Hi All!
I'm trying to decide on new boots and blades, but am getting conflicting info from two local dealers. I'm not working with a coach yet, so I'm not sure I can get help there (looking in to it). In the meantime, I'm hopeful someone here might be able to help. I skated all through my teens and early 20's, then sporadically until we started our family 5 years ago, but am not at all familiar with the current crop of boots and blades on the market.
I was skating in Riedell 925 Comps with Coronation Ace blades (7ft rocker) - a combo I used and loved for a really long time (rebuilt once because I didn't want to part with them, lol), but after having my daughter my boots don't fit anymore and Riedell can't stretch them enough. If they could, I'd be totally happy keeping them.
Here's where my questions come in - one fitter thinks I should be back in a Riedell boot (435 or 875 TS) with the Coronation Ace, requiring a trip to Riedell (semi-local) to get fitted because the dealer doesn't carry my new width. This fitter didn't seem to think the Jacksons or SP Terri's were even worth trying for me. The other fitter says Riedell skates aren't what they used to be, and suggested a Jackson boot (Premiere) with an Ultimate Elite Blade (8ft rocker).
My last boot/blade purchase was about 20 years ago, and at 18, my coach was still calling the shots so I didn't do much more than show up to try them on and hand over the cash. I'm not sure which is the better boot - I love my Riedells, but the new ones aren't at all the same (understandable, it's been 20 yrs
). As for Jacksons . . . I know
nothing. I'm also curious about switching from a 7 to an 8 ft rocker - will it make much of a difference? I haven't skated for 5 years, so maybe after all that time I wouldn't even notice?
I *think* I should at least have all my singles up to and including my lutz (not willing to try with my boots this tight, but my jumps always seem to come back quickly), and can't imagine pushing for anything more than an axel any time soon, if ever. I jump big, and I'm at a pretty high weight right now so I need a boot that can handle that and hopefully not need to be replaced too quickly.
Any help, suggestions or been there/done that stories would be appreciated.
Thank you!