I have an adult friend who has resumed skating after many, many years. She was working on an Axel when she quit, and is now doing waltz and half jumps and scratch spins. She can only skate once a week. Her blades are completely shot so she will definitely get new ones. Her boots are OK, but on their way out. A fitter whom I greatly respect has recommended the Jackson 3500 soft for her, but I'm thinking Klingbeil, since she lives nearby and the cost is not much more. I'm looking for feedback on the Jacksons. I'm not entirely happy with my Klingbeils either, and so do not want to push her that way.

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I didn't realize there was such a thing as a "soft" model.

What sort of problems are you having with your Klingbeils?

Well, since you asked ...

I had nothing but problems with my Jacksons, including crummy workmanship. But my Klingbeils have been wonderful. Yes, they required a few tweaks to them after I got them, but the tweaks are free (especially useful since she lives near there). Klilngbeils are the only skates that have ever really fit me.

I have Jackson Competitors. I know they are lower than the ones you are talking about. I have been very happy with them; and have had them for 2 years (this is actually my 2nd pair-because I lost a lot of weight and my feet shrank as well).

Although, for my level (pre-bronze), maybe they are even too stiff for me! I got this pair in April and, although they have 40+ hours on them, I don't feel they are broken in yet (although they are comfortable, I don't have the bend in them I'm used to-unless I got too used to rentals ).

That being said, I'm close to committing to Klingbeils for my next pair (once I get singles and start on doubles.....On of my skating friends has them and he is extremely happy with his.

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

After returning after a few years, I got the regular Jackson Elite 3500s. I have really enjoyed them so far. Previously I skated in Riedell 950s (older style and really stiff), I like them ok, but they had a tendency to make my instep cramp. After that I had a used pair of SP Teri Super Deluxes, a bit wide and not the most comfortable for me.
Switching to the Jacksons have been amazing. I did get them heat molded and they are so comfy, especially for a stiffer boot. I am not jumping right now, but hopefully will get to in a month or so since my back is getting stronger. I have my waltz and hopefully my toe loop and flip will still be there when I jump again. I would give a big thumbs up to my Jacksons and would definitely recommend them if they are a good fit for your friends foot.

I didn't either!

I think my Klingbeils may be too big. I have lost at least 30 pounds since I first got them, but I've been back for maintenance several times. They always get tightened up with new padding and feel great for a week or so, but then start to feel loose again. Also, my feet slide forward in them and I now have huge bumps on the tops of my big toes. Finally, I have severe pronation that is growing worse. I've been to a podiatrist and gotten orthotics. In spite of attempting to correct my problem several times, I still fall to the inside of my L boot. I finally put my orthotics into the boots, which helps somewhat, but Friday, I noticed that, once again, I'm feeling pressure on the inside of my L foot when skating FO edges. In addition, it's made RBI edges very difficult, but I'm adjusting to that. I would like the boots to fit like gloves, which they do for just a while after new padding. I really do not know what to think, as everyone else I know with Klingbeils loves them, has no such complaints, and the service is outstanding.

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I have Jacksons and I love them - I have the competitor model though and my coach said that these would last me up through my early doubles. But my best advice is to have her go to a pro shop and try different boots on. Her feet might work better in Grafs or Riedells or anything else on the market. Don't pigeon hole yourself (or herself as the case may be) into one brand since everyone is different.

I will say thought that the 3500's seem like way too much for the level she's at and the frequency at which she is skating. It'll take her forever to break them in...although I don't know about the "soft" model, but why spend the extra money if you don't have to?

Although it seems like everyone just LOVES their Klingbeils, I have had one or two friends who had endless problems with theirs. It's true that their customer service is good, but sometimes it ended up costing a lot to send them back and get them serviced -- should have just put the $$$ down on a down payment on another brand, IMHO.

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

No wonder! 30 pounds is a LOT of weight. Your boots are probably a full size too big now, and no "adjustment" in the world is going to make them fit properly. Unless you're still losing weight, I'd say it's time to get refitted for a new pair.

I should have waited a bit longer before I got new ones (although I was swimming in them)...I went down one whole size, and they are still too big by about 1/2 size. I can handle it for now, but I will get new boots probably next year. The sad thing is I will have to get new blades too because they just fit and any smaller a boot they will hang over the ends... If I had known-I would have gotten the cheap boots (Jackson Freestyle would have been fine).

I can't sell them at my rink because no one else has feet as big as me (even tho they are smaller big feet). I lost 60 pounds (I was huge).

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

If you are considering customs, you can get the sole made to fit your current blade.

I have worn the same shoe size since I was 18. I can still wear my roller dance skates, which have Riedell boots, although in those days there was no padding in anyone's boots. I suspect that my Klingbeils have always been too big, but that it never mattered so much until now.

I tried on a pair of Jackson coach's boots today, and the pro shop even heat fitted them for me. They were a great buy as they had been ordered for someone else, but alas, the width was too narrow.

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Were they too narrow in only one spot? They can be punched out with the right equipment.

I have a low volume foot, but moderate bunions. Measuring my foot on a shoe store (brannock) device puts me at over a c, near d width - but that is really just measuring the bunion issue. In my skate boots I wear a narrow and have the boot mercilessly heated and punched out in the tight areas.

Maybe that could work for you?

Jon

I've tried that with my first pair of purple custom boots and well, I was a bit off balance and had a few blade adjustments along the way. When I got my second pair of purple custom boots, Phil at Harlicks told me to consider getting new boots b/c it'll fit better with the new boots. (The front of the older blade would have hung over the old skates, so I thought, "Eh? Why not? I need a new blade anyway...") He was right! Mounted it at the factory -- no blade adjustments needed!!! (I know. I lucked out!!!)

I went from 9-3/4 to 9-1/2... not that big of a change.

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Cheers,
jazzpants

11-04-2006: Shredded "Pre-Bronze FS for Life" Club Membership card!!!
Silver Moves is the next "Mission Impossible"
(Dare I try for Championship Adult Gold someday???)

Thank you for the support, you guys!!!

Although I don't need new blades-I really need better fitting boots! I tried another pair on (7.5 to my 8.5) and I could tell that I really need an 8! My toes swim in the 8.5 and my heel constantly slips out (I've put in heel gripper pads and really crank down the laces at the bend). In the 7.5 I tried on, my heel didn't move at all (although nothing else did, as they were 1/2 size too short for me. I should have checked the width as well, but will check when I see her again. Now I'm wondering if my blades will fit onto new boots if I get them.

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