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Author Topic: Revolution blades vs conventional  (Read 3406 times)

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Offline dlbritton

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Revolution blades vs conventional
« on: March 14, 2018, 09:57:57 AM »
What is the advantage of Revolution blades over conventional blades, especially at the level of a Coronation Ace or MK Professional?
Would someone that will probably never progress beyond single jumps or Adult Silver gain any advantage from Revolution blades?
Additionally, if there is some benefit, is it enough given that Revolution blades cost approximately $80 more and sharpening is more expensive?
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Offline FigureSpins

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Re: Revolution blades vs conventional
« Reply #1 on: March 14, 2018, 01:18:24 PM »
Revolution blades are lighter.  That's the main advantage at any level.

I switched from traditional SP-Teri's with JW Gold Seals (full, heavy soleplate) to lightweight Harlicks with JW Revolution Gold Seals.  I can feel the difference on turns - checking the free leg is easier because the skate isn't as heavy.

The substantial difference is in jumps - the lighter weight makes a big difference and I can feel the "springiness" on takeoff and landing.  I don't know that you'll get the benefit, but they look cool and high-tech. 

I justified my traditional Gold Seals for several years by thinking about the savings and considering it a weight-workout, lol.  These were an impulse purchase because the Harlick order was such a disaster.  (Took 5 months for the first set to arrive in the wrong size/stiffness.)

Why is sharpening more expensive?  My skate tech doesn't charge more for Revolutions.
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Offline dlbritton

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Re: Revolution blades vs conventional
« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2018, 03:43:54 PM »

Why is sharpening more expensive?  My skate tech doesn't charge more for Revolutions.

I have seen prices at several shops (one in the triangle area) that show a higher price for Revolution and Matrix blades. My sharpener charges more for Paramount blades and parabolic blades so I assume he charges more for Revolution blades.
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Online tstop4me

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Re: Revolution blades vs conventional
« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2018, 10:12:21 PM »
Look at this thread from 2015; in particular, Reply #6:   http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=6411.msg75122#msg75122.  For a single 10" blade, a Revolution Coronation Ace weighs only 30 grams (just over 1 ounce) less than the standard Coronation Ace (250 grams vs 280 grams).  It's not clear to me that a difference in weight of the blade by itself has much significance, it's the difference in the total weight of the boot and blade that matters.  So a lightweight blade makes sense only in combination with a lightweight boot ... even then, not sure whether 30 grams is of any consequence.

Offline Query

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Re: Revolution blades vs conventional
« Reply #4 on: March 15, 2018, 03:30:44 PM »
They are supposed to feature softer landings too. MK's and JW's websites

  https://mkblades.com/revolution#rev-blades
  https://www.johnwilsonskates.com/revolution

hype Revolution technology.

You could save a lot more weight by getting ultralight boots - though they might not be as durable. (I do not know how Revolution blades compare to normal blades in durability.) In theory, some skaters could save comparable weight (about 2 oz. / pair) through diet and exercise.  ::>) (Yes, it's more complicated than that - one has to consider weight distribution, not just total weight.)

BTW, in this thread, http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=6411.0, Doubletoe measured a larger weight difference.

BUT: I can easily imagine someone rephrasing "Is it worth it" to "Am I worth it?" :)

I.E., if it makes you happier, it is worth it.

Online tstop4me

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Re: Revolution blades vs conventional
« Reply #5 on: March 15, 2018, 04:25:32 PM »

BTW, in this thread, http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=6411.0, Doubletoe measured a larger weight difference.

That was for the Gold Seal.  There's a bigger difference for Gold Seal because the traditional Gold Seal has a solid sole plate (no central cutout). 

Offline dlbritton

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Re: Revolution blades vs conventional
« Reply #6 on: March 15, 2018, 05:27:17 PM »


BUT: I can easily imagine someone rephrasing "Is it worth it" to "Am I worth it?" :)

I.E., if it makes you happier, it is worth it.

Very true.   :laugh:
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