Poll: Boots & Blades

[TaBalie]

I am hoping this poll might be a useful resource... Then we can have a thread at which to point people so that they can get a general idea of what people are wearing, their level, etc. I hope this doesn't turn into a "What sort of skate should I get?" thread.... But I do hope it can be a resource in the future when someone asks that question.

--
Age:
30

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
Short (5ft 1) and plump :)

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flip, Lutz

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Camel, change sit, back scratch

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
Not testing, but most likely Adult Bronze for MITF and Freestyle

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
No injuries. I have flat, wide feet that tend to pronate.

Location:
Currently, Idaho, USA.

Boots:
Graf Edmonton Specials (http://www.rainbosports.com/shop/site/product.cfm?id=4AC57129-475A-BAC0-5BD3842469259FB6)

Blades:
MK Phantoms (http://www.rainbosports.com/shop/site/product.cfm?id=4AC5761A-475A-BAC0-5E7E39E2F24E6AB3)

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Overall, yes. The Grafs were easy to break in, though I think I need a slightly wider boot (I got 5.5M, probably needed 5.5W). I am happy with my blades, they are 17 years old though (I bought them before I quit skating when I was around 13) so I think I will get new ones (the same type) in a year or so.

[jenlyon60]

Age:
mid-40s

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5ft, chubby

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
I don't jump

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
I don't spin

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Starlight Waltz and Paso

Tests passed (if applicable):
USFS Pre-Silver Dance, Preliminary FS, Adult Pre-Bronze MIF. Working on Tango/American Waltz (USFS Silver Dance) and Preliminary Figures


Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Torn meniscus and loose cartilege in right knee; weird problem with left upper foot/ankle swelling so that foot looks like Pillsbury Dough Girl's.

Location:
Northern VA, USA

Boots:
Klingbeil customs

Blades:
Ultima Ascends dance

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yes. This is my 4th pair of Klingbeils (new this summer). And I like the Ascends better than the current generation of MK dance (although I had worn MK dance for years). With this pair of boots I went with a notch at the ankle on each side and a higher heel... once I got used to the higher heel I really liked it.

[TreSk8sAZ]

Age:
21

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'11", tall and relatively thin

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
double lutz (there is a gap... I cannot get my axel consistant and my dbl sal and toe are also very inconsistant)

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flying camel/back sit/hop to forward sit

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Starlight Waltz

Tests passed (if applicable):
In about a month Adult Gold Moves and Silver FS, then I've already passed USFS Bronze dances

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Knee surgery, pronantion (a little), broken wrists, etc.
But I have EXTREMELY narrow heels

Location:
Tucson, AZ, USA

Boots:
FS: Custom Harlicks
DANCE: GAM something or others

Blades:
FS: MK Visions
DANCE: Coronation Dance

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
FS:Yes. The blades, over my Coronation Aces, gave me much more control and made jumps easier. The boots were a bit difficult to break in, but no more so that any other boot I've had.
DANCE: Right now, the boots are my old freestyle boots that are like slippers, so they bend just wonderfully. Because I had coronation aces I had very little problem getting used to the coronation dance blades.

[luna_skater]

Age:
25

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'8'', 135-140lbs, slim w/strong glutes and quads

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Lutz, lutz/loop combo

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Change foot

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Golds (argentine, westminster, viennese, quickstep), and have toyed with the rhumba

Tests passed (if applicable):
Gold dance and gold skills

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Nope

Location:
Calgary, AB

Boots:
GAM 400 (Performance)

Blades:
Ultima Synchro

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Extremely! Got the boots in June and love them. Very little break-in time, very comfy. I compete in synchro, so have been wearing synchro blades for the last 9 years or so. The Ultimas are excellent; far superior to MK Precision. I'm also learning free skate with these blades. Have all my singles to lutz and am just starting to learn the axel. No problems spinning.

[2loop2loop]

Age:
26

Male/Female:
Male

Height/Weight/Body Type:
6ft, 160lb, pretty skinny :lol:

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Double flip

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Death drop

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
I haven't tested for a while so this doesn't really reflect my level

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
I have pronounced ankle bones and one of them does need padding, but this would be the case regardless of what boot model I had.

Location:
UK

Boots:
Super Teri deluxe

Blades:
Gold seal

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Absolutely. They are not easy to break in, but once that is done they are great. This is the third pair of these boots I've had, the first pair had MK gold star blades, this pair and the previous pair have both had gold seals. I like both blade models.

[sunshinepointe]

Age:
24

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'10", 158, muscular/athletic build - strong legs from dance


Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flip, inconsistent Lutz (duh, because I never practice)

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Sit, although working on camel and Biellmann


Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A


Tests passed (if applicable):
Not testing yet, but I could pass pre-pre no problem from what I hear

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
My left knee is...off lately. I also have heel spurs from my old icky Riedells

Location:
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.


Boots:
Jackson Competitors - I originally ordered Elite Supremes from the internet thinking more money = better, but my coach flipped out and made me return them ASAP. My Competitors suit me JUST fine, and the break in period was minimal.

Blades:
MK Professional Parabolics - again, wouldn't trade them for the world, they're perfect for my level

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Definitely! Like I said before I thought more money = better, but I now understand that you need an appropriate boot and blade - too much too soon can be bad. A friend of mine bought Riedell Gold Stars before she could even do a salchow and she's STILL cursing them. I dig Jackson's - until someone convinces me otherwise, they're the best match for my feet.

[florence]

Great idea TaBalie!!


Age:
21

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'4'' 108 lbs thin

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
double flip and double lutz.

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
flying sit , flying back sit

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):

Novice

Any injuries or weird foot problems:

I have teared my left groin

Location:
Milano Italy

Boots:
Risport Super Cristallo

Blades:
MK Phantom

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
I'm very very happy with them.

I always had "risport super cristallo" from when I was 5 to now and when I put them on I just feel good. I have very narrow feet , maybe I'm very comfortable with them for this reason.

The Blades are great too, when I will have to buy new one I will buy the same ;)




sorry for my english :oops:

[aussieskater]

Age:
41

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'7'' 140 lbs medium - pretty muscly around the legs and rear (so what skater isn't??), and a large bust.

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
I wish. This is a relative beginner talking.

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Ditto

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Just started dance so none yet. But I do do adult synchro at a "competitive" level (we're not very good but we have a lot of fun).

Tests passed (if applicable):
Haven't tested yet.

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Injuries - torn meniscus and MCL in right knee (still torn and floating around in there - I don't want to know).

Feet - *very* large (women's street shoe size 10.5 - 11), and very wide around the ball of the foot (my skates are Jacksons size 9D+). I have princess toes on both feet (second toe is longer than the big toe). There are also plenty of very pronounced ankle bones, including ancillary inside ones. Need *lots* of padding around there.

Location:
Sydney Australia

Boots:
Jackson Competitor

Blades:
Ultima Mirage

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
The boots are wonderful - they hold me up and are extremely comfortable. I've talked to several people in my rink who've tried the Jacksons on, and those who don't have triangular feet have said that the toe box is too big. So I'd guess the boots might be good for the triangular foot, and less good for feet with narrow toes.

The blades are crap. All the chrome has peeled off the bottom (it started the second time they were on the ice), and they look disgusting. Never mind - while they're not particularly attractive, they are still working, and I'll get new blades one day...but I don't recommend them.

BTW, Florence, my husband also has the Risport Super Cristallo's and also loves them. He, too, has very narrow feet from the front (ball) to the back (ankle). He desperately needs new ones - I swear his current ones are not much more than the outside leather now.

[froggy]

Age:
25

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'2"/96lbs/petite

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
just a waltz and 1/2 flip

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
just starting one foot forward spin

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
n/a

Tests passed (if applicable):
haven't tested yet-hope to test for pre-bronze this year

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
nope

Location:
new york

Boots:
reidell

Blades:
wilson deluxe (inexpensive blade, about $40?)

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
yes, they are ok, although I skate 2-3xs/week for the past 9 months it has taken a long time to break in my boots.

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[TimDavidSkate]

Age:
25
Male/Female:
male

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5 ' 7/120lbs/skinny-slim

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
1Axel (as of 9/15/05)

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Death drop

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
lap dance? sure why not? :D

Tests passed (if applicable):
Juv MIF & Free, Adult Bronze MIF & Free

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
No injuries, thank God

Location:
NY, NY

Boots:
SP Terri KT3

Blades:
Gold Seal

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yes, at first it was too wide for me, but after some punching of the boot, I am happy with it. I did not have any problem on breaking them in, as soon as I wore them that first day.

[Skate@Delaware]

Age:
43

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
Average (5' 6") and 140lbs, slightly muscular (more so in the legs)

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Waltz, bunny hop

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
scratch on good day; any spin on a bad day..

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Dutch Waltz (I'm and ice dance drop out)

Tests passed (if applicable):
None yet, but preparing for Adult Pre-Bronze for MITF and Freestyle

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Just bunions, and I lost a bunch of weight and my feet shrank (so I had to get new boots!)

Location:
Delaware, USA

Boots:
Jackson Competitors

Blades:
Coronation Comets

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yes! Although I don't lace the top hook (never have) since I started skating two years ago. I had the boots heat molded because of my bunions and they fit great! I also have the longer 2nd toe and have enough wiggle room. My blades are very good and fast on the ice.

[cutiesk8r43]

Age:
12

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'2,112lbs,fit

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
lutz and axel

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
sit change sit ,camel,layback(sort of)

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
canasta

Tests passed (if applicable):
preliminary moves and freestyle


Any injuries or weird foot problems:
no

Location:
michigan

Boots:
reidells

Blades:
not sure

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
yes i am i just recently got new blades and so far the are great! :)

~Cutie ;)

[Shinn-Reika]

Age:
18

Male/Female:
Male

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'10/175 ibs /athletic

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
lutz,flip

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
1 foot, sit

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
n/a

Tests passed (if applicable):
none

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Sprained left ankle

Location:
Rochester, NY

Boots:
Riedell 900 elite royal

Blades:
Wilson pattern 99

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Very much so, although they got a lot of superficial scratches really quickly. I hope they last.

Ha! Second youngest, but I weigh the most. Go figure.

[jazzpants]

Age:
37

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'3", 126, muscular/athletic build. I wish I had a slimmer build but better than not being healthy... :P

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Cheated landings on Loops, Flip, Lutz (duh, because I practice moves???)

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Sit, although working on backspins and camel

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Hip hop? :P :twisted: :lol:

Tests passed (if applicable):
Pre-Bronze FS, pre-pre moves.

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Sciatica problems, shin splints last year in 2004 b/c of broken down boots, hamstring...

Location:
San Francisco, CA, USA.

Boots:
Custom Purple leather Riedells

Blades:
MK Professional

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yeap! Much happier than with the Riedell's...

[sceptique]

Age:
32

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
Tall (5’11”), relatively slim (140 lbs), somewhat heavy legs and especially calves.

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Toe Loop, Salchow

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Forward Upright

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Golden Skaters Waltz

Tests passed (if applicable):
Skate UK Star Bronze

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
No injuries, but I have rather large feet – UK size 7.5-8 / US size 10.5-11

Location:
Nuneaton, Warwickshire, UK. (Rink – Coventry; sometimes also Solihull)

Boots:
Edea Overture (http://www.edeaskates.com/overture.asp)

Blades:
MK something – they came with the boots. I suspect it's MK Club 2000.

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Pretty much happy, as you can see (http://www.avomerfe.com/photos/skating/NewSkates.jpg). But I have nothing to compare them to – this is my first pair.

To tell the truth, I didn’t know when I bought them that they are supposed to be less than your normal shoe size, so I ordered UK 8. Then they came, I discovered that they are marked 280, and normally my shoes are 275 (where they have size in mm). They don’t feel loose – I even had my right one punched out on the side because I started to develop bunions. But there is definitely some toe room.

In all other aspects they are great – very comfortable despite the fact that they are quite rigid, and lightweight too (extremely important since they are big boots!). I paid £99 for both boots and blades, including delivery. I didn’t know back then how much I’d be skating or what stuff I’d get to doing on ice, so they seemed like a sensible choice. I might want to upgrade them at some point in life, but for now they are just fine.

[rf3ray]

Age:
29

Male/Female:
Male

Height/Weight/Body Type:
Tall (5’1”), slim (116 lbs)

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
FLIP and LUTZ

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
SIT SPIN and CAMEL

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
Going for Pre-Lim

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Broken Wrist from Playing Tag earlier this year

Location:
Western Australia, Perth

Boots:
Risports RF3

Blades:
John Wilson Gold Seal Parabolics

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Hell Yeah!!!

[Summerkid710]

Age:
30

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5' / 130 lbs/ athletic with a skater's butt

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Axel

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flying camel

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Fourteen Step

Tests passed (if applicable):
USFS Juvenile, ISI FS6, working on Intermediate Moves

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Flat narrow ("A" width) feet

Location:
Chicago, IL

Boots:
1. SP-Teri Deluxe
2. Someone else's barely used custom SP-Teri

Blades:
1. MK Phantoms
2. Paramount 420

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yes, I'm on my second pair of SP-Teri Deluxes with Phantom blades. They do take a bit to break down but I love them. Been wearing the combination since I was 13. I teach in the used pair with the Paramount blades.

[Mrs Redboots]

Age:
52

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
1 m 72; about 69 kg; mature

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
n/a

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Very bad upright. And one couples' spin

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Willow Waltz

Tests passed (if applicable):
NISA Level 3 Bronze Compulsory Dances (grandfathered from old Novice); Level 2 Bronze Dance Moves (also grandfathered from old Novice); Level 1 Bronze Free Dance

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Bunion on one foot. Occasional tendonitis on front of feet.

Location:
London, UK

Boots:
Gam 070 (http://www.newskates.com/index.asp?initemuid=3996&fcmd=item&inmenu=menu)

Blades:
John Watts Dance (http://www.johnwattsltd.com/)


Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Very.

[prettyinpink]

Age:
21

Male/Female:
female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
short and petite

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Rhumba

Tests passed (if applicable):
Gold Moves, Gold Dance

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Flat feet (low arches)

Location:
US

Boots:
custom Klingbeil

Blades:
MK Conchord

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Absolutely! I have my 5th pair of Klingbeils ready to be broken in.

[TiggerNSkating]

Age:
somewhere between 18-22

Male/Female:
female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5’6”/ 145 lbs / Slim, but athletic

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
I am not jumping right now due to a non-skating related back injury, but normally it is toe loop or flip


Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Working on one-foot and sit spin

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
n/a

Tests passed (if applicable):
n/a

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
I had a back injury which included my neck and lower back being out, I am still having trouble with my hip staying in, but it will get better as I get stronger, just no jumping for me yet :cry:
I tend to have some trouble with my heel slipping in some shoes, but I got my boots in an A width and they fit awesome!

Location:
US

Boots:
Jackson Elite Supreme
Before that I had SP Teri Deluxes, they were a bit wide, but overall I liked them ok

Blades:
MK Phantoms

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
I love them! The boots are quite a bit lighter. I started lacing the eyelets at the ankle notch and they are great! The Elites have been a breeze to break in! (I did get them heat-molded right off…) I liked the Phantoms from the first time I skated on them... I had the rocker evened out since I bought them used and they are wonderful!

[mikawendy]

Age:
30

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'1", 123 lbs., long waisted/short legged and muscular in the legs (think Mary Lou Retton)

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
flip; also loop loop is getting more consistent

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Forward camel

Most difficult MIF you can do most of the time:
Backwards power pulls and forwards on right foot only

Tests passed (if applicable):
Adult Pre-Bronze MIF and FS; hope to test Bronze MIF this year

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Piriformis syndrome & torqued pelvis (several times); also, I have wide toes (C) and narrow heels (AAA)

Boots:
Jackson 2700 (signed by Don Jackson himself!)

Blades:
MK Pro

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yup, I love 'em. I previously had poorly fitting Riedell 275s with Wilson Excel blades (less supportive boots and flatter blades).

[Perry]

Age:
16

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'3" and athletic

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
double lutz-double loop-double loop, slightly cheated or two-footed triple sal (has its periods)

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
outside camel (or inside back sit) or catch camel from a sit spin

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
internationals

Tests passed (if applicable):
Gold moves, dance (and Polka); junior free

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Injuries in knee, back, and hip (and I had tendonitis in both my feet from overly broken in boots)

Location:
US

Boots:
Klingbeils

Blades:
GoldSeal

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Love them. I was in Reidell's until I was 11 or so, and they just stopped working for me. My last pair, I wore fr 2 months before I got fed up with my feet continually blistering/bleeding. My coach recommended Klingbeils, and the first day I got them, I was doing all of my jumps. I've never broken in boots so quickly, and they've never been so comfortable. They're not neccessarily better boots than anything else, they just work really well for my feet.

Blade-wise, I've been in GoldSeals for 7 years now, so I don't know much else.

[singerskates]

Age:
43

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
(5ft 8) and more than OK but not fat

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
loop, flip and occasional lutz

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Forward scratch (10 revs) Camel, forward catch foot from behind (working on beillman), back spin, forward sit/broken sit/then grab freeleg from behind come up upright holding foot behind middle of back/then forward scratch (3 revs each position), forward camel/sit (2/4)

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Fiesta Tango

Tests passed (if applicable):
Haven't tested preliminary freeskate yet but was going to and could have passed if it wasn't for the pain from two slipped disks in my neck, bombed on interpretive test I did when I had the flu a year and half ago, tested Dutch Waltz and Canasta and had to pull out of Baby Blues because of injury to knees and ankle.

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Before learning how to figureskate I broke my right wrist and then 8 weeks before I joined my first club, I broke my left elbow. I had tendonitis in both ankles. I'm currently off of the ice with injuries to both shoulders and two slipped disks in my neck (also off from work as well).

Location:
Windsor, ON, Canada.

Boots:
Graf Edmonton Specials

Blades:
JW Pattern 99's

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Overall, no & yes. The Grafs were warped from the get go but I discovered that too late and my spins and jumps suffered for it. I was dooped into buying the pair I had tried on. Next time I'm going to bring a level with me and really check things out before I even slip them on my feet in the proshop. JW Pattern 99's are still great blades and will take me far. When they wear out, I will either buy another pair of Pattern 99's or something in another brand that is made the same way as the Pattern 99's.

singerskates

[CanAmSk8ter]

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
The boots are wonderful - they hold me up and are extremely comfortable. I've talked to several people in my rink who've tried the Jacksons on, and those who don't have triangular feet have said that the toe box is too big. So I'd guess the boots might be good for the triangular foot, and less good for feet with narrow toes.

The blades are crap. All the chrome has peeled off the bottom (it started the second time they were on the ice), and they look disgusting. Never mind - while they're not particularly attractive, they are still working, and I'll get new blades one day...but I don't recommend them.


I have the same kind of triangular feet ('duck feet', my mom calls them) and I love the Jacksons. I liked my Risports when I had them, but I had to go with a C width to accomodate the front of my foot, and as soon as they stretched out *at all* the heel would be too wide. I'm better off with the heat-moldables that can fit both parts of my weird feet.

I've heard that about the Ultima blades having the chrome flake off. Mine (Ultima Dance) don't have the shiny finish on them so it hasn't been an issue, but I've definitely heard that that happens.

[CanAmSk8ter]

Age:
20's

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
Short (5ft 1) and muscular but average weight (size 2/4)

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Can still do through (cheated) axel and double sal, but haven't seriously jumped in about five years

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Pretty much anything but flying spins and laybacks; again, I don't *really* spin anymore

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
All up through Gold except Argentine is pretty weak

Tests passed (if applicable):
Working on Pre-Gold dance and Novice MITF

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
High arches and some pronation (blades are mounted slightly off center to correct this, and I have over-the-counter arch supports in my skates.


Boots:
Jackson Elite Plus Dance

Blades:
Ultima Dance

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Very.

[StarshineXavier]

Age:
21

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'10, 157, Average

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
I haven't jumped in a year and a half, but I can do all the singles with minimal effort.

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
I've only done sit spins and back scratch spins since I stopped doing singles.

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Pick a gold dance, any gold dance.

Tests passed (if applicable):
Gold Skills, Gold Interpretive, Sr. Silver Dance, Jr. Silver Freeskate

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
No foot injuries, but I have patella tendonitis in both knees.

Location:
South Westen Ontario.

Boots:
Jackson Synchro

Blades:
Coronation Ace

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
I love them so much. I got the boots last December after wearing Risport for 8 years. I was a little nervous switching skate brands like that, but it only took me about a week before I was comfortable with the boot. I'd say it took me another week and a half after that to have them broken in. I will not be getting any other type of boot or blade again. I'm so happy with how well they're working for me.

[skippyjoy_207]

Age:
13

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
(5’1”),(90-100 lbs), athletic

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Toe loop. (As of Sept.18)

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
One-foot spin. :lol:

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
Pre-Alpha- Beg. Freestyle. (Not a member of USFSA)

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Fractured ankle.

Location:
San Francisco, CA

Boots:
Jackson Competitor

Blades:
Club 2000

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
I've heard that Competitors are meant for low doubles, and though I'm nowhere near doubles, they just give me extra support, and I'm completely happy with them.

[aussieskater]

Boots:
Jackson Synchro

Blades:
Coronation Ace

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
I love them so much. I got the boots last December after wearing Risport for 8 years. I was a little nervous switching skate brands like that, but it only took me about a week before I was comfortable with the boot. I'd say it took me another week and a half after that to have them broken in. I will not be getting any other type of boot or blade again. I'm so happy with how well they're working for me.
SX, have you always skated in synchro blades or did you change from freestyle ones? I ask because (as per my previous post), I will be getting new blades *one day* and wanted to know how you went changing to the synchro ones? I do a bit of synchro (not nearly well enough, but I love it and hope to continue it), and am starting dance with my husband, so I'm wondering if the synchro blades might be a good compromise between dance and freestyle ones.

[luna_skater]

I'm not Starshine, but IMO the synchro blades would be perfect. I've used the Ultima Synchro blades for all of my dances and skills (prelim through gold), 9? years of synchro, and have learned basic spins and all my single jumps in them. You get the shortness of the dance blade (not quite as short, but almost) and the width of a freeskate blade. When I made the change from free skate blades to synchro, there was hardly no adjustment period.

[Mrs Redboots]

SX, have you always skated in synchro blades or did you change from freestyle ones? I ask because (as per my previous post), I will be getting new blades *one day* and wanted to know how you went changing to the synchro ones? I do a bit of synchro (not nearly well enough, but I love it and hope to continue it), and am starting dance with my husband, so I'm wondering if the synchro blades might be a good compromise between dance and freestyle ones.They are! I had synchro blades for several years, originally because I'd been wanting Coronation Dance and the fitter didn't have any. My old blades couldn't transfer on to my new boots because (like all beginners) the old boots were 2 sizes too big, so he fitted Team Synchro blades and said they were very similar. And they were wonderful and I loved them - I wasn't really ready for a thinner dance blade then, not like now. I'd say "Go for it".

[StarshineXavier]

SX, have you always skated in synchro blades or did you change from freestyle ones? I ask because (as per my previous post), I will be getting new blades *one day* and wanted to know how you went changing to the synchro ones? I do a bit of synchro (not nearly well enough, but I love it and hope to continue it), and am starting dance with my husband, so I'm wondering if the synchro blades might be a good compromise between dance and freestyle ones.

I've never skated in anything other than freeskate blades. I've gone from Freekstate boots to Synchro boots, but that's it. Everyone I've talked to about synchro blades really enjoys them and would recommend them though. Good luck with whatever blade decision you make!

[twokidsskatemom]

Height/Weight/Body Type:
47 inches/42 lbs 6 years old

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Lutz, working on axle

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
sitspin,camel

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):swing with partner

Tests passed (if applicable):
Non test right now, will wait till have a clean axle in USFSA. Isi dance 2, freestyle 3

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
none
Location:
alaska

Sp terri boots with MK pro blade.Did have jackson freestyle boot with MK pro blade. Skate 10 hours a week.

That is what my daughter uses. I have jackson freestyle boots, stock blade

[mtj4500]

Age:
43

Male/Female:
Male

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5' 6"/142lb/short ;)

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
3 jump (Waltz jump)

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
very basic upright

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Willow Waltz

Tests passed (if applicable):
None

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
No injuries. Pronate a little.

Location:
Oxford, UK.

Boots:
Belati Gold

Blades:
John Watts Dance

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Very happy.

[doubletoe]

Age:
40

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'5-1/2", 118 lbs

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
axel, double toe, double sal

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flying camel or camel, sit, back scratch

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
Silver FS. Working on Gold MIF & FS

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
No injuries or weird foot problems.

Boots:
SP Teri KT-2's (brand new). Wore Super Teri Deluxe boots before these.

Blades:
MK Gold Star

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
I love them both! This is my first pair of KT-2's and they are so much easier to break in than the Super Deluxe! They were actually *comfortable*, with zero pain from day 1! My feet are wide in the toes but narrow in the heel, so I got the stock boots with a B-A combination width. They fit perfectly.

[Raye]

Age:
50

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'5" 160 +

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Waltz jump, toe loop, salchow

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
sitspin

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
European Waltz

Tests passed (if applicable):
Introductory Interpretive


Any injuries or weird foot problems:
No injuries, just a bunion on left foot

Boots:
Jackson Elite

Blades:
Coronation Ace

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Defiantely happy with both

[PattyP]

--
Age:
42

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'4" - 130-135 - athletic

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Single Axel. Very close on d.sal & d.loop.

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flying camel or camel-sit-back sit

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
Adult Gold MIF and FS

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
No injuries.

Location:
The OC, CA.

Boots:
Harlick Finalist

Blades:
Ultima Freestyle

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
I'm in my 4th pair of Harlicks and will not change! I like the Ultima blades too.

[techskater]

Age:
Age class "new" 2

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'9 3/4", ahtletic

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Double sal, double toe, double loop, hopefully soon, double flips!

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flying camel combination/camel-layback-back camel-back sit

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
Adult Gold FS

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
No injuries.

Location:
Northern suburban Chicago
Boots:
Harlick customs

Blades:
Phantom Parabolics

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
I am in my 5th pair of Harlicks and I love them! I am in my first pair of Parabolics and they definitely make a difference

[BelleOnIce]

Age:
20

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'7"/ 7stone/ very slim

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Up to double lutz, combos including double flip/double loop/double toe

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flying spins, variety of combo spins

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
Not sat test's in few years but it was old NISA inter silver

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
My ankle bones stick out quite a bit?

Location:
U.K

Boots:
Risport RF1 Supers

Blades:
MK Professional (gold plated)

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Boots- I have always had Risports, tried jackson but didnt like. Although RF1's are suppose to be hardest I had RF3's when the new models first came out a few years ago, and although they were suppose to be equivalent to old super diamont (i think?) and I had them for a year and they were awful. I ended up with very badly damaged feet and ankles including alot of fluid build up round the bone. The RF1's are perfect for me though.
Blades- Just recently got them, although I could possibly use a slightly more expensive blade I really like the feel of these ones, I am really comfortable on the ice with them!! And plus I really love that they are gold!! (my dad ordered them in gold as a suprise for me!! I opened the box and got a shock! I thought they had sent me them by mistake and I was going to have to send them back!!)

[Terri C]

Time for me to chime in

Age:
40

Male/Female:
Female

Height/ Weight / Body Type:
5'7", 180lbs, muscular/atheltic

Most Difficult Jump you can do most of the time:
Loop

Most Difficult Spin You Can Do Most of the Time:
Backscratch

Most Difficult Dance You Can Do Most of the Time:
Terri does not do ice dance. I'm saving that for the very distant future, when God Forbid, doctors tell me no more jumps!

Tests Passed:
Pre- pre moves, Pre Bronze Moves and Free. Currently working on Bronze Moves.

Any injuries or foot problems:
Small corn on my right pinky toe that was treated by a podiatirst and under control. Bone spur on side of right foot ( RFO overkill!)

Location:
Virginia


Boots:
SpTeri KT2's

Blades:
Coronation Ace

Are you happy with your boots/blades?
Yes, even though I did get a corn from them!

[FrankR]

My turn. :)

Age:
29

Male/Female:
Male

Height/ Weight / Body Type:
5'10", 155lbs, toned/slim

Most Difficult Jump you can do most of the time:
Double Toe (toe-axelly). Axel

Most Difficult Spin You Can Do Most of the Time:
I've been playing with catch foot forward camels but most of the time, flying camel with a catch foot variation is more consistent

Most Difficult Dance You Can Do Most of the Time:
The Snoopy Happy Dance. Don't think that counts though. ;)

Tests Passed:
Preliminary Moves and Free, Silver Moves and Free. Currently working on Gold Moves.

Any injuries or foot problems:
Corns on my left pinky toe but they've been better lately. I'm starting to get little bumps on the insides of my feet. I guess I should get those looked at. :??

Location:
New Jersey


Boots:
Klingbeil

Blades:
Pattern 99s

Are you happy with your boots/blades?
I wasn't at first but I'm much happier with them now. I think the adjustment period is finally over! Yay! :D

[LoopLoop]

I'll play too.

Age:
38 (yikes! how did that happen?)

Male/Female:
Female

Height/ Weight / Body Type:
5'7", 127lbs, athletic

Most Difficult Jump you can do most of the time:
Axel sometimes. Cheated double loop.

Most Difficult Spin You Can Do Most of the Time:
A back camel is easy for me, one of my favorite spins, but most people think it's difficult. Other than that, flying camel and flying sit.

Most Difficult Dance You Can Do Most of the Time:
I'll do the Snoopy Happy Dance with Frank.

Tests Passed:
Juvenile MIF, gold MIF, preliminary FS and silver FS. May test pre-juvenile FS this season just for the heck of it.

Any injuries or foot problems:
My ankle bones stick out REALLY far; the narrowest heels in existence; I've had corns on the toes of my right foot.

Location:
Northern Virginia

Boots:
Klingbeil

Blades:
Ultima Elite

Are you happy with your boots/blades?
I switched to the Klingbeils this summer after two pairs of custom SP Teris, and so far so good. The tongues do pull to the side though, which seems to causing a small cyst on my ankle. Hmmm.

[mskater]

Here I go, here I go, here I go:

Age:
27, damn, I'll be 30 before you know it!

Male/Female:
Male

Height/ Weight / Body Type:
6'3", 170, 'swimmers'

Most Difficult Jump you can do most of the time:
2-lutz

Most Difficult Spin You Can Do Most of the Time:
Not sure what I can/could do most of the time - I try to avoid spinning at all costs:]

Most Difficult Dance You Can Do Most of the Time:
The cabbage patch of course!!!

Tests Passed:
Juvenile Pairs - Intermediate Free

Any injuries or foot problems:
Chronic lower back pain:(

Location:
The DIRTY-SOUTH

Boots:
Harlick

Blades:
Gold Seals

Are you happy with your boots/blades?
Yes - I skate in stock boots but they feel as if they were custom made for my feet!

[Joan]

Age:
53

Male/Female:
Female

Height/ Weight / Body Type:
5'9", 147lbs, athletic

Most Difficult Jump you can do most of the time:
Lutz

Most Difficult Spin You Can Do Most of the Time:
Spins are my nemesis. I can almost do a back-sit spin.

Most Difficult Dance You Can Do Most of the Time:
Willow Waltz

Tests Passed:
Pre-preliminary FS; Pre-bronze FS; Bronze MIF; Bronze FS; Prelim. dances; Pre-Bronze dances.

Any injuries or foot problems:
I have bunions on both feet and my feet pronate inwards, so I need good arch support

Location:
Little Rock, AR

Boots:
Worn out custom SP-teri's -- New custom Harlicks arriving any day

Blades:
Pattern 99

I switched from Phantom blades to Pattern 99s about 4 years ago and I like the Pattern 99s a lot better than the Phantoms. The Phantoms may have had the rockers ruined by bad sharpening, so the comparison may not be a fair one.

[icecatepairs]

I THINK THIS POST WAS ABOUT BOOTS AND BLADES ????!!

AGE
33

WEIGHT
Never ask a pairs skater her weight...we only lie anyway..and it scares away potential partners.

BODY TYPE< HEIGHT

5 ft 1 inch
built like a gymanst cause i was one,

GENDER
female

MOST DIFFICULT JUMP

double flip, double sal , double loop...a needs much work double lutz
I suck at toe loops

MOST DIFFICULT SPIN

Death drop to inside edege back spin, (temporarily on hold from knee surgery)

opposite direction camel to good direction layback

camel sit back sit gun

Basically whatever my injuries allow at the time!!!


TESTS
Gold free , Gold Moves

INJURIES>>>

is there a seperate form attached? just kidding I assume we are talking about leg related injuries ...I'll leave out the broken fingers, ribs , and wrists

Broke right ankle in 2001, left ankle in multiple places in 2002, arthroscopic knee surgery two weeks ago, torn left quad last season.

Location
new york/new jersey

Boots

Klingbiels...i have to wear customs, i wear special braces in by skates that are attached to the skate so i can only go customs.

blades...
now i ise gold seal...had gold seal with k pick...hated them and broke both legs in them.

Happy with boots and blades:

I am now. i didn't like these at first. i had them for one year before i wore them. i called them my $500 door stops, but I went back and had them made with less padding and easier to break in. so they are light. now i love them.

[The Ice Demon]

Age:
26

Male/Female:
Female

Height/ Weight / Body Type:
4'8" 50kgs (110pounds) muscular/athletic

Most Difficult Jump you can do most of the time:
axel, sometines 2loop & 2sal

Most Difficult Spin You Can Do Most of the Time:
fllying camel, variety of combinations of fwd & back sits and camels

Most Difficult Dance You Can Do Most of the Time:
... the bird dance??

Tests Passed:
highest test had an axel in it (the test structure is completely different here so i won't confuse you with the level)

Any injuries or foot problems:
knee problems (cartilage), flat feet (pronate), wear orthotics, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, bunions, wide feet, big ankle bone bumps but small ankles... shall i go on?

Location:
Downunder

Boots:
Riedell Goldstars

Blades:
Ultima Freestyles

Are you happy with your boots/blades?
As happy as I can be, I feel I would be much better off with custom boots but because of my location this is not an option. Maybe one day I will be able to go on a 'holiday' and get customs!! I love my blades although the toe pick makes bending my knees very important when i 'try' dance!

[NoVa Sk8r]

Age:
30

Male/Female:
Male

Height/Weight/Body Type:
6'/180lb (mostly; my weight fluctuates between 175 and 190lb)/ toned, muscular, mesomorph

Most Difficult Jump you can do most of the time:
Up thru lutz no problem. Cheated double salchow. (Gave up on axel eons ago.)

Most Difficult Spin You Can Do Most of the Time:
Flying camel into back sit (the closest I'll ever get to a death drop) or catch-foot camel

Most Difficult Dance You Can Do Most of the Time:
Ick. I hate dance.

Tests Passed:
Driving test :) ...
Adult Pre-Bronze FS, Adult Bronze FS, Adult Silver MIF, Adult Silver FS. No aspirations for any others at this point.

Any injuries or foot problems:
No foot problems (except that they're gargantuan--I wear size 14 8O ).
Other problems include trochanter bursitis in my right hip. Strangely, the back pain that I've had for 5 years (stemming from a stress fracture in my lower back) has disappeared. Knock on wood.

Location:
Northern Virginia (NoVa, get it?)

Boots:
Klingbeil

Blades:
Pattern 99

Are you happy with your boots/blades?
Yes; I've been wearing Klings since 1999 (got the second pair in 2003), and they've always felt great. I adore the Pattern 99s (that I got in 2003); all the back spins have been much easier in them.

[Tessie]

Age:
47

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5"4" thin - 103lbs

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Toe Loop

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
forward scratch

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
Aiming for Adult Pre-Bronze for MITF and Freestyle

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Badly broken wrist on a silly two foot turn. No weird foot problems

Location:
North of Boston, MA.

Boots:
Jacksons

Blades:
MK Double Stars

[skaternum]

Age:
40, for another month

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'6" -- 128 lbs -- I'm not picky! ;)

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Lutz & lutz combos

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Layback or backsit

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
German Chicken Dance

Tests passed (if applicable):
Pre-Juvenile MITF and Silver Freestyle

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Chronic lower back problem. Torn cartilage in right knee, required surgery. Major weird foot problems (plantar fasciitis, sesamoiditis, bunions on each foot, and damaged nerve endings in little toes from years of pointe work).

Location:
NC, USA.

Boots:
Klingbeils

Blades:
Phantom

ETA: Yes, I love my Klingbeils. I've tried Riedell and Jackson (high- and low-end). Nothing has even come close to fitting as well as Klingbeil. As for my blades, eh. They're fine. I could take them or leave them. When I switched to MK Professional, I had a bit of a hard time finding the sweet spot again. But once I got used to them, they've been fine.

[Tessie]

I am hoping this poll might be a useful resource... Then we can have a thread at which to point people so that they can get a general idea of what people are wearing, their level, etc. I hope this doesn't turn into a "What sort of skate should I get?" thread.... But I do hope it can be a resource in the future when someone asks that question.

--


Boots:
Graf Edmonton Specials (http://www.rainbosports.com/shop/site/product.cfm?id=4AC57129-475A-BAC0-5BD3842469259FB6)

Blades:
MK Phantoms (http://www.rainbosports.com/shop/site/product.cfm?id=4AC5761A-475A-BAC0-5E7E39E2F24E6AB3)

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Overall, yes. The Grafs were easy to break in, though I think I need a slightly wider boot (I got 5.5M, probably needed 5.5W). I am happy with my blades, they are 17 years old though (I bought them before I quit skating when I was around 13) so I think I will get new ones (the same type) in a year or so.

Natalie - would you think that grafs are too advanced a boot for someone aiming for adult pre - bronze. I have tried on the boots adn found them confortable and lighter than the Jackson boot. My skate seller is reluctant to sell them to me as he feels it's too much boot for someone at my level.

The synic in me thinks he gets a better commission on Jacksons (which are owned by Nike) than he does on the Grafs.

[coskater64]

Age:
42

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'10ish/120ish/slender

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
flip double toe, double sow, double toe, double loop every blue moon

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Most 5 position spins, camel-sit-attitude-back camel-back sit, etc....

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Killian, learning Westminster Waltz

Tests passed (if applicable):
Novice FM, Intermediate FS

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
2 fractured elbows, split chin, nice bunions
congenital birth defect 50% of right hip socket not there, missing one rib apparently gave to some ingrate named Adam (ha ha)
Major Hip surgery 7/2006, rebuilt. Ouch! Birmingham hip/replacement hip in 2007-08.

Location:
Colorado

Boots:
Jackson Pro Flex

Blades:
MK Dance
Pattern 99 K pick

[Mel On Ice]

Age:
36

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'4" and amply curvaceous

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flip, Lutz when I'm doing the pole vault of faith

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Camel, haven't quite progressed to camel-sit

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
just started the the pre dances, Dutch, blues, haven't even started the tango yet

Tests passed (if applicable):
Bronze MIF and Free, ISI 4

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
I have flat, wide feet that pronate. This has thrown off my hips and knees. I wear orthodics in my boots.

Location:
Grand Rapids, MI USA.

Boots:
SP Teri Deluxe Customs

Blades:
MK Pro

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
No. The fitter recommended a boot way too stiff for me. When I called SP Teri to complain that I hadn't been able to skate comfortably in a year and a half, they reviewed my order form and said "we have you down as working on a triple flip," to which I replied "I'm a pre-bronze level skater, that's A flip, not a triple flip." I threw them at Aaron and said fix them, replace them or refund them. I just can't afford to buy new boots this year, but I'm planning on replacing them next year upon the recommendations of someone that knows what he is doing.

[Scarlett]

Ok I'll play

Age:
28

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
Short (5ft 3) plump yet athletic (think big ball of muscle surrounded by fat)

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
toe loop

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
If only I could spin....If I'm lucky a forward upright

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Anything that could be done in a club, nothing on the ice

Tests passed (if applicable):
None yet....will probably test pre-bronze this summer

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Bad knee and funky feet. I have extremely narrow heels, am totally flat footed and am a major pronator. I wear orthotics in both my shoes and my skates.

Location:
Washington, DC area

Boots:
Riedell Gold Medallions

Blades:
Wilson Excel

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Not really. I have been having major problems with getting a good fit with my boots (see above foot issues). When I manage to lose all this excess weight, I will probably go for a pair of custom Klingbeils and whatever blade my coach suggests.

[tripletoesrule]

Age:
18

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'2"/115/athleticish

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
triple toe

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Biellman

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Diamonds

Tests passed (if applicable):
Junior Competitive, Senior Pairs, Gold Dances, Gold Skills

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Patello Femoral Syndrome (knees) Back injury (lower back)

Boots:
Jackson 3200

Blades:
Ultima Protege

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Extremely! I grew up in wifas, moved to one pair of reidells but they weren't for me then went back to wifas then straight into jackson which i've been in for 5 pairs now

[crayonskater]

Age:
26

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'5''/125/mesomorph

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
retarded waltz jump

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
baby two-foot and one-foot forward spin. It's about as mentally challenged as the waltz jump at this point.

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Ha. Ha. Ha.

Tests passed (if applicable):
None yet; hoping to get solid edgework and start most of my singles this season.

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Flat feet and bunions. Narrow heel (A/AA) and wide ball due to bunions.

Location:
USA

Boots:
Jackson Competitors

Blades:
Ultima Mirage

Are you happy with your boot/blades?: When I got them I was quite pleased. At the moment, I am in such an incredible amount of bunion pain that I really hate my skates, my feet, walking, and my cat (just for good measure).

So, ignoring my feet's current griping (as the skates are getting punched out), I have been happy with the support provided by the boots and the blades. They were heat-moldable so we shrunk them right around my heels; probably should have gone with a B width but I guess that decision was 50/50. They are solid enough that they should get me through my singles and into beginning doubles, which at my current rate of progress will be about the year 2435. :)

[aussieskater]

They are solid enough that they should get me through my singles and into beginning doubles, which at my current rate of progress will be about the year 2435. :)

I expect I'll still be working on my singles by then. Spins a few centuries later.

[Justine_R]

Age:
14

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'6"/ 120lbs, pretty fit.

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
hmm, axel,maybe.. dbl sal.(soon)

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Camel/layback/back sit, flying camel, broken sit spin.

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Keats Foxtrot.

Tests passed (if applicable):
Currently, Jr Bronze Free, Sr Bronze Skills & Sr Bronze Dance.

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Bunions :(

Location:
ONT.
Boots:
Gam

Blades:
Coronation ace.

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yes, I love them. They are brand new and took a bit of time to break in but they have done wonders for my feet since the Risports were giving me terrible Bunions, as for the blades there pretty good although many people around my rink don't like them.

[Casey]

Age:
25

Male/Female:
Male

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'11"/155lbs/tall and thin :P

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flip, Lutz on occaision.

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
I don't really do anything but the normal cross foot upright spin yet...

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
Haven't bothered yet.

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Only the ones caused by the skates!

Location:
Seattle, Washington, USA

Boots:
Graf Edmonton Specials

Blades:
MK Gold Star

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
The blades feel great. The boots started coming apart after 5 months of use, and have caused minor foot problems.

[kayskate]

Age:
39

Male/Female:
F

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'7"/muscular

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Huge loop, flip, lutz, stag, can do a 2sal if I'm feeling stupid

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Most anything except Beillman. Working on inside edge back camel. My fav is flying camel into invert back camel (think Josee Chouinard)

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Haven't taken dance lessons in a long time. When I stopped, I was doing bronze.

Tests:
Hoped to start testing again, then the rink closed.

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Never been injured. Amazing.

Location:
USA

Boots:
Harlick custom

Blades:
MK Pro

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
My Harlicks are made from a mold of my feet. Would never bother w/ anything else. Until I got this last pair, which chafed a bit around the ankles at first, I had never had a blister or a problem. I had 2 previous pairs from this mold and never even felt sore. Was jumping, spinning w/in a few minutes of putting them on.

MK Pros are great for me. Inexpensive and practical. Never used anything else. IMO, blades are disposable. When they are sharpened out, I buy new ones before the old ones get flat. That prevents an awkward adjustment period. had to learn this from experience. I used to feel like a kid on a rocking horse when I got new blades.

Kay

[skatersmama]

Info on what my dd wears...

Age:
12

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5 feet/ 100 lbs/slim looking

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
B]
Double Toe, Salchow and Flip

[B]Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Camel, change sit, layback, catchfoot camel, other varieties (natural spinner)

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Currently working on Starlight, Kilian, Blues and Paso

Tests passed (if applicable):
Jr. Bronze Free, Sr. Bronze Skills, Jr. Silver Dance, Intro Interpretive


Any injuries or weird foot problems:
No

Location:
Ontario, Canada

Boots:
Jackson Competitor

Blades:
Ultima Lite

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
No complaints so far, loves the blades, although it helps that they are pretty "cool" looking. lol
__________________

[b-al]

Age:
24

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'8''/150/athletic

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
3 sal

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
death drop

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
fourteen step

Tests passed (if applicable):
Golds

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Flat/wide (HAHA REALLY BIG)

Location:
USA

Boots:
Klingbile

Blades:
Phantom (old school)

Are you happy with your boot/blades?: Yes. I'm not a competitive skater anymore. I've been in Klingbile since I was 13 and have varied between Vantage and Phantom, and I may have had Pattern 99's at some point. The only thing negative, perhaps (as I can't recall a different skate) is Klingbiles are heavier then most skates. (or so I have been told). I've never had a problem with them, and I highly recomend them, along with a memorable trip to Jamacia Ave, in Queens. The shop Klingbile and his son work out of his really interesting, there's quite a bit of history there.

[Bothcoasts]

Age:
25

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'6"/120/thin build but muscular (I sank to the bottom of the pool during a diving course without any weights on, which is unusual!)

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
flip or loop; lutz if put mind to it

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
change foot sit

Most difficult MIF you can do most of the time:
power pulls/consecutive 3s (forward and backward)

Tests passed (if applicable):
Pre-pre MIF and FS in 1998. Currently not skating or training competitively.

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Narrow feet

Boots:
Riedell Royals

Blades:
Coronation Aces

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yes! I started FS with Silver Stars and Majestic blades--broke the Silver Stars down in 6 months and wasn't impressed with my Majestics. Switched to Royals and Coronation Aces in 1996/7 and have adored them both. I have had no problems with Royals at all and have yet to break them down, even though I coach 17 hours/week and skate for myself 2 hours/week. I have extremely narrow feet, though.

[MichTheSkater]

Age:
14

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
Short (4ft 9) and fit.

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
double lutz, double axle

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Camel, sit, a-frame, layback, backsit,pancake, thompson
Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
junior free skate
Any injuries or weird foot problems:
No injuries but i have a problem with my back

Location:
canada

Boots:
Graf

Blades:
patturn 99's

[Kevin Callahan]

Age:
22

Male/Female:
The simple answer is Male.

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'11, 115lbs, Beanpole

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Waltz Jump

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Two-foot

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
N/A

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
N/A

Location:
Frisco/Austin, Texas

Boots:
Current: Riedell 121 Blue Ribbon
In Mail: SP Teri Super Teri Deluxe

Blades:
Current: Sheffield Spirals
In Mail: MK Phantom Specials

[Mercedeslove]

Age:
27

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'8", 115lbs or so. I'm a former gymnast, college softball player, and now pro-wrestler...trying to learn to skate. My arms are fat I don't like them. I'm obviously the human (http://img24.photobucket.com/albums/v73/mercedeslove/Mercedes_Daye_and_Freja_Julie_and_bad_kitty_002.jp g)

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Waltz jump. (I had it a few weeks ago and now it went away)

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
One foot, and a sit-spin. I've always had issues with getting into that postion even as a gymnast. So my spin is pretty ugly. Then again. I've never had a single lesson in my life. Everything is self taught. Though it's looking like I will start group lessons March 28th. Cross your fingers.

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
N/A

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Uhm I had a hairline fracture in my neck from gymnastics. A stress facture in my left foot years ago, from gymnastics and softball.

Chicago, IL (Mount Greenwood -- South side)

Boots:
Jackson Artise (I thought they were freestyle I'm wrong. I'm a tard)

Blades:
Whatever came with them. Though I'm thinking of buying a set of Wilson blades. Not jubilee, the next one. (When I get the money) Can I put those blades on my boots? Anyone?

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Hellz yeah! They keep my feet warm, I love how they feel when I skate. I really love them. I'm definitely happy with them. Whenever I buy new ones, they shall be Jackson as well.

[Kevin Callahan]

Chicago, IL (Mount Greenwood -- South side)

I was born in Rockford. Family is originally from Palatine (north west side). We moved many moons ago to the Lone Star State.

[Mercedeslove]

I was born in Rockford. Family is originally from Palatine (north west side). We moved many moons ago to the Lone Star State.


Really? That's cool. I live in Homewood IL for sometime. Moved to Gatlinburg TN, then to KNoxville...then back to Chicago.

Each place I lived I had a rink near by. Homewood. My high school had a rink, in Gatlinburg the ski resort I worked in had a rink. I skated everyday for free. (Same with my high school) and now I have a NHL size rink with in walking distance from my house.

I feel rather blessed to have only paid for ice time....twice in my life. Two different public skating sessions.

EDIT: BTW I did a few gymnastics meets at Palatine High school.

[Sk8tngMommy]

I am using my daughter's info for this as I can't skate to save my life!

Age:
10

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
4'2", 75lbs, very muscular for a little one

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Double Sal, Double Toe, and Double Loop

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flying Camel, combo spin is Layback, sit, back camel, back sit

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Testing Rocker and Harris next month

Tests passed (if applicable):
Jr. Br. FS, Jr. Br. Skating Skills, Keats/American

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
None

Location:
AB

Boots:
Gam 95

Blades:
MK Vision

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
She loves her skates, and the blades were great from day one. Both were gently used, so breaking them in was not an issue at all. She noticed quite a difference from her last blades (MK professional), but they only took about 2 skates for her to really get used to them.

[lillia]

Age:
17

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
170cm/54kg/Normal to Skinny

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Up to Double Lütz, but I have quite a problem with loop and flip at the moment..

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flying camel, flying sit and combo spin - camel, sit, layback to sit and up in a stand up position thingie..

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
I dont know what this mean..

Tests passed (if applicable):
Basic 4, Free 3

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Sore knees when I was younger, nut now it's fine.

Location:
Karlskrona, Blekinge, Sweden

Boots:
Risport RF2 super

Blades:
Pattern 99

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
I love the stifness in the boot and the blade is absolutely my favourite.
It's easy to both jump and spin with!
I had risport rf2 (not super) before and had them for 5 years. I loved them to, but now they got a little bit too soft, so i changed to super and they are perfect for me ;)

[jskater49]

Age 49

Female

5'4 - I'm heavier than I look so I don't tell

Jumps-- waltz, half flip, half lutz - working on the sal

spins - one foot upright--working on getting that snap for a real scratch spin

Hardest dance- Swing

Tests passed - pre-pre moves, adult pre bronze FS, partner prelim dances (ten years ago)



Location - ames Iowa, US

I have arthritis in my knees but since I've started skated 3 times a week, I actually was able to do a lunge for the first time in two years

I wear Jackson competitors with MK professional...very happy - I had Harlick High Testers and they were too much boot for me, plus too small.

[jazzpants]

Age:
39

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'3", (not telling my weight :giveup: ), muscular/athletic build. I wish I had a slimmer build but better than not being healthy... :P

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Loops (Very recently this jump is starting to get clean landings!!! :mrgreen: ), Flip, Lutz (Mostly two footed landings... I'll be working on those soon... ;) )

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Backspin (Getting on that BO edge is a B****!!!) :x and camel (getting a good spiral position while spinning is also a B**)

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Hip hop? :P :twisted: :lol:

Tests passed (if applicable):
Bronze FS, Bronze moves.

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Sciatica problems (from doing a lot of high impact aerobics when I was in my 20's), shin splints last year in 2004 b/c of broken down boots, hamstring...

Location:
San Francisco, CA, USA.

Boots:
Custom Purple leather Harlicks

Blades:
MK Professional

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yeap! Much happier than with the Riedell's...

[doubletoe]

Age: 42

Male/Female: Female

Height/Weight/Body Type: 5'5-1/2" (166 cm), 118 lbs (54 kg)

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
double salchow

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flying camel

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
Adult Gold FS

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Feet are wide in the front, with high bony instep

Location:
L.A.

Boots:
SP Teri KT-2, stock boot w/combination width

Blades: MK Gold Star

Are you happy with your boot/blades?: Yes

[Scarlett]

Age: 29

Male/Female: Female

Height/Weight/Body Type: 5'4" ish, still plump and muscular

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
salchow....loops, flips, and lutz are all in the same level of iffy

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Camel

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Dutch waltz

Tests passed (if applicable):
None

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Major pronator, bunions, no arch, skinny heels

Location:
Washington DC

Boots:
SP Teri Super Teri Deluxe in split width and custom orthotics

Blades: MK Professional

Are you happy with your boot/blades?: Yes...I just upgraded and I love my new boots and blades.

[gt20001]

-
Age:
26

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5 ft 7 heavier

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flip

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
back sit, back scratch

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
Adult Bronze for MITF and Pre Bronze for Freestyle

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Broke my landing leg 3 weeks ago on flip

Location:
Ohio, USA.

Boots:
Jackson Pro Flex Hinged Boots

Blades:
Ultima Matrix Interchangeable Freestyle Blade

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
I love the hinged skates they are great no break in except needing punchouts in the foot area. I have had no problems with them they are great you can bend your knees when you need to. The blades are nice also i like it becuase the blade runners are cheaper to replace they only cost 100 dollars for the freestyle runner compare to 300 for the freestyle blade and they are the same thing. I also like the fact that if your sharpener is not local you can have a couple runners and you can mail them or send them with sharpener.

[Morgail]

Age:
27

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'3"/could stand to lose about 40 lbs/"fluffy"

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
loop, two-footed flip

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
sit spin, back scratch spin, 1-revolution camel

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Rhythm Blues

Tests passed (if applicable):
Pre-Bronze Moves and Pre-Bronze Freeskate (testing Bronze in March)

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
flat feet, skinny heels, dislocated right knee & tore ligament in August

Location:
Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Boots:
SP Teri Super Teri (with an A/AA split width)

Blades:
Coronation Ace

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yes! This is my second set of Coronation Ace blades & I don't remember what I had before those. The SP Teris fit me much better than my old Riedells did. Only problem is getting cramping in my arches (which goes away after about 15-20 minutes of skating). I had that problem with the Riedells also. I'm going to try some arch inserts, and maybe orthotics. If that doesn't help, I'll just deal with it and go for customs next time.

[Amandaskategirl]

Age: 21

Male/Female: female

Height/Weight/Body Type: 5'6"/ 8 and a half stone/ average

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable): lutz

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable): sit-sit

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable): n/a

Tests passed (if applicable): level 3 elements and free, inter-bronze field moves

Any injuries or weird foot problems: none - just that I found that my ankle bones used to get really sore until I got skates which have the ankles punched out. I also HAVE to wear bunca pads or my ankles get sore.

Location: London/ Coventry

Boots: Graf Richmond Special

Blades: Pattern 99

Are you happy with your boot/blades?: I am very happy with both my boots and blades. My boots were broken in and comfortable really quickly and I have never had any problems with them. My blades are probably more advanced than needed but I like the stability which they give me on toe jumps and being lower to the ice.

[kateskate]

Age: 26

Male/Female: female

Height/Weight/Body Type: 5'6"/ 9 and a half stone/ average

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable): axel (ish) double salchow (ish)

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable): sit change foot sit, layback

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable): Well I can get round Starlight, 22 step, quickstep, argentine tango but they aren't all that pretty!

Tests passed (if applicable): level 3 elements and free, inter-bronze field moves (hopefully bronze field moves soon), level 5 compulsories (hopefully level 6 soon), level 4 free dance and OD

Any injuries or weird foot problems: I cut my head open on the ice during a test once. I badly sprained an ankle trying a double salchow. I also used to have red marks on my ankles but I've minimised this as I now wear bunga pads all the time. I do have a odd little bulge just above my left ankle though. I joke that I have developed and extra muscle....

Location: London

Boots: Graf Richmond Special

Blades: John Watts Evolution

Are you happy with your boot/blades?: I am very happy with both my boots and blades. I LOVE my boots and blades. They were a gift and I will be very sad when they die on me. My boots were not difficult to break in and feel nice and secure. And my blades made spinning and jumping so much easier. I feel I can pop right off the toe pick with ease.

[mintypoppet]

Age:
24

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'4"/ 110lbs / average

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Loop (or ugly flip)

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Sit (or ugly camel)

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Fiesta Tango (or ugly 14-step)

Tests passed (if applicable):
None

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Chronic compartment syndrome in my right leg, which I’ve just had surgery to fix. PFS in my left knee, which is slowly improving. Toepicked myself badly last summer and my right knee is still complaining - though an MRI has shown it to be structurally OK.

Location:
Oxford, UK

Boots:
GAM 400 Performance

Blades:
MK Professional

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Very happy. Boots are more than I need for my level, but they’re comfy and supportive and were easy to break in.

[Tiggerwoos]

Age:
27

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
10 stone, 5ft 8, slim

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
3 jump, salchow, cherry.......... plus awful awful loop and flip

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
crosstoe and a bad sit spin

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
prelim foxtrot and rhythm blues

Tests passed (if applicable):
None

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Fractured wrist as a kid skating

Location:
Staines, UK

Boots:
Old ones I had as a kid...... Risport Super Dimante

Blades:
MK Coronation Ace

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Pretty happy although my feet are a slightly different shape to when I was a kid, even though they haven't grown so will probably get some more at some point this year for extra comfort.

[NickiT]

Age:
39

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5' 3", heavier than I should be, English pear-shape!

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Lutz-Loop combination

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
camel/sit/backsit combination

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
never danced - I'm a freeskater

Tests passed (if applicable):
NISA Level 2 Elements and Free, Inter Bronze Field Moves

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Badly fractured ankle causing me to have a wonky pelvis and hip problems, fractured wrist.

Location:
Bracknell, UK

Boots:
Gam 65s

Blades:
MK Professional

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yes very. I've had the boots for 6 years and the fitter reckoned I've still another 2 years left in them yet, but I needed new blades. Can't see the point of going for better blades as these are doing me fine.

Nicki

[jcookie1982]

Age: 24

Male/Female: female

Height/Weight/Body Type: 5'8"/ average

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable): toe loop (salchow some of the time)

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable): two foot spin, and sometimes one foot upright spin

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable): n/a

Tests passed (if applicable): none, but want to test pre-bronze moves soon.

Any injuries or weird foot problems: none

Location: Washingotn DC area

Boots: One of the Reidell ribbon series

Blades: crappy blades that came mounted to the skates

Are you happy with your boot/blades?: No. They hurt my feet, and I'm I'm blaming a lot of my spinning trouble on the blades. In a few weeks I'm going to be ordering some GAM skates with the G-3 blades.

[sunjoy]

Age:
36

Male/Female:
Male

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'7"/145#

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Single Toe

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Only 2-foot so far. :(

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
None. Been skating 1 year, feel ready for pre-bronze MIF.

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Chondromalacia Patella due to running. Chronic pounding (running) and deep knee bends (like cycling) aggravates it, but so far figure-skating has been tolerable.

Location:
NYC, USA.

Boots:
Riedell 280 Bronze Medallion (http://www.riedellskates.com/ice/280.html)

Blades:
Wilson Excel

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
For the $215 I payed for boot & blade set, yes, absolutely. These are good first skates for a light-weight adult, who plans to skate at least twice a week, and take group lessons, but who doesn't plan to compete or test in the first year. Spinning may or may not be easier on better blades (haven't compared yet).

Because of my knee problems, and because of the incidence of over-use related skating injuries in general, I'm seriously considering Jackson pro-flex boots for my next pair.

[taijiya]

Location:
Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Hey, me too! :bow:

Age:
40

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'3", 120, slim/athletic

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Bunny hop, waltz jump (as long as I'm near the wall :roll: )

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Two-foot spin

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
No dance (yet).

Tests passed (if applicable):
ISI up through Beta

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
triangular feet, sciatica from belly dancing

Location:
I skate in Louisville KY, though I live in southern Indiana

Boots:
Jackson Freestyle

Blades:
MK Mark IV

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yes, though I'll probably upgrade the blades before much longer. I love the boots, they fit just right and seem ideal for my size and level. I was in a pair of poorly-fitted Riedells previously, and I was amazed at the difference when I got the properly sized Jacksons.

[jak0203]

Age:
26

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5ft6in/slender

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flip, Lutz

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Camel, change scratch

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
I just took Pre-pre MITF, but my coach thinks I'm close to ready for silver freeskate...so we just need to play catch up with my moves tests.

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
No injuries. I have flat, skinny feet.

Location:
Austin, TX

Boots:
Reidell Silver Stars

Blades:
MK Professional

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Overall, yes. I bought my blades used, though and they had been very poorly sharpened, so it's time I get some new blades. I think I'm going to stick with Professionals, though. Mostly because of the money, because I really want Phantoms.

[sk8_4fun]

Age: 39

Male/Female: female

Height/Weight/Body Type: 5'7"/hmmmm, bigger than i should be....

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):waltz

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable): baby upright spin

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):canasta tango

Tests passed (if applicable): level 9 skate uk

Any injuries or weird foot problems: hamstring/knee injury, and I have very wide feet

Location: Shropshire

Boots: Wifa synchro deluxe with orthotic in-soles

Blades: coronation ace

Are you happy with your boot/blades?: I am very happy with both my boots and blades. I LOVE my boots and blades. I only got them yesterday, and have skated in them for 1/2 an hour, but they fit perfectly and are very comfortable already!

[WannabeS8r]

Age:
12

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5' 8" Tall, 103 lbs, athletic

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flip

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Camel/sit/scratch

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
Preliminary MIF and freestyle

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
No injuries. *knocks on wood*

Location:
Northern NJ, USA

Boots:
Riedells something, I forgot. :roll:

Blades:
Uh, Riedells also.

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yea. They were quite easy to break in and they are my first skates.

[xofivebyfive]

Age:
Just turned 16!

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5' 6"/126/Normal?

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
I would say toeloop, because it's the hardest for me, but for normal people, Lutz.

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
sit-change sit

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
None yet but I'm hoping to do dance eventually.

Tests passed (if applicable):
No USFSA as of yet, since I seem to like ISI better and I couldn't be competitive in usfs because you basically need an axel for prepre and I don't have one because of pesky ankle problems.

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
I have flat feet. No arch really at all. And tendonitis in my right ankle which makes jumps and in particular the loop, extremely painful and hard to do. I'm getting an MRI on Thursday to see if there's some kind of soft tissue injury or something. I'm hoping there's nothing seriously wrong, as I've been off for 2 weeks, 3 times in the past 3 months. Very frustrating.

Location:
New Jerseyyy!

Boots:
Shoot I don't know.. I'll get back to you on that.

Blades:
Coronation Ace I think..

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
I think so. But they never feel tight enough. I'm insane about the looseness of them, because I injured my ankle when I was too lazy to tighten them, leading to a 3 month long pain in my a... nkle. :D Hurt like hell breaking them in and I still have a blister from April when I got them.. but they work fine for me.

[Sessy]

Age:
21

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
1.67 centimetres (about 5'6?) and I don't know what weight (I don't bother with scales) but I'm told I'm quite slim (but quite heavy, as I have giant bones (trouble finding a watch to fit rond my wrist!) and more muscle mass than my boyfriend, who does fitness - which might be due to my high testosterone levels).

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Had up to lutz (right now only flip due to anckle sprain 2,5 weeks ago) and two-footed axel sometimes.

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Scratch

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
Dutch system: up to E-basis.

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Very small feet (in terms of wideness, used to order XXS wideness for my dancing shoes from England cuz nobody else had the size!) but with large anckles and heels, flat-footed, with some bone bump protruding from my right heel and oh yeah, I was born partially paralyzed so I don't feel my right foot very well.

Location:
Netherlands

Boots:
Risport Etoile

Blades:
coronation ace

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
I'm happy with the blades!!! Very much so.

I'm thinking of switching the boots in turn for something harder. Not because I need the hardness (etoile would hold up for easy doubles, I'm guessing) but because I want a "small" wideness-size. Right now I have to lace my laces far too hard! And also the bone thing on the back of my heel is bothering me.
What I love about risport is a) their dureability, b) their high boot and c) their round cushion thing on the bottom of the foot, it's like orthopedic soles, it lifts my flat feet up!

[skatepixie]

Age:
18

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'2

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flip (cheated), toe, sal

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Scratch, layback

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
None...could pass pre-pre most likely

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Injuries-major low back issues from crash with a hockey player
Feet-Inflexabily flat footed...basically, I can't have any arch support. I am also B/AAA in width, with the heal being smaller

Location:
California

Boots:
custom harlick

Blades:
coronation ace

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yes, the way they flattened out the shank makes me not in horrible pain like I was with Reidell stock boots.

[Sessy]

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
My left knee is...off lately. I also have heel spurs from my old icky Riedells


Boots:
Jackson Competitors - I originally ordered Elite Supremes from the internet thinking more money = better, but my coach flipped out and made me return them ASAP. My Competitors suit me JUST fine, and the break in period was minimal.

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Definitely! Like I said before I thought more money = better, but I now understand that you need an appropriate boot and blade - too much too soon can be bad. A friend of mine bought Riedell Gold Stars before she could even do a salchow and she's STILL cursing them. I dig Jackson's - until someone convinces me otherwise, they're the best match for my feet.

Hmm I'm on much of the same level (although there's considerable height and weight difference there) and I've got those heel spurs too and our rink shop will start selling jacksons as of next year as the first shop in the country, I think, so I'm wondering like... jackson competitors, would they hold up for doubles?

[das_mondlicht]

Age: 38

Male/Female: Female

Height/Weight/Body Type: 5'1" and petite

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable): none

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable): none

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable): Swing dance

Tests passed (if applicable): USFS adult pre-bronze moves.

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Some old injuries prior to skating. Whacked my left knee when trying APBM F3 pattern at speed.

Location: NJ, USA

Boots:
Riedell Gold Star

Blades:
Coronation Ace

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
I think so. But, it took me 2 years to break in. Nowadays, people still compliment my skates, "very nice new skates!". Last Nov, my coach even asked "are they new?". I said "almost 3...". She said, "3 months". Well, almost 3 years old.

[VLC_CO]

My daughter's info:

Age: 10

Male/Female: Female

Height/Weight/Body Type: 4'8" / 80 lbs/ Athletic

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable): axel/dbl sal

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable): flying camel

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):

Tests passed (if applicable): USFSA PrePre

Any injuries or weird foot problems:

Wide feet-D's

Location: Monument, Colorado

Boots:
Jackson Freestyle (prior)
SP Teri Pro Teri(just got yesterday)

Blades:
Mark IV(prior)
Coronation Ace (also just got yesterday)

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
She was sized incorrectly for the Jacksons so she never really liked them and still got blisters after a year. We just got her SP Teris and she has been on the ice once with them for 30 minutes and landed all her single jumps except the axel which she didn't want to attempt..so we'll see. I am wondering after reading this forum if she was "underbooted" for her level...any opinions? Should she be one boot level up...the super teri, is it?

[SynchroSk8r114]

Age:
21

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'5/105 lbs./very skinny

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Consistent axels and double salchows; working on double toeloops and double loops

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flying camel, laybacks, sit-change-sits, combination spins

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Working on Pre-Golds (Passed Killian, but needing to test the Starlight, Blues, and Paso)

Tests passed (if applicable):
Senior MIF - 2005
Intermediate freestyle (trying to get it passed, hahaha!;))
Pre-Gold dances

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
No injuries, but very narrow feet (AAAA front, AA heel)

Location:
Pennsylvania

Boots:
Custom lightweight Harlicks in Holiday Tan (size 8)

Blades:
Cornation Comet (10 1/4")

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Oh, yes! I tell everyone that they feel like a slipper with a blade on the bottom. I've been in custom Harlicks my entire skating career and I've never had a single problem. I actually switched over to the lightweight customs because, after having my old pair for 8 years, they were barely broken down in the ankles - and I had done freestyle, dance, MIF, synchro, and coached in them! They're just made that good. The tongues were really the only area that became broken down, but after 8 years, what do you expect? :lol:

The lightweight version is definitely the way to go because of their (what I consider) short break-in period. My first day skating in them, I was landing axels after a half hour of getting adjusted. Its helped with pointing my toes, extension, and spiral/camel positions because the boot is significantly lighter. I also got the hollowed-out heel (I forget what it's made of), as well as a synthetic leather, which is also lighter. Going lightweight was the best decision I've made in the boot and blade department. Highly recommended! :bow:

[emkayy]

Age:
16

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'7"/105lbs/thin

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Stupid toe-loops. Or flip.

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Layback! and scratch.

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
NA

Tests passed (if applicable):
USFSA FS 2 hahahh

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Not really but my coach thinks I had a stress fracture about a month ago from my horrible skates (just got new onesss!!)

Location:
Kansas

Boots:
KLINGBEIL! customs. <333 They just came in today. =)

Blades:
MK Pro, but they aren't on the boots yet haha.

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
I think I will be! My old skates (Riedell's that shouldn't have been used higher than Basic 8) were so wiggly and awful for what I'm doing now, and they were a 1/2 size too big so I wasn't spinning on the right part. And my Klingbeils feel amazing. Of course I haven't skated on them yet since the blade isn't mounted but I think I'm going to be verrrrry happy with them.

[Isk8NYC]

Age: 46
Male/Female: Female
Height/Weight/Body Type: 5'4" and heavyset

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flip, Salchow

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Layback, Camel-sit-change-sit, flying camel (CCW)
Scratch spin (CW)

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
*snort* Canasta Tango, on a good day with a wind behind me.

Tests passed (if applicable):
ISI Freestyle 5, ISI Figures 3, USFSA Pre-Prelim MITF & FS

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Heel spur syndrome/Plantar Fasciitis, knee problems, torn shoulder something-or-other (baaaaad fall on the ice.)

Location:
New York, New York

Boots:
Custom Klingbeils (3rd pair)

Blades:
JW Gold Seal blades (3rd pair)

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yeah, I don't really NEED Gold Seals anymore, but the blades were moved from my last pair of skates. Love my Klingbeils.

[blackmanskating]

Poll: Boots & Blades

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am hoping this poll might be a useful resource... Then we can have a thread at which to point people so that they can get a general idea of what people are wearing, their level, etc. I hope this doesn't turn into a "What sort of skate should I get?" thread.... But I do hope it can be a resource in the future when someone asks that question.

--
Age:
25

Male/Female:
Male

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'6" 155 Medium build

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Double Flip

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
(Favorite spin)Back Cannonball Spin like Johnny Weir/Lucinda Ruh

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A I don't ice dance

Tests passed (if applicable):
I haven't tested yet, but that will change in 3 weeks.

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
I had shin splints from all the double axel attempts off ice. I have since gotten stronger and it doesn't bother me now.

Location:
Laurel, MD

Boots:
Jackson Elite Plus (Suede)

Blades:
Wilson Gold Seals.

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
I am very happy with my boots and blades. I think Jackson's fit extremely well if you have wide feet. I have a slightly narrow heel and these things still fit well. They were tough to break-in intially but after the second heat molding, they were straight.
Gold Seals are awesome. I can't see myself skating on any other blade. They are expensive though. The edges are very secure when properly sharpened and the toepick isn't over bearing. Jump Height and backspins improved immediately.

BlackManSkating

[Thin-Ice]

My daughter's info:

Age: 10

Male/Female: Female

Height/Weight/Body Type: 4'8" / 80 lbs/ Athletic

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable): axel/dbl sal

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable): flying camel

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):

Tests passed (if applicable): USFSA PrePre

Any injuries or weird foot problems:

Wide feet-D's

Location: Monument, Colorado

Boots:
Jackson Freestyle (prior)
SP Teri Pro Teri(just got yesterday)

Blades:
Mark IV(prior)
Coronation Ace (also just got yesterday)

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
She was sized incorrectly for the Jacksons so she never really liked them and still got blisters after a year. We just got her SP Teris and she has been on the ice once with them for 30 minutes and landed all her single jumps except the axel which she didn't want to attempt..so we'll see. I am wondering after reading this forum if she was "underbooted" for her level...any opinions? Should she be one boot level up...the super teri, is it?

Your daughter is (presumably, since she's only 10) still growing so chances are she will outgrow these boots before she breaks them down. And boots are not supposed to provide ALL the support for the ankle. The stronger the ankle, the better the technique the skater will have, since she's not relying on her boots to hold her up... which can also cause knee injuries, if she's "overbooted". The SuperTeris are stiffer, harder to break-in and weigh more... which could cause problems because your daughter is tiny. If the boots feel comfortable, it sounds like she will probably be happy with these boots, until she's landing all her doubles, and by then, she will probably have grown a bit and need new boots for that reason.

[UDsk8coach]

Age:
mid 20s

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'2"ish, 124, petite but muscular (esp the legs)

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
double lutz - working on double axel

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
I'm not a spinner, so pick one :roll:
Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
working on all my pre-golds

Tests passed (if applicable):
testing SENIOR MIF tomorrow 8O , have already passed Inter. f/s & silver dances

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
crazy sticky-out ankle bones! and I have orthotics in my boots

Location:
Newark, DE USA

Boots:
Custom Harlicks <3 been in Harlicks for more than half my skating career

Blades:
Pattern 99's - been in them for over 10 years; am contemplating buying a pair of the Paramount 440s

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
YES!!! Altho, I've noticed switiching back and forth between my Harlick stock boots (which I use for teaching) and my Harlick customs (which is what I train in), that my customs are a little wide in the ball of the foot, and upon ordering my next pair of customs, I'd like a tad narrower toe box... the heel and the "suck" sound when I put my foot in my boot is heaven tho!! :halo: I love how they wrap around my heels & achilles tendon - pure bliss!! They are also unbeliveably COMFORTABLE, for being super stiff and what not. I've skated through 4-5 hour long show rehearsals w very little pain (beyond the frozen toes! :) )

As for my Patterns, I ADORE them!!! They were the best blade switch I've ever made... everything is so much "crisper" in them... Idk, its hard to describe, but I am so happy w my blades... the only reason I'm contemplating switching is bc of the weight issue, I'm interested in trying out a lighter boot/blade combo to see if it really makes a difference on doubles & triples... I mean, what do I have to lose???

[AliCat]

Age:
34

Male/Female:Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'8", not too fat (not too skinny)

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):I don't jump, but if I have to I can do all the single jumps

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):I don't spin, once again if I have to I can do most of them

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
I pretty much know and do all the dances, but Tango Romantica is my nemesis

Tests passed (if applicable):
(All Canadian tests) - Jr. Bronze F/S (from a long time ago), Senior Competitive dance test (I have half of my Diamond dances)


Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Chronic back injury, my feet and knees are pretty much always sore, tendonitis in my ankles can flare up occassionally. All from skating!!!!

Location:
Ontario, Canada

Boots:
Wifa Diamonds, dance

Blades:
MK Dance

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Definitely. I've had Wifas all my life and wouldn't change. I love my dance blades too. My boots are about 4 or 5 years old and I didn't need to get Diamonds but I figure they will last for the rest of my life. I love them (now that they are broken in finally) they are gret suede and look so good! :lol:

[VLC_CO]

Your daughter is (presumably, since she's only 10) still growing so chances are she will outgrow these boots before she breaks them down. And boots are not supposed to provide ALL the support for the ankle. The stronger the ankle, the better the technique the skater will have, since she's not relying on her boots to hold her up... which can also cause knee injuries, if she's "overbooted". The SuperTeris are stiffer, harder to break-in and weigh more... which could cause problems because your daughter is tiny. If the boots feel comfortable, it sounds like she will probably be happy with these boots, until she's landing all her doubles, and by then, she will probably have grown a bit and need new boots for that reason.

Thank you so much for responding with such helpful information. I did not know the SuperTeris were heavier and harder to break in...very good to know! I looked everywhere online to try and find out what the exact difference was between the two and all I could find out was that the ProTeri "sounded" like a very beginner level boot i.e. basic skills. She's learning her doubles so I was worried I went with the wrong boot...it was our first time using this particular fitter too.
Anyway, thanks much for putting my mind at ease. =)

[Morgail]

Thank you so much for responding with such helpful information. I did not know the SuperTeris were heavier and harder to break in...very good to know! I looked everywhere online to try and find out what the exact difference was between the two and all I could find out was that the ProTeri "sounded" like a very beginner level boot i.e. basic skills. She's learning her doubles so I was worried I went with the wrong boot...it was our first time using this particular fitter too.
Anyway, thanks much for putting my mind at ease. =)

Just wanted to add that I wear Super Teris, and it took me over a month to break them in, and I weighed about 100 lbs more than your daughter when I first got them. I've skated in them for a little over a year now (doing all the single jumps minus axel), and they've just recently started to get a crease on the sides. Those boots are tough! It'll probably take another year or two before they finally break down on me.

[GordonSk8erBoi]

--
Age:
43

Male/Female:
Male

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5-10/225/a bit chubby

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
waltz, half-flip

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
hahahahaha. Still working on 1-foot

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
Still prepping APB moves & FS

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Broke my wrist a while back, occasional sprained ankle etc.

Location:
Portland, OR USA

Boots:
Riedell Silver Stars

Blades:
Coronation Comet

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yes. I just got 'em in March, replaced a very worn-out pair of Jackson Freestyles that I detested because they never fit quite right -- but they were my first pair and I didn't know what I was doing and didn't have access to a good pro shop. My first coach suggested the Coronation Comets because she thought I would have a better time with them than MK Pros which most of the people at that rink were skating in at the time.

[Goldjudge3]

Age:
29

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'5", 150, athletic

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
d.axel (it scares me though)

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
flying sit

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
sr. fs, sr. mitf, isi fs 8, 4th figure

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
broken ankle, 2 blown discs in my back, extremely high instep and arch... are "cankles" a problem since they prevent me from buying cute zip up boots (off ice)..?

Location:
chicago, il

Boots:
graf edmonton sp.

Blades:
paramount 440

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
love them both. perfect match for me. boots are breaking down slightly quicker than i had hoped, but i dont skate all that much anymore.

[Muskoka Skater]

Age:
12

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
4foot 9inches, 86lbs, athletic

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
double loop, flip, and lutz

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
death drop

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
killian and star light

Tests passed (if applicable):
Sr. bronze free skate, Sr. silver skill

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
nothing

Location:
Northern ontario

Boots:
Don't know

Blades:
Pattern 99

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Very happy

[TimDavidSkate]

Age:
27

Male/Female:
Male

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5 ' 7, 135 lbs, athletic/slim

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Lutz

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Death Drop

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Pole Dancing ;)

Tests passed (if applicable):
Silver MIF & Free

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
CRAMPS for the first 1/2 hr I skate

Location:
New York City

Boots:
SP Terri KT3

Blades:
Gold Seal with Kpick

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yes, extremely happy and satisfied, I do have to get new boots though next season (2008-2009) my right boot is breaking down

[*JennaD*]

Age:15

Male/Female: Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'6, 125 lbs, athletic-ish

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
All through lutz no problem...axel and double sal have their phases but are getting to be consistent.

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
flying camel

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
American Waltz (I'm HOPEFULLY passing htis today...) and Harris Tango

Tests passed (if applicable):
jr. bronze skills, preliminary free, sr. bronze dance

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Nope :)

Location:
Montreal

Boots:
Jackson competitors

Blades:
Ultima Mirage I think

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Definitely!!! Before I got these skates, I had a hard time spinning but these skates really improved my spins and make it way easier for me to land jumps, etc. I sometimes still get blisters...but apart from that they don't hurt my feet at all !

[Amandaskategirl]

Age: 21

Male/Female: female

Height/Weight/Body Type: 5'6" and a bit / 108 lbs / average

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable): lutz

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable): change foot sit spin

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable): I don’t dance.

Tests passed (if applicable): level 3 elements and free, level 5 field moves

Any injuries or weird foot problems: I don’t have any caused by boots, apart from sore ankles if I forget to wear bunga pads.

Location: London when at home, Coventry during term time.

Boots: Graf Richmond Special

Blades: Pattern 99

Are you happy with your boot/blades?: I am very happy with my boots! I am on my second pair of Richmond Specials and love them! My first pair lasted me years and they didn’t take much time at all to break in. They have been comfy from the beginning and I feel they give me the right level of support. I like my blades too even though they are capable of more than what I am.

[momsk8er]

ok, I'm bad, I logged in with my daughter's id accidently - please note that the sk8ergal message is really from momsk8er. Sorry to all, but especially to sk8ergal.I copied/deleted the post for you.

Age:
55

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'6 plump

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
sal, half loop

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Sit, camel on a good day

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
oh so long ago -- fiesta and canasta tango, ten fox

Tests passed (if applicable):
1st figure, bronze dances

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
broke m left 5th metatarsal last summer; haven't found a comfortable pair of skates ever

Location:
Washington, DC area

Boots:
Reidell bronze stars

Blades:
MK Professional

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
happy with the blades, not so happy with the boots - think they are breaking down after about 18 mos. but they have never really been comfortable. I have constant trouble with them. Either they hurt the bottom of my feet, or hurt the toes if I do a lot of pick jumping, or hurt at the arches if I tighten them too much below the ankle. I feel like I am constantly readjusting them

__________________

[Muskoka Skater]

Age:
12 1/2

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
4foot 9inches, 86lbs, athletic

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
double loop, double flip, and double lutz

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
death drop

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Sr. Silver dances: killian and star light

Tests passed (if applicable):
Sr. bronze free skate, Sr. silver skill

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
blisters

Location:
Northern ontario

Boots:
Don't know

Blades:
Pattern 99

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Very happy

Had to make some changes.

[ibreakhearts66]

Age:
17

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'6, 120ish, athletic?

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
double loop

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
forward outside edge scratch spin--such a weird feeling! and it looks like you're chasing yourself

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
only pre-pre MIF and FS, but looking to test prelim and maybe pre-juv MIF and FS

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
bah. reconstructive ankle surgery, torn meniscus, knee arthritis, and incredibly high, rigid arches

Location:
los angeles

Boots:
custom harlicks, waiting to receive my custom Klingbeils

Blades:
coronation ace

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
yeah, definitely. i've had my harlicks for about 3 years, and they have been great. i have had a few problems with midfoot pain, but a couple re-laces generally help that. i love my coronation aces. people laugh and think coronation aces are such beginner blades, but i was landing double axels on them back a couple of years ago!

[looplover]

Age:
39

Male/Female:
Female

Height/Weight/Body Type:
5'3", 118 (today), carry any extra weight in butt and zero in boobs:P

Most difficult jump you can do most of the time (if applicable):
Flip, loop

Most difficult spin you can do most of the time (if applicable):
sit spin

Most difficult dance you can do most of the time (if applicable):
N/A

Tests passed (if applicable):
ISI up through FS4; USFSA adult pre-bronze moves and FS

Any injuries or weird foot problems:
Bunions...and cankles :cry:

Location:
North Carolina

Boots:
Riedell custom

Blades:
MK Professional

Are you happy with your boot/blades?:
Yes but my boot was probably too advanced for my level when I got them. I think they are the HLS 1500 boots (I could have that number totally wrong). VERY stiff, now they're great, but the stitching is coming out and my left blade keeps loosening. The blades are fabulous.