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ASK MR. EDGE

April 2009

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.



As promised a couple of months ago, here is my yearly preview of what's new in the boot and blade marketplace as well as my choice for product of the year.

SP-Teri
SP-Teri
The only changes SP-Teri made were to the KT-2 and KT-3 boots. These changes include using a thermoplastic power tab on men's sizes up to 6 ½ and women's sizes up to 7 ½. Larger sizes come instead with the leather LDS pad.

In addition to the power tab change, SP-Teri also offers a broader range of embroidery designs on stock and custom boots.

For those petite skaters requiring a snugger heel fit but the flexibility of a softer boot, the Zero Gravity model is a great choice. Standard options on this model include lightweight, low cut back (for greater ease in pointing your toes), flex notch and additional padding thickness. As with all its boot models, SP-Teri offers additional custom features at an extra cost.

Harlick
Harlick has stabilized its prices for the coming year and, like SP-Teri, has made only a couple of changes to its boot line.

In 2009, Harlick will add more comfort to its entire stock boot line by featuring a roll-top edge, which up to now was only available on its custom boots. One other change for Harlick is to its Competitor lightweight model. Harlick is slightly reducing the amount of support so it feels more like its standard Competitor model. This being the case, skaters who've enjoyed the Competitor lightweight model in the past may need to move up to the Competitor Plus.

Klingbeil
Harlick's strongest asset appears to be its X-box toe design. This unique design is available on all Harlick boot models and allows for a much more comfortable fit on skaters requiring added width closer up to the tips of their toes.

Klingbeil
Quality and design changes over the years have made Klingbeil one of the finest skating boot makers in the world. The quality and look of these boots leave little room for changes. Since introducing its lightweight design, Klingbeil has continued to grow and prosper by offering the skater a quality leather boot at an affordable price. Skaters wearing lightweight Klingbeil boots this year will find them slightly lighter than last year's model.

Jackson
Innovation has always been one of Jackson's strong points and this year appears to be no exception. Starting from the bottom up, its layered cork and leather sole is said to increase shock absorption and be up to 17 percent lighter than traditional leather soles.

3300 Jackson
New to the Elite Boot Series (2900, 3300, and 3700) are the following changes:
  • Pre-molded ankle pockets for improved fit, comfort and stability
  • Softer, rolled over, padded topline for added comfort
  • Achilles cushion designed to relieve pressure normally felt during ankle extension
  • New double tongue hook to hold the tongue in correct alignment, reducing tongue slippage
  • Stretch microfiber lining with anti-bacterial properties to form and move with the ankle but not absorb moisture
Last but not least is the next generation of the Proflex series. Much improved over previous designs, Jackson now offers two new designs: the Proflex Elite and Supreme. While the Supreme model is designed to meet the performance requirements of world-class competitors, the Elite model's specifications are more appropriate for the less-advanced skater.

1310 Riedell
Riedell
Many new and positive changes have been made to Riedell's boot line. Gone are the Royal, Gold Star, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Gold, Silver and Bronze Medallion models.

With lightweight technology taking over the industry and last year's overwhelming popularity with its 2010 and 1310 LS Series, Riedell decided to upgrade its entire line.

New this year
875 TS

  • Open throat design offers a wider throat and lacing pattern for greater comfort
  • Flex notch offers an easier ankle bend while maintaining greater lateral support
  • Tongue lace bar eliminates rotation for better fit and stability
  • Punched ankle area adds comfort
  • Rolled top collar prevents irritation to the Achilles tendon area
  • Cork heels provide lightness and shock absorption on landings
435 TS includes all of the features of the 875 except for the cork heels and is slightly lower in price.

4200 Dance

  • Open throat design
  • Flex notch
  • Back seam for comfort and greater heel support
  • Cork heels
  • Cut cushioned backstay collar to maximize forward and backward flex while at the same time adding additional support to the Achilles area.
2200 Synchro offers the same features as the 4200 Dance, plus the tongue lace bar and pre- punched ankle area. However, it does not offer the c

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.