New kind of blade?

[prettyinpink]

I ordered another pair of custom Klingbeils about six weeks ago, with the same coplanar dance blades that I've been in for the past 6 years. I'm a fairly high level skater (passed gold moves, 1/2way through my gold dance test) and I loved the blades I was in.

Well, Klingbeil called me this morning to tell me that my boots were ready and that Don would be mounting my blades today and shipping them out tomorrow. But, the woman that called told me that they had ordered my blades directly from Sid Broadbent and he sent them his brand new coplanar dance blade for me called the Concerto. I guess the people at Klingbeil had told them about my skating background and Sid thought I'd be better off in these. I had been using Conchords, and from what it sounds like, the Concerto is similar to the Conchord but is thinner and made of more expensive metal?

From what it sounds like, I might be one of the first people in the country to have these blades. I've tried looking for them online, but have been unsuccessful. Sid's webpage doesn't even have them on it.

My question is this... does anyone have these blades? If so, how are they? Do you like them? Has anyone else even heard of them? I'm just trying to remember what she all told me about them, and I was so impressed that I really don't remember much of what she said!

Thanks!

[JulieN]

My dance coach has them. She's had them for about a year now. They look very different. Her's are in gold -- but I'm guessing they come in the traditional silver/chrome color as well. I think she's happy in them. My coach is Carol Fox and she and her former partner were 5th in the 1984 Olympics Games -- so needless to say a very high level ice dancer. If you have specific questions about them, I can ask her. I have a lesson with her on Thursday morning, or I can call her and ask.

[prettyinpink]

Hmm... I hope mine aren't gold!! :) She didn't mention what color they are, I just assumed they were the normal silver chrome.

If you could, could you maybe just ask her how she likes them? That would be great! :) Thanks!

[techskater]

Julie-
You mentioned your dance coach was Carol Fox. She was partnered with Richard Dalley and they skated in my club's ice show in 1983 and I had the pleasure of meeting both of them back then! Wow!

[JulieN]

I asked my coach about her Concerto blades this morning. She said she likes them. It didn't take her long to adjust to them from the Conchord blades, especially since she used to skate on skinny blades before the co-planars. She misses the "meaty" feel of the wider blades, but like the added performance of the skinnier ones (she made a comparison to slalom skis).

ETA -- She also said that you have to get them sharpened more often due to the skinnier profile.

techskater -- I'm so lucky to have Carol as a coach. She's an amazing ice dancer and an awesome coach. She'll skate an occasional exhibition at her dance weekends and I'm always in awe when I watch her perform.

[prettyinpink]

Thanks Julie! That helps a lot :)

[JulieN]

How are those Concerto blades working out? Would love to know what you think of them.

[prettyinpink]

Due to injury, I won't be in them for another 6 weeks. :( Will let you know then what I think :)