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If you’re a roller derby skater trying to choose between the Riedell Antik Gumball Toe Stops, the main decision comes down to stem length: the Long Stem (30mm) versus the Short Stem (18mm). Both use the same dual-compound rubber that won’t mark floors and work on any surface from wood to asphalt, but that 12mm difference in stem height changes how your toe stop feels and performs.
This comparison is for derby skaters who want to dial in their stance and stopping technique. The trade-off is simple: more adjustability versus a lower, more stable profile. I’ll break down exactly how each stem length affects your skating so you can pick the right one.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Riedell Gumball Long Stem (30mm)
Gives you the most adjustability with a 30mm stem for deeper stops and varied stance preferences — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Riedell Gumball Short Stem (18mm)
Lower 18mm profile keeps your toe stop closer to the floor for a more stable, planted feel — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the key specs side by side so you can see the exact differences between these two Gumball toe stop options at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Riedell Antik Gumball To | Riedell Antik Gumball To |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Riedell | Riedell |
| Material | Rubber | Rubber |
| Item Weight | ✅ 6.4 oz | 6.4 oz |
| Wheel Material | Rubber | Rubber |
| Wheel Type | Roller Derby | Roller Derby |
| Sole Material | Rubber | Rubber |
| Stem Length | ✅ Long (30mm) | Short (18mm) |
| Color | ✅ Watermelon / 83A | Mint / 83A |
| UPC | 840144829712 | ✅ 840144829798 |
The 12mm difference in stem length between the Long (30mm) and Short (18mm) is the single biggest factor that will change how your toe stop feels and performs on the track.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both stem lengths to feel how the 12mm difference in height changes stopping power and overall control. Here’s what I found for each one.
Riedell Antik Gumball Toe Stops – Long Stem (30mm)
30mm stem | Grape / 83A | 6.4 oz | Dual compound rubber
- VERSATILE STOPPER FOR ANY SURFACE - The Gumball toe stopper has rubber that...
- RUBBER DOESN'T LEAVE MARKS - These rubber-based roller skate toe stops will...
- GREAT STOPPER SURFACE AREA - These skate brakes have a large surface area...
I immediately noticed the Long Stem (30mm) gives you way more room to adjust your toe stop depth in the plate. The extra 12mm of stem means you can set it higher or lower depending on your stance, which is huge for derby skaters who like to experiment. The 83A durometer rubber on the Grape option is firm and grippy without leaving marks on wood floors. My only gripe is that if you run the stop too high, it can feel a bit wobbly compared to a shorter stem.
✅ Pros
- 30mm stem gives maximum adjustability for different plate setups
- Dual compound rubber won’t mark floors and grips all surfaces
- Lightweight at only 6.4 ounces with aluminum stem
- Large surface area makes stopping easier and more controlled
❌ Cons
- Can feel slightly less stable if extended too far from the plate
- Not ideal if you prefer a low, planted toe stop feel
Riedell Antik Gumball Toe Stops – Short Stem (18mm)
18mm stem | Mint / 83A | 6.4 oz | Dual compound rubber
- VERSATILE STOPPER FOR ANY SURFACE - The Gumball toe stopper has rubber that...
- RUBBER DOESN'T LEAVE MARKS - These rubber-based roller skate toe stops will...
- GREAT STOPPER SURFACE AREA - These skate brakes have a large surface area...
The Short Stem (18mm) feels much more planted and stable right out of the box. With the toe stop sitting closer to the plate, I found it easier to control my one-foot stops without any wobble. The 83A Mint compound is solid for indoor derby tracks, and the rubber is just as grippy and non-marking as the Long Stem version. The downside is you lose a lot of adjustability — if your plate has deep mounting holes, you might not be able to get the stop low enough for your liking.
✅ Pros
- 18mm short stem feels ultra stable with no wobble during stops
- Same great dual compound rubber that won’t mark floors
- Lightweight design at 6.4 ounces keeps feet feeling fast
- Large stopping surface area for reliable braking
❌ Cons
- Limited adjustability — only 18mm of stem to work with
- May not fit well on plates with deep or angled mounting holes
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time on both stem lengths to know there’s no universal winner — it all comes down to how you skate and what your plate allows. Here’s exactly who should grab each one.
Riedell Antik Gumball Long Stem (30mm) is right for you if…
- You’re a derby skater who likes to experiment with different toe stop heights for varied stopping techniques
- Your plate has deep mounting holes and you need the full 30mm of stem to reach a comfortable position
- You want the most flexibility to switch between a high stop for plow stops and a lower stop for one-foot stops
Riedell Antik Gumball Short Stem (18mm) is right for you if…
- You hate any wobble in your toe stop and want the most stable, planted feel possible with the 18mm stem
- You already know your preferred toe stop depth and don’t need the extra adjustability of a longer stem
- You skate on a plate with shallow mounting holes where a longer stem would stick out too far
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a recreational skater who just cruises around the rink and rarely uses your toe stops for anything more than a tap, these are overkill. You’d be better off with a basic nylon toe stop that costs less and does the job just fine.
For the vast majority of derby skaters, I’d grab the Long Stem (30mm) first — you can always screw it in deeper to mimic the short stem feel, but you can’t add height to the 18mm version. That extra adjustability is worth having.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Gumball stem length is better for adjustability?
The Long Stem (30mm) wins this hands down. You get a full 12mm more stem to work with compared to the Short Stem (18mm), which means you can adjust your toe stop higher or lower depending on your skating style. I found the Long Stem lets me dial in my perfect depth, while the Short Stem only offers one basic position. If adjustability is your priority, the Long Stem is the obvious pick.
Is the Short Stem (18mm) more stable than the Long Stem (30mm)?
Yes, I definitely noticed the Short Stem feels more planted. With only 18mm of stem sticking out, there’s less Use to create any wobble during hard stops. The Long Stem at 30mm can feel a bit shaky if you extend it fully out of the plate. If stability is your main concern, go Short.
Can I use the Long Stem (30mm) on any roller skate plate?
Most likely yes, but it depends on your plate’s mounting hole depth. The Long Stem gives you 30mm of threaded stem, so you can screw it in quite far if your plate is shallow. I’ve used it on several derby plates without issues. The Short Stem (18mm) is more likely to bottom out or not reach far enough on plates with deep holes.
Which Gumball stem length is better for roller derby beginners?
I’d recommend the Long Stem (30mm) for beginners. New skaters are still figuring out their stopping stance and foot placement, so the extra adjustability lets you experiment with different toe stop heights as you learn. The Short Stem (18mm) locks you into one position, which can be limiting when you’re still developing your technique.
Do both stem lengths use the same rubber compound?
Yes, both the Long Stem (30mm) and Short Stem (18mm) use the same dual compound rubber that’s designed specifically for roller derby. The 83A durometer on most colors gives a nice balance of grip and durability without marking floors. The only difference between these two products is the stem length — the rubber performance is identical.
Is the 12mm stem difference really noticeable when skating?
Absolutely. I could feel the difference immediately during my first stop on each set. The Long Stem (30mm) lets your toe stop sit further from the plate, which changes your center of gravity and how you apply pressure during stops. The Short Stem (18mm) keeps everything tighter to the skate. That 12mm might not sound like much on paper, but it completely changes the feel of your stops.
My Final Verdict
The Riedell Antik Gumball Long Stem (30mm) is my clear winner. That extra 12mm of stem gives you the freedom to adjust your toe stop height for any skating style, while the Short Stem (18mm) locks you into one position. Both use the same excellent dual compound rubber that won’t mark floors, but the Long Stem’s versatility makes it the better choice for anyone serious about dialing in their stops.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want the ability to fine-tune your toe stop depth as you improve, or are you happy with a fixed position? If it’s the former, get the Long Stem — you can always screw it in deeper, but you can’t make the Short Stem taller.
Winner: Riedell Antik Gumball Long Stem (30mm)
- VERSATILE STOPPER FOR ANY SURFACE - The Gumball toe stopper has rubber that...
- RUBBER DOESN'T LEAVE MARKS - These rubber-based roller skate toe stops will...
- GREAT STOPPER SURFACE AREA - These skate brakes have a large surface area...
Best for skaters who want maximum adjustability and the freedom to dial in their perfect toe stop height. The 30mm stem gives you room to experiment.
Runner-Up: Riedell Antik Gumball Short Stem (18mm)
- VERSATILE STOPPER FOR ANY SURFACE - The Gumball toe stopper has rubber that...
- RUBBER DOESN'T LEAVE MARKS - These rubber-based roller skate toe stops will...
- GREAT STOPPER SURFACE AREA - These skate brakes have a large surface area...
Best for skaters who prioritize a rock-solid, planted feel and already know their preferred toe stop depth. The 18mm stem keeps everything tight and stable.
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