(MONEY Magazine) – Now that in-line skating is the sport of choice for about 16 million free-wheeling Americans, including the likes of Madonna and J.F.K. Jr., the number of model styles in this $250 million market just keeps accelerating. The latest temptation you can trade up to is the techno-chic Aeroblade model pictured at right, released early last year by Rollerblade Inc., the company that pioneered in-lines 15 years ago. Rollerblade boasts that the Aeroblades' exclusive Active Brake Technology (ABT) makes skating, and stopping, much easier. "You don't have to be perfectly balanced when you brake," explains company spokes- man Maureen O'Neill. Aeroblades also feature a patented air-inflation system that injects air into the heel for a super-snug fit.

But unless you're a professional skater, those new bells and whistles don't justify the steep $339 price tag--almost double the price of the average in-line pair--say skate shop owners, skating club founders and other experts we interviewed. "There's nothing wrong with the old heel brake," contends Nick Hartman, a New York City in-line instructor. To use the conventional brake, you move one leg forward, lift the ball of your foot and drag your heel. By contrast, with the new brake you move your leg forward and lean back slightly on your calf. "People become better skaters when they learn balance," continues Hartman. "ABT is simply a gimmick to help Rollerblade fight off the competition"--notably from skatemakers Roces and K2. Maintains a Rollerblade spokesman: "ABT provides a huge advantage."

The expert consensus: Beginners are well served by skates that go for about $100, such as the popular Bauer F3. Advanced skaters should probably ante up $200 or so for larger wheels and better ball bearings that provide smoother (read: faster) travel. The classic $169 Rollerblade Lightning TRS fits that bill. Whatever your skill, make sure the pair you buy contains so-called precision bearings; that information is usually printed on the skate box. That means the Annular Bearing Engineering Council, a federal testing body, deems them to be adequately tight for speed.

It's also smart to test-roll before you buy. Most sporting goods or specialty skate shops will rent a range of different models for $10 to $15 for two hours on weekends. Fees can often be applied to later purchases. And don't forget: If you're not already outfitted, you'll need to shell out another $50 to $100 for proper protective gear--a helmet as well as knee, wrist and elbow pads.

--Elif Sinanoglu