165, UFS, and Trinity Frame Comparison
What's the difference between 165/180, UFS, and Trinity frames?
There are three primary mounting standards when it comes to inline skate boots used for all types of skating other than speed skating. It's important to know which mounting interface your boot has so that you can choose the correct Endless frame. These three mounting types are not interchangeable with one another. In other words you cannot fit a Trinity frame to a UFS boot, nor can you fit a UFS frame to a 165 raised heel boot.
165 / 180 mm Raised Heel
This type of mounting is common for recreational, fitness, urban/freeskate, and slalom skates. The heel of the boot is raised relative to the front of the boot. The mounting bolts are spaced 165 mm apart, asymmetrically about the center of the boot. Mounting bolts are often either 5/16-18" or 6 mm. Examples of skates with this type of mounting include the Rollerblade Twister XT, FR Skates FR1, and Micro Delta F.
For some frames like the Endless 100 and 110, the spacing is 180 mm—the front bolt is 15 mm farther forward. Boots that can accommodate 180 mm mounting typically have a 7-hole mounting pattern. The FR1, FR2, and FR3 all feature 7-hole mounts.
UFS Frames
This type of mounting is common for aggressive skates. The mounting interface between the frame and boot (or sole plate) is a flat plane. There are two 6 mm mounting bolts that are evenly spaced 167 mm apart about the center of the boot. Shear pin features on the bottom of the boot or sole plate protrude into corresponding counterbore features on the frame.
Trinity Frames
This type of mounting was created and patented by Powerslide. It is a 3-point assymetric mount where the heel of the boot is raised relative to the front of the boot. There are two 6 mm bolts that attach the frame to the front of the boot, and one that attaches in the center of the heel. Trinity frames have wing-like flanges that protrude from either side of the forward end of frame. By placing the front mounting bolts on either side of the frame Powerslide was able to gain additional clearance and lower the ride height a few millimeters, especially for 4-wheel setups. Our Endless 90 LR Frame takes advantage of this to offer exceptionally low ride height. All of the Endless Trinity frames are licensed to employ Powerslide's Trinity mounting system.