Labeda
ActiveOverview
Labeda is a United States–based manufacturer specializing in inline roller hockey wheels and related hockey equipment. The brand is known for producing wheels for indoor, outdoor, and multi‑surface play, as well as goalie‑specific wheels, bearings, chassis, and protective gear such as pants, girdles, jocks, and gloves. Labeda positions itself as a long‑standing inline‑wheel company in the USA, emphasizing domestic production and a broad range of performance‑oriented hockey wheels.
History
Labeda Hockey Company was founded in 1969 and has focused on inline roller hockey wheels since its inception. Over the decades it has expanded its product range to include multiple wheel models, goalie wheels, bearings, chassis, and protective apparel. The company operates under Labeda Family LLC, a Lake Elsinore, California–based entity incorporated in 2012, which continues to manage the brand and its operations.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Addiction Wheels | Flagship indoor hockey wheels | $150 - $180 |
| Whip Wheels | High‑performance indoor hockey wheels | $150 - $180 |
| Smoke Wheels | Indoor and multi‑surface hockey wheels | $100 - $130 |
| Patriot Goalie Wheels | Low‑profile goalie wheels | $50 - $80 |
| Whip Tinder Goalie Wheels | Goalie‑specific wheels with enhanced grip | $120 - $150 |
| Bearings and Chassis | Roller hockey hardware and components | $80 - $150 |
| Protective Apparel (pants, girdles, jocks, gloves) | Roller hockey protective gear | $100 - $250 |
Manufacturing
Labeda manufactures its inline roller hockey wheels in California, USA, and highlights that many of its wheels are made domestically. The company also produces or sources bearings, chassis, and protective apparel, though specific details on in‑house versus outsourced manufacturing for non‑wheel items are not fully disclosed. Its long‑standing presence in the USA inline‑wheel market is tied to this domestic production focus.
Notable Products
- Addiction Wheels - Flagship indoor hockey wheels known for a balance of speed, grip, and durability.
- Whip Wheels - High‑performance indoor wheels marketed as a major innovation in roller hockey wheel technology.
- Whip Tinder Goalie Wheels - Goalie‑specific wheels designed for enhanced grip and control.
- Patriot Goalie Wheels - Low‑profile goalie wheels that allow goalies to stay closer to the ground.
- Smoke Wheels - Indoor and multi‑surface wheels offering a versatile performance profile.
Reputation
Labeda is widely recognized among roller hockey players as one of the older and more established inline‑wheel brands in the United States. Enthusiasts and professionals often cite its Addiction and Whip lines as reliable, durable options that deliver consistent speed and grip on indoor surfaces. Some users note that certain models can be on the pricier side compared with budget alternatives, and availability of specific lines may vary by region. Overall, the brand is viewed as a solid, heritage‑oriented choice in the roller hockey wheel market.