Reidell or SpTeri boots and Skating Pants

[CalTx64]

I'm a 64 yr old male. I restarted skating four years ago .  I currently skate 3-4X weekly for 1 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours per session.  I'm skating in Reidell 133TS but they are breaking down.  I started skating at age 21 while in collage for a Phys Ed class at the Valley Ice Rink in Van Nuys, Calif and the Topanga Plaza ice rink.  I enjoyed it so much, I audited the class the next two semesters after the first year.  I went from "rental" skates to Reidell Goldstars size 6 1/2 with Phantom blades.  At age 26 I joined the USAF and was stationed here in San Antonio, TX.  For the next 34 years I skated on the average of 2X a year.   After retirement from the military and civilian job, my doctor told me "Get more exercise, your blood pressure is too high".  So I decided to skate again as I dislike gyms. Had to get new boots, as my feet had grown to a size 8.  I used to weigh 118 lbs at age 26 and now I'm at 158 lbs, height is still 5'8".  Since restarting I've passed the USFSA tests up to Bronze MIF and hope to test for the Bronze Freeskate this year and am working on the Silver MIF.  I've also been introduced to Ice Dancing and I hope to test later this year or next.   I went to Austin to be fitted and I was measured for Reidells and Sp-Teri boots.  I was looking at Reidell 875TS or 435Ts boots or Sp-Teri equivalent.  Sp-Teri recommended their dance boot or a new Model 75 (anybody know anything about it?).  I'm trying to get up to the level where I was before joining the USAF which was ISIA Freestyle 3.  I just need to perfect my loop jump and back spin and get back the flip jump.  Any recommendations or experiences to help me decide what boot to choose would be helpful.

I'm also looking to buy Jerry's 804 Pocket skating pants as I skate in Dress slacks but I've caught the heel of my skate blade on the loose lower pant leg while practicing the loop jump.  I use a waist 34 but what is the hip measurement of these pants or any pant with a 34 waist ? My hip measurement is 39 1/2".  Anybody with experience with them or any skating pants for men?

[accordion]

Can't help with the boot question.

Regarding the pants, email Jerry's and see what they suggest. Or try one of the online retailers like Rainbo Sports - http://shoprainbo.com/boys-men/skating-wear/pants.html

We'll done with your progress so far!

[Christy]

Did you actually try any of those boots on, or was it a case of based on measurements these options could work? Boots are such a personal choice that if you tried them on then I would go with the ones that you preferred the feel of. If not then I would ask the store if they can get the boots in for you to try without committing to buy them.
I can't really help with the pants other than to echo contacting Jerrys or an online store for a size chart, but wanted to say well done on your progress.

[PhysicsOnIce]

Reidells and Sp-teri's are two very different types of boots. The Last on Sp-Teri's are much wider in the toebox in general. I've skated with SP-Teris my whole life, and I love them, but that is because I have a rather narrow heel and a wider toebox. IMHO, Sp-teris also tend to be a bit stiffer and slightly heavier although much more comfortable, but you really need to try them on because deciding. Can I ask what Sp-Teri you were fitted for?

[Sk8tmum]

We've used the Jerry's pants - not big fans of them.  They don't last well, and they're cut strangely:  they bag like crazy in the front, and are too tight across the thighs. IIRC, you also have to sew on the straps and hem them ...  We're currently ferociously guarding our last pairs of men's skating pants that we have from a now defunct company. I was warned off of the Chloe ones in terms of quality, but, have no personal knowledge of them; the Mondor ones are made of an odd and very chilly fabric, and are cut for pre-pubescent boys or guys wearing very tightly strapped on dance belts (sorry, but, it's a factor).

Frankly, if there is somebody out there who can make you skating pants, get them made:  heavy weight spandex is good and lasts well, plus, they'll fit properly. And you won't have to hem them or put the straps on yourself.

If you're comfortable with something snug, try a running tight, or, form-following running pants, preferably ones that have zippers on the ankles to zip over the top of the boot. I agree absolutely that dress pants aren't safe.  We're going to move, I think, to one of the men's Lululemon pants - they have some that are warm for running, follow the leg line nicely, and are wide enough at the bottom to go over the boot, and, Lulu hems pants to order. On sale, they're not too ridiculous in price ...  Nike also makes some items that look useful along the same line, and are a bit cheaper.