New beginner skates

[Joanna1611]

Hello, I'm looking into buying a new pair of skates. I'm 18 and used to skate when I was younger but stopped just after testing out of alpha. I can do the basic stroking, backward skating, one foot stops, and crossovers. My goal is to be able to do backwards crossovers, basic spins, and basic jumps. I'm 5'11 and 145 lbs.

My question is: would Riedell 133 ts skates be appropriate for my level? Are there any other skates that you would recommend? I plan on skating once a week for 3 hours. Also, does anyone know of a good pro shop or recommend a fitter in the LA county area? Thanks (:

[Mergen Tatara]

The more important question is: do you have wide, narrow or "regular" feet in terms of width?

Generally:

Wide feet: Jackson Artiste / Classique
Narrow feet: Risport RF4
"Regular" feet: Riedell 133TS

It's just a general guideline.  At the end of the day, the best skates are those which fit you snugly without discomfort.  You may even go for customized boots + separate blade if $$$ is not an issue.

[Mergen Tatara]

Also, does anyone know of a good pro shop or recommend a fitter in the LA county area?

You may wish to make a trip to Anaheim, to the pro shop inside The Rinks@Anaheim rink.  It's at Lincoln Avenue West.

Go in, look for the shop called "Best Buy Skating".  Look for a guy called Sandy.  If he's not available, the huge bearded redhead or the Hispanic guy will also be helpful.

Reason for recommending this place: the prices are more reasonable than a lot of places in the States.  They even do online mail order at competitive prices.  The only online store that can compete against them is DiscountSkateWear, but based in Phoenix, Arizona.  But it's better to go down and do a proper fitting.

Good luck and cheers.

[Joanna1611]

I have regular width feet. I'll probably try on both the Riedell 133's and the Jackson classiques to see which ones feel more comfortable. I also considered the Riedell 255's but I read that they may be too stiff for my level. If I go with the 133's, when should I upgrade to a higher level skate? (255's?)

[Mergen Tatara]

If I go with the 133's, when should I upgrade to a higher level skate? (255's?)

When you start learning/doing double jumps.  Although depending on individual weight & usage wear, some may say the 133TS can sustain double jumps.  Your coach will advise when time comes to upgrade.

But based on what you intend to do for now, the 133TS will suffice for your "regular" feet.  Cross the bridge when you come to it.

[Joanna1611]

When you start learning/doing double jumps.  Although depending on individual weight & usage wear, some may say the 133TS can sustain double jumps.  Your coach will advise when time comes to upgrade.

But based on what you intend to do for now, the 133TS will suffice for your "regular" feet.  Cross the bridge when you come to it.

Okay, that's very helpful

[WaltzJump413]

It was so helpful to talk to the fitter about my options when I (just recently) bought my new skates. But the most "eye-opening" thing was actually having my feet measured--I had no idea I was a D (REALLY wide) width. I'm now in Men's boots---and I'm a girl. 

Once I knew a ballpark size range from the measurement, making decisions was much easier. (For example, I was looking into the 133s too, but they didn't come wide enough).

I ended up going with Riedell 121's. I'm at the same level, just now starting Beta (but hoping to learn a whole lot more!) So they might be another option for you...

I don't know if any of that was helpful  but anyway-- welcome [back] to skating!

[Joanna1611]

You may wish to make a trip to Anaheim, to the pro shop inside The Rinks@Anaheim rink.  It's at Lincoln Avenue West.

Go in, look for the shop called "Best Buy Skating".  Look for a guy called Sandy.  If he's not available, the huge bearded redhead or the Hispanic guy will also be helpful.

Reason for recommending this place: the prices are more reasonable than a lot of places in the States.  They even do online mail order at competitive prices.  The only online store that can compete against them is DiscountSkateWear, but based in Phoenix, Arizona.  But it's better to go down and do a proper fitting.

Good luck and cheers.

Thanks! I've been looking for a good pro shop through google and yelp and the only one that I'd come across with good ratings was 6 hours away. I'll definitely look into the Anaheim shop, it sure is a lot closer!

[Joanna1611]

It was so helpful to talk to the fitter about my options when I (just recently) bought my new skates. But the most "eye-opening" thing was actually having my feet measured--I had no idea I was a D (REALLY wide) width. I'm now in Men's boots---and I'm a girl. 

Once I knew a ballpark size range from the measurement, making decisions was much easier. (For example, I was looking into the 133s too, but they didn't come wide enough).

I ended up going with Riedell 121's. I'm at the same level, just now starting Beta (but hoping to learn a whole lot more!) So they might be another option for you...

I don't know if any of that was helpful  but anyway-- welcome [back] to skating!

I'll keep an open mind and try to pick the skates that fit the best. I'd actually prefer if my feet would "chose" the skates for me! And there's nothing wrong with wearing men's skates! Sometimes I wear men's shirts with a belt. They can be cuter than women's, plus it's hard for me to find shirts that are long enough. Thanks for the welcome and the input, it is helpful!

[WaltzJump413]

 

[Joanna1611]

You may wish to make a trip to Anaheim, to the pro shop inside The Rinks@Anaheim rink.  It's at Lincoln Avenue West.

Go in, look for the shop called "Best Buy Skating".  Look for a guy called Sandy.  If he's not available, the huge bearded redhead or the Hispanic guy will also be helpful.

Reason for recommending this place: the prices are more reasonable than a lot of places in the States.  They even do online mail order at competitive prices.  The only online store that can compete against them is DiscountSkateWear, but based in Phoenix, Arizona.  But it's better to go down and do a proper fitting.

Good luck and cheers.

I took your advice and went to the Anaheim skate shop Saturday. They measured my feet and it turns out that I have "pretty darn narrow" feet! The Riedell 133 TS skates don't come in narrow so he said that I could get size 7 and have the toe area punched out for my slightly larger right foot. Alternatively, I could go with the next model up, the 229 TS in size 7.5 narrow which he said would probably be the best fit. They were out of stock of both models but I'm going to go back next week when they have the 133's. My dilemma is the fact that I wouldn't be able to try on the 229 7.5 narrows without ordering them. I suppose other shops wouldn't stock that specific size either. Should I try the 133's and see if they fit alright and if not go for the 229's?

[sarahspins]

I would be careful about the 133's - feel free to try them when the shop has them, but if they are too wide, particularly in the heel area (which you may not feel at first while the padding in the boots is still new) that will ultimately cause your heel to slip which can lead to numerous issues, and you'll find yourself needing new boots again pretty quickly.

Is the shop willing to order the correct size for you in the 229's to be able to try without you being obligated to purchase the boots if they don't fit?  Since it's not a particularly uncommon size (lots of tween/young teens need a narrow boot) I can't see that it would be a problem for them to keep them if they don't work out for you.

Are there any shops nearby that carry Risport?  I definitely second the suggestion from earlier in the thread to try those if you have a narrower foot.

[Mergen Tatara]

I took your advice and went to the Anaheim skate shop Saturday. They measured my feet and it turns out that I have "pretty darn narrow" feet! The Riedell 133 TS skates don't come in narrow so he said that I could get size 7 and have the toe area punched out for my slightly larger right foot. Alternatively, I could go with the next model up, the 229 TS in size 7.5 narrow which he said would probably be the best fit. They were out of stock of both models but I'm going to go back next week when they have the 133's. My dilemma is the fact that I wouldn't be able to try on the 229 7.5 narrows without ordering them. I suppose other shops wouldn't stock that specific size either. Should I try the 133's and see if they fit alright and if not go for the 229's?

Punching out skates is always a second choice option, compared to getting a good fit first time out.  Seems 229 TS may be a better fit, but I'll concerned about "over-booting" (it's more advanced than 133TS), primarily due to the increased stiffness.  It might take longer to break in and brake, do turns, spin etc. 

As Sarahspins pointed out, Risport or other European brands (Edea, etc?) is your best best.  It seems European brands tend to manufacture narrower skates.  But it appears European brands are rarely available in the US.  Second best option would be go with the 229, and last option the punched out 133.

One thing to warn you, speaking from personal experience, the shop might assess your skate size smaller than what it is.  I bought my skates from them last year while on holidays.  I recommended them due to pricing after doing much research.  Before leaving my country (I'm not American), I measured my feet in a local pro shop.  They told me it was size 6 E width.  I didn't buy them locally cos things in general (including skates) are more expensive in my country than in the US  .  That's why we love shopping in the US  whenever the opportunity arises.  So I told the shop before arriving in Anaheim I was a size 6 E width, after sending them my self-measurements.  But Sandy went ahead and ordered a size 5 and 5 1/2 for me.  I felt uncomfortable putting them on.  The redhead did a punch out for me, heated the skates and assured me that skates are meant to fit tight!    In the end, I had to take the 5 1/2 or nothing.  Jesus Murphy, it was so tight and painful at the front that I could only skate for 20 minutes before stopping .  After I got home, I discovered the solution was to remove the insoles and wear thin socks.  Today, the skates have broken in but I still feel tight at the front.  At least I can last a full 2 hour session.  I still get swollen bumps on my corners of my big and little toes.  But the price saving (I took a bundle offer inclusive of guards, soakers and sharpening) was worth more than whatever I could get back home.

Sorry I don't know of any other shop which carries Risport in your area, since I'm not a US resident/citizen.  I've only bought my first pair of skates at that shop.  Maybe other American forum members familiar with your area can help you.   

[sarahspins]

Also, in regards to the fit in terms of length, and trying on a smaller boot, it's absolutely fine if your big toe (or second toe if you have a morton's foot) touches the end of the boot, so long as your toes are NOT scrunched up at all.  If they are all really wedged in there or you can feel that they don't lay flat (or you can't wiggle them at all), you won't be able to skate comfortably.  Too much room at the toes is also not a good thing as it will make skating on the correct part of your blade for turns and jumps and spins much more difficult.  It's harder to test for that when trying out a pair of boots/skates, but generally if you can kick your toe into the ground (and it doesn't need to be super hard) and feel your heel loosen up a lot, then you know the boot is too long and it will be a problem on the ice.

My big toe touches the end of my boot inside my skate, and I will get holes in my tights if I don't keep my toenails trimmed very short... but the rest of my toes aren't squished, and IMO that's just about perfect, there's no room to shift forward but my skates aren't too short for my feet.

[Joanna1611]

Also, in regards to the fit in terms of length, and trying on a smaller boot, it's absolutely fine if your big toe (or second toe if you have a morton's foot) touches the end of the boot, so long as your toes are NOT scrunched up at all.  If they are all really wedged in there or you can feel that they don't lay flat (or you can't wiggle them at all), you won't be able to skate comfortably.  Too much room at the toes is also not a good thing as it will make skating on the correct part of your blade for turns and jumps and spins much more difficult.  It's harder to test for that when trying out a pair of boots/skates, but generally if you can kick your toe into the ground (and it doesn't need to be super hard) and feel your heel loosen up a lot, then you know the boot is too long and it will be a problem on the ice.

My big toe touches the end of my boot inside my skate, and I will get holes in my tights if I don't keep my toenails trimmed very short... but the rest of my toes aren't squished, and IMO that's just about perfect, there's no room to shift forward but my skates aren't too short for my feet.

Okay, I'll keep that in mind when I try on the skates.

[Joanna1611]

I'm definitely going to look into Risport skates as many of you have suggested. I looked on their website (http://www.risport.com/products/ice-collection/) and wasn't able to find a model called RF4, though I might just be missing it. What model of Risport's are appropriate for my level? Are they comparable to the Riedell's in terms of price? And... Do you recommend a shop that stocks Risport's in the LA county area? Thanks for all the info guys, I'm pretty clueless! 

[Mergen Tatara]

I'm definitely going to look into Risport skates as many of you have suggested. I looked on their website (http://www.risport.com/products/ice-collection/) and wasn't able to find a model called RF4, though I might just be missing it. What model of Risport's are appropriate for my level? Are they comparable to the Riedell's in terms of price? And... Do you recommend a shop that stocks Risport's in the LA county area? Thanks for all the info guys, I'm pretty clueless! 

Seems Risport discontinued the RF4 entry model.  There might still be some stock circulating around in stores.  If not, RF3 then.  Not sure if this has become their new entry model.  Good news for you: according to Risport, RF3 can last until triple jumps  .  Stiffness index is 45, looks ok; won't crunch your ankles  .  I expect Risport to be more expensive than Riedell or Jackson, since it's made in Italy and have to be imported.

Not sure about availability in LA area, as I'm unfamiliar.  Have to Goggle and research. 

Good luck and hope you get your skates soon.

[Sakuracherry]

Risport replaced the RF4 with the RF Light. They are the same stiffness (rating 40) but have been made with a slightly wider last than the RF4. Although I do think they are still narrower than the 'wider' brands...

[Joanna1611]

Yesterday I went to a proshop called Stick Figure Sports.
They carried Risport but there was only one person on duty and it didn't seem like he knew anything about figure skates! But they did have Risport RF4's in stock.  Without being properly fitted its hard to kick them out of the running but for several reasons I'm leaning towards the Riedell 229's. I like the fact that the Riedell's are sold with the blades, that they're more readily available, and they're sold by a proshop that I can be properly fitted at. 

Today the Anaheim shop left a message telling me that they have the 133's in stock. My plan is to call them tomorrow and see if they would be able to order the 229's in narrow without a commitment. If not, I'll go back to the Anaheim shop and try on the 133's and hope for the best... If they don't fit I'll hunt for another pro shop!
 

[sampaguita]

How about USA Skates, the store in front of Anaheim Ice?

[FigureSpins]

It's really important to realize that figure skate fitting is a specialty.  While lots of pro shops carry various skates, they usually have one or two staff members (if that) that are knowledgeable / trained in fs skate fitting.  Walking in off the street is like rolling the dice.  You might find that the fs fitter is in, you might get the teenage hockey player working the counter, or (worst of all) you could get the know-nothing who decides to pretend that he knows something. 

My point is that you have to do some research on WHO does fittings, not what shop sells skates.  Ask the fs skaters and coaches at the rink to recommend a fitter.  Sometimes, the best fitter doesn't work at the rink pro shop.  Then, call and make an appointment for a fitting, don't just walk in off the street. 

Don't be surprised if the shop doesn't have the correct size in stock.  Let them order the right-size skates if that's the case.  Don't be tempted to try a larger size if the width is too narrow just because it's in stock.  That's just throwing money away.

[Mergen Tatara]

for several reasons I'm leaning towards the Riedell 229's. I like the fact that the Riedell's are sold with the blades, that they're more readily available, and they're sold by a proshop that I can be properly fitted at.

Just go with your heart's desire.  I suspect the Risport probably costs more than the Riedell.  You'd probably enjoy more customer support for Riedell than Risport in the US.  I don't think the shop will order the 229 without customer commitment cos they wouldn't want to hold unnecessary inventory.  If that's the case, you'd probably have to take a leap of faith and order the 229.  It's your call and take the responsibility for it.

[Joanna1611]

Today I went back to the store in Anahiem and tried on the 133's in a 7. Just as sarahspins mentioned, the heal area allowed for a little slipping and the toe area was a little scrunched. I also tried a pair of 229's in 7 1/2 and the toe area fit a lot better, not too much room but not crammed. Finally, I tried on 255's in 7 narrow. The width felt the best on this pair but like the other 7's, it didn't cut it in the toe department. I loved the feel of the 255's but would that be over-booting? The shop is willing to order both of the pairs with a deposit but the 255's won't come in stock until late October. What are the advantages/disadvantages between the 229's and 255's?

[sarahspins]

Is the 255 more boot than you need?  Probably.. but it's really difficult to say with any certainty if you would really be "over" booted in them.  There is a fine line between getting "a little more" boot than your level/ability requires and getting "too much".  A little more than you need really isn't likely to be a problem, but too much will be because you won't be able to bend your ankles properly, which will impact basically all of your skating. 

Were you able to try flexing the ankle in the 255's when you tried them on?  If you could easily bend your knee forward past your toes then you would probably be okay in them.

[Joanna1611]

No, I didn't try flexing the ankle. I do like the 255's more, but that might be because they're the only ones that I was able to try on in narrow. It's a bummer that I wouldn't be able to get them for over a month though! But I want to get the ones that are right for me. Would it be better to get the 229's and upgrade when the time comes...or get the 255's which should last me a little longer? (assuming I can bend the ankle)