We're in the (always painful) process of replacing skates. Can anyone explain to me WHY it is that Pattern 99 blades cost less than Gold Seal? Is there a difference in the quality of the material, something, that would explain this? The K-Pick, and parabolic, increments sort of make sense.

I've always boggled at the idea that there is a price difference Aces vs Comets, but, it's not enough to be material. The difference 99 vs Gold Seal ... it's noticeable. How come?

The Gold Seals have the solid plate on the bottom, requiring more metal to make them. That's what stands out to me.

__________________
"Where are we going and why are we in this handbasket?"

I've used both blades with a 1/2" AND a 5/8" ROH. I always felt my spins were less steady on the Pattern 99's and I frequently rocked off the heel of the blade.

From the Pro_Filer Blade Comparison Chart:



The Gold Seal is tapered and side-honed, whereas the Pattern 99's have parallel sides. Perhaps there's an extra step in the production process for Gold Seals.

You bring up a good point though. These blades have all been around forever, so the only variable costs are materials, molds, production, and a bit of promotion. The only recent research and development has involved the k-pick and Parabolic options, which were added to several different models. They did have expenses in acquiring other blade manufacturers, I guess.

There shouldn't be that much price differential at this point. Hmmmm...we should revolt, lol.

__________________

The biggest difference is the Pattern 99 is a flatter blade than a Gold Seal. If you want a Gold Seal then I'd recommend a Gold Star since they are basically the same and the Star is cheaper.

While I've not had both types of blades, I think that all these prices are inflated. In a supply demand diagram, you can see that the demand is not as elastic. Oh wait, until Paramount came into the picture. They have different material and look after all. Skaters are willing to shell out that money because they think it is good and will help, IMO.

I don't get why skaters stick to the blades that have not changed for a long time. Perhaps it's the reputation, perhaps it's the trust. Or simply, tradition. If I'm you, I'd get blades that has more value. But if you're buying them for your growing kids (you're the one with twins right?), then I think maybe a slightly lower level model? Unless of course they are doing doubles and triples, but even then, I don't see why one model will be significantly better than another, assuming the blades are mid-high vs high level. I strongly believe in Paramount's edge over the others. Also, I have been pleased with my Legacy.

The way I see it, the huge price difference between the two models may not stem that much from the cost. It may be higher because people may actually want to pay for that feature. I don't get the full plate idea. There are so many blades without the full plate around; we don't see skaters getting less stability right?

I'm quite hung up over the huge costs in skating.

IMO again, I think that while the size of the picks matter, I think that they will not miraculously turn a jump huge, or give spectacular flying spin. I've seen a skater on Ace or Pro doing doubles, and they are certainly no big different that another skater who has Vision/Gold Star/Seal. I do see noticeable increase in speed from skaters who changed to Paramount, perhaps it's because they are already receiving more training than others...

All the best to you in getting blades! I'm having trouble with getting boots --- Costs and pros/cons..

I've been wondering the exact same thing. I've been using Pattern99s for as long as I can remember but I've started wondering whether I should try Gold Seals for my next blades. I haven't really figured out the difference between them though, except that the toepicks on the Gold Seal are a bit smaller. What kind of an impact could switching to Gold Seals have on my skating?

Ive never had pattern 99's but a number of years ago, I switched from Phantoms to the Gold Seals and the increase in the speed and power i was able to harness was immediate and noticable. I love the Gold Seals

I switched from Pattern 99 to Gold Seal in December 2007; my spins are much better. I feel like I have more "breathing room" on the blades. I had to relearn the lutz on the new blades (they have the same rocker, yes, but the Gold Seals are curvier toward the toe pick). I also could never do the axel on the Pattern 99, but I had more success on the Gold Seals.

__________________
Doubt whom you will, but never yourself.
"Do what you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life."
-Haha, I've *arrived*! I am listed as a reference on Wikipedia.

I went from Gold Seals (8 foot rocker) to Phantoms (7 foot rocker), largely because of the cost. I like the Phantoms, but sometimes my spins don't feel as steady. I'm jumping better, though, and they feel lighter.

That's almost verbatim what my blade guy told me about the difference between Pattern 99 and Gold Seal blades! Gold Seals are definitely rounder toward the front (like the MK Gold Star, even though Gold Star has only a 7' radius) so they are good for spinning but you really have to point your toes on pick jumps and jump landings so you hit the toepick, not the ball of the blade. He also said Gold Seals are also supposed to make you point your toes and jump straight up on the axel, which is why lots of skaters start using them when they start working on the double axel.

__________________
"You don't have to put an age limit on your dreams." - Dara Torres, 41, after her 2nd medal at the 2008 Olympics

The theory is pattern 99 is better for jumping, Gold Seal is better for spinning. I've used both and I much prefer the Gold Seal. Any supposed improvement in jumping doesn't make up for making spinning a *****