Purchasing Your Own Skates
The decision to graduate from rentals to buying your own pair of skates is a big investment. Depending on the skater's goals and skill level, obtaining custom-fit boots can be pricey and time consuming. However, it is a purchase well worth investing in as the skater will notice an immediate difference in the fit and quality of control one has compared to overused rental skates. Prior to purchasing skates, it is recommended that the skater has taken lessons for 6 months or more, has a strong passion for continuing to pursue figure skating, and has reached at least Basic 4.
Off-Brand Skates
Skaters between the levels of Basic 4 and Free Skate 1 may opt to purchase gently used or more affordable skates from off-brand sellers such as: Dick's Sporting Goods, Ebay, Amazon, or Walmart. Seeing as off-brands do not require a fitting, skates are generally true to the skater's shoe size. However, they may occasionally find that they need to order down a size. An important thing to keep in mind when purchasing off-brands is ensuring that the blade is included and has definitive toe picks and edges.
Skaters between the levels of Basic 4 and Free Skate 1 may opt to purchase gently used or more affordable skates from off-brand sellers such as: Dick's Sporting Goods, Ebay, Amazon, or Walmart. Seeing as off-brands do not require a fitting, skates are generally true to the skater's shoe size. However, they may occasionally find that they need to order down a size. An important thing to keep in mind when purchasing off-brands is ensuring that the blade is included and has definitive toe picks and edges.
Professional Skates
Free Skate 2 and up should consider easing into professional boots with stronger ankle support. Notice, professional boots and blades are sold separately and scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced fitter is highly recommended. The closest place to get fitted and purchase skates near Monongalia County is Precision Edges. When meeting with a fitter, be prepared to provide: the skater's current level, specific elements they are working on, and weekly ice time. Professional boots can cost anywhere from $300 to $700 while blades are around $80 to $500. Edea, Riedell, and Jackson Ultima are the long-term leading brands in professional boots. Seeing as the three are essentially equally matched in producing the highest-quality skates on the market, to say which brand is best is a matter of comparing individual taste rather than actual quality.
Free Skate 2 and up should consider easing into professional boots with stronger ankle support. Notice, professional boots and blades are sold separately and scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced fitter is highly recommended. The closest place to get fitted and purchase skates near Monongalia County is Precision Edges. When meeting with a fitter, be prepared to provide: the skater's current level, specific elements they are working on, and weekly ice time. Professional boots can cost anywhere from $300 to $700 while blades are around $80 to $500. Edea, Riedell, and Jackson Ultima are the long-term leading brands in professional boots. Seeing as the three are essentially equally matched in producing the highest-quality skates on the market, to say which brand is best is a matter of comparing individual taste rather than actual quality.
Edea
Riedell
Founded in 1947 by husband and wife, Paul and Sophie Riedell, the company strives to produce the highest quality boots for skaters of all levels. They offer a wide variety of light-weight options and are well-known for their Eclipse blades which are said to have the most consistent edges on the market.
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Jackson Ultima
Founded in 1966 by the winner of the 1962 World Figure Skating Championship, Don Jackson. Jackson Ultima combines classic styles with innovative design. The company offers a hinged boot option to enable better flex of the ankle and use carbon fiber in all of their soles for a light-weight fit. Jackson Ultima is a favorite among skaters with wide feet.
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Maintenance
Figure skates must be treated with the proper care in order to preserve their lifespan.
Guards & Soakers
If you have recently purchased your own pair of skates, you will also need to invest in a pair of guards and soakers. Guards and soakers each serve an individual purpose and may not be used to fulfill the role of the other. Skate guards are to be worn at all times when the skater is off the ice in order to prevent causing the blades to dull prematurely. When you are finished skating, your blades must be carefully towel dried before placing soakers over the blades to prevent rust. For a list of places you can purchase guards and soakers, please click here.
Sharpening Frequency
Skaters will usually notice uncharacteristic sliding or skidding when their blades are in extreme need of sharpening. While there is no set standard how often blades should be sharpened, beginners typically get their skates sharpened 1-2 times a season and advanced skaters opt for 3-4 a season. It is important to avoid over sharpening in order to preserve your blades' sharpening life. Once the blades have reached their maximum sharpening limit, the blades will no longer have their rockers and must be replaced.
If you have recently purchased your own pair of skates, you will also need to invest in a pair of guards and soakers. Guards and soakers each serve an individual purpose and may not be used to fulfill the role of the other. Skate guards are to be worn at all times when the skater is off the ice in order to prevent causing the blades to dull prematurely. When you are finished skating, your blades must be carefully towel dried before placing soakers over the blades to prevent rust. For a list of places you can purchase guards and soakers, please click here.
Sharpening Frequency
Skaters will usually notice uncharacteristic sliding or skidding when their blades are in extreme need of sharpening. While there is no set standard how often blades should be sharpened, beginners typically get their skates sharpened 1-2 times a season and advanced skaters opt for 3-4 a season. It is important to avoid over sharpening in order to preserve your blades' sharpening life. Once the blades have reached their maximum sharpening limit, the blades will no longer have their rockers and must be replaced.