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ASK MR. EDGE
April 2005
Mr. Edge is a qualified skate technician with years and years of experience. He can answer your questions on boots, blades and foot problems related to your equipment. Questions will be answered in SKATING magazine and later posted on the web site.
The long anticipated PRO-FLEX hinged boot from Jackson Ultima has finally made its way into the market. Of course, everyone wants to know, is it good or is it bad?
Well, one thing is for sure, it is different.
According to Jim Richards, professor of health and nutrition at the University of Delaware Biomechanics Laboratory, the new boot has dramatically helped to reduce the impact forces of jump landings and has eliminated the usual break-in period for new boots. Another great feature of the PRO-FLEX hinged boot is that skaters can easily point their toes during a jump, allowing them to come down toe-first with the rest of the foot hitting the ice more slowly, in a way that absorbs much of the impact of landing.
“With the hinged design, you can land with your heel relatively high in the air, increasing the landing time and resulting in a lot less stress on the knees, hips and spine,” Richards said. “Conventional boots have become so rigid that it's like putting your ankle in a cast. It forces the skater to land flat-footed, which leads to the injuries you see so often, sometimes to the foot itself, but primarily to the joints.”
I think I hear an echo in here. I've been advocating for years that wearing softer boots will result in more height, using less effort, with much less wear and tear on the body.
If you've seen the PRO-FLEX hinged boot you've probably noticed it looks as much like a ski boot as it does a skating boot. The design is not quite as appealing to the eye as the traditional figure skate we're all used to. Speaking for myself, I like the concept and am very impressed with the results.
One last point I'd like to make is to remind skaters that we all have different shapes of feet and that no one brand of boot is going to be good for everyone. So for the benefit of all skaters, be sure your feet will fit into the Jackson Ultima brand before you rush into something that you may regret. And finally, as an alternative, just purchase softer boots the next time you need them, providing of course you're pleased with your current pair. Remember that it's a lot less expensive to purchase two pairs a year and skate comfortably than to pay medical bills and be off the ice.
Having said all that, it's now time to see what problems I can help solve this month.
My boots now are a little too big, so I'm getting a new pair. I'm worried because I don't want to spend a long time breaking in new boots. Will I be able to do all my elements within the first week with my new boots? I don't want to take too long in breaking them in because I'm in the process of learning my Axel.
Anonymous
A very well-timed question. The PRO-FLEX, which I wrote about at left, might be your answer. On the other hand, it is difficult to know what the best answer for your specific situation is, as I don't know your current boot model or blade type, how much time you spend on the ice, or your weight.
Let this be a lesson to all; when writing me about boot or blade problems, include the boot and blade model you're currently in. My crystal ball is in for repairs … seems to have a malfunctioning chip problem of some sort.
How does rust on the side of your blades affect
your skating?
Kaitlyn, 11, Las Vegas, Nev.
If it's only a small amount of surface rust and is not actually on the blade edge itself, you have nothing to worry about. However, if it's on the blade edge itself, then you'll lose edge bite on that particular area of the blade. In other words, you'll be slipping off your edges a bit. Most often, a good sharpening will remove most if not all rust. If there is substantial rust, more than one sharpening might be required to remove it all. Whatever you do, don't let this go for very long. The corrosion process has already begun and will continue unless something is done to stop it.
Well skaters, time to call it a day. Until next time … happy skating.
Mr. Edge and all related elements are property of Arena Sports & Consulting Services, Inc. ©2013. Send your questions to Mr. Edge via mail (Ask Mr. Edge, SKATING magazine, 20 First Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80906); FAX (719) 635-9548 or e-mail them online.
The opinions of Mr. Edge are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the U.S. Figure Skating or SKATING magazine. Remember, if you have problems with your feet, check with a doctor – the problem may very well be with your boot, but it could be more serious. Check with your local pro shop for more information about boots and blades.
