The Ultimate Wizard-Style Skates Buyer’s Guide

Written by Harry at Loco (who is really into wizard-style and wizard-style equipment). If you're a complete beginner, some of the discussion below may be a bit challenging to follow (but please feel free to stick around and ask as many questions as you need). This guide is aimed at skaters with at least some understanding and who are eager to explore just how deep the rabbit hole goes.



When getting into wizard-style skating, it's important to consider more than just the frames. Your choice of boots plays a crucial role in performance, comfort and support. While many brands offer wizard-style frames, this guide focuses on finding the best boots (or complete skates) to pair with them, helping you get the most out of your skating.


What is Wizard-Style Skating?

Wizard-style skating is a growing discipline that blends fluid movement, weight distribution, and edge control. The performance of these elements can be described as tricks or moves.

Before I carry on, we need to mention Wizard Skating (the brand). All wizard-style moves were originally developed by Leon Basin, the founder of Wizard Skating, along with the original equipment. Over time, more brands entered the market, and the terminology evolved—"wizard-style" came to describe the discipline, distinguishing it from the brand itself. 

...anyway, wizard-style moves are based on three fundamental stages:

• Predator – the ready position

• Parallels/Trees – turns using two feet or one foot, respectively

• Gazelles/Lions – transitions using two feet or one foot, respectively, formed by combining two Parallels or Trees

These moves are typically performed in an arc, semi-circle, or full circle, often flowing intuitively from one to edge to the other, in sequence, without lifting your feet off the ground. 

More broadly, wizard-style skating combines the edge-based control and transitions of slalom skating with the obstacle-based approach of modern aggressive skating. The equipment can be used for either outlook or a mix of both, offering a lot of creative freedom. However, to get the most out of this style, selecting the right equipment is crucial.


What Makes Wizard-Style Skating Equipment Unique?

Natural Rocker Frames: Wizard-style frames are longer and have a built-in rocker, eliminating the need for break-in time. This makes the frame both stable & manoeuvrable. 

Frame Size Variability: Different sizes accommodate foot length for optimal performance.

Boots: The Wizard Base boot is the only skate designed specifically for wizard-style, though alternatives exist. Any boot used should support your foot correctly. 

Specialised Moves: Wizard-style skating incorporates unique movements like predators, parallels, and gazelles. The original equipment influenced moves and then the moves influenced more equipment.


Best Skates for Wizard-Style Skating – Wizard Base & Wizard Base High

The Wizard Base and Wizard Base High skates are the only skates developed specifically for wizard-style. They offer the optimal experience for wizard-style and are designed with three available configurations:

• NR Frame – Ideal for general-purpose skating
  

• PR Frame – Designed for skill development and precision
  

• Advanced Frame – Best for obstacle-based and high-level wizard-style skating (paired with the Base High boot for optimal control/support)
  
  

One (of many) key takeaways when comparing the Wizard Base and Base High to alternatives is that the ankle support is noticeably superior. As you develop your skills in wizard-style skating, it becomes clear how crucial edge work is. Many cheaper alternatives fail to properly support your ankles and legs when using the edges of your wheels. It's common to shift onto an edge, only for the skate to flex laterally, affecting your balance and ability to execute wizard-style moves. This issue often stems from inadequate liners, standardised buckle closures, or the lower height of the cuff and liners. The Wizard Base and Base High were developed with meticulous attention to detail over an extended period to address issues like this. The skates 100% deliver on both general use and specialised use. 




Best Alternative Skates for Wizard-Style Skating – Seba CJ Prime Skates

Originally used in Wizard’s early developments, the Seba CJ Prime Skates (plastic shell version) remains an excellent alternative. If you can't afford a Wizard Base, this is the best entry-level choice.

• Carbon version was used in early wizard setups, but is no longer available
  

• Recommendation: Remove the soul plate and add a Wizard Base Intuition Liner for optimal fit
  

• The closest alternative to Wizard Base on experience
  
  

Whenever I receive requests or queries about wizard-style products, the first question I ask is: what is your end goal? If your ultimate goal is a Wizard Base boot but you don’t have the funds right now, the CJ2 Prime offers the closest experience. This can be enhanced further by using a Wizard Base Intuition liner (and speaking to us about sizing). Because it's a plastic boot the ankle support and responsiveness is not quite the same as a Base, but it's as close as you can get in this price range. Since it’s UFS, you can pair it with a wizard-style frame of your choice, allowing you to gradually work towards a full Wizard Base setup.

Best Budget-Friendly Wizard-Style Skating Setup – FR Skates UFR 90 Skates

While not fully ideal, the FR Skates UFR 90 can serve as an entry-level wizard-style skate that will give you a similar experience. It includes essential components like:

• Supportive shell for stability
  

• Intuition liner for comfort and control
  

•  Frame with a wizard-style feel
  
  

The UFR 90 offers the closest experience to a complete wizard-style setup while remaining affordable. The FR Intuition liner is similar to the Wizard Base Intuition liner, though designed specifically for FR skates and slightly thicker. The cuff and buckle closure work with the liner to provide reliable ankle support for edge control. The stock frame is a 4x90mm setup with features that give it a similar feel to Wizard NR frames. If you’re just starting wizard-style and don’t want to build a custom setup—or if budget is a concern—the UFR 90 is the best option available (It's also UFS, allowing you to purchase a aftermarket wizard-style frame and gradually build up to your ideal setup over time).

What Frames Are Best for Wizard-Style Skating?

Wizard Frames remain the gold standard for UFS, but alternative options are available, making the style more accessible. Notable brands like Endless, NN and YoYo all create wizard-style frames with different frame mounts, and in different wheel configurations. This opens up the style to users who don't have UFS boots. However, if you're new to it, this variety can be a bit confusing.

To simplify, there are three types of wizard-style frames:

4-wheel frames with a natural rocker (one pivot point)
These are considered all-round, general-use frames. They do a bit of everything—great for getting from A to B while also excelling at wizard-style moves (many of the moves were originally developed on this frame/wheel configuration). Best for beginners or those who just want one frame to do it all. 

5-wheel frames with a progressive rocker (two pivot points)
These typically have smaller wheels and are best suited for wizard-style skating in flatland scenarios. While you can use them for commuting, they truly shine in smooth, open spaces and are best for developing your wizard-style moves. 

5-wheel frames with two larger wheels and three smaller wheels (for obstacle-based skating)
These are more advanced frames that can be used in either of the previous scenarios but are also highly adaptable for obstacle-based wizard-style skating. These frames also emphasise toe and heel tricks, offering more creative possibilities. Ideally you'd use a high and stiff boot with this style. Generally not suited to beginners. 

Best Wizard-Style Skates That Isn't UFS?

This answer is more difficult because UFS is the best configuration for wizard-style, and achieving a non-UFS wizard-style boot almost always requires a custom build. In that case, we’d recommend building something custom with a UFS boot instead.

If you do want a 165 boot, the best option is the FR Skates FR1 Deluxe Intuition Skates. It’s very similar to the UFR 90 mentioned above but comes with some extra features and is not UFS. The key component is the Intuition liner, which provides significantly better ankle support. You can sometimes find this as a boot-only option, making customisation easier.

Paired with an Endless wizard-style frame or an NN wizard-style frame, both featuring a natural rocker, this setup can offer a similar wizard-style feel. But, generally speaking, using a boot with a raised heel and a frame with a natural rocker isn't the best optimisation for wizard-style moves, in the sense that you loose some connection with your skates (due to an over extended & higher heel position).




What’s The Best Wheel Size For Wizard-Style?

Experienced users will be able to get value out of any size, but your wheel size should depend on your foot size (or your skill level).

For example, with 4 wheel frames, if you have feet size EU38 a 90mm wheel should be better proportioned to you. If your feet are size EU43 a 100 mm wheel might be better proportioned to you. And, if your feet are EU48 a 110 mm might be better proportioned to you. The same principle applies with 5 wheel frames too. 

Whilst this is good to digest, proportions are not often/widely discussed so it can feel a bit nuanced. For this reason it may not be worth overthinking wheel sizes (yet). More experienced skaters will be able to get value out of any size wheel, but some wheel sizes may be more appropriate for your proportions as an individual. Feel free to reach out to us if you’d like more guidance here. Each brand will push its own ideas (based on the products they offer) so it’s another area that can cause confusion.


Summary of What to Consider When Buying Wizard-Style Products

• Frame Size & Rocker – Choose based on your foot length and skill level
  

• Boot Compatibility – UFS is the best for wizard-style. Check frame mounting
  

• Liner Quality – A supportive and comfortable liner enhances response/performance
  

• Budget – Options range from entry-level to premium setups
  
  
  

Final Thoughts

Wizard-style skating is best experienced with equipment specifically designed for it. While there are alternative setups, nothing matches the precision and control of the Wizard Base boot paired with Wizard Frames. If you're new to this style, I hope this article helps you see the potential within the equipment. If money isn't an issue then the Wizard Base (or Base High) paired with a Wizard Frame is the obvious choice to enhance your experience of wizard-style.  If you're on a budget, consider the alternatives but be aware of their limitations in this particular style. 

Finally, it's important to acknowledge this articles preference for Wizard Skating products. While many other brands have entered the market with their own versions of wizard-style frames, it's worth noting that Wizard Skating developed its equipment alongside the moves and the language that define the style. Naturally, this makes their products the most refined for wizard-style skating. Most other brands are replicating a pre-existing concept, and currently, no other brand is developing skates specifically for this discipline. This doesn’t mean other brands don’t provide value, but frames are only one part of the equation. The boot and liner play a crucial role, and this article is intended as a guide to help you find the best boots to pair with your chosen frame.


Need Help Choosing the Right Setup?

Feel free to contact me for expert recommendations based on your foot size, skill level, and skating goals!

harry@locoskates.com (described as a wizard at least once)