Advanced Skaters Where to Start on Blades
There are now a ton of blade options available to skaters these days with more blade options coming out regularly. Most coaches have their favorites that they use for their skaters. Most coaches do something similar to starting skaters off with the MK Coronation Ace, then moving skaters on to Pattern 99, then finally onto either a MK Phantom, Phantom Special, or Gold Seal. John Wilson has similar blades in their line.
Paramount is a fairly new blade line but should also be considered in the decision process. The blades are computer generated so each blade is the same within a specific line and even cross line. This is something that JW and MK can’t do since each blade is hand made. One of the nice things about the Paramount line is the fact that they are 30% lighter then tradition JW and MK blades. They come with a chassis system made from aerospace aluminum. The blade runners are made from a much harder carbon metal. In the mid-level and high end blades skaters are getting 90-120 hours of training time in before having to sharpen them. Additional blade runner can be purchased and kept a side. When one set of runners need to be sharpened skaters can send them to be sharpened and use the spare set and when those get dull they can swap them out just as before. This way it ensures the skater to always have a freshly sharpened pair of runners ready when needed.
Skaters and coaches should not count Jackson out in the blade category. They produce both traditional blades as well as their Matrix System which is similar to the Paramount blade line. Both Paramount and Matrix are available in distinctive color options.
Lets talk a minute about the traditional line Jackson has called the Jackson Ultima. They make blades that are virtually identical to blades found in the JW and MK lines. Think of it this way. When you go to Walmart and get Tylenol you will see the brand name Tylenol then right beside it you will see the Equate Brand. Same active ingredients just 30% on average cheaper then the brand name. Same thing with the Jackson Ultima line. These blades are usually about 30% cheaper. So skaters looking for something comparable to a Pattern 99 can choose the Ultima Elite UB 105. With the economy being the way it is everyone is worried about price from gas for your car on up. This is one line I always send parents and coaches to because it saved parents a little money on traditional blades. The extra money they save can be used on more lessons and so forth.
We are more then happy to talk with both coaches and parents about blade options available and get the right blade for your skater. Feel free to contact us anytime that’s what we’re here for.
Advanced Skaters Where to Start
On Saturday we talked about where to start with new skaters as far as boot and blade purchase. Today we want to talk about where to start with more advanced skaters.
Lets start with boots. Boots are really something that first should be talked over with you’re skating coach and see what their recommendations are. Here at OES we sell the top 3 boot manufacturers. Ultimately who to choose is really up to the coach and skater but I will give some thoughts on the different options.
Sp-Teri - This manufacturer is based here in the USA out of San Francisco, CA. They make both stock boots as well as customs. They are known for their quality and craftsmanship as well as being stiff in the ankle area. I have been in Sp-Teri boots for over 20 years and feel that they are one of the top boot lines in the world. They also offer skaters lightweight boots as well. We usually see skaters in SP-Teri’s that are working on doubles or higher due to the fact that they offer so much support and stiffness in the ankles. All the boots in this line do need to be waterproofed. Heat moldable options are available in both freestyle and dance skating boots..
Jackson - This manufacturer is based out of Canada. They offer boots from the Artiste all the way through Sr level boots. From the Jackson Freestyle and above the skates do need to be water proofed. Jackson offers lightweight options, for both stock and custom boots. Most of their boots are heat moldable which offer a more customized fit. Boots are made for both freestyle and dance models.
Edea - Edea is a fairly new manufacturer. Boots are all heat moldable. The soles are man made which require no waterproofing. This is one reason why more and more skaters are choosing Edea over competitors options. Boots offer stiff ankle support and break in time is minimal. Outside shell is made from Kevlar which makes the boots stronger and tend to last longer.
Boots are very skater specific. It just depends on the skater and what they like. It’s like the argument between Ford or Chevy trucks. A lot goes into the decision making process and it should be one made with your coach. What was outlined above are just some of the things that should go into the decision making process.
Our next post we will talk more about blades and the options available to skaters.