Noticeable difference in stiffness in Jackson Elle's vs. Jackson freestyle?

[robot]

Does anyone know whether the supposed difference in stiffness between Jackson Elle's and Jackson's freestyles is noticeable? Is the fit the same or does the freestyle lock the heel more?

Or would there be any noticeable adjustment period between spinning and skating on the mirages parallel cut toe pick compared to the cross cut toe pick on the aspire xp? Since I'm assuming they both have the same rocker?

I'm really on the fence here since I like having my ice skates match my inlines and Jackson only makes Elle and not freestyle inline sets. But on the other hand I rarely use the inlines these days and it's very possible the freestyle and Elle are so similar that I can't tell the difference once they're broken in......

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Hi. Elle is 30/35 stiffness. Freestyle is 40 stiffness. You would need something stiffer than those. Suggestion that would be best is Premiere, but you could get away with a Debut boot that's 50 stiffness. Good luck!

 

[Diana Delafield]

Does anyone know whether the supposed difference in stiffness between Jackson Elle's and Jackson's freestyles is noticeable? Is the fit the same or does the freestyle lock the heel more?

Or would there be any noticeable adjustment period between spinning and skating on the mirages parallel cut toe pick compared to the cross cut toe pick on the aspire xp? Since I'm assuming they both have the same rocker?

I'm really on the fence here since I like having my ice skates match my inlines and Jackson only makes Elle and not freestyle inline sets. But on the other hand I rarely use the inlines these days and it's very possible the freestyle and Elle are so similar that I can't tell the difference once they're broken in......

I had to go back to your other thread to look at your details and posted a question there. To add to what I said there, I'm afraid I'm having trouble understanding why your roller skates have to have identical boots to your ice skates? My boots for artistic roller and figure skating aren't even the same brand. With wheels it can be helpful to have the boots somewhat softer to assist with deep "edges", but even so, the Jackson Elles are really just for beginners. Is your technical level the same on the floor as on the ice? Then you need more advanced boots for both sports.

 

[craig2318]

Hiya

Anyone got an update here?

My daughter (9years) just moved out of her trusty Jackson elles (4 years in those at 2 different sizes) and has just started in Jackson freestyles on the aspire blade.

Struggled badly first skate in these, particularly on sit spins and moves she generally makes look easy.

I'm slightly annoyed the fitter suggested the freestyles rather than keep her in sized up elles.

Anyone else with experience of moving to the freestyle and aspires? Does it get better in time or am I better returning them and putting her back in elles?

 

[bostonskaterguy86]

Hiya

Anyone got an update here?

My daughter (9years) just moved out of her trusty Jackson elles (4 years in those at 2 different sizes) and has just started in Jackson freestyles on the aspire blade.

Struggled badly first skate in these, particularly on sit spins and moves she generally makes look easy.

I'm slightly annoyed the fitter suggested the freestyles rather than keep her in sized up elles.

Anyone else with experience of moving to the freestyle and aspires? Does it get better in time or am I better returning them and putting her back in elles?

Hi there! It's not uncommon at all for skaters to have an adjustment period when switching boots/blades - I wouldn't be too concerned. As your daughter grows and learns more advanced skills, she'll really need the extra support of a stiffer boot, as well as a better blade for jumping and spinning. The longer she sticks with the sport, the more boot upgrades she'll need - so in the long run, it will be really helpful for her to get some experience with adjusting to new skates!

Changing boots and blades at the same time is of course a tougher adjustment than changing just one or the other. Jackson's website describes the Mirage as having a "higher heel lift" than the Aspire XP, which the majority of people find makes spinning a bit easier - so that could be part of why your daughter's sit spin is suffering. Of course, that doesn't mean it's impossible to spin in the Aspire - the blade just has a different and more subtle "sweet spot" for spinning compared to the Mirage. Once she's used to where she needs to balance in order to spin on the new blades, she'll be OK!

The Elle and the Freestyle are both part of Jackson's "Fusion" line of complete boot/blade sets, so the shape and fit should be about the same. The main/only difference is the stiffness level. A stiffer boot that hasn't been broken in yet will give a lot more resistance against the shin when the skater bends their knees and ankles - so this is probably also affecting your daughter's sit spin (since the leg she's spinning on needs to bend very deeply). I'd check with the fitter and/or her coach before having her do this - but sometimes skaters find that the break-in period goes a bit easier on them if they leave the top hook of the boots undone. This can reduce the resistance against the shins and make knee bend a little easier until the boots break in a bit.

All in all, I'd definitely recommend keeping her in the Freestyle. Once she's had more time and practice to adjust, and the boots have broken in, I'm sure things will be easier - and she'll need the added support from the boots. That doesn't mean the adjustment period won't be frustrating for her, of course - but it will benefit her in the long run!