Legacy 7, CA, CA Lite? Blade advice needed!

[emilinkaa]

Then that would have been the original Legacy with an 8' main rocker.

Thanks. I had a feeling they were 8', glad to know they are for sure.

Wowow very long time ago. I wasn’t even born then! Have their blades changed since then? Like the design etc..?

Yeah, I am in my mid 30s now. Some moves, injuries, a kid, and that little pandemic kept me from skating for a long time. They probably have changed. Lite blades didn't exist for sure. Other than that, I don't know.

 

[Vladik]

Here's one of my previous posts on the subject: https://www.goldenskate.com/forum/t...ed-for-mounting-ice-blade.91524/#post-2952014

Plus the following clarification on terminology:



If you need further clarification, let me know.

Thank you so much, that clears up a lot!

I think my current skates have a temporary mount? I’m not sure, they’re just how I bought them. They don’t have many screws though. Was never told about any of this stuff when I was first fitted!

How long are temporary mounts used for before you make the transition to a permanent mount?

 

[Vladik]

The size of the blade does not depend on the model of the blade, but on the model and size of the boot. Even if different models (and even by the same manufacturer) of boots are the same size, the required size of blade may be different because of differences in the outsole/heel configuration. It's best not to order the blades until you have the actual boots and can measure the length of the outsole/heel. Further details when we get to that stage.

Thank you! And yep, waiting until I get my boots and then I’ll order the blades once I’m aware of what size I’ll need!

 

[Friday]

Really hoping we might have some priority here in the UK, considering I also skate in Sheffield and I’m pretty sure that’s where the major blade factories are. I doubt I do have priority though.

I’m really keen on the CA, so will try to get those for sure. Was speaking with Everglides and they told me they have a few in stock but have been missing some of the sizes for a while. My skate size is usually a 3, and my current blades are a 9, so I’d be working around that kind of size. Don’t know if that’s a common/popular blade size, but there’s a slim chance they might have what I want in stock. It’s sort of a shot in the dark.

They also texted me back insisting that the Legacy 7’s are virtually identical to the CA blades, and they don’t have a flatter spin rocker, which has thrown me off a tad bit.

Thank you for taking your time to reply, I really appreciate it and will look into the blades you mentioned! MK Pro is definitely my second option, just not sure if Everglides stock them.

I’m definitely willing to wait for the Coronation Ace, just not too long. I guess we will have to wait and see.

My question is, and this isn’t something you can really help with I don’t think, just need a word of advice. Let’s say hypothetically, fast forward a few weeks, they didn’t have the CA in stock, but are able to order it in for me. I’m only going down for a day trip to get fitted, I live 5 hours away. If they were to ship them to my house, where would I get them mounted? I get my skates sharpened (at my rink in Sheffield) in the shop IceLocker. I’m not sure if they do blade mounting and also not sure about how reliable it’d be. I do get my blades sharpened there and they’re always just fine, but I do always insist on having the same guy sharpen them every time - I’ve heard some horror stories. They specialise in both hockey and figure, leaning a little more towards hockey I’d say.

Do you know of anywhere I could get them mounted reliably? Travelling back down to Everglides again isn’t an option as it’d be too far.

For the blades, if Everglides doesn't have them, you should try Al's Skate Shop too.
I ordered my blades (CA in size 9) through them with oversees shipping half a year ago, when no shop in whole of Germany and Austria had CAs in the right size, and got them in 5 days.

I think they have a lot of stock and they don't push people to buy Legacy. At least I think so...

 

[tstop4me]

I think my current skates have a temporary mount? I’m not sure, they’re just how I bought them. They don’t have many screws though. Was never told about any of this stuff when I was first fitted!

How many screws are there in the sole plate and how many screws are there in the heel plate? If there are only two screws in the sole plate and only two screws in the heel plate, you likely have just a temp mount. For a minimal "permanent" mount, you would have at least three screws in the sole plate and two screws in the heel plate. More screws should be added, depending on your level of skating.

How long are temporary mounts used for before you make the transition to a permanent mount?

You first break-in your boots a reasonable amount (I know that's a bit vague). You can do a lot of break-in off-ice to save yourself a lot of grief on-ice. More details on that when the time comes. Then you skate on the ice and check for blade positioning and alignment. Below is my previous post on how to check:

* For skating, an initial series of tests to check for supination/pronation consists of one-foot glides in a nominally straight line. [Caveat: First check to make sure that your blades have been sharpened properly with level edges.]

- Stroke forward to pick up some speed. Glide comfortably on two feet in a nominally straight line. Then lift up one foot (let’s choose the right in this instance) and continue to glide on the other (the left in this instance). Don't force the glide to control it; just let it flow at ease. It’s best to have another person observe you from the back. Ideally, you should glide in a straight line. If possible, do the test on a clean patch of ice. Look at the tracing. Ideally you should see two lines of equal weight, such as | |. If you supinate, you will be biased towards the outside edge; you will veer to the left, and the tracing will look like this: | | (outside edge will be heavier). If you pronate, you will be biased towards the inside edge; you will veer to the right; and the tracing will look like this: | | (inside edge with be heavier). [In extremely screwed-up scenarios, you will see only a single heavy line.]

- Repeat with the other foot: lift up the left, glide on the right.

- Then repeat with one-foot glides backwards.

* Once you’ve made adjustments (see previous post), if needed, such that the one-foot glides are OK, then follow-up with consecutive forward outside edges, consecutive forward inside edges, consecutive backward outside edges, consecutive backward inside edges, forward X-overs (both directions), and backward X-overs (both directions) to determine whether any fine tuning is needed,

I forgot how far you've advanced. But be sure at least the one-foot straight glides, forwards and backwards, are OK. Once you're comfortable with the blade alignment and positioning, you can add more screws for a permanent mount. Note: If you strongly supinate or pronate, you may also need corrective footbeds or shims under the blades. More details on those when the time comes, if needed.

 

[WednesdayMarch]

Okay.

Firstly, Everglides didn't stock MK Professionals when I last visited (May last year). This may or may not have changed. I'm not in Gosport to ask Lara at the moment but there's no reason why you shouldn't ask when you speak to Everglides.

Secondly, when it comes to blade sizing, you need to measure the actual sole of the boot you're going to mount it on. Blade sizes are all measured by the length of the sole plate, not the length of the runner, so a Coronation Ace size 9" will be on the same size sole plate as an MK Professional, but the actual length of the runner will differ as they are different blades. That's where personal preference comes in. A freestyle blade should always be mounted flush to the front of the sole but it is fine to be mounted flush to the back of the heel or 1/4" shorter. Personally, if I'm on a freestyle blade, I like it to be 1/4" shorter but either is fine. So you should have a couple of size options there.

Thirdly, there is no reason why you can't buy your boots from Everglides and the blade somewhere else, if Everglides don't have your choice of blade in stock in your style and you can find it from another retailer. Just make sure that the other retailer actually has it in stock. Sometimes it looks like it's in stock on the website but has to be ordered in specially, and that's when you find out that it isn't in stock after all and won't be for a while... You can also ask in the UK Ice Skating Group on Facebook if anybody has a pair of Aces in your size. Rod Turner will speak up if he has any and he's totally trustworthy. And Alison Holden at Al's Skate Shop is also very good. She seems to be able to get hold of things when others can't. I have no idea how she does this but it's great. Ask your coach and other good skaters at your rink who they trust to mount blades; there should be somebody in Sheffield who can do this for you. They may charge but that's fair enough.

 

[Vladik]

For the blades, if Everglides doesn't have them, you should try Al's Skate Shop too.
I ordered my blades (CA in size 9) through them with oversees shipping half a year ago, when no shop in whole of Germany and Austria had CAs in the right size, and got them in 5 days.

I think they have a lot of stock and they don't push people to buy Legacy. At least I think so...

Thanks so much! I’ve heard of Al’s Skate Shop, and it’s a lot closer to me.

 

[Friday]

Thanks so much! I’ve heard of Al’s Skate Shop, and it’s a lot closer to me.

If it's closer to you, why don't you visit them?

 

[Vladik]

How many screws are there in the sole plate and how many screws are there in the heel plate? If there are only two screws in the sole plate and only two screws in the heel plate, you likely have just a temp mount. For a minimal "permanent" mount, you would have at least three screws in the sole plate and two screws in the heel plate. More screws should be added, depending on your level of skating.



You first break-in your boots a reasonable amount (I know that's a bit vague). You can do a lot of break-in off-ice to save yourself a lot of grief on-ice. More details on that when the time comes. Then you skate on the ice and check for blade positioning and alignment. Below is my previous post on how to check:



I forgot how far you've advanced. But be sure at least the one-foot straight glides, forwards and backwards, are OK. Once you're comfortable with the blade alignment and positioning, you can add more screws for a permanent mount. Note: If you strongly supinate or pronate, you may also need corrective footbeds or shims under the blades. More details on those when the time comes, if needed.

Oh! Must be a permanent mount then. My current skates have 5 screws in the sole plate, and 2 in the heel.

I’ve been thinking, let’s say I’m able to purchase boots on the day at Everglides, but they have no blades I want in stock so I have to order them and wait. Would it be a good idea to break in the boots off-ice during that waiting period. Such as just walking round the house in them?

And to clarify, I’ve been skating just under 6 months and I’m Skate UK Star: Bronze Freestyle and Bronze Dance!
I’ve noticed my left foot does seem to pronate a little more than my right foot, my boots are weak right now so both have been pronating ever since I broke them down. I’ll just wait and see until I get new boots though, because that could be a support issue right now!

 

[Vladik]

If it's closer to you, why don't you visit them?

I didn’t know what sort of fittings they provided hahah. It’s stupid looking back on it. I’ve heard a lot about Everglides though and seen the fittings they do. Besides, I’m visiting a friend once I’m down there so it all plays out nicely!

 

[Vladik]

Okay.

Firstly, Everglides didn't stock MK Professionals when I last visited (May last year). This may or may not have changed. I'm not in Gosport to ask Lara at the moment but there's no reason why you shouldn't ask when you speak to Everglides.

Secondly, when it comes to blade sizing, you need to measure the actual sole of the boot you're going to mount it on. Blade sizes are all measured by the length of the sole plate, not the length of the runner, so a Coronation Ace size 9" will be on the same size sole plate as an MK Professional, but the actual length of the runner will differ as they are different blades. That's where personal preference comes in. A freestyle blade should always be mounted flush to the front of the sole but it is fine to be mounted flush to the back of the heel or 1/4" shorter. Personally, if I'm on a freestyle blade, I like it to be 1/4" shorter but either is fine. So you should have a couple of size options there.

Thirdly, there is no reason why you can't buy your boots from Everglides and the blade somewhere else, if Everglides don't have your choice of blade in stock in your style and you can find it from another retailer. Just make sure that the other retailer actually has it in stock. Sometimes it looks like it's in stock on the website but has to be ordered in specially, and that's when you find out that it isn't in stock after all and won't be for a while... You can also ask in the UK Ice Skating Group on Facebook if anybody has a pair of Aces in your size. Rod Turner will speak up if he has any and he's totally trustworthy. And Alison Holden at Al's Skate Shop is also very good. She seems to be able to get hold of things when others can't. I have no idea how she does this but it's great. Ask your coach and other good skaters at your rink who they trust to mount blades; there should be somebody in Sheffield who can do this for you. They may charge but that's fair enough.

Thank you so much! Once I’ve got my boots, and if I can’t get blades on the day, will definitely start searching and asking around!

 

[tstop4me]

I’ve been thinking, let’s say I’m able to purchase boots on the day at Everglides, but they have no blades I want in stock so I have to order them and wait. Would it be a good idea to break in the boots off-ice during that waiting period. Such as just walking round the house in them?

<<Emphasis added.>>

This is a great question; glad you brought it up.

The answer is, "No, if you have figure skate boots without blades mounted on them, don't try to break them in by walking around the house in them."

The reason is that the soles of figure skate boots are not designed to be flexed (unlike the soles of regular shoes or boots). If you walk around without blades, you run the risk of cracking the sole (or at the least, generating microcracks that later grow larger).

When the time comes, we can have a separate thread on breaking-in boots. Improper break-in will cause you unnecessary pain and can also shorten the life of the boot. I know that you'll likely be in a rush to hop on the ice with your new toys. But be patient.

I want to find out what boots you get first, because I'm not sure whether my recommendations would be appropriate for Edeas. If you end up with Edeas, someone experienced with Edeas should advise you.

 

[Vladik]

<<Emphasis added.>>

This is a great question; glad you brought it up.

The answer is, "No, if you have figure skate boots without blades mounted on them, don't try to break them in by walking around the house in them."

The reason is that the soles of figure skate boots are not designed to be flexed (unlike the soles of regular shoes or boots). If you walk around without blades, you run the risk of cracking the sole (or at the least, generating microcracks that later grow larger).

When the time comes, we can have a separate thread on breaking-in boots. Improper break-in will cause you unnecessary pain and can also shorten the life of the boot. I know that you'll likely be in a rush to hop on the ice with your new toys. But be patient.

I want to find out what boots you get first, because I'm not sure whether my recommendations would be appropriate for Edeas. If you end up with Edeas, someone experienced with Edeas should advise you.

Thanks so much! Glad I brought that up because that wasn’t the answer I was expecting. I would have definitely gone ahead and tried breaking them in if I hadn’t known any better!

I’ll make sure to keep this thread updated if thats okay with you! My online appointment is the 16th of March, and my in person appointment is the 5th of April. So I’ll get back to you after both of those dates.

I’m 99.9% certain I won’t end up with Edea, so no worries there! Always been told I have “Risport feet”. I’d be very surprised if I didn’t end up with Risport, but if I don’t, it’ll most likely be Jackson.

 

[tstop4me]

I’ll make sure to keep this thread updated if thats okay with you!

Of course it's OK. Looking forward to the next chapter of your quest.

Besides, you certainly don't need my OK. But you certainly are a polite young lady.

 

[Vladik]

Of course it's OK. Looking forward to the next chapter of your quest.

Besides, you certainly don't need my OK. But you certainly are a polite young lady.

I greatly appreciate that! Looking forward to giving updates. Very excited for my online appointment in 5 days!

Thank you so much for all your advice and help!

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Oh! Must be a permanent mount then. My current skates have 5 screws in the sole plate, and 2 in the heel.

I’ve been thinking, let’s say I’m able to purchase boots on the day at Everglides, but they have no blades I want in stock so I have to order them and wait. Would it be a good idea to break in the boots off-ice during that waiting period. Such as just walking round the house in them?

And to clarify, I’ve been skating just under 6 months and I’m Skate UK Star: Bronze Freestyle and Bronze Dance!
I’ve noticed my left foot does seem to pronate a little more than my right foot, my boots are weak right now so both have been pronating ever since I broke them down. I’ll just wait and see until I get new boots though, because that could be a support issue right now!

Bolded part. Please don't attempt to walk in boots w/o blades. They are not designed to do this, and you will ruin the boots and seriously injure yourself.

 

[Vladik]

Bolded part. Please don't attempt to walk in boots w/o blades. They are not designed to do this, and you will ruin the boots and seriously injure yourself.

Thanks! Noted. Will keep that in mind!

 

[Vladik]

Of course it's OK. Looking forward to the next chapter of your quest.

Besides, you certainly don't need my OK. But you certainly are a polite young lady.

Just had my online appointment! Thought I’d give an update as I promised!!

Regarding blades, she mentioned Legacy 7, CA, and CA Lite. She did however mention the John Wilson supply issues right now, but assured me she has Legacy 7 in stock. We will see how that goes on the day! I think the wait for CA or CA Lite would be 20 weeks, yikes! I’m leaning towards Legacy 7 now, they’re better than my Edea Rotation, and 20 weeks is a lot!!!

As for boots, she’s ordered a lot of stock for me. I’m going down on 5th of April, and will be trying out the Jackson Elite (not sure which, I think there’s multiple??), the Jackson Debut, the Jackson Premiere, Risport RF3 Pro, Risport Royal Pro, and Risport Royal Prime. Very excited!! Will also provide an update after my in real life appointment if that’s okay with you!

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Just had my online appointment! Thought I’d give an update as I promised!!

Regarding blades, she mentioned Legacy 7, CA, and CA Lite. She did however mention the John Wilson supply issues right now, but assured me she has Legacy 7 in stock. We will see how that goes on the day! I think the wait for CA or CA Lite would be 20 weeks, yikes! I’m leaning towards Legacy 7 now, they’re better than my Edea Rotation, and 20 weeks is a lot!!!

As for boots, she’s ordered a lot of stock for me. I’m going down on 5th of April, and will be trying out the Jackson Elite (not sure which, I think there’s multiple??), the Jackson Debut, the Jackson Premiere, Risport RF3 Pro, Risport Royal Pro, and Risport Royal Prime. Very excited!! Will also provide an update after my in real life appointment if that’s okay with you!

No no no no no!
You don't need to be getting anywhere near trying on a Risport Royal Prime. I wear that level of boot and I've done triple triples while competing in the past, pro now-it's a 90 stiffness rating.

BTW What is your skill level again? That is the only way we can pre-suggest what boot level you are.

ETA: Once you choose the boot that's right for your level and foot, why don't you ask what size blade you need for the boot. Then you can go to a trusted store online and order a CA or MK Pro to be delivered to you, as in, they have them in stock at these places. Then you aren't stuck with Legacy 7. I as well as others here can help with what online stores are trustworthy.

 

[Vladik]

No no no no no!
You don't need to be getting anywhere near trying on a Risport Royal Prime. I wear that level of boot and I've done triple triples while competing in the past, pro now-it's a 90 stiffness rating.

BTW What is your skill level again? That is the only way we can pre-suggest what boot level you are.

ETA: Once you choose the boot that's right for your level and foot, why don't you ask what size blade you need for the boot. Then you can go to a trusted store online and order a CA or MK Pro to be delivered to you, as in, they have them in stock at these places. Then you aren't stuck with Legacy 7. I as well as others here can help with what online stores are trustworthy.

She’s just got the Royal Prime for my to try on as she’s got it on the shelves right now! I’m 100% certain I won’t be fitted into them and don’t expect to be! But because I’m coming from so far, I think she’d like me to get a feel for how different boots feel and future potential boots! No need to worry. I don’t plan on going anywhere near those boots right now.

To clarify, it wasn’t my idea, but it’s a two hour appointment and she’s wanting to try a range of things on me. I can assure you I won’t end up in something that advanced!

Regarding blades, I’m trying out boots in size 240 and 235. I’m in 240 right now but she says I have a fair bit of room in there so we’ll be trying 235’s too. I’ll have to see on the day. She did tell me the Legacy 7’s are virtually the same as the CA’s, just with a slightly more aggressive toe pick.

And I’m in bronze freestyle and dance, working on my salchow and other things around that level. I have very strong legs however.