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ASK MR. EDGE

January 2006

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.

Many heartfelt thanks to all of you for making this possible.

With all the hype about new lightweight boots and how much easier they are to jump in, let's turn our attention to a little-known product that is quickly becoming the talk of the industry.

Paramount blades: “The next generation of figure skate blades.”

Utilizing space-age materials and high-tech manufacturing techniques, Paramount blades are lighter, stronger and hold an edge longer than conventional blades. If that's not enough, they're even available in different colors to match your skating outfits.

Paramount blades use a frame that is computer- machined from one solid piece of high-strength aluminum alloy, making it easily 50 percent lighter than most conventional blades. Its unusually unique diamond-shaped cross-section provides more overall strength and a beautifully shaped design. Using an aluminum frame makes it possible to anodize the blades into a number of different colors.

Attached to the frame via high-tech bonding glues (such as those used in military aircraft) is a runner made of a high-strength durable stainless alloy, available in both a 420SS and 440SS. In addition to resisting rust and corrosion, this alloy provides great edge retention.

Paramount blade advantages:

1. Extremely lightweight, making it easier for smaller skaters to jump higher with less effort. Note: A combination of softer and lighter boots will also help.
2. Stronger framework. More power is added to each stroke you take on the ice.
3. Many different colors are available, allowing you to match your outfits accordingly.
4. Stainless steel runners not only resist rust and corrosion but also allow for greater edge bite and less frequent sharpening. Note: A very good sharpening will also allow for greater edge bite but will not hold up as long as with a stainless steel runner.
5. Sizes range from 8¼ - 11.

Paramount blade disadvantages.

1. Not all colors are readily available for immediate delivery.
2. Currently, there is only one toepick design for freestyle. I'm told that an intermediate design is not far behind and should be ready sometime this year. There is also a dance model.
3. Depending on your sharpening machine, you either need a special clamp design or some modifications made to your machine before sharpening them. Current price is around $325 for a new clamp and $40 for modifications. The stainless steel blades are extremely difficult to sharpen and take much longer. You'll need a different grit wheel to make it easier to sharpen. Expect to pay more for a sharpening on these particular blades. Dealers may be hesitant to carry these blades because of this.
4. Some people say the blades are very loud on the ice. Personally, I think it's the sharpening and the fact that they were left too sharp, not to mention the acoustics in the rink.
5. Sizes not available below 8¼ or over 11.
6. Current price: $469 for the 440SS and $369 for the 420SS

So, what do you think, readers, is it a plus or minus in your books? I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for most skaters, but certainly not all. Is this the future of where skate blades are going? Perhaps, but only time will tell. In an effort to improve your overall skating, I think we should at least take a good hard look at these remarkable blades and judge for ourselves based on individual needs and preferences.

Well, skaters, that's all the time I have. If you enjoyed my review and would be interested in others, drop me a line and let me know.

Happy skating to all of you in 2006.

Mr. Edge

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.