Hello! I am new and have never used a skating forum before. I have a question and need some help, I'm hoping this is the right place to post my question. And that someone can offer their feedback....
I'm Hard on almost every single pair of boots I get, the only brand that sometimes takes a year of holding up are the stiff jackson's. Since I break em so quick, do 3.5 hours 5 days a week, and am struggling for every penny, I just can't ever afford new boots, I can barely afford used ones....
Because of my issue I only get used boots, that are, really in a near new condition as they're not really broken in, then I customize them. I get free heat molds and punches at a few local specialty places, and I have a few secret tricks that......well I won't share just yet Wink at least not until I become friends with some of you!
Over the years I've become somewhat of a pro at customizing my own boots, I can put up with just about anything as long as it fits and I've broken it to the stiffness I like.
I'm about to buy a super deal from a girl who's selling grafs. Edmonton's 7.5 M with like new Gold seals. She's selling 2 pairs of the same size edmonton's and one pair of gold seals.
Oh, important to add, I'm a dancer but need one boot for freeskate to pass the test to qualify me for coaching, (I live in Canada, I don't know how it goes in other countries....)
I've heard from too many people that even though grafs are great, they are very low quality and heels coming off has been a major issue for many people, though they all admit the easy break-in was nice.
And I read on a UK skating forum that the round toe boxes have been giving people black toe issues!!!!!
All these stories scare me, but they all said that as long as you change boots every few months, you shouldn't have problems. Although I don't see what difference that would make for the toe problems....
So my question is: if I buy these from this lady, and since I'm buying 2, I will just start with the other pair in 6 months, should I still stay away since they have each been used for a full season, or should I go for this amazing deal? (that I actually can afford! 2 pairs of boots and 1 pair of new blades for the price of one pair of used boots!
)
For me, when it comes to money, it's not a choice of whether or not to go with cheaper. It's either buy what you can afford or don't skate for a year, so I can't invest in top of the line new skates or in customs. I have to make do with whatever's available and use it, as long as it's safe. And so far it has really worked out for most of the year's I've been training, (I have been tricked into ill-fitting boots by misleading fitters once or twice
)
Heels coming off is NOT safe.
From the picture this young lady sent me, and from speaking with her, even though she has been skating in senior 2 hrs a day 5days a week for 2 years, the boots have virtually NO WEAR on them, none. Just some black spots we all get from falling and such.
So it's either she's lying to me about her skill level, or she never bends her knees!
She sounded really honest on the phone though...
So, do you think it would be safe to take these? Also, I've heard from zillions of people that if you have a problem with your grafs, they'll send you a replacement boot. The pairs I'm getting are a year old, well one is 2 years old, (but only been skated on for one season)
Do you think that if I'll have a problem they'll still replace? Even though these are not the most current model?
I really hope I can get some feedback, please help me! I can actually sort of afford these!
Thank you!