I can't help but to jump in on this one, even though I think this is my first post on this board. I had skated for years on Pattern 99 blades, I love them and was very very hesitant to switch. The lady that has down my skates for me forever recommended I try Paramount 420s, they were cheaper and I was on very tight budget, they are lighter( not that I cared, I am an adult and weight was not the big of a deal), and they hold there sharpening much longer. I used to have to have my blades done every 4-6 weeks, and now I can hold out and not need a sharpening for 6-8- or even 10 weeks. The time between sharpening has been great since I drive my blades over an hour to be sharpened. And in addition my skating has improved I am landing 2 new doubles, I love them, they cut the same if you put them next to my Pattern 99 (I still teach in these on a different pair of boots), they look the same. I can't speak for other blades, but Pattern 99 and Paramount 420 are both great blades, but I will not go back now from Paramounts they are awesome. The different colors are also nice, but it is just an added bonus.