Switching from Pattern 99s to Gold Seals, Gold Stars and Other Blades, looking for advice!

[GG_skates]

Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice on switching my blades. I currently have Pattern 99 Revolutions and am working on all my single jumps (except axel), which are solid. However, spinning has always been a struggle for me—I max out at 3 revolutions, and I’m usually on my toe pick. I’m not a natural spinner, and I’m wondering if a blade change could help.

I’ve read a lot of threads but wanted to get some direct advice from people who’ve switched from 99s to Gold Seal Revolutions or other blades like Gold Stars, and whether it helped their spins. I’m quite used to the revolution blades and would like to stick with them, so I’m not really considering Coronation Aces (I also heard they’re not great for spinning) but would consider MK Pro if absolutely necessary.

For context:

- First “real” blades were Jackson Legacy (not sure if 7 or 8s) on Edea Chorus boots (two sizes too big) when I was starting out with jumps, but I struggled to spin on them and don’t remember liking them at all to be honest.

- I also tried Phantoms but had to switch because my boots (Risports) were a size too big and ill-fitting around my ankles. I’m now in Edea Ice Flys, which fit perfectly. So not sure if they would’ve been good for me, because I had such a hard time with the Risports.

- When I got my current boots, the Phantoms were too big for the new boots so I switched to the Pattern 99s Revs because it was between those and Gold Seals, and I went with what my coach had at the time.

- I like the Revolution blades and how light they are, so I’d like to stick with a Revolution model if possible.

Has anyone switched from 99s to Gold Seals or tried something else that improved their spins? Are Gold Stars worth considering? Any insight on how different toe pick profiles might affect spinning/jumping? Was the transition from Pattern 99s to other blades difficult? Did it take a long time? Sorry for all of these questions, but I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

Thank you in advance for any advice!

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice on switching my blades. I currently have Pattern 99 Revolutions and am working on all my single jumps (except axel), which are solid. However, spinning has always been a struggle for me—I max out at 3 revolutions, and I’m usually on my toe pick. I’m not a natural spinner, and I’m wondering if a blade change could help.

I’ve read a lot of threads but wanted to get some direct advice from people who’ve switched from 99s to Gold Seal Revolutions or other blades like Gold Stars, and whether it helped their spins. I’m quite used to the revolution blades and would like to stick with them, so I’m not really considering Coronation Aces (I also heard they’re not great for spinning) but would consider MK Pro if absolutely necessary.

For context:

- First “real” blades were Jackson Legacy (not sure if 7 or 8s) on Edea Chorus boots (two sizes too big) when I was starting out with jumps, but I struggled to spin on them and don’t remember liking them at all to be honest.

- I also tried Phantoms but had to switch because my boots (Risports) were a size too big and ill-fitting around my ankles. I’m now in Edea Ice Flys, which fit perfectly. So not sure if they would’ve been good for me, because I had such a hard time with the Risports.

- When I got my current boots, the Phantoms were too big for the new boots so I switched to the Pattern 99s Revs because it was between those and Gold Seals, and I went with what my coach had at the time.

- I like the Revolution blades and how light they are, so I’d like to stick with a Revolution model if possible.

Has anyone switched from 99s to Gold Seals or tried something else that improved their spins? Are Gold Stars worth considering? Any insight on how different toe pick profiles might affect spinning/jumping? Was the transition from Pattern 99s to other blades difficult? Did it take a long time? Sorry for all of these questions, but I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

Thank you in advance for any advice!

Hi and welcome! I'm just going to let you know I'm going to give you keen, experienced advice, but you're probably not going to want to like it.
First of all, I have a few questions, like: Why are you in a Ice Fly and only doing singles? They are a too advanced and stiff boot for you and are hindering your progress and possibly causing you injury (that you don't realize is progressing right now).
You also shouldn't be in an advanced blade like P99 right now and definitely not revolutions. You heard wrongly about Coronation Ace. Now, about the Rev blade: That is why you more than likely can't spin and it definitely isn't helping you, it's more hindering you. Not to mention the too stiff boot isn't helping your spins either.
Question: Did you just choose Edea or were you fit properly for your foot needs? B/c if it was just "chosen" after the Risport (that we don't know if you were fit properly for either), then you could possibly be in a boot that's not shaped properly for your foot and that's hindering you too.

I have worn or tested all boots and blades over my career and honestly, you don't need a top level blade.

You should try a traditional style MK Pro blade. And not a MK Pro Lite either, no one but elites and pros need Rev or Lite blades b/c they have no advantage for skaters prior to that.

I really do mean the best for you. I want all skaters to have proper equipment and be able to skate injury free and happy to their goals.
Good luck!

 

[GG_skates]

Hi and welcome! I'm just going to let you know I'm going to give you keen, experienced advice, but you're probably not going to want to like it.
First of all, I have a few questions, like: Why are you in a Ice Fly and only doing singles? They are a too advanced and stiff boot for you and are hindering your progress and possibly causing you injury (that you don't realize is progressing right now).
You also shouldn't be in an advanced blade like P99 right now and definitely not revolutions. You heard wrongly about Coronation Ace. Now, about the Rev blade: That is why you more than likely can't spin and it definitely isn't helping you, it's more hindering you. Not to mention the too stiff boot isn't helping your spins either.
Question: Did you just choose Edea or were you fit properly for your foot needs? B/c if it was just "chosen" after the Risport (that we don't know if you were fit properly for either), then you could possibly be in a boot that's not shaped properly for your foot and that's hindering you too.

I have worn or tested all boots and blades over my career and honestly, you don't need a top level blade.

You should try a traditional style MK Pro blade. And not a MK Pro Lite either, no one but elites and pros need Rev or Lite blades b/c they have no advantage for skaters prior to that.

I really do mean the best for you. I want all skaters to have proper equipment and be able to skate injury free and happy to their goals.
Good luck!

Hey Ic3Rabbit,

Thanks for taking the time to reply! I’m honestly just happy to receive any feedback and advice

To answer your questions, I’m was fitted for Ice Flys last June at a really good fitter in Texas. I currently like in the UK and went to two different shops here. The first one recommended Edea Chorus but they were two sizes too big and were killing my toes. The second one recommended Risport Royal Pros and I skated for a couple weeks in them but I was also in a lot of pain. I went Texas for two weeks for a vacation and I brought my skates to skate there but decided to go to a shop because of the pain. They told me my ankles were too skinny for Risports and my feet were shaped for Edeas (plus the Risports were a size too small). I was recommended the Ice Fly because of the new toe box which is a bit wider than the Chorus and previous Ice Fly. I honestly have not had any issues with the Ice Flys and have actually improved a lot in the time I’ve had them! I’m also an adult skater (5’4 and 125lbs) so I believe that’s also why they recommended Ice Flys.

Now the blade was actually my request since my coach has the P99 revs and recommended them both to me and another skater in the same level as me. The coach was probably going by what they knew and I know they meant well.

I asked advice here for the revolutions because I do feel like they cushion my landings, but happy to try regular blades!

Question: you said I heard wrong about the Coro Aces, would you say they’re a good spinning blade then? I’m worried about moving from an 8 ft rocker back to 7 since I had a hard time with the Phantoms, so that’s the Gold Seals (revs or regular) are at the top of my list.

Thanks again for your time

 

[Diana Delafield]

Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice on switching my blades. I currently have Pattern 99 Revolutions and am working on all my single jumps (except axel), which are solid. However, spinning has always been a struggle for me—I max out at 3 revolutions, and I’m usually on my toe pick. I’m not a natural spinner, and I’m wondering if a blade change could help.

I’ve read a lot of threads but wanted to get some direct advice from people who’ve switched from 99s to Gold Seal Revolutions or other blades like Gold Stars, and whether it helped their spins. I’m quite used to the revolution blades and would like to stick with them, so I’m not really considering Coronation Aces (I also heard they’re not great for spinning) but would consider MK Pro if absolutely necessary.

For context:

- First “real” blades were Jackson Legacy (not sure if 7 or 8s) on Edea Chorus boots (two sizes too big) when I was starting out with jumps, but I struggled to spin on them and don’t remember liking them at all to be honest.

- I also tried Phantoms but had to switch because my boots (Risports) were a size too big and ill-fitting around my ankles. I’m now in Edea Ice Flys, which fit perfectly. So not sure if they would’ve been good for me, because I had such a hard time with the Risports.

- When I got my current boots, the Phantoms were too big for the new boots so I switched to the Pattern 99s Revs because it was between those and Gold Seals, and I went with what my coach had at the time.

- I like the Revolution blades and how light they are, so I’d like to stick with a Revolution model if possible.

Has anyone switched from 99s to Gold Seals or tried something else that improved their spins? Are Gold Stars worth considering? Any insight on how different toe pick profiles might affect spinning/jumping? Was the transition from Pattern 99s to other blades difficult? Did it take a long time? Sorry for all of these questions, but I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

Thank you in advance for any advice!

I've used MK Pros my whole life on the ice, was doing all the jumps up to double Axels and several triples in them (since there wasn't as much choice of blades as there are now), and still use them now as I age out of Triple Territory. Where I rely on them most is in spins, of which I still do all the varieties, and as a pairs skater in death spirals, which you won't need. I once tried an 8 ft rocker blade -- I don't remember which but it was probably Coronation Ace -- and couldn't spin at all. I felt as if I had heavy skis on my feet.

My pairs partner in my junior and senior competition years used Gold Seals and he did all the triples (including the Axel which he mastered as an experiment at 40). He does all the spins with them. He tried MK Pros with their 7 ft rocker once out of curiosity, and had to really spike the ice to do toe jumps in them. He went back to Gold Seals.

You might find the MK Pros can help you learn to spin, and then progress to other more advanced blades when your skills develop in jumps to the doubles stage. Blades can be replaced as often as you like and/or can afford. Right now you need a traditional,dependable blade while you master a solid base of skills. Good luck!

 

[GG_skates]

I don't have the wide experience that @Ic3Rabbit has of actually using other blades. I've used MK Pros my whole life on the ice, was doing all the jumps up to double Axels and several triples in them (since there wasn't as much choice of blades as there are now), and still use them now as I age out of Triple Territory. Where I rely on them most is in spins, of which I still do all the varieties, and as a pairs skater in death spirals, which you won't need. I once tried an 8 ft rocker blade -- I don't remember which but it was probably Coronation Ace -- and couldn't spin at all. I felt as if I had heavy skis on my feet.

My pairs partner in my junior and senior competition years used Gold Seals and he did all the triples (including the Axel which he mastered as an experiment at 40). He does all the spins with them. He tried MK Pros with their 7 ft rocker once out of curiosity, and had to really spike the ice to do toe jumps in them. He went back to Gold Seals.

You might find the MK Pros can help you learn to spin, and then progress to other more advanced blades when your skills develop in jumps to the doubles stage. Blades can be replaced as often as you like and/or can afford. Right now you need a traditional,dependable blade while you master a solid base of skills. Good luck!

Thanks so much for your advice, Diana!

I love that you mentioned pairs - I recently started my pairs journey and actually worked on death spirals this morning! I couldn’t for the life of me get out of the death spiral as it felt like my edges got stuck so I’m glad to hear you use MK Pros and you’re happy with them!

They’re a solid second on my list now, but you mentioned your partner trying them out and going back to the Gold Seals because of the toe pick and that worries me a bit. Although I’m far from starting on doubles, the P99s have such a massive toe pick that I’m scared of not being able to do toe jumps if I switch over to MK Pros. But I actually might give them a go first anyway since they’re a cheaper blade and see how it goes! My pairs partner will be away for a couple of months so I want to use that time to do exactly what you said, master a solid base of skills

Thanks again for your advice!

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

I don't have the wide experience that @Ic3Rabbit has of actually using other blades. I've used MK Pros my whole life on the ice, was doing all the jumps up to double Axels and several triples in them (since there wasn't as much choice of blades as there are now), and still use them now as I age out of Triple Territory. Where I rely on them most is in spins, of which I still do all the varieties, and as a pairs skater in death spirals, which you won't need. I once tried an 8 ft rocker blade -- I don't remember which but it was probably Coronation Ace -- and couldn't spin at all. I felt as if I had heavy skis on my feet.

My pairs partner in my junior and senior competition years used Gold Seals and he did all the triples (including the Axel which he mastered as an experiment at 40). He does all the spins with them. He tried MK Pros with their 7 ft rocker once out of curiosity, and had to really spike the ice to do toe jumps in them. He went back to Gold Seals.

You might find the MK Pros can help you learn to spin, and then progress to other more advanced blades when your skills develop in jumps to the doubles stage. Blades can be replaced as often as you like and/or can afford. Right now you need a traditional,dependable blade while you master a solid base of skills. Good luck!

Coronation Ace is not an 8ft rocker, it's 7ft just like MK Pros. 8Ft rocker is Gold Seal, P99s!

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Hey Ic3Rabbit,

Thanks for taking the time to reply! I’m honestly just happy to receive any feedback and advice

To answer your questions, I’m was fitted for Ice Flys last June at a really good fitter in Texas. I currently like in the UK and went to two different shops here. The first one recommended Edea Chorus but they were two sizes too big and were killing my toes. The second one recommended Risport Royal Pros and I skated for a couple weeks in them but I was also in a lot of pain. I went Texas for two weeks for a vacation and I brought my skates to skate there but decided to go to a shop because of the pain. They told me my ankles were too skinny for Risports and my feet were shaped for Edeas (plus the Risports were a size too small). I was recommended the Ice Fly because of the new toe box which is a bit wider than the Chorus and previous Ice Fly. I honestly have not had any issues with the Ice Flys and have actually improved a lot in the time I’ve had them! I’m also an adult skater (5’4 and 125lbs) so I believe that’s also why they recommended Ice Flys.

Now the blade was actually my request since my coach has the P99 revs and recommended them both to me and another skater in the same level as me. The coach was probably going by what they knew and I know they meant well.

I asked advice here for the revolutions because I do feel like they cushion my landings, but happy to try regular blades!

Question: you said I heard wrong about the Coro Aces, would you say they’re a good spinning blade then? I’m worried about moving from an 8 ft rocker back to 7 since I had a hard time with the Phantoms, so that’s the Gold Seals (revs or regular) are at the top of my list.

Thanks again for your time

Hi and thanks for answering. I am very skeptical about how good of a shop it was if they did exactly what you said. They are wrong on so many things they told you. If your foot was shaped for an Edea then that's fine---there is a step b/t Chorus and Ice Fly called the Concerto. If anything they could have put you in that. The fact that you are an adult that weighs only 125lbs doesn't make you game for a top level Ice Fly boot. Also, with your foot shape you should have been okay in the Risport Royal line had they sized you correctly for them and stretched/pushed the boot out as many boots (most actually) need for skaters. Knowing your weight/height the ice fly is definitely too much for you, and I'm saying this as a Pro. I don't know of any really good fitters in Texas and I know many, many fitters around the world, like the two you saw in the UK more than likely and they were right with the Royal Pro, just not the size, that is all. Risport Royal line is similar to Edea so you can fit both. The Risport RF line is different and you wouldn't have worked with that one.


Anyway, onto blades. I feel like you would be okay with a MK Pro. I worry more about you switching to a Gold Seal/Gold Star with the fact that it is side honed and it has a heel lift which will kick you onto your toepicks even more and faster. MK Phantoms are a special blade with how they are made and cut--they are tapered and side honed and I almost never suggest them to a skater unless they have a need for them and are at a very advanced or elite level where they would need them. So I wouldn't rule out MK Pro due to the 7ft rocker just b/c of Phantom worrying you. It is definitely nothing like the Phantom. For that same reason, you would be fine in JW Coro Ace, as it's pretty similar to MK Pro.

Good luck!