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ASK MR. EDGE
May 2010
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.
Depending on the condition of the skate, even used skates can cost several hundred dollars. When looking for a used pair of skates be cautious in your assessment of them and do not jump at the opportunity to buy just anything.
Consider the following:
- Size of the skate. Does the skate fit just OK, pretty good or properly?
- Is there enough support in the boots, and how long will they last?
- Are they like-new in appearance or banged up?
- Is the asking price too little, too much or fair?
- Is the blade still useable, or does it need to be replaced?
These are some, if not most, of the factors to consider when you've found a used pair or are planning to sell yours or trade them in at a pro-shop. If trading in your old pair for a new one, remember that the dealer has to make a profit too, so you won't receive top dollar on your trade. However, if you are selling them, the final sale price is whatever the buyer is willing to pay.
When determining the selling price for a boot only or boot with blade attached, I use the following guidelines:
- Size of the skate. Any size under a 1 is much easier to sell, providing there is still enough support in them (98 percent of the time there is). So not only do I give more for a trade-in but also charge more when I resell it.
- Wide boots bring a slightly higher price, especially if they have a narrower heel built in. Most skaters I see need this special makeup in a boot, which, when new, costs more and, in some cases, a lot more.
- I'm not concerned about looks because it's easy enough to clean and re-polish them. However, if they need this done, I'll offer less than usual to make up for the extra work I'll need to do on them.
- Skates in the 1-4 size range are plentiful and vary in condition. Most blades on these boots are able to be reused. Therefore, much less is given for a trade-in. Support in this size range is important, and if not enough support is left in the boots they are not worth taking in on trade or reselling.
- Skates in the 5-and-above size range are the most popular and bring a much higher price than most. The only problem is that they are in short supply. Skaters in this size range are much older and hang on to their skates longer, thus breaking them down to uselessness. It's not likely that you'll find a pair of used skates in this size range in good condition.
- Creasing in the boots. Most small skates show little to no creasing. Meanwhile, on the larger sizes, it's apparent, leaving you with virtually no support.
Note: Any boot can have a lot of support left in the upper portion, but just under the ankle, where the boot bends, is the most important area at which to look. Try on any used boot and determine how easy it may or may not be to bend in them. If you feel the boot creasing into your ankle bones, its better not to buy.
Blades are also another factor of the trade-in and final resale price of a used pair of skates. The amount of life left in the blade is the only factor to consider when buying or reselling them. Whether or not a boot is attached makes no difference. As a trade-in, they can always be separated and sold separately. Take note: If at least a half-life is not left in the blade, the price drops considerably.
Finally, I only have room for one quick question.
This one comes from the 12-year-old "Ice Princess" (no other name given): Her majesty's skates are getting too tight and she wonders where she could buy a cheap pair of skates.
Well, m'lady, if you've read all the above, and depending upon your skating level and how often you skate, I think you may have discovered that there is no such thing as a cheap pair of skates - not even used.
'Til next time,
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.
