I'm looking at a Blade Upgrade soon, so I'm shopping around.
I'm currently on the Jackson Aspire blade with a crosscut pick. I love it, and only wanting to replace it because it's wearing out.
Looking at the Protégé blade, as that seems to be the bigger brother of the Aspire. When I compare the two, the Protégé has a deeper ROH, which I understand and like (I'm skidding a bit on crossrolls and deep edges even after a good sharpening), but it has an "Intermediate" profile versus the Aspire's "All Purpose" Profile. I have no clue what the Profile means.
Does anyone know what this term is?
I'm looking to test Pre-Bronze soon, starting to jump in earnest and my spins are improving fast. A good all-around freestyle blade I can hold onto for another two years is the goal here!
Thanks!!
ROH can be changed - I wouldn't let that concern you at all. If you want a deeper ROH than you currently have, or even a shallower ROH, just mention it to your sharpener, and they can help you out there :)
As far as profiles - a recreational blade (and when I think of a true recreational blade, I think of something lower level than the aspire - the aspire is fine for beginning freeskating) is going to be a little flatter through the spin rocker, but when you get into higher level freestyle blades, the spin rocker has more of a pronounced curve. An intermediate profile on a blade is just what it sounds like - it's kind of a happy medium between the two, curved enough to be useful for spins and turns, but not like what you'd find on something like a gold seal.
If you have been happy with the aspire XP, I think the protegé could be a good fit for you, but you could also consider the Legacy without concern that you're moving up to "too much" blade - it is completely your choice.