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ASK MR. EDGE
April 2008
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.
It is that time to a look at what's new for the coming year in boots and blades.
To no one's surprise, prices will be going up. Fortunately, boot and blade quality remains high. I don't see that anyone has cut corners to save a few dimes.
Rumor has it that Jackson is working on a composite boot that's extremely lightweight and durable. They've also come out with a lower-end hinged boot for younger skaters. Good news is that its latest generation hinged boot appears to be working well.
There's nothing really new with SP-Teri. Its boot line appears to be the same as last year, and its Zero Gravity model remains high on my list for younger, lighter weight skaters.
Klingbeil is moving in the same direction as last year. Its lightweight version is also doing well.
Harlick is as busy as ever since introducing its lightweight model, and is allowing many of its custom options to be incorporated into a special makeup stock boot. Another great feature it offers is the custom designs that you can get on the outside of its boots: hearts, stars, flowers, etc. As an added bonus, you can get them bordered with colored rhinestones.
The most radical change comes from Riedell. It, too, now has a nice, soft, comfortable, heat-moldable lightweight (20 percent lighter) boot with all the bells and whistles. Two models are available: 2010 LS and 1310 LS.
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Other great features they both share are the low-cut back, allowing for easy flexion and extension of the boot; a new forward flex design and flex notch allowing for easier bending at the ankle joint without sacrificing lateral support; and a soft micro-fiber, foam-backed lining with dual density ankle and foot padding that allows for extra comfort.
I think this will be a popular boot for Riedell.
On the blade front, there's nothing new from MK or Wilson. Both have the same lineup.
Paramount, on the other hand, now offers blades in custom colors. You can get just about any color for an additional $80 or so.
Rumor has it that Paramount will soon come out with a lightweight beginning boot and blade combination that will be lighter than anything else available. Not only will this be an option for learn-to-skate kids, but more importantly, beginning freestyle skaters. Pricing is still unavailable, but it is hinting that the freestyle model will retail for less than $200.
Did I also mention that the blades for junior skates would be in ice pink and the ladies' model would be chrome. It is also toying with the idea of offering other colors on a special-order basis for an additional fee.
If all this comes to pass, expect to be paying more for what you don't get (added weight).
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.
