Dual Box

Lore & Background

The Dual Box frame was devised to optimize the elastic properties of inline skate frames, which the skater interprets as stiffness and feel, contributing greatly to ride quality and power transmission. It employed the mechanical properties of the tubular to enhance rigidity. The design successfully eliminated the need for horizontal cross-bracing in inline skate frames, providing progressive flexural feel rather than isolated areas of varying stiffness common in traditional double-void extrusion frames. Through a product partnership with Mogema, the Rollerblade professional racing team debuted the Dual Box frame to the world in 2001. Team athletes rode Dual Box frames across the finish line first in numerous Swiss Inline Cup, World Inline Cup and World Championship events. During this time, the Dual Box became one of the most recognized and successful frame designs in speed skating, with numerous athletes winning medals at the 2001 World Speed Skating Championship on the frames. Since 2003, the Rollerblade company has produced Dual Box frames under licence from Mogema and has specified Dual Box technology in their high-performance skate product lines. Following the dissolution of Mogema in 2006, Dual Box designer Diederik Hol's own company CadoMotus produces its own skating frames based on an evolution of the Dual Box tubular sidewall.

Reader's Guide

The Dual Box frame represents a significant innovation in inline skating technology, introduced in 1999 by Dutch Design Engineer Diederik Hol at Mogema. Its tubular sidewall design optimized the elastic properties of skate frames, enhancing rigidity and eliminating the need for horizontal cross-bracing. This provided skaters with progressive flexural feel rather than the isolated stiffness areas common in earlier frames. The design's impact was demonstrated through its adoption by the Rollerblade professional racing team in 2001, leading to numerous victories in major competitions such as the Swiss Inline Cup, World Inline Cup, and World Championships. At the 2001 World Speed Skating Championship, 45 athletes won medals on Dual Box frames, cementing its status as a successful design. Since 2003, Rollerblade has produced Dual Box frames under licence, and after Mogema's dissolution in 2006, Hol's company CadoMotus continues to evolve the tubular sidewall concept. The Dual Box remains a recognized design in speed skating, influencing frame construction for high-performance skates.

Did You Know?

• The Dual Box frame was designed in 1999 by Dutch Design Engineer Diederik Hol at Mogema.
• The design eliminated the need for horizontal cross-bracing in inline skate frames.
• Athletes won medals at the 2001 World Speed Skating Championship on Dual Box frames.
• Since 2003, Rollerblade has produced Dual Box frames under licence from Mogema.