causing pressure points. I've experienced it with my Maxxum Edge, my wife experienced it, saw several videos on YT complaining about the same on Twister Edges (same shell) and also might be the cause of the pain you mentioned.

Minutos 5:20