Ask A...

Q: "Howdy! I know that you guys have articles often about gear, skates, etc., and I had a request for topic. I feel very strongly that every skater, no matter their skill level or experience, should be educated about their skates (bearings, wheels, pivot cups, boots, etc.). I've done tons of research on pretty much every part of the skate, but I have trouble finding detailed info about bushings.

A friend of Derbylife posed this question to the DL team last week: Who is the winningest team in roller derby? She put this to the DNN family, and Justice Feelgood Marshall was kind enough to crunch the numbers.

"I used Flat Track Stats, so these numbers include any WFTDA sanctioned bout, which I think is a fair comparison since Championships-level teams play the majority of their games against other high-level teams with a more-or-less even smattering of total mismatches over their history. Here's what I came up with:

We received a request from Joe Asbury for more information from experts in the field about short and forward mounts vs. standard mounts for skate plates. For answers, we contacted Ivanna S. Pankin from Sin City Skates, and Doug Glass from Atom Wheels/Atom Gear/ Nistevo Manufacturing. Both experts referred us to Sure Grip's statement on the issue, so let's start there.

Thanks for the question, DarkJester/Madness Tolls! Jenny Savaglio, aka La Petite Mort, co-owner of Fast Girl Skates in Seattle, WA shared her answer, which is also available in their Fast Girl Gear Guide. Got a Question? [email protected]

Q: When your wheels go bald, should you have them regrooved to get 'fresh' urethane, or should you have better grip due to increased surface area once the grooves wear down?

Q: What is the best way to avoid getting the 6th toe? NameLes, Gotham Girls Roller Derby

A: A bunion is a hard bony bump that forms on the side of the great toe. The causes are: abnormal foot shape where the great toe points toward the little toe (this can be present from birth or develop from injury), wearing high-heel shoes, wearing footwear that has a pointed toe or that is too tight, and damage from arthritis.