I was at the skate shop yesterday and took a look at the new shipment of skates. We were there for the hockey dude so I had time to poke around the "white section". This is a big skate store, they have all the lines.

I am NOT impressed with the blade on the Jackson Freestyle that was just in. Oh the pick configuration is ok, but it is stamped "Mark IV" and also "Ultima" but in no way is similar in quality to the old MK Mark brand. I felt that was misleading, to keep the name when the blade is nothing what it used to be.

After looking at all the skates, GAM's looked pretty promising.

And by the way, there's no such thing as cheap hockey skates.

That is why we went with the jackson freestyle boot but the mk pro blade.My daughter doesnt need a stiffer boot but she does need the blade upgrade.

I think she'll be happy with the blade. I have the MK Pro, and some of my friends do, and we all loved it when we made the switch! It took a little bit of getting used to the bigger toe pick. I took a nasty spill on my knee without pads because of the bigger pick in the start, but now I'm used to it.

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I didn't want to get into past purchases. I just wanted to point out that if people are posting about certain skates and blades, they change every year so buyer beware. Ultima Mark IV blade is not not the same as the old MK IV blade.

This is so very true. And just because you Loved the last pair doesn't necessariliy mean this pair is going to be the same!!

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Ok
I am buying a new pair of jackson freestyle boots and we are getting the mk pro blade.Size 2.
Yes, things change on boots and blades all the time.

First off, thanks again for all the advice. I felt much more confident at the skate shop this morning than I otherwise would have.

We have ended up with a pair of GAMS. It wasn't where I thought we were going but I did hear a number of positive reviews from skaters at our club and the fitter thinks they are good match for my daughter's foot. We have managed to match a fairly light boot (recommended by the fitter for her age and size) with a more advanced blade (better for spinning and a better toe pick for jumps.) Assuming she doesn't have a growth spurt (you know it's coming now) they should do her until she starts an axel.

Just for information, he felt the Mystique has lots of support for such an inexpensive boot, but the blade was totally inappropriate for my daughter's current level. As she almost always wears over the boot tights, the skates are in great shape so I should be able to sell them.

Oh, Gams are lovely, I'm in my second pair! They come in all strengths, from bedroom slippers to concrete - and even fur-lined for coaches! And they are so-o-o-o comfortable. My mid-range pair (model 070) took all of a week to be "my boots".

I do hope your daughter doesn't grow out of them too quickly - but if they suit her, you'll know what to go for next time! "The mixture as before", but adapted to her increasing size & skating level.

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