Skate and Blade Info
Skating Boots
Jackson Ultima
Jackson Ultima is a global leader in figure skate boots and blades. Their expertise and passion for the sport is embodied in Jackson Ultima's commitment to technology that enhances the performance of the world's leading skaters. The Company also offers a complete rang of recreational figure and leisure skates to enhance the pleasure and enjoyment of all skaters. For more information, visit their website at www.jacksonskates.com .
Gam
At Gam, they recognize that support and comfort are the main functions skaters expect from their boots. That is why they use leather exclusively as the basic component in boot construction. Leather is the ideal material to use for fit and comfort. GAM pioneered the bi-dimensional LAST, increasing stability and reducing injuries caused by friction during the execution of jumps and other technically demanding skate moves. Since there are different levels of skating and different types of skaters, GAM offers a full range of models to meet the demands involved in each of the stages of figure skating. For more information visit their website at www.gamskates.com .
Riedell
From the smooth glide of a Sunday afternoon skate to the rigors of competition which demand beautiful artistry and flawless technique, Riedell has the skate that is absolutely perfect for you. Riedell skates are designed by master boot-makers who carefully choose the finest materials for stunning combinations of beauty and performance. For more information visit their website at www.riedellskates.com .
Risport
Risport skates are manufactured in Italy. Risport is a leading international manufacturer of figure skates. Technological research, infinite passion and fine craftsmanship distinguish Risport boots, always worn by the world's top athletes. For more information visit their website at www.risport.it .
Harlick
Buying hand crafted Harlick skating boots assures you of over 70 years of design knowledge, research, and experience built into each boot. Since it's foundation, Harlick and Company has been the leader in new boot design developments in the skating industry. Our designers continuously work side by side with skaters and industry professionals to maintain Harlick's high standards and goals - to make and sell the boot of perfection. Harlick custom boots are as unique as each skater who buys and wears them. We offer individually, hand designed boot patterns, uppers to match precise foot measurements, and personalized lasts for custom fit. In addition to custom fit design, Harlick custom boots offer a variety of options to suit your skating needs. Choose from orthopedic ankle padding, special tongue padding, scalloped insteps for flexibility, various ankle strengths for just the right support, soft skating orthotics and many other custom options. All work together to create the perfect boot for you. For more information visit their website at www.harlick.com .
SP Teri
The SP Teri LAST allows the skater`s foot to lay flat in the boot for maximum comfort and control. Since 1963 the LAST has been modified three times to keep step with the evolution of the human foot. For control, SP Teri has always realized that skaters need a boot the fits snugly but not tightly. That`s why, instead of a pointed toe which can cramp the foot, our LAST is designed with a rounded toe box. It allows the goot to get close to the end or the boot without squeezing the second, third and fourth toes. The arch of the SP Teri boots has been redesigned to accommodate the lower arches of today`s skaters. SP Teri boot`s heel pitch allows the skater to balance at the center of the blade. A boot with a high heel shifts the skater`s weight to the toe picks and a low heel throws the weight back. The heel in the SP Teri boots is designed narrow to hold the foot more securely. Ansd the back curve holds the heel in a snug position for jumping control. For more information visit their website at www.spteri.com .
Wifa
Wifa is a world-wide leader in the manufacture of skating boots. They offer a comprehensive program for all skaters, beginner or competitive, professional or recreational. Their skates are manufactured in Austria. For more information visit their website at www.wifa.at .
Edea
Edea skates are manufactured in Italy. A thorough study on the requirements of figure skating took them to search technical solutions and new materials. For more information visit their website at www.edeaskates.com .
Graf
Graf Canada designs and manufactures professional figure skates. For more information visit their website at www.grafcanada.com .
Klingbeil
Klingbeil boots are built for the individual. Each boot is built specifically for your personal size, strength and durability requirements. We incorporate a high-technology foot foam system, that forms to the exact shape of your foot. We can verify, without error, your specific foot shape and arch dimensions. www.klingbeilskatingboots.com
Skate Blades
Gam
To design a blade that is specific to figure skating requires much mor than the knowledge of the materials used in its manufacturing. Each rocker, pick and angle that make up the blade must meet the characteristics inherent to the different techniques and skill level of each individual figure skater. Using cutting edge manufacturing techniques Gam designers have been able to implement parameter variations for each blade size so the skater does not need to adapt his/her technique to accommodate a disproportionate blade. Intermediate blades are available in straight cut and cross cut picks. Advanced blades in stainless steel are maintenance free and are made of harder steel for longer edge life. Variable stanchion heights are available to meet various skill levels. For more information visit their website at www.gamskates.com .
ISE
All ISE blades are crafted in Canada from the finest steel for high performance and durability. They are designed by skating professionals specifically for today's serious skaters. For more information visit their website at www.jerryskate.com .
John Wilson
For more than 300 years, John Wilson has crafted its blades with the optimal balance between high technology and high-touch hand finishing. With an unwavering commitment to research, design and technology, John Wilson crafts its blades from the highest steel quality to create the finest figure blade available. Every John Wilson blade is produced using laser technology for unmatched precision on the ice. The process commences with laser cutting to guarantee blade geometry accuracy to 0.004 inches (the thickness of a human hair). State of the art surface treatments and coatings ensure a premium quality blade. For more information visit their website at www.johnwilsonskates.com .
Mk
Mk blades are produced in the United Kingdom by expert craftsmen using only the highest quality materials. Superior hardened steel and state of the art technology create a true competitive edge. Our unwavering attention to detail is reflected in the 52-step manufacturing process whick includes six hardening and tempering practices. Each blade is built according to the highest standards, scientifically hardened and precision-sharpened for optimum skating edge and unparalleled on-ice feel. Surface treatments and coatings ensure a premium quality figure blade skaters can excel on. For more infomation visit their website at www.mkblades.com .
Jackson Ultima
ULTIMA Blades have proven themselves at the highest levels of competition. Jackson Ultima`s commitment is to long term leadership in the premium segment of the figure skate industry. Ultima blades are backed by Jackson Ultima's reputation for product quality, service and value. For more information visit their website at www.jacksonskates.com .
Matrix
The Matrix 2 blades are up to 33% lighter than traditional blades, which reduces fatigue and increases performance. The chassis is made of aluminum, extruded and milled to increase cosmetic appeal and further reduce the overall weight. The runner is made of stainless steel and is inset into the chassis using 3 axels made of aluminum. Blade specifications and pîck patterns are the same as on the traditional Ultima blades. For more information visit their website at www.jacksonskates.com .
Paramount
Paramount Skates is pleased to be marketing a new series of figure skating blades that define the state of the art in figure skate design. Utilizing advanced materials and manufacturing techniques, they are lighter, stiffer, stronger, and hold an edge better than conventional blades. On top of that, they are made of non-rusting materials, are available in colours, and are strikingly beautiful. The new blades use a frame that is computer machined from a solid piece of high strength aluminum alloy. Use of this material results in a blade that weighs up to 50% lighter than a conventional blade. Its unique diamond-shaped cross section provides strength that significantly exceeds conventional blades, as well as superior stiffness, so that the skater's energy goes into their skating, not the blade. Use of aluminum for the frame also allows it to be anodized in a number of attractive colours. Currently available are light blue, light pink, light purple, black and white, with more on the way. Custom colouring is available at an extra cost. Attached to the frame is a runner made of a high strength and exceptionally durable stainless steel alloy. In addition to resisting rust and other corrosion, thisalloy offers superior edge retention. Skaters get 80 hours on the 420SS and 120 hours on the 440SS between sharpenings. Because both the frame and the blade runner are fabricated using high-precision computer-controlled machining equipment, the skater can be assured that every Paramount blade will be exactly like every other Paramount blade of that model. Skaters who have tried the new blades typically remark on their lightness and quickness, how quiet they are and how fast they are. On the freestyle models, skaters frequently comment on how well the pick "sticks" on toe jumps and how secure these takeoffs feel. For more information visit their site at www.paramountskates.com.
Buying and Fitting Skates FAQ's
1. Why is it important that skates fit properly?
A boot that fits properly is essential to skating enjoyment and success. Make sure you buy thick, leather boots with generous ankle support. You should never buy boots that are too big in the hopes that a thick sock will make them fit better. Bulky or thick socks can limit the support provided by your skates and create "bumps" inside your boots which make them uncomfortable. Too much room in the skate can also cause the foot to slide and hamper the skater's progress. This may also cause blisters from the boot rubbing on the foot and heel. If your skates are too big, lacing them tightly will not improve the fit. The boots will break down faster if you need to tighten the laces to ensure a snug fit, causing decreased ankle support which may lead to injury.
2. How do I know if I have the correct fit?
A correctly fitted boot should feel snug in the heel. There should be little or no movement when you try to lift your heel. Your toes should be able to wiggle freely but not slide from side to side. In young children whose feet experience frequent growth spurts it is suggested that when fitting skates that the child first inserts the foot snuggly into the heel "cup", then stands and bends the knee so that the foot slides forward. Then insert your index finger behind the heel. No more than one finger width is recommended which allows for growth up to one year. In children and adults whose feet have stopped growing, no more than half a finger width is recommended or else the boot is too long.
3. Is buying used skates okay?
Good used skates are okay for your child, especially in the beginning stages. It is better to have a good quality used boot than an inexpensive lower quality boot. When purchasing a used boot be sure the boot has adequate support and that the blades still has some sharpening left in them.
4. How should I lace my skates to ensure a proper fit?
Correct lacing of skates is important to the overall enjoyment of the sport. Once the foot is inserted into the boot with the heel snug in the heel "cup" begin lacing the skate from the toe to the ankle. Do not pull the laces too tight in this area. Next is the most important part. Tighten the laces the most where the foot and the ankle bend. Give a good tug and pull hard. Next lace around the hooks. You should not pull too hard in this area in order to leave some room for the ankle to bend. Finish with a secure bow and tuck the loops inside the top of the boot to prevent the blade from catching ths lace and to keep the top hooks from coming undone. If your skates don't feel secure after lacing then the laces are too loose. If you cannot bend your knees after lacing them then the laces are too tight. Never wrap the laces around the ankle as this creates a pressure point on the boot that will cause a crease to form there. This may cause the tendon guards to break and shorten the llif of your upper boots. If your laces are too long wrap them back down the hooks or purchase a shorter pair.
5. Can I purchase skates without trying them on?
It is possible to fit skates without trying them on by carefully tracing and measuring the skater's feet. This is especially helpful for those who wish to order online, by telephone or by fax. While seated in a relaxed position and holding a pencil in an upright vertical position, trace carefully around both feet. Measure each foot in inches or centimetres as follows: the width of the tracing at the widest part of the foot; the total length of the foot from the heel to the big toe; the circumference around the ball of the foot using a string or measuring tape. Also include the skater's age, height, weight, Test Level, and previous skate brand and size.
6. What is heat molding?
Skates with leather soles are heat moldable to provide a better fit. The skates are heated in a convection oven for several minutes by a professional skating technician, then brought back out and quickly put on the feet. The skates are then left on the feet for about 15 minutes so that they mold directly to the skater's feet.
7. What is "bumping" or "punching"?
Skates that fit but still feel uncomfortable can be "bumped" or "punched" out in troublesome spots by having a professional skating technician stretch the leather slightly in that area.
Care of Skating Boots FAQ's
Should I waterproof my boots?
Some skates with leather soles come pre-sealed from the factory. It is advisable to waterproof or "seal" the soles that are not pre-sealed as leather that is wet and cannot dry out will start to rot and then will not hold the blade's screws. Sno-Seal or another beeswax preparation should be applied to the sole before the blade is mounted. It is applied and then melted in with a hair dryer. The application of Sno-Seal should be repeated periodically, approximately every 6 - 8 weeks, to help waterproof, nourish and protect the heels and soles of your boots.
2. Barefoot or socks?
Although many skaters prefer to go barefoot in their skates, it is much harder on the skates than wearing even a thin pair of socks. Moisture is the number one enemy of skates and wearing any type of sock will absorb some of the moisture from your feet and keep it from entering your boots. If you prefer barefoot then you should remove the insoles from your skates as soon as they are taken off after skating.
3. How should I store my skates between skating sessions?
Skates should be allowed to dry thoroughly when not in use in order to maintain the quality of the leather. Never store the boots in a sealed bag between sessions. Wipe the boots thoroughly with a soft cloth or chamois after leaving the ice and leave them out to air dry when you get home. Loosen the laces and pull the tongue up and out as much as you can to help the inside of the boot breathe. Never dry the boots near a heat source or the leather will dry out too much.
4. What other things can I do to protect my skates?
Scuffs to leather uppers can be minimized by using skate tape, boot covers or over-the-boot tights. The use of polish will also make your boots look cleaner and help prevent the leather from drying out.
Blade Care FAQ's
1. How do I care for the blade mounting?
Some skates come as a package with the boot and blade attached. When you get a new pair of skates with a separate blade, a professional skate techanician is needed to mount the blade to the skating boot. In either case it is important to maintain your mountings. Check your mountings periodically to test the screws for tightness and to see if any screw are missing. Most blade mountings will have more screw holes than required to firmly mount a blade. If there is a hole in the base of the boot and no screw, that is an indication that one is missing and needs to be replaced.The unfilled holes provide additional locations for later, if some of the existing holes "strip out"
2. How do I care for my blades when wearing my skates?
To protect your blades from nicks and gouges, always wear hard rubber/plastic skate guards when off the ice. Even the rubber mats that lead from the dressing room to the ice surface accumulate dirt and grit from the shoes of pedestrians and this dirt will nick your blades. When you step on and off the ice be careful of the threshold on the entry door. It is often made of steel and if you step on it, it will nick your blades. Step over the threshold and not on it as you get onto the ice.
3. How do I care for my blades when off the ice?
In order to prevent your blades from rusting, always dry off your blades when you get off the ice. Slide your fingers along both sides to remove "snow" as soon as you get off and then put on your "hard" rubber/plastic guards. After taking off your skates, remove the "hard" guards and wipe the blades down with a towel or chamois. Wipe both the blade areas and the mounting surfaces as screws rust, too. Before you put them in your bag, put them in soft covers or "soakers" to help absorb further moisture and to stop them banging against each other inside your bag. Never store your blades in the "hard" guards as there is still moisture inside and this will cause your blades to rust and ruin your sharpening. Clean out the "hard" guards periodically in case dirt or grit has accumulated inside them.
Blade Sharpening FAQ's
1. Who should I get to sharpen my blades?
Be careful who you trust with your blades. Make sure they are sharpened by a figure skating specialist. Never have your skates sharpened in a place that uses an automated machine. Figure skates should be sharpened from the front of the rocker to the rear, which is not the full length of the blade. Automated machines sharpen beyond the length of the rocker ruining the contour of the blade. Figure skates must also be sharpened to create a hollow. The hollow creates two edges, inside and outside. A good skate sharpener will check the levelness of these edges using a "square" after sharpening. The bottom pick should not be removed. It is part of the design and is essential to balance.
2. How do I know if my blades need sharpening?
You can generally tell if your skates need sharpening by how they perform on the ice. If you feel that you are not gripping the ice or are sliding too much sideways when you skate, then you probably need to sharpen them. An easy test for sharpness is to run the back of your fingernail lightly across the edge of the blade . If some shavings peel off your nail then they are still sharp.
How often should I sharpen my blades?
How often you should sharpen your blades depends on the quality of blade, the amount of skating you do and how hard you skate. Beginner level blades are made of softer steel and need to be sharpened more often. than intermediate and advanced level blades. Beginner level blades (Canskate Programs) should be sharpened every 8 - 10 hours of skating time. Intermediate level blades (Junior and Intermediate Programs) should be sharpened every 20 - 25 hours. Advanced level blades (Above Intermediate Programs) should be sharpened every 35 - 45 hours of skating. It is also suggested that you have your skates sharpened at least one week before a competition, ice show or test.