Hi...

I have read a lot about new skates/boots, but I still am really confused...
I currently have Jackson Classique skates, but I think that I will need to buy a new pair of skates quite soon. My skates that I own now have a plastic sole...but I will be working on doubles soon...so I was wondering if the plastic will still be ok?
I am looking for skates that will have enough support for axel and doubles that are not too pricey...does anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks!

-Jenna

I have the Jackson Competitors, which have a leather sole, are heat-moldable, and I really like them. They are very comfortable especially after heat-molding. One up from them are the Elites which have a double upper which is much stiffer. I'm starting on singles, I've been told this boot will take me up to doubles then I can decide if I want to go to the Elite.

I did get the Mirage blade with mine (package deal about $200 all together) but got the Coronation Comet; a lot of people get the Coronation Ace instead (different rocker). There is a lot of discussion about blades so I will leave that topic alone.

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Skate@Delaware
Ah, show skating!!! I do it for the glitter!

Plastics are definately not ok!!!! My coach was pushing me to switch to leather skates when I was working on my toe loop!! I have Riedell Silver Stars right now and im working on my double salchow. You should talk to your coach about getting new skates.
~Carmen~

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SKATING: It's the feeling you get at the end of a hard practice when you pushed yourself to the limit. It's a part of YOU, something you LOVE and HATE. A bond that NO ONE ELSE understands, but that's okay, because every time you get out on the ice it isn't just you; it's all the friends and coaches, all the practices, the pain, the tears, the memories,the laughter, the "off" competitions. It may seem, skating is really a team sport, it's more than just a sport. IT'S A WAY OF LIFE."

Yeah, we have a woman in our Adult LTS class who's son got her skates. Unknowingly, but with the knowledgeable help of the "pro-shop" bought her the cheap-o Reidells with the plastic soles. I think they cost $40. Yes, it was a lovely gesture on his part, but now, after 4 months of skating (spins and jumps), her boots are broken down and the soles show stress where the blades are attached. She complains about sore feet also.

She asked about getting new blades and I suggested she upgrade her whole package-boot and blade. Now that she knows her size she could order something online or wait until something goes on sale at the pro-shop. I'm not sure what she will do. I'm hoping she gets new skates and good blades.

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Skate@Delaware
Ah, show skating!!! I do it for the glitter!

Wow,...I looked at the website of a store located near me...and the decent skates there are really expensive...

Oh yeah.

this is why we are so crazed about finding the right boot/blade -- when you are spending that kind of money (and it's really hard to return them), you want to make sure you get it right!!

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Is Portland the only city with it's own ice-dance website? http://www.pdxicedance.net/

You can probably get them shipped to you from a cheaper store.

Another alternative would be to get them used. One of my skating buddies got hers on Ebay, Riedell Bronze Stars for $85, including shipping! They were near new, so's long as you know exactly what you're getting, they'll probably be fine. I measured my feet and outsoles of my boots, turns out the boots are a little less than 1/2 inch more than my feet are. They fit perfectly, so if it's possible, ask the seller to measure them for you, and find one with outsoles approx. 1/2 inch longer than your foot.

Tell us how things go!

Also, go and talk to your teacher. He or she will

1. be able to recommend what you probably need right now at your level of skating and
2. may well know someone who wants to sell a used pair - perhaps they bought the wrong kind, or found they didn't fit her feet.... well worth asking, anyway.

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Mrs Redboots
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I love my computer because my friends live in it!
Ice dancers have lovely big curves!

Yes the boots are expensive, but the price is much better than whay we pay here in Australia ($419 AU {approx $350 US} for Jackson Freestyle with Mark IV blade, I think they are much less in the US).

Make sure you get the right boot going for the cheaper option can often cost you more in the long run. Bunga pads, Podiatrist foot pain and eventually new boots again.