I also have Ultima Mirages & was thinking of upgrading next year. I was looking at all of the Ultima blade specifications and noticed every one had an 8 foot rocker. I wonder why.

Also, like you, I think the only reason I'd care to move to a smaller rocker would be my spins....but that makes no guarantee that they'll improve.

Hmmm I disagree that they are similar blades. The Pattern 99 is muchhhhhhhhhh lower to the ground, and the toepick could not in anyway possible be any more different from the Gold Seal's (Pattern 99's is slanted from longest piece of toepick at top to smallest at bottom, and it's a straight cut pick, while the Gold Seal toepick is curved and crosscut). Also, the Gold Seal is tapered, the Pattern 99 is parallel. I've had both, and they couldn't feel like more different blades to me. In my area, no one I know is moving away from Gold Seals, but I'm in an affluent area where a price raise wouldn't really bother anyone, especially not enough to jeopardize the very sport they already spend a fortune on either way. Most people I know who do not wear Gold Seals wear Phantoms, actually. I don't find Pattern 99's to be very popular with people my age- I know they are very popular with the adult skaters out here though- but the ones I see kick butt and are working on doubles so that's starting to warrant needing such a blade.

I think that's another thing- reccommended blades vary more by area than it does by ability. Some rinks, everyone's on Ultimas, other rinks, everyone's on Gold Seals, and so forth. Why that is, I don't know. I guess that just like at Skate@Delaware's rink, there is always some super-opinated coach that "converts" everyone else and before long everyone believes what this coach says without even doing the research themselves because I agree with the above posters- a lot of coaches DON'T know about blades. I didn't know about blades at all until a couple years ago when I had a real fiasco with a damaged pair that forced me to learn a lot more about what I was choosing to skate on.

The most important things you should know when shopping for blades are: what kind of toepick you want, what size rocker works best for you (do you tend to curve too much or do you actually have problems with turns/spins/etc), how high off the ground you wanna be, and if you want parallel blades or some other feature. If you know that much, you're in pretty good shape as to decide what you want for yourself, IMO.

I responded to this post because I don't want anyone to think the Gold Seal and Pattern 99 are interchangeable, when, IMHO, they are absolutely not. They do have the same rocker- that's all. Everything else about them is drastically different, although elite skaters DO use both models (as well as other models, too). Different stuff works for different people, but if you've found something you like, I wouldn't give it up for an extra $50.00 (which is about how much Gold Seal have increased in recent years).

Just my 30 cents on this.

If you could get a truly educated, unbiased opinion about blades it would be worth paying for!!! Most people don't know what they want or need. There are some people who do take the time to educate themselves (causing problems with their coach ).

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

Our skating director makes an effort to provide some education for the staff pros each year. Last year's workshop was on blades and boots. She worked with the pro shop owner to bring in a speaker from Reidell. Obviously, he had a vested interest in pushing Reidell, but it was an open forum and a lot of discussions took place. They discussed boots as well as blades and sharpening details: rockers, depth, etc. Very useful.

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Ours does nothing like that. If you ask for a different ROH when you get your skates sharpened (she sharpens also-great job but...) she gives you the 20 questions and doesn't change it anyway "I didn't think you were ready for it" is her typical answer. We really have no staff pros. We have one person in the pro shop that used to figure skate and is now getting back into it (after 20 years).

I'm sorry if this sounds like so much whining, but I find it offensive as an adult that my self-education isn't even a factor. I read everything about boots and blades and try to consider everything before a decision is made.

When I went into the pro shop the other day and requested that the Comets be exchanged for Aces, the girl in the pro shop called down to the skating director right after I left for my class. I see the skating director running down to try to find me....and try to talk me out of it.

This whole thing has really, really ticked me off (if you couldn't tell already). I go back to the rink tonight (didn't make it back the other day and they weren't anwering the phone yesterday). I will consult with my private coach one more time, then order the Aces. My concession is the fact that I was skating on Mirage blades at the beginning, which are 8' and "those are really good blades" was her comment then, and I was getting centered spins (not nearly the case now).

I know where I won't be buying boots and blades in the future!!!

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

Since we're on the blades topic...has anyone here gone from dance/synchro blades back to free skate? I'm spinning and doing all my singles on Ultima Synchros right now. I will probably need new blades this summer, and since I'm starting to work on my axel, I'm wondering if I should consider a free skate blade. However, I've been on synchro blades for almost 10 years, so I'm worried about a big adjustment. I didn't have a problem when I switched from free skate to synchro blades years ago, but it's different taking away length than adding it!

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~No thinking, breathing, or hesitation!~

I do know someone who does both freestyle and dance and she uses dance boots/blades for dance and freestyle boot/blade for freestyle. Says it takes her about a minute if she switches from one to the other in the same day. Otherwise, no big deal.

I have a question about synchro blades -- are they just a tiny bit longer than dance blades? My dance blades are just too darn short -- I'd like something just a little longer, but not a long freestyle blade.

Drat-- the blade thing is just so complex (and so expensive just to try other ones!)

Good luck.

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

Wow, just wow. I feel bad for you. I hope you now know not to listen to these people. Is there a REAL pro shop somewhere nearby? You live in Delaware, right? Where do all the Udel kids go for stuff like that? I think that you need to go somewhere else.

Here's a little story of mine for ya: I get a 7/16 sharpening, and once, I went to this person and told them that. I hadn't skated on anything but 7/16 since I was, like, 12. Well, this person thinks I don't need 7/16, that I would be fine with 1/2. She does it behind my back. I go to my lesson, fall on every jump, can't do my spins right. Go halfway crazy and actually really hurt myself. I go back and tell the person I don't think they gave me a 7/16. They said "yeah, I gave you 1/2", I say "that's not what I asked for.." and they say "I know but I felt it would be better for you." And I about exploded. 1. She's never seen me skate 2. I didn't ask her opinion 3. she should've just refused to sharpen my skates then, but not change the hollow without my permission. Needless to say I went somewhere else and never looked back.

It's crazy what people in pro shops think they have a right to do or say. Most of them know nothing about the sport. Even those who do, can't possibly know how YOU like YOUR equipment. It's so personal. Don't let people try to cookie-cutter fit you, you know? As to calling down to the skating director so she can lecture you out of an order you are making? WTF? What is this, is your rink trying to follow the footsteps of the old Soviet Union or something? Scary. I would honestly NEVERRRRRRRRR step back into that rink with that type of crap going on. But if you have to do it, at least go shopping somewhere else so people don't butt into your bussiness. GOOD LUCK.

The original Ultima Synchros I bought were the same length as a dance blade, and I found them a bit too short also. After Ultima moved to Kitchener, they remodeled a lot of their blades. The second pair of Ultima Synchro blades I bought (June 04) are longer than the original model, but still shorter than a free skate blade. I definitely prefer the added length. I tested my last gold dance in them, Jr Silver through Gold skills, and have learned all my single jumps in them. I also use them for synchro (go figure ).

I believe the synchro blades that MK and John Watts make are the same length as a dance blade.

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~No thinking, breathing, or hesitation!~

Hello again. I started this thread which now has so much information on it that it's actually quite useful. Just for the record I never wanted any type of blades for the "glory" of having them. I was just going on what my coach recommended for me. In fact what two coaches recommended for me. I never had a problem with the toe pick on the 99's. But anyway, the end of the story is this: the guy in NY feels that only the left was damaged and he worked on it in his shop and thinks he might have been able to fix it. My skates are on their way back to me, finally. All I can do is try them out and see if indeed the problem was "fixable." I'm worried that the rocker is gone on that side, but again, time will tell. Thanks for all the opinions.

Wow! THAT sucks! I'm not sure where the UofDE kids go, maybe Skate Club of Wilmington or Aston or Icehouse. I know some people just go up to Skate Buys in Claymont to buy off the shelf. That is what I will do for daughter's blades. I mentioned that I was getting her Pattern 99----you should have seen the look from the skating director!!! I mentioned how well she skates and they are appropriate for her level (she couldn't argue with that) Yikes! My daughter is a good skater and is starting on her doubles and axel. If she had more time for practice (she can only skate once a week), she would have most of them by now. I'm not stupid-I've done my research and know what people are skating on and what they are doing. I don't feel it's the whole rink's business what I put her in.

Anyway, to end the saga: hubby found out my blades (Comets) were in and decided to help me out by picking them up for me so there I am. I'm sure no one in the pro shop thought to tell him I was sending them back and re-ordering a different kind. So I'm going to put this all behind me for now as the stress from this added to the other stuff I'm dealing with is too much for this old chick....

All I can say is they have lost my business forever. Once my daughter's boots are in and molded, I am done.

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

How does one "pick up" just the blades? I know you don't want to hear this, but if the blades haven't been mounted or sharpened yet, and the pro shop sells a bunch of these model, they should be willing to take them back. Especially since you've ordered a more expensive model: they would rather have the cheaper blade in inventory than the more expensive one. They can't expect you to buy both.

If not maybe you could trade them in at the new pro shop you're going to go to for DD's blades? Good luck in either case.


jwrnsktr - I didn't read anything that implied you were glory-seeking. You did ask in your opening post if you "deserved" the blades, so some of the replies may have addressed that concern.

While the thread may have gone awry, there was an incredible amount of information discussed and debated, so it was very useful for everyone. Hang in there : I hope the NY pro shop can help you out with the left blade. Make sure to find out how many sharpenings are left, so you can use the info you've learned wisely! Good luck!

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The way it works at my "pro shop" is: you order something, put a deposit on it and when it arrives, pay for it and take it away (and they know my hubby so let him pick them up)..... Getting blades mounted there is very risky. When you order boots, same process except they measure your feet (not always accurately) and offer one free heat-molding. If your boots don't fit, they will ship them back and re-order but you pay a re-stocking fee (as well as all the shipping and handling). They do give you a 25% discount if you are enrolled in classes there which offsets these costs. They don't carry stuff in the shop. And, no one gets their skates sharpened there, they either take them to the skate director or up north to The Pond or Skate Club.....

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

I understand what you are saying, but what keeps you from bringing them back? So long as they aren't mounted or sharpened there is nothing preventing the pro shop from sending them back to the manufacturer and ordering you a different pair. It isn't like you aren't buying something else from them instead. There is absolutely no reason you cannot return these saying your husband was not aware that you were going to be sending them back for something else, and that you were surprised the staff gave the blades away even after you had discussed this. Unless there is a sign on your receipt or in the store that says "everything is final sale", then you can return them and get the Aces. The pro shop can and will get reimbursed when they send the blades back, and you can apply your store credit to the new blades.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do this before putting this pro shop behind you. It really wouldn't be that much of a hassle. Get it over with...suffer for a day, be happy for years to come!

I talked with the pro shop manager as well as the rink manager and I'm stuck with the blades. All sales are final unless the blades are defective.

If I had "accidentally" ordered the wrong ones, I would have to pay $35 restocking fee and $15 shipping and handling to send them back. Then I would have to wait for the Aces to be ordered for the "credit" to be applied (they weren't willing to just refund my money and let me walk). Then I would pay the $15 shipping and handling for the new blades coming in (while waiting who knows how long for that to happen).

I'm thinking they need to learn some customer service skills.

So, to make the best of a bad situation, I will slap these puppies onto my boots and break those bad boys in. I will also be saving my $$$ over the summer for new blades. Since I don't skate much in the summer, by the time the rink opens in the fall, I can swap out blades, and sell my "new" gently used ones. I just need to be in my new boots asap.

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

Did they clearly communicate that to you (and their restocking fees, etc) in advance (with either a sign or some other notification)? If not, then I think you have a legitimate reason to dispute the charge with your credit card company. (and why do they need to charge you a restocking fee and the shipping to send them back?)

I would definitely not go to that pro shop again. FWIW, I stopped off at the Skatebuys store in Claymont on my way to the Liberty comp last summer to get soakers and new guards and the guy there was very nice and seemed knowledgeable (I asked him a question about the difference bet the MK Pros and Coronation Aces). That might be an alternative for you. Also, the pro shop at the Bowie rink (if you get there for your comp this weekend) is nice and the guy there (Chuck) did a good job sharpening my skates and several other people's that I know. I've also heard good things about the sharpenings at SCW.

Good luck at your comp (if you get there)!

Well...$65.00 is a REALLY small price to pay for better blades, especially considering how much you already paid. You should take that option!! I dunno where you plan on selling your used blades if you keep them and try to save up for new ones (which, since this whole ordeal could be fixed for less than the price of an hour of coaching, sounds like a LOT of hassle for nothing..) but as far as I know, not that many people buy new Comets, let alone used ones. Also, logistically speaking, I would think that the market for used blades is mainly for kids, who grow out of stuff all the time, or higher level blades for adults, either for people who are now coaching, or people who want to upgrade to a better blade but not spend the money on it. It doesn't seem like there would be a large market for used, adult-sized weirdo-rockered blades like the Comets. Long story short, I highly doubt you'll make much money off of these...maybe $50.00 if you're lucky? So you will be out hundreds of dollars even if you sell them to buy new ones- it would save SOOO much time and money to just add the $65.00, plus whatever price difference the Aces are and go for them.

I know I'm being pushy and in the end you need to do what you feel is best for you, but seriously...if you don't spend the $65.00 to clean up THEIR mistake now, you're going to end up paying a lotttttt more later, both in progress by being forced to skate in these way too flat blades, AND in trying to recoup the money from being forced to buy them so you can get new ones.

I'd pay the $65.00 if that is the only way, but first, I would try and contact MK (riedellskates.com) to see if they cannot exchange the blades for you directly- tell them your pro shop made a mistake (which they did, in giving your husband the blades after you had said you were returning them) and that they are now unwilling to help you swap out the blades. If they can't help, $65.00 is still better than whatever you'd end up making on selling the Comets and buying new Aces later.

A question though: since it is EASY to tell whether a blade has been sharpened/mounted/used or not, why did the pro shop say it was "no problem" to swap out the blades last week, and now that you've picked them up, it isn't? Makes no sense. Either it's okay or it's not.

And another question: as the poster above me said...why do you need to pay both a restocking fee AND a fee to ship them back? Either they are keeping them in store and making you pay a restocking fee, or they are sending them back for a full refund in which case they make you pay for shipping. That should be the end of your fees. WHY would they also make you pay for the shipping of the NEW skates?? You're paying to send the other ones back, so ordering the Aces from that point out should be just like ordering blades the first time around, in which case correct me if I am wrong, but they do not charge for shipping to the store. Do they? Either way, there are too many fees and you should ask them to justify them. In the end though, $65.00 is still nothing in this sport, and if you have the wrong blades, you might as well throw every other dime you spend on skating out the window anyways, so I'd urge you to spend the extra fees on exchanging the blades if you really have to. If you need to break in your new boots ASAP, why not just put an old blade on there- your old Comets? You're not supposed to do much in brand new boots anyways, so it could do the trick while the Aces arrive.

Our pro shop charges you shipping fees to the store. If you return an item, you pay again. This is the way they have been doing business since they open. I think they do it to make sure people don't order a bunch of stuff and then cancel their order. They never have figure skates in stock. They never have blades in stock. Everything has to be ordered. Then you wait weeks for the items to arrive.

I am going to get up with Reidell and see if they will take the blades in for an exchange or outright return.

I am at the rink almost every day. I spend a ton of $$$ at that place. I skate, my hubby skates, and my kids both skate. They should have taken these blades back. I'm not one to normally bad-mouth a place, but I have been soured. I have been telling people looking to buy skates to go to Skate-Buys in Claymont, or to The Pond (they have stuff in stock and sometimes on sale).

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

WOO HOO!!! DO IT!