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ASK MR. EDGE
August/September 2001
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.
Having a problem with your skates or boots? Can't find the answers? Well, Mr. Edge is here to answer all your questions. With many years of experience and a never-ending resource list, he can help you solve your boot, blade and foot problems. This month, Mr. Edge discusses issues relating to blade sizes and the best boot to buy for ice dancing. Read on and learn!
Once again, hello to all my skating fans out there! During my brief time off, I took a short trip (2,200 miles, more or less) to visit with some friends and relatives in Las Vegas, Nev. It just so happened that while I was there the PSA Conference and Trade Show was also in town. This is an annual show that is attended by rink operators and skating coaches. Being an upright citizen, I decided to crash in and see what's new for next season.
My, oh my! The temperature was hotter on the show floor that it was outside. All I'll say is that I suspect there will be some new figure blades coming to the marketplace really soon.
At any rate, I did have a chance to read some of your questions and this is what you had to say:
After having my dance blades mounted, I've noticed that the front of the blade goes right to the toe of the boot, but there is about a 1/4" gap from the rear mounting plate of the blade to the heel of the boot. Should the blade cover the entire bottom of the boot, or is the space OK? Also, what brand of boot would you recommend for ice dance? St. Louis Park, Minn.
Park it baby -- right where it's at. Your blade is the perfect size for the boot. Do not change it. As for the boot, buy any custom boot made especially for dance with all the dance features: dance backstay, much less support, scallops (and I don't mean the ones from the ocean either), and possibly higher heels.
Is there a formula between the size of boot and the size of blade? My boot is men's size 8.5. What should my blade size be? Sugarland, Texas
Well, Texas, listen up and here goes. Turn your boot over and measure it up from tip to tip. Go with a blade no more than 1/4" shorter than the overall measurement. This is the best size for your boot if you are an adult. Most growing children will insist on a blade that runs from end to end, allowing them to use it on their next boot.
If the measurement works out so that the longest blade you can use is about an 1/8" short of the heel edge, then that's OK as well. Do not go any smaller. Blades run in 1/4" sizes.
My current skates have size 10 Phantom blades. The blades are over two years old and are fairly worn down. I just received my new pair of skates and noticed that even though the boots are the same size, the pro shop gave me a 10 1/2 Phantom blade. The skates feel radically different and I can't seem to find my balance. Do you think that this is due to the size difference of the blade, or because the old blades were worn down, or some combination of the two? Can you recommend any solutions, or do I just have to struggle with the new ones until I get used to them? Any thoughts on how long this might take? Oak Park, Ill.
Your problem is a combination of both the fact that your new blades are longer and that they are simply new. Another question you have to ask is whether the new blades were mounted correctly. All three factors play a part in your problems.
First, you should check the mounting with your new blades, and if you are OK with the adjustment, then leave it alone. As far as getting used to the new blades, it could take only a few hours of skating or a few weeks before all is well again.
If necessary, exchange your blades for a smaller size, providing they will fit on your new boots.
You might also try adjusting your technique. During the past year you would have been compensating for the worn blades and never even realized it.
Well skate fans, it's time once again to say……GOODBYE!
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.
