What skate, boot to get next?

[lilicedreamer]

I'm an adult 2 basic skills skater.  I've been off and on the ice for a while and I"m currently using Jackson 520s.  I hate them!  My right blade feels off to me, and actually I had a pair of skates that I quickly discarded because of blade issues.  My teacher says that I should get blades that I can move and of course, you can't do anything of the sort with Jackson 520s. 

I want better skates, and I don't want to be over booted or over bladed.  What should I get?  I don't think Reidell fit that well.  I have had 7.5 and size 8 skates.  I am a big person and weight a lot, so I might actually be better off in a supportive boot.

What to do?

[Isk8NYC]

Eeek, the 520's are the Jackson Glacier boots ... they're fine for tiny, skinny people who are just starting out, but they don't have enoughs support for grownups or even big kids.  Once you're past the first few intro levels of skating, you've outskated those boots.  (Your instructor's correct: very few shops will move/replace blades on PVC-bottomed skates.)  I haven't checked them out in a long time, but the blades used to be really flat with tiny toepicks; again, okay for a beginning skater, but not for someone who's beyond the basics. 

I usually ask the questions listed below, so I've answered them for you.  Please correct me if I'm wrong.

. Are you still growing?
I think the answer's "no."

. Are you tall or short?
Tall

. Are you of average/under-/over-weight?
Over

. What level do you skate at currently?  (or, what skills are you learning now?)
USFSA Basic Skills / Adult 2 

. Did the Jacksons fit well? (Assuming they were the right size and you were measured properly)



I would suggest Jackson Freestyle boots and a Coronation Ace/MK Professional blade.  The boots won't need too much break in time because they have good support without being stiff.  Since you've been without any support/resistance in the current skates, you'll be comfortable in these boots.  If you're really overweight, the boots will break down sooner than a stiff boot, but they cost less up front.  Assuming skating will help you lose weight, you'll need new boots within a year anyway since they'll feel too loose.  Why spend a lot of money on boots that will be too big withiin a year?  Better to start with a smaller investment with appropriate support than buy too-stiff boots that take longer to break in and will be oversized anyway?  Save some money now and save up for a higher-level boot next year.

The blade is a little higher (and pricier) than you need right now, but with the change in the USFSA Adult curriculum coming up this season, you'll benefit from the all-purpose blade.  Since you're not growing, next time you upgrade boots, the blades can be moved, so it will save you some money.  (Clone of those blade models would be fine, too.)

[lilicedreamer]

Thanks for your input.  Anyone else have an opinion?

[sarahspins]

If you stay with lower level freestyle boots you should be fine in terms of boot level (like the Jackson Freestyle, or Riedell 255), you want something a little more supportive as an adult (at any size) than would typically be recommended for a kid at the same level.

Fit is really the more critical component - a poor fit, either too long or too wide or narrow can significantly impact both boot life and your ability to skate well. 

If you don't want to spend the extra to buy a separate boot and blade, most of the blades that come with low level freestyle sets are going to be fine for you for now - it's not absolutely essential that you upgrade to a non-stock blade, but as mentioned, a better all purpose freestyle blade is never a bad choice, and you'll probably want to upgrade once you are working on freeskating elements.  If you get a set with a leather sole you can have the blades moved if it's necessary, but odds are good that with better ankle support the position of the blades might not be as much of a problem for you.