LABEDA WHIPS FINALLY DROP

labeda whips finally drop!

The Pink Labeda Whip is the first real true innovation in wheels since the inception of dual and triple pour wheels. In testing and R&D for over 8 years. It’s unique “Patent Pending” EVO core creates a snap back effect that launches you out of every cut and step on the rink. 

- Labeda Hockey

After a long-awaited release, the Labeda Whips are finally here. Roller hockey has been making waves in the hockey community with the recent release from Just Do It Hockey, and now, with the OGs of roller, Labeda, dropping the Labeda Whips. Last summer, social media blew up when some of the players on the PAMA Labeda Golden Knights started using the "pink wheels" at TORHS in Wesley Chapel. Our DMs were flooded with questions and theories behind the wheel. As the summer rolled on, we got more and more info about the wheels. Luckily, at State Wars, Labeda was ready to show the world the new Labeda Whips. Fortunately, we were able to sit down with Rob Chornomud and discuss the wheel in detail at State Wars. RDN Episode #63 Featuring Rob Chornomud (Labeda Hockey)

THE HISTORY AND TECH

In a recent interview with Rob Chornomud, he brought us back 6 years ago when the team at Labeda began developing a new technology of putting the bearings side by side and removing the spacer from the center of the wheel. By doing this, they noticed that putting the bearings side by side gave the wheel an earlier flex point and better response. For me, a gear nerd, this was so refreshing to hear that after 50 plus years in roller hockey, they are still pushing the boundaries with new technology.

Rob then begins to talk about the spacers on the outside of the wheel and how they stabilize the axle and prevent the chassis from pinching the bearings. Not only does the spacer prevent friction from the chassis, but it also now meets under the bearing of the wheel for a stronger meeting point and freer roll. HOW TO INSTALL THE SPACERS 

One thing that's extremely noticeable are the holes in the wheel. The holes allow the wheel to grip and flex with the polyurethane. They also offer this wheel in Soft and X-Soft hardness. Even the color was a home run by Labeda. By selecting pink, the wheel stands out on the rink. They also mentioned a red color will be available in the future. The EVO core combined with the spacer make this the newest technology in the wheel game.

REVIEW (5 Stars)

Grip - 5

Speed - 5 

Durability - 4.5 

I have been using the Whips since State Wars in July of 2023. Right from my first game using the Whips, I noticed a difference. The weight of my skate felt significantly lighter, the roll of my wheels was significantly longer, and the grip was as good if not better than my Slimes (the grippiest wheel on the market).

Even after several months of skating (3 times a week or more), I still feel the wheel performs at a top tier. Now it wasn't all backdoor taps in for Labeda. They went through 6 years of testing and development. When guys like Travis Noe, John Seimer, and others started using them at tournaments, they took another year before officially releasing them to the public. That's a sign of a company that has been around the wheel game for a long time. They went through some challenges, but in my opinion, they developed the best wheel on the market.

PRICE

This wheel is also listed at $22.50 without the spacers and $25.00 with the spacers. This makes the Whips the highest-priced wheel on the market. I can understand why that might make people upset, but keep in mind this wheel is not for everyone. This wheel is for the players looking for the best performance on the rink.