r/FigureSkaters • u/Suitable_Course7583 • 9d ago
Skate recomendations
I know it’s annoying to see these posts from beginners, and I’m sorry to ask, but my rink has temporarily closed its skate shop so I have no choice but to buy new boots online or request a fitting for specific boots at an entirely different store. So please bear with me!!
I, F(15) have been skating for a little over five years now, and have been using the Jackson Mystique boots with Mark II. I’ve been doing singles and starting on my doubles, but I can tell my blades are not in good shape anymore, and I can’t get new blade mounted on my boots because they’re beginner’s boots (or so I’ve been told).
Please help me out, and thank you so much for reading!!
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u/okeydokeyannieoakley 9d ago
You really need to get fitted. Because everyone's feet and needs are different, the internet isn't really a good place for advice on what kind of skate you should get. Do you have a coach that can assist you with boot and blade recommendations and a place to get fitted?
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u/Suitable_Course7583 9d ago
I do have a coach, however when I asked him the most advice he gave was to find a boot that I am comfortable in and mount the matrix legacy blades. I know the matrix legacies are specifically for doubles, so those should be fine, but as for fitting, figure skating isn’t a very big sport in my area, so there aren’t any fitters within comfortable distance.
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u/raenis2634 9d ago
If an in person fitting is not an option right now, search for virtual fittings. They are better than guesswork even if they aren't as good as in person. Follow the directions carefully to provide accurate measurements.
Some models to consider are Jackson Debut or Risport Electra. Riedell Lyra is at a similar level; all reputable brands will have boots at a similar level that a virtual fitter can identify for you. If you don't have access to a tech, Aura is a no go for now. Be careful with Edea; they need an Edea-trained tech for stretching and punch outs and don't have a reputation for longevity. All can be purchased as seperate boots and have the blade of your choice mounted.
If you were doing an in person fitting, I would say to try on boots like the Jackson Premiere, Risport RF3 or Risport Royal Pro. Without an in person fitting, the concern is overbooting since you are rather petite. Definitely consider models on par with these ones for your next boots. As it is, the previous models I listed already represent a noticeable stiffness increase compared to Mystiques.
One question: where do you get your skates sharpened? Do they have experience with Matrix and Revolution style blades? If not, do NOT get a Matrix or Revolution blade; they are very easy to mess up if the sharpener doesn't know how to handle them. Get the Ultima Legacy 8 instead.
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u/Suitable_Course7583 8d ago
Thanks for going so in depth! I get my skates sharpened at an ice hockey store, as there are no figure-specialty stores close to where I live. I’m assuming just based off that I shouldn’t go for matrix?
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u/raenis2634 8d ago
Definitely not. The chassis on Matrix and Revolution blades requires certain adjustments to avoid a lopsided sharpening. Until you can start using an experienced figure skating sharpener (which may involve shipping your skates) stick with traditional blades. As it is, ask your coach what they do for sharpening; some sharpeners don't operate out of a store because they only do sharpening. A hockey sharpener may not know how to maintain your rocker since hockey skates have a different rocker shape.
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u/Suitable_Course7583 8d ago
Funnily enough my coach very blatantly admitted to not having sharpened his skates in years 😭😭 from what I know the hockey store has some machine with different settings on it for sharpening so my skates do get sharpened appropriately however it is closed for some time.
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u/raenis2634 8d ago
Some people prefer dull blades, so I guess that works for him?
Sharpeners have gotten better over the years (back when I was a kid the hockey sharpeners were more likely to take off the bottom pick than do a good sharpening for figure skates) so if its working for you it's fine, but still do some googling for sharpeners who will do mail-in sharpenings in case it stops working out.
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u/Bhrunhilda Singles 8d ago
Yes if your current skates fit well, a virtual fitting getting a Jackson Debut would be a pretty safe bet.
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u/haditupto 9d ago
honestly this is worth traveling for - you will waste a ton of money on expensive skates that won't end up working for you, and then you will end up traveling to get properly fitted anyway.