Blades
There can be such a thing as too much blade for a skater. Someone learning to skate does not need Gold Seal blades or Pattern 99 picks. In fact, the tapered blade and picks would give a new skater too much instability and 'toe pick' accidents.
I recommend Four Aces to skaters as a good higher-end blade suitable for freeskate and dance. Similar to the Coronation Ace and Comet, it has better picks and I find provides better flow to skaters.
Ultima also has some good MK & John Wilson copy-cat type blades that have worked well for many skaters, at a much lower prince. I've just had one skater switch from Pattern 99's to Ultima blades, and never noticed the difference - fora about half the price.
Many coaches are partial to a particular blade, often because they prefer it or experienced success with their students. We are all unique and not every blade is right for every skater.
Let's face it - any top skater can make any blade work for them - expensive or not. It's the radius and rocker placement that affects the take-off or a jump or the centering of a spin, and that is an individual preference.
The more expensive blades are made from better quality metal and often hand-finished or chromed, and will hold the edge longer which means fewer sharpenings. Fewer sharpenings mean the blades themselves will last longer.
But weigh the price of the high-end blades, with your wallet and skating expectations. Top blades won't solve your technical problems - more lessons will or more ice time.
You can't go wrong with a good quality medium priced blade - at least this time. Who knows-- in a couple of years when the blade wears out you may be ready to move up to the mercedes class!
