My 13yo daughter would like return to skating after several years off the ice. I'm looking to get her a pair of skates and am hoping that some of you kind folks might be willing to share some advice...
Backstory: About 4 years ago, she was taking lessons and starting to land an axel. Her coach had her upgrade her Riedells (which never fit very well) to Harlicks, which were her personal brand, with Legacy blades. DD ended up switching sports later that year, so a lucky friend was gifted a very nice pair of skates. She's only skated a few times since then.
Last month DD went to a skating party wearing my old Klingbeils with Gold Star blades, which I used and loved long ago before having kids. Despite having never been on my skates, she was landing flip jumps within an hour of hitting the ice and asked to go skate some more the next day. Her back crossovers around the rink were surprisingly strong, and she looked quite fearless about trying to find her old skills.
Our local skate shop only carries Jackson and recommended the Freestyle boot/blade combo; they also have the Debut Fusion boot. I'm new to the whole microfiber boot thing, but the tongues didn't have nicely finished edges and look like might not wear well. They did seem lighter, though. DD said she wasn't sure about the fit - they just felt very different, so we decided to hold off on buying them. I suspect they'd feel better after breaking in.
Also, DD had a fairly serious sprain a year ago and can't afford to be re-injured, so not having a sufficiently supportive boot is definitely a concern. Her feet haven't grown in the past year, though the rest of her definitely has Feet are narrow in the heel, wider across the toes, and her arch is low to medium. She is naturally athletic, weighs 115 lb., and has done gymnastics and dance.
Lastly, is there a less expensive blade that feels like the Gold Star? I think that might make the transition to new skates easier for her (and I could have my old skates back). I don't mind getting her good equipment that feels good and am hoping the skates will last a good long time. Thank you in advance for any advice!!
Backstory: About 4 years ago, she was taking lessons and starting to land an axel. Her coach had her upgrade her Riedells (which never fit very well) to Harlicks, which were her personal brand, with Legacy blades. DD ended up switching sports later that year, so a lucky friend was gifted a very nice pair of skates. She's only skated a few times since then.
Last month DD went to a skating party wearing my old Klingbeils with Gold Star blades, which I used and loved long ago before having kids. Despite having never been on my skates, she was landing flip jumps within an hour of hitting the ice and asked to go skate some more the next day. Her back crossovers around the rink were surprisingly strong, and she looked quite fearless about trying to find her old skills.
Our local skate shop only carries Jackson and recommended the Freestyle boot/blade combo; they also have the Debut Fusion boot. I'm new to the whole microfiber boot thing, but the tongues didn't have nicely finished edges and look like might not wear well. They did seem lighter, though. DD said she wasn't sure about the fit - they just felt very different, so we decided to hold off on buying them. I suspect they'd feel better after breaking in.
Also, DD had a fairly serious sprain a year ago and can't afford to be re-injured, so not having a sufficiently supportive boot is definitely a concern. Her feet haven't grown in the past year, though the rest of her definitely has Feet are narrow in the heel, wider across the toes, and her arch is low to medium. She is naturally athletic, weighs 115 lb., and has done gymnastics and dance.
Lastly, is there a less expensive blade that feels like the Gold Star? I think that might make the transition to new skates easier for her (and I could have my old skates back). I don't mind getting her good equipment that feels good and am hoping the skates will last a good long time. Thank you in advance for any advice!!