Best Inventions 2005: Sporting Life

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BILL SCHLUETER

Big Wheels Keep On Turnin'
Inventor: LandRoller
Availability: Now, $249
To Learn More: landroller.com
A pair of skates with wheels that are angled inward may seem terribly wrong. But the oversize wheels on the new LandRollers are aligned in such a way that they help you keep your balance, especially on a cracked pavement or an uneven surface. Because the wheels' tilt is offset by the weight of your foot, the skate actually feels sturdier than most inline skates. Experienced skaters may find the LandRollers a little clunky and heavier than other popular skates, but for beginners longing to roll with the rest of the crowd, these two-wheelers do an admirable job of reducing the fear factor.
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