Help me commit

[HahaWhat]

I just went for my first new boot fitting and couldn’t commit.

Currently wearing old Harlick High Testers with pattern 99 blades. They don’t feel good. They are 6.5 B width. Today I measured size 7 with D/E width. I’ve had two kids since being fit for these skates over 20 years ago!

I tried on Jackson Supreme 5300s and Risport Rf1 Elites.
I don‘t compete, but have plans to test/maybe in the future. I have all single jumps and working on regaining axel. Plan for doubles. I’m short/muscular/heavy 5’3 and 150lbs. Egyptian feet.

I felt more comfortable in the Risports. The Jacksons looked bulky and big? Any input? I am terrible at making snap decisions!
(One more tidbit is that the Risports measure for a 9.25” blade, but I want to use my 9.5” blades. Is that an issue?)

 

[Diana Delafield]

I just went for my first new boot fitting and couldn’t commit.

Currently wearing old Harlick High Testers with pattern 99 blades. They don’t feel good. They are 6.5 B width. Today I measured size 7 with D/E width. I’ve had two kids since being fit for these skates over 20 years ago!

I tried on Jackson Supreme 5300s and Risport Rf1 Elites.
I don‘t compete, but have plans to test/maybe in the future. I have all single jumps and working on regaining axel. Plan for doubles. I’m short/muscular/heavy 5’3 and 150lbs. Egyptian feet.

I felt more comfortable in the Risports. The Jacksons looked bulky and big? Any input? I am terrible at making snap decisions!
(One more tidbit is that the Risports measure for a 9.25” blade, but I want to use my 9.5” blades. Is that an issue?)

Quick random questions as I'm about to leave for the afternoon:

Where do you live and what skate shop did you visit?

The Risport RF1s are intended for advanced skaters doing triples, perhaps working on quads. Was that 90-stiffness model recommended by your fitter because of your body build?

How old are those Pattern 99 blades? If they're your originals from 20 years ago, then it's high time you had new blades and should get ones that fit whatever boots you choose.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

I just went for my first new boot fitting and couldn’t commit.

Currently wearing old Harlick High Testers with pattern 99 blades. They don’t feel good. They are 6.5 B width. Today I measured size 7 with D/E width. I’ve had two kids since being fit for these skates over 20 years ago!

I tried on Jackson Supreme 5300s and Risport Rf1 Elites.
I don‘t compete, but have plans to test/maybe in the future. I have all single jumps and working on regaining axel. Plan for doubles. I’m short/muscular/heavy 5’3 and 150lbs. Egyptian feet.

I felt more comfortable in the Risports. The Jacksons looked bulky and big? Any input? I am terrible at making snap decisions!
(One more tidbit is that the Risports measure for a 9.25” blade, but I want to use my 9.5” blades. Is that an issue?)

If you're an Egyptian foot, try Risport Royal Prime. It fits better on Egyptian feet style!

 

[HahaWhat]

Quick random questions as I'm about to leave for the afternoon:

Where do you live and what skate shop did you visit?

The Risport RF1s are intended for advanced skaters doing triples, perhaps working on quads. Was that 90-stiffness model recommended by your fitter because of your body build?

How old are those Pattern 99 blades? If they're your originals from 20 years ago, then it's high time you had new blades and should get ones that fit whatever boots you choose.

I live in northern NJ. I visited Greg at Polar skate shop because the person I would prefer (Jim Skibin) is out from an injury.

I think he suggested them because I enjoy the stiff/sturdy ankle on the classic Harlick.

As for the blades, I have a brand new set of Pattern 99s that were given to me from a skate shop that ruined my current pair (hence the desire for a new boot as well)

 

[HahaWhat]

If you're an Egyptian foot, try Risport Royal Prime. It fits better on Egyptian feet style!

I tried them on but I think the ankle height felt a little low for me?

 

[Diana Delafield]

I tried them on but I think the ankle height felt a little low for me?

I don't know that the heights are different, but the last time I ordered new RF1 boots I saw a pair side by side with a Royal Prime pair and noticed the Primes looked looser around the top. More of a 0 shape than the RF1's narrower () shape (both were laced up the same). That may be what you felt, that the topline of the Prime stands away a bit more from your ankle and Achilles tendon? Many skaters find the Prime more comfortable for that reason, but if you have a previously-injured ankle like I do, you may feel the closer fitting RF1 gives that weakened ankle a more secure feeling. They're both good boots, suitable for your foot type. I think the choice would be which gives you more of a feeling of security, even if it's subconscious.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

I tried them on but I think the ankle height felt a little low for me?

I don't know that the heights are different, but the last time I ordered new RF1 boots I saw a pair side by side with a Royal Prime pair and noticed the Primes looked looser around the top. More of a 0 shape than the RF1's narrower () shape (both were laced up the same). That may be what you felt, that the topline of the Prime stands away a bit more from your ankle and Achilles tendon? Many skaters find the Prime more comfortable for that reason, but if you have a previously-injured ankle like I do, you may feel the closer fitting RF1 gives that weakened ankle a more secure feeling. They're both good boots, suitable for your foot type. I think the choice would be which gives you more of a feeling of security, even if it's subconscious.

This is one of the reasons I suggested the Primes instead of RF1 b/c of the way they are designed more like Edea and how it would probably work better with their foot and what they seem to be looking for. If they have said that the Jacksons were too clunky (not their exact words), then they would more than likely not do too well in an RF boot from Risport, if Risport even works for them at all.

 

[Diana Delafield]

This is one of the reasons I suggested the Primes instead of RF1 b/c of the way they are designed more like Edea and how it would probably work better with their foot and what they seem to be looking for. If they have said that the Jacksons were too clunky (not their exact words), then they would more than likely not do too well in an RF boot from Risport, if Risport even works for them at all.

Good point. And I'm not too sure which Risport Royal I saw -- didn't I hear that either a new Prime is a revamp of an older Elite, or is it the other way around? You'd know much more than I do about boot changes. I don't often experiment with new models, I just hear about them from friends who are more adventurous about trying new equipment. My fitter said that Royals wouldn't fit me like the RF1s do, but that was fine with me since I want plain white leather, not a synthetic boot that looks like a graffiti artist worked on it with a glitzy marking pen . I suppose eventually all skate boots will be synthetic and I'll have to switch

 

[HahaWhat]

I don't know that the heights are different, but the last time I ordered new RF1 boots I saw a pair side by side with a Royal Prime pair and noticed the Primes looked looser around the top. More of a 0 shape than the RF1's narrower () shape (both were laced up the same). That may be what you felt, that the topline of the Prime stands away a bit more from your ankle and Achilles tendon? Many skaters find the Prime more comfortable for that reason, but if you have a previously-injured ankle like I do, you may feel the closer fitting RF1 gives that weakened ankle a more secure feeling. They're both good boots, suitable for your foot type. I think the choice would be which gives you more of a feeling of security, even if it's subconscious.

Thanks for the info! I feel like I’m so used to a very stiff and high ankle from Harlick. I’m having trouble feeling “comfortable” and soft in a boot. It’s so foreign to me.

 

[HahaWhat]

This is one of the reasons I suggested the Primes instead of RF1 b/c of the way they are designed more like Edea and how it would probably work better with their foot and what they seem to be looking for. If they have said that the Jacksons were too clunky (not their exact words), then they would more than likely not do too well in an RF boot from Risport, if Risport even works for them at all.

The Jacksons definitely felt like I was wearing fat space boots. Almost gave me a vertigo feeling looking down at them. Annoyingly, I also want a boot that feels kind of heavy and strong, and I thought the RF1 captured that feeling a bit better without looking huge?

I am afraid of Edeas because I fear they are too light?

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

The Jacksons definitely felt like I was wearing fat space boots. Almost gave me a vertigo feeling looking down at them. Annoyingly, I also want a boot that feels kind of heavy and strong, and I thought the RF1 captured that feeling a bit better without looking huge?

I am afraid of Edeas because I fear they are too light?

Forgive me if I missed this but have you tried the Risport Prime on yet? They aren't as light as Edea. They are just more shaped like them.
Otherwise if you want a boot for your foot shape that is heavier and stiff. You need to look into Riedell or Graf.

 

[HahaWhat]

Forgive me if I missed this but have you tried the Risport Prime on yet? They aren't as light as Edea. They are just more shaped like them.
Otherwise if you want a boot for your foot shape that is heavier and stiff. You need to look into Riedell or Graf.

I did try on the Prime. But I’m going to revisit the RF1 and the Prime back to back and make a decision!

 

[HahaWhat]

Quick random questions as I'm about to leave for the afternoon:

Where do you live and what skate shop did you visit?

The Risport RF1s are intended for advanced skaters doing triples, perhaps working on quads. Was that 90-stiffness model recommended by your fitter because of your body build?

How old are those Pattern 99 blades? If they're your originals from 20 years ago, then it's high time you had new blades and should get ones that fit whatever boots you choose.

Curiously, do you think they are trying to over boot me? What’s the downfall of that?

 

[Diana Delafield]

Curiously, do you think they are trying to over boot me? What’s the downfall of that?

No, I think whoever recommended them was looking out for your safety. With an adult skater, their build/height+weight is as important as their skill level, unlike the case of a smaller child or growing teen. A smaller more advanced child and a larger adult at a lower technical level may well need the same boot strength. Or someone inbetween -- I'm a 160cm/50kg adult, formerly senior pairs level but losing some skills as I age, but still wearing Risport RF1s. You wouldn't be overbooted in them.

Have you had a chance to try on the Riedell Silver Star boots? They're the same stiffness as the Risports. I wore them for awhile and quite liked them, but there's now a supply issue for Riedells where I live so I went back to Risports.

 

[HahaWhat]

No, I think whoever recommended them was looking out for your safety. With an adult skater, their build/height+weight is as important as their skill level, unlike the case of a smaller child or growing teen. A smaller more advanced child and a larger adult at a lower technical level may well need the same boot strength. Or someone inbetween -- I'm a 160cm/50kg adult, formerly senior pairs level but losing some skills as I age, but still wearing Risport RF1s. You wouldn't be overbooted in them.

Have you had a chance to try on the Riedell Silver Star boots? They're the same stiffness as the Risports. I wore them for awhile and quite liked them, but there's now a supply issue for Riedells where I live so I went back to Risports.

Thank you for all the info! I didn’t try Riedell although they were suggested. I think the place I went had a limited supply of what I could try in my size. I’m going elsewhere tomorrow to try more and make a choice!

 

[HahaWhat]

If you're an Egyptian foot, try Risport Royal Prime. It fits better on Egyptian feet style!

Given my stats, is there a boot you’d suggest that I haven’t mentioned? Thank you for so much insight.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Riedell: Silver Star, Fusion 2010
Graf: Galaxy, Edmonton Special

@HahaWhat

There's also Harlick which may work for your feet, and they have both stock and customs, but they are extremely expensive.

For the level you would need of stiffness you're looking at over 1000USD for just the stock boot.
For customs they start at 1750.00 USD

 

[HahaWhat]

Riedell: Silver Star, Fusion 2010
Graf: Galaxy, Edmonton Special

@HahaWhat

There's also Harlick which may work for your feet, and they have both stock and customs, but they are extremely expensive.

For the level you would need of stiffness you're looking at over 1000USD for just the stock boot.
For customs they start at 1750.00 USD

I’m actually coming OUT of my Harlicks, and unfortunately from what I’ve seen and heard, the quality no longer matches the price.

When I was fit for my new boots, the fitter told me the correct blade size would be 9.25” but the brand new Pattern 99s I have are 9.5” Do you think those will work? He put them against the boots and they don’t have any hang over. He also claims that since I’m so used to the 9.5 blade it would make more sense to stick to that than go down to a 9.25” Does that sound reasonable?

If you were in the NY/Tristate area do you have any boot fitter recommendations?

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

I’m actually coming OUT of my Harlicks, and unfortunately from what I’ve seen and heard, the quality no longer matches the price.

When I was fit for my new boots, the fitter told me the correct blade size would be 9.25” but the brand new Pattern 99s I have are 9.5” Do you think those will work? He put them against the boots and they don’t have any hang over. He also claims that since I’m so used to the 9.5 blade it would make more sense to stick to that than go down to a 9.25” Does that sound reasonable?

If you were in the NY/Tristate area do you have any boot fitter recommendations?

I'm going to direct you to @tstop4me regarding the blade mounting/length question.

 

[tstop4me]

I'm going to direct you to @tstop4me regarding the blade mounting/length question.

When I was fit for my new boots, the fitter told me the correct blade size would be 9.25” but the brand new Pattern 99s I have are 9.5” Do you think those will work? He put them against the boots and they don’t have any hang over. He also claims that since I’m so used to the 9.5 blade it would make more sense to stick to that than go down to a 9.25” Does that sound reasonable?

* Here's one of my previous posts that will give you some background info:

* Don't go by sizing charts.

- In some instances, there are just outright typos (e.g., in one chart, a size 8 boot had a longer blade length than a size 8.5 boot. Huh?)

- The Jackson blade sizing charts at one time had a cautionary footnote along the lines of, "This chart is provided for guidance only. To ensure proper blade length, always measure the length of the actual boot." In my instance, the chart gave a blade length that was 1/2" shorter than the outsole length. I just checked the latest Jackson chart. They've removed that caveat, and have a new footnote (see below). I like the old footnote better.

- Also, boot manufacturers tend to change their line more frequently than before. Sometimes these changes affect the length of the outsole, but there's a lag in updating their size charts. Also (at least for Jackson) sometimes they keep the same product designation when they update the boot. So if you're in the transition from previous model to new model, how do you know which one you have? So it's always best to have the boots in hand before deciding on blade length. I realize it's an annoyance if you have to wait to order the blades; but there's a lot at stake, so be patient.

- Blade length recommendation of 1/4" shorter than the outsole length used to be routine. But boots started getting substantially redesigned. In particular, the heel pitch on many boots have gotten larger, and outsoles on many boots have gotten trimmed. Some manufacturers still recommend 1/4" shorter; other manufacturers recommend full length; some leave it to personal preference (which probably covers it best). Jackson suggests 1/4" shorter, but adds: "If preference is other than suggested, please refer to the sole length and measure skater's sole to confirm blade fit." Edea used to recommend full length, but their latest guidance is: "Edea provide a suggested blade size chart but this is only a guide. Ask your coach if he/she has preferences."

- I couldn't find a similar recommendation for Risport, and I've never worn Risport. But here is an important factor to consider when choosing between 1/4" shorter and full length:

One major advantage of 1/4" shorter is that it allows you greater freedom in blade positioning and angular alignment. For me this is important because I need to mount the blade to the inside to compensate for strong pronation. Also, typically, the front tip of the sole plate is mounted flush with the front tip of the outsole. But as a matter of personal adjustment of the position of the drag pick and sweet spot, you might want to move the blade slightly forward or backward. For whatever reason, when changing the position and alignment of the blade, there's not an issue if the front of the sole plate extends slightly beyond the front of the outsole. But (for me, not everyone agrees) there is an issue if the side of the sole plate extends beyond the side of the outsole (other than at the very front) or the heel plate extends beyond the side or back of the heel. I personally would not care to fall and have the sole plate or heel plate dig into the ice. So, a 1/4" shorter gives you more mounting freedom than a full length.

But if you have a short outsole to begin with (due to high heel pitch or trimmed outsole, or both), and don't need a larger range of mounting freedom, go with a full length.

Hope this helps!

* That said, since you already have the 9.5" blade, it's OK for you to use it as long as the mounting plates do not extend beyond the outsole (except at the front tip). And I agree that if you've been used to the 9.5" blade, then it makes sense to keep it. I did exactly that myself. My first pair of Jacksons called for a 10.75" blade, which was ~1/4" shorter than the outsole. When I bought my second pair of Jacksons, they had re-designed the boot with a shorter outsole. If I followed the 1/4" shorter guidance, I would have gone done to a 10.5" blade. But I decided to stick with 10.75".

Note: You said that the fitter checked the 9.5" blade against one model of Risport, and the mounting plates did not protrude. If I understand you correctly, you are still deciding on the make and model of boot, correct? Be aware that the outsole length will vary with the make and model, so you need to verify that the mounting plates do not protrude on the actual boot you finally decide on. If you do run into problems: Are your blades brand new (unsharpened) with original packaging? Perhaps a fitter will allow you to trade for a different size, if needed? Good Luck!