I've been lurking these forums for a while, the members here seem to have a lot of information! I'm hoping your expertise may help.
I've recently returned to figure skating (12 months back on the ice) after a long 12 year hiatus. I found a coach this summer and am training again. I LOVE being back on the ice, I feel more like myself than I have in years.
That said, my equipment is old and needs updating. My boots will need replacing soon, and I plan to try on numerous styles and pairs before making a decision. My boots are OLD and I have learned a lot looking at the new technology and styles available. I'm skating in Super Teri Deluxes right now, and I'd like to switch to something with a "v notch" because it's awfully hard to bend my knees properly as an adult skater! Can I get lightweight boots, or am I too heavy to do so (125-ish pounds)? Do they make a difference? Is SP-teri still considered a good brand?
My blades don't need replacing yet, but I'm wondering if it might be worth it to do so. I'm currently skating on phantoms, which is the blade style I switched to in my early teens. I'm 30 now, though, and my body, style, and abilities are different than what they used to be. I have a difficult time finding the sweet spot on my spins, I feel the toe pick might be too big, and I find my stroking and turns choppier than I remember, even after hours of practice. I don't think sharpening is an issue, and I've tried a couple different levels of "sharpness".
I'm considering switching to gold seal blades (every upper level skater and coach at my rink wears them!), or something else if I see enough recommendations. I understand the gold seals might be better for spinning than other blades? If it helps, I have consistent double toe loops and salchows, and would like to progress to getting my other doubles back. The #1 item on my bucket list is landing a double axel, and I don't have much time left to do it!
I was never one to follow the ins and outs of skating, my mother is the skating fan and knows about the judging systems and the minutia. I just love to skate! I appreciate any advice I can get, thank you!