Boots and blades for both figure skating and ice dance?

[iceskating21]

My skater currently uses Edea Concerto and Pattern99. This time when she needs new skates and blades, we have some different considerations. She used to work hard on Freestyle, finishing all doubles and working on triples, at Novice level. For her age and previous competition results, she has decided not to compete in freestyle anymore. In the last year of high school, she wants to finish her gold ice dance test, and compete with synchro team. Of course, she will still have FS lessons and participate in ice shows. So, FS and dance will be around 5 : 5, or 4 : 6.

We used to consider Ice Fly or Piano for next upgrade. But now the needs obviously changed. Any advice for skates and blades that can for both FS and Dance? Thanks!

 

[Elija]

Ice fly is probably not actually a bad choice since it’s low cut in the back. Not as much as a dance boot obviously, but a lot more than more freestyle boots. There is the edea showgirl too which could be an option if she wants to stick with edea.

 

[WednesdayMarch]

I think Ice Fly should still be in the running, as it has a relatively low backstay, which makes for a nicer dance point. She doesn't need a specialised dance boot if she's still doing some freeskating and shows.

Blade-wise, I'd have a look at the MK Dynasty, as that's very popular with synchro skaters. It has a shortened heel to facilitate the close footwork of dance and synchro, but still has freestyle picks. Coronation Dance could also work, as could traditional Coronation Ace, which have a strong tradition of working well for everything. I'd rule out MK Dance, as they are a bit too dance specialised (narrower blade with small, domed picks) and, frankly, are horrible to jump on.

And then there are the Jackson Apex Dance and Apex Synchro. I know at least one person who does both dance and free on Apex Dance but I'd be inclined more towards the Synchro.

 

[iceskating21]

To Elija and WednesdayMarch: from Edea's official website, Ice Fly is not good for ice dance. If you look at the dashboard below the first photo, on the clock for ice dance, the hand goes to red section.

Ice Fly - Edea Skates

edeaskates.com

Based on the clocks, it seems Chorus is better for dance and synchro. But I wonder whether it's good enough for jumps, although she is not focusing on jumps as much as before.

Chorus - Edea Skates

edeaskates.com

May I ask whether MK Dynasty can be sharpened in regular sharpening machine? I heard MK Phantom needs special sharpening machine, which is not convenient for us.

 

[Elija]

To Elija and WednesdayMarch: from Edea's official website, Ice Fly is not good for ice dance. If you look at the dashboard below the first photo, on the clock for ice dance, the hand goes to red section.

Ice Fly - Edea Skates

edeaskates.com

Based on the clocks, it seems Chorus is better for dance and synchro. But I wonder whether it's good enough for jumps, although she is not focusing on jumps as much as before.

Chorus - Edea Skates

edeaskates.com

May I ask whether MK Dynasty can be sharpened in regular sharpening machine? I heard MK Phantom needs special sharpening machine, which is not convenient for us.

Yeah, chorus is not gonna be enough for her level of jumping, that’s the problem.chorus really don’t work for anyone but smaller kids once they get their doubles. There’s not gonna be any boot that is perfect for both dance and freestyle, as she’s at a high level with both.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

If she's going to keep doing both, she's going to need two sets of boots: one for dance and one for freestyle.

I've done it for years, used to compete both at a high level. I had to buy 3 pairs of skates yearly.

 

[SK4T3]

If she's going to keep doing both, she's going to need two sets of boots: one for dance and one for freestyle.

I've done it for years, used to compete both at a high level. I had to buy 3 pairs of skates yearly.

Same boots (Brand/Model) with both different blades (FS and Dance); or Specific Dance Boots + Blades and Specific FS Boots + Blades?

Please tell me your set-up these years.

How did you manage these changes of Hardware during the weeks/different types of coaching/lessons/competitions?

 

[Vicki7]

I am nowhere near your daughter's level but I do both and use my freestyle boots and blades. The only change was my fitter went a little shorter with the blades (but still within the recommended lengths for the boots). I was considering a synchro blade at one point, can't remember why I didn't do this though.

I wouldn't discount the advice about the Ice Fly either - the website is a good starting point, but every skater is different and I do know people who dance just fine in them as well as jumping.

But at her level, I'd be inclined to go with @Ic3Rabbit's advice and get 2 completely separate setups - there would be an adjustment period but I'm sure she'd be fine.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Same boots (Brand/Model) with both different blades (FS and Dance); or Specific Dance Boots + Blades and Specific FS Boots + Blades?

Please tell me your set-up these years.

How did you manage these changes of Hardware during the weeks/different types of coaching/lessons/competitions?

The point I was making with two different boots and blades was just that. If she is just starting dance she'll need the more dance appropriate boots that are a bit less stiffer like Jackson Supreme Pro, Riedell Synchro or Dance (boot brand of course depends on her foot shape and needs). This teamed with a dance blade (MK Dance/JW Coronation Dance), which if she's just starting out in dance I would suggest the latter first.

Singles boots/blades would be totally different for jumping etc. Some elite dancers like Piper and Paul do use stiffer boots for dance (as did I as I advanced) but they are elite and there is no reason for this for lower level dancers (it would hinder more than help).

I personally had extremely minor issues at first transferring b/t dance and singles boots/blades in the same day most of the time for training. But others experiences may vary.

As far as my set up. You aren't going to find my set up for her so there's no point in me writing everything out. I've had multiple set ups over the years of competing. And now as pro have a bit different set but nothing you'd be looking at.

 

[SK4T3]

The point I was making with two different boots and blades was just that. If she is just starting dance she'll need the more dance appropriate boots that are a bit less stiffer like Jackson Supreme Pro, Riedell Synchro or Dance (boot brand of course depends on her foot shape and needs). This teamed with a dance blade (MK Dance/JW Coronation Dance), which if she's just starting out in dance I would suggest the latter first.

Singles boots/blades would be totally different for jumping etc. Some elite dancers like Piper and Paul do use stiffer boots for dance (as did I as I advanced) but they are elite and there is no reason for this for lower level dancers (it would hinder more than help).

I personally had extremely minor issues at first transferring b/t dance and singles boots/blades in the same day most of the time for training. But others experiences may vary.

As far as my set up. You aren't going to find my set up for her so there's no point in me writing everything out. I've had multiple set ups over the years of competing. And now as pro have a bit different set but nothing you'd be looking at.

It's about myself; my "daily's" for Solo FS are RF3Pro + JW CA. I really love them! Use them for ID Pairs too (50/50); but experience the disadvantages of the blade (not the booth). Possible options:

• Put an MK Dance underneath current RF3Pro and also use it for FS (50/50) (All Single jumps; but can't master a Loop)
• Order RF3Pro + MK Dance
• Look for a complete new setup (but depents on stock)

What's you opinion about the Dynasty?

I'm a recreational skater; but with Dedication, Passion and Commitment

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

It's about myself; my "daily's" for Solo FS are RF3Pro + JW CA. I really love them! Use them for ID Pairs too (50/50); but experience the disadvantages of the blade (not the booth). Possible options:

• Put an MK Dance underneath current RF3Pro and also use it for FS (50/50) (All Single jumps; but can't master a Loop)
• Order RF3Pro + MK Dance
• Look for a complete new setup (but depents on stock)

What's you opinion about the Dynasty?

I'm a recreational skater; but with Dedication, Passion and Commitment

IDK how many times I need to state this for those who want to do both dance and singles. YOU CANNOT WEAR A DANCE BLADE TO JUMP!
They are not designed for that and it will injure you. So unless you're getting a regular singles blade and do dance on them while being safe jumping, you'll need two pairs of skates and two different set ups (one pair of boots for dance (less stiff) with dance blade and other with singles boots (more stiff)(boot with singles blade).

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

What's you opinion about the Dynasty?

I'm a recreational skater; but with Dedication, Passion and Commitment

As far as Dynasty, I posted in another thread about it recently. It's a synchro blade so you can do dance like elements with it as well as jump.
Forgive me as it's extremely early for me right now and I meant to add this to the previous post.

Good luck.

 

[WednesdayMarch]

It's about myself; my "daily's" for Solo FS are RF3Pro + JW CA. I really love them! Use them for ID Pairs too (50/50); but experience the disadvantages of the blade (not the booth). Possible options:

• Put an MK Dance underneath current RF3Pro and also use it for FS (50/50) (All Single jumps; but can't master a Loop)
• Order RF3Pro + MK Dance
• Look for a complete new setup (but depents on stock)

What's you opinion about the Dynasty?

I'm a recreational skater; but with Dedication, Passion and Commitment

Do NOT get MK Dance. Unless you're doing ice dance at a higher level, they really aren't suitable. And jumping on them is just stupid and dangerous.

Why are you looking at a dance blade at all if you only do FS and Pairs? What do you consider the "disadvantages" of the Coronation Ace blade for those? Because I can't see any! If I've missed something and you also want a dance set up because you're doing dance as well and have started stepping on the heel of the Aces, then you need separate boots and Coronation Dance would be your go-to blade, as it's the same pick and rocker set up as the Ace but with the shorter heel for close footwork.

In theory, MK Dynasty might work for you but I haven't tried those.

 

[SK4T3]

Do NOT get MK Dance. Unless you're doing ice dance at a higher level, they really aren't suitable. And jumping on them is just stupid and dangerous.

Why are you looking at a dance blade at all if you only do FS and Pairs? What do you consider the "disadvantages" of the Coronation Ace blade for those? Because I can't see any! If I've missed something and you also want a dance set up because you're doing dance as well and have started stepping on the heel of the Aces, then you need separate boots and Coronation Dance would be your go-to blade, as it's the same pick and rocker set up as the Ace but with the shorter heel for close footwork.

In theory, MK Dynasty might work for you but I haven't tried those.

Thank you so much for your honest reaction.

Yeah; MK Dance =/= NO Coronation Dance

Was a bit confused because of MK Professional vs. JW Coronation Ace.

Stepping on the heel is the disadvantage; and I would like to change edges easier (but they need a fresh sharpening)

Love my JW CA and the 7" rocker. Will stay at my daily setup.

 

[emilinkaa]

My skater currently uses Edea Concerto and Pattern99. This time when she needs new skates and blades, we have some different considerations. She used to work hard on Freestyle, finishing all doubles and working on triples, at Novice level. For her age and previous competition results, she has decided not to compete in freestyle anymore. In the last year of high school, she wants to finish her gold ice dance test, and compete with synchro team. Of course, she will still have FS lessons and participate in ice shows. So, FS and dance will be around 5 : 5, or 4 : 6.

We used to consider Ice Fly or Piano for next upgrade. But now the needs obviously changed. Any advice for skates and blades that can for both FS and Dance? Thanks!

Why don’t you ask the synchro coaches what they recommend? It may be that Ice Fly and the P99 are fine for what she’s doing, If she’s not planning to jump any more doubles and triples, I’d imagine she’d be fine in whatever they recommend, even if the blades are a step down. Of course, if her old boots still fit her and aren’t broken down, she could continue to jump in those when she feels like it.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Thank you so much for your honest reaction.

Yeah; MK Dance =/= NO Coronation Dance

Was a bit confused because of MK Professional vs. JW Coronation Ace.

Stepping on the heel is the disadvantage; and I would like to change edges easier (but they need a fresh sharpening)

Love my JW CA and the 7" rocker. Will stay at my daily setup.

But she basically told you, like myself that a dance blade PERIOD no matter what their name is, it's a NO.
Please just stay with current set-up and you'll be fine.

Good luck!