think I need new skates suggestions please

[iceballerina]

I have mentioned this before, but I have been skating in the same skates for a year now-the ridells that come with the blades on them. I don't want to blame my skates, but I am having a really really hard time with my 3 turn into the salchow and the 3 turn right before the spin. I have practiced and practiced and it's not's happening. My stroking and jumps the waltz and toe loop are getting better, though I feel I can't go as fast as I would like with the back crossovers. I don't think I am getting my edges or feeling them the way I should. I can't afford to spend tons of money on boots and blades, but I really think the ones I have are holding me back. Can someone please suggest what would be good for me to get as my next boots/blades? I am obviously not advanced at all but want to get to the next level and at least feel a little difference. Please help!!!

[doubletoe]

When was the last time you got your blades sharpened? If it's been awhile, then that could be causing problems as well.

If you plan to be skating for a few more years and learning all of your single jumps, I would suggest either the MK Professional blade or the Coronation Ace blade. Everyone who has used those blades seems to have been very happy with them (including me). As for boots, if you like the way Reidells fit your feet, then you can stick with that brand and go up to one of the boots that doesn't come with the blade. I also hear that Jacksons make good, but reasonably priced introductory level boots. But the specific model you get will depend on your body weight, foot shape and preferred stiffness, so you need to go to your skate shop and get fitted by an expert.

[iceballerina]

Thanks for the reqs. I had them sharpened about a month ago, by a reputable sharpner, but it didn't seem to help much. I am just looking at pricing online to get a general idea.

[TaBalie]

Try this thread:

Poll: Boots and Blades (http://skatingforums.com/showthread.php?t=18514&highlight=Poll%3A+Boots+%26amp%3B+Blades)

You can get an idea of what people are wearing, what level they are at, etc...

Also, have you asked your coach for suggestions? Is their a reputable pro shop you can visit and try on various different models?

[Skatinglover]

My advice would be to first sharpen your blades to see if it makes a difference, if it doesn't i think you should invest in a pair a skates.. I know it's expensive, but if you are only doing single jumps, there are pretty good skates (even some with blades coming with it) for some good price. It is for sure a big invest but it can last long if you take care of your skates and blades... I hope that will help you

[Skate@Delaware]

If they don't improve after a good sharpening, then I would think about new boots and blades. It would be a good investment in terms of improvement to visit a fitter for proper sizing and recommendations for your budget. Also, to make sure the blades are mounted correctly-one set of my blades were mis-mounted and it messed up my 3-turns for over a year.

Good blades will help but the rest is technique!

I skate in Jackson Elites and use Coronation Aces and love them!!! They did not improve my spins overnight (I actually regressed due to bad technique and sloppiness/laziness). But having skates that fit well is worth the $$$.

[Isk8NYC]

Riedell has a number of boot-and-blade combinations.

If your boot fits well and has a leather sole (looks like wood) you could just replace the blades.

I'm partial to the Coronation Ace or MK Pros for my students - they both have 7' rockers. No, I don't use them myself. I have a few students with those blades, as well as one young lady with Ultima Mirage blades. That blade is nice, but has an 8' rocker. (Also has the status-symbol cross-cut toerake, so it's very appealing. LOL)

[Skate@Delaware]

I was going to mention; not sure how old you are so if your growing has slowed down, you might be able to pick up a used set at a good price from someone that has outgrown theirs before they have beat them up too much.

I would check in person, though instead of eBay, so you can get a good fit. I would also stay away from the plastic-soled skates...they don't seem to hold up as well to repeated stress of jumping.

[Mrs Redboots]

Go and visit Les Westaway near Reading - anybody at your rink will tell you how to contact him. He won't sell you new boots if you don't need them, but if you do, he will make sure they are well-fitting and not more boot than you need at this stage. He mainly sells Gams, but if they're not right for your feet he will recommend another brand.

We need to visit him fairly soon - Husband's boots, which he told us two years ago would probably last another year, now probably won't! I think we'll make them do until after our next competition, towards the end of March, as then we'll have a clear six-week break-in period before Estonia.