Testimonial: The Adaption T-5 4x110 vs. DualBox®5 4x110

18 Aug 2017

by Sjoerd de Vries

What are the differences between the Cádomotus 4x110 T-5 and dualbox-5 inline frames?

Cádomotus is a brand with an eye for detail. This already shows in the way the frames are packed. Both frames are wrapped together in sophisticated minimalistic boxes. They are carved from a single piece of aluminium, which is done perfectly. No sharp edges and the surface is really smooth. With a nice finish in blue for the Adaption T-5 and orange for the DualBox®5 both frames look flashy, you will not be shy to show these babies off to your skating friend close up..

At first sight, the frames look very similar. However, there are differences. In the DualBox®5 we find the famous double-void extrusion, it now runs lower on the frame profile than previously, right down low near the axels. This adds extra stiffness to the length of the frame. On the Adaption T-5 Cádomotus decided to leave this feature out in an attempt to provide much of the high-end performances at a lower price point. Next to this I could find 3 minor differences between the frames.

Venue One: Road Course
In the middle of a horseracing track I found my road course. The track has a length of 870 meters with some tight corners only skilled skaters can take full speed, like a segment of a road course in a one lap race.

DualBox®5 4x110
Immediately as I start skating I notice the extra stability. The set-up feels compact and direct, almost if my boots are lower to the ground. On an acceleration and on high speed this extra rigidity gives a lot of control and makes it easy to transfer all the power on to the road. After a few laps I am able to push the boundaries of my technique and wheels. It almost feels a little bit like cheating. The feedback I get from the DualBox®5 4x110 is precise and direct and makes it easy to adapt the pressure to the circumstances of the surface. The manoeuvrability in the tight corners is impressive, it is easy to explore the limits of the wheels and regain control after. After an hour of sprints, fast endurance and lots of fun it was time to change to The Adaption T-5W.

Cádomotus is a brand with an eye for detail. This already shows in the way the frames are packed.

The Adaption T-5
Because the frames’ dimensions are the same it was easy to change Frames. Even without the DualBox®5’s high end features the Adaption T-5 still feels like a real Cádomotus. Compared to the DualBox®5 the Adaptions T-5 feels slightly less rigid. On slow speed it is easier to create pressure. On high speed the frame feels stable and also the corners are easy to handle. Overall the skate feels a little bit less aggressive.

Venue Two: Vesmaco Rennes
On Vesmaco the feel isn’t much different than the road course. Without a long adjustment period I could start my sprints on the Adaption T-5. On medium speed the frame turns well in the corners. On a maximum acceleration and on high speed the frame is predictable which makes it fun to skate on. When I switched to the DualBox®5 I found the same characteristics only with more stiffness. On high speed the frame is very stable. This helps if you want to put an extra crossing in the corner or if you want to put an accelaration on high speed.

Conclusion
Overall I am very pleased with both the DualBox®5 and The Adaption T-5 by Cádomotus. Both frames are stable, direct, easy to manoeuvre and behave well on high speed. The DualBox®5 makes me feel a little bit more comfortable to look for the boundaries of my wheels, especially on the straight line. On the track and in the corners the Adaption T-5 turns slightly easier, this results in more pressure on lower and medium speed. This perhaps suggests that the Adaption T-5 might be well suited to lighter and developing skaters.

With the Adaption T-5 Cádomotus did a great job creating a frame with a little bit more ‘life’ to it. Especially on low and medium speed the frame is a bit more forgiving. But also on high speed the frame behaves very well.

The DualBox®5 is one of the most rigid frames on the market; this means maximum energy return in every push. When pushed in the right angle on the right time this result in maximum power per stroke. Because of the stiffness this requires extra power from the skater.

This is where The Adaption T-5 comes in. With it’s more flexibility it is easier to get to the point of pushing, which is helpful if you are a skater who skates on feel. But is a matter of taste.

On an acceleration and on high speed this extra rigidity gives a lot of control and makes it easy to transfer all the power on to the road.

Testimonial dualbox inline frames

I could recommend the DualBox®5 and the Adaption T-5 to a range of different skaters. Because of the straight designs, that I explained earlier, I could see this frame help inline skaters who want to make a transition to ice and speed skaters who like a feel as close as possible to ice skating. Also for amateur athletes this is a great frame because of its stability and control, which makes it a safe frame to skate on. Not to say that seasoned inline skaters won’t love them either.

Technical Facts