Anatomy of a Figure Skate Blade: How to Choose Your Figure Skating Blade (Part 1)

In recent years, there's been tremendous progress and innovation by blade manufacturers. What does all this mean for you as a skater? As a coach, my understanding of the sport, coupled with my knowledge of the blade, allows me to help my skaters make sound choices for their equipment to maximize their skating potential. I'm going to help get you started and understand the features of the blade so that you can better understand how a blade works and what features are necessary for you so that you can separate them from all the marketing hype.
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My name is Aimée Ricca, and I’m an ISSA Certified Elite Personal Trainer (E-CPT), Nutritionist (CN), and Youth Fitness Coach (CYFC). I'm also a PSA Ranked and Rated Skating Coach/Choreographer. My passion is to inspire and empower you to achieve your healthy living goals - because I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive!
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[@JillianBarnowsky]

In future parts it would be awesome if you included some “case studies”/examples if possible, like, “if a skater often has issues with toe pick scratching on spins, the blade: ____ would be a good fit”, etc. Just an idea ☺️

There really are not any case studies, unfortunately! It's such an individual thing - what works for one skater may not work for another. The best thing to do is to discuss with your coach and skate tech.

[@AyaaAcademia]

I've been binge watching your videos because they have been so informative and cut straight to the chase! Truly a godsent in a sea of so many infos to grasp when it comes to an adult getting to know/involved in figure skating

I'm so happy to hear that you find my videos useful! 😊

[@noorallawati5390]

Watching this while waiting for my JW coronation ace & overture combo to arrive

Nice!

[@1chienandalou]

I’m so glad you are giving this kind of information and also mentioning the skate tech. For anyone who might come across this, do listen If somebody gives you a good recommendation. I know so many people who just were sharpening the blades at the rink with the random guy who sharpens hockey skates most of the day etc getting the toe picks flattened, the profile messed up etc, and importantly missing out on all kinds of help that you could be getting for a better fitting boots and blades. I have very difficult feet and lots of fit/balance issues it has been life-changing to get advice I can trust. I don’t know how they do it it’s a kind of expertise that I really respect. Ask around to other skaters and coaches if you don’t hear about someone specific. Mine was really easy to find because he has worked with Nathan Chen and stuff. But you don’t need to be skating at a very high-level to benefit from their expertise anywhere from beginner intermediate all the way to Olympics needs a good tech in my opinion :)

Exactly! And, that is why I make these videos! There is so much that people don't know and don't think to ask about! I try to remember all the mistakes that I made and put good info out there so that I can save others from having to go through expensive trial and error on their own! The key thing to remember is before you spend money, ASK - whether it your coach or group lesson instructor, or the skating director - just ASK!

Thank you "random guy sharpening skates!" Unfortunately, I've seen that too with people standing outside on the sidewalk wearing the rink's rental skates! ugh....

[@keltecdan]

Back in the day when I skated I used MK Phantoms. I went to the junior Olympics but placed 8th. I was really burnt out from skating for so many years and never went back to skating.

That's amazing! It's never too late to go back!

[@globetrotting2628]

Wow, great tutorial. I went from learning on Phantoms, then switching to Coronation Ace blades. The difference was night and day. I loved the Coronation Ace, but broke two different sets on triple toes, so switched to Gold Seals and felt like I was learning to skate all over again. I couldn't keep the speed level of my spins, had a hard time taking off on my jumps and my edges weren't as deep. Now I know why thanks to you. I tried MKs, too, but they weren't comparable to the Coronation Ace's either.

Coronation Ace is intended to for skaters that are developing through doubles.Have you ever tried the Pattern 99?

[@steveherbert9575]

@globetrotting2628 Crikey you went from Phantom blades to Coronation Ace 😢. Should be the other way round. Phantom blades are so much better for jumps than Coronation Ace.

[@qiwang2758]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Aimée! I find this informative and helpful!

My pleasure!

[@tiawright3431]

Super useful video, thank you

Glad it was helpful!

[@amberhillier7361]

How are you finding the edea rotation, I honestly couldn’t stand them. I’ve since bought coronation aces and I’ve improved massively

[@katiavera2086]

I recently switched from MK Professional Revolution to Graf Junior Comp (I bought both sets of blades at almost the same time). I was terrified of not being able to spin on an 8ft rocker and the huge picks were off putting. However, I’ve been able to spin and turn without problem and only the large holes left on the ice when I do lutz jumps startle me. I did show the blades to my coach before switching.

Good for you! It sounds like a good decision!

[@tiawright3431]

I love your laces!!! X

Thank you! They are Edea Fluo laces. You can get them here: figureskatingstore.com/edea-fluo-laces-for-figure-skates/?ref=skatewithaimee Use coupon code SKATEWITHAIMEE and you'll get 10% off your purchase :)

[@johannabarry6325]

This was excellent. Thank you.

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@jamiegreenwood6531]

Thank you for this video!

You’re welcome!

[@steveherbert9575]

For me Gold Seal, Phantom and Pattern 99 are the better free blades. Coronation Ace is for doubles and so is MK Professional. You need to change to something better for triples and above. I have some friends who use Gold Seal. Personally, I have used Phantom for years and years. Other friends use Pattern 99. At the end of the day, try them all and go with what you prefer and what works for you 😊

[@lisabaltzer4190]

Olympiad blades were one of the best blades ever made. I used to skate on them. Unfortunately, the company went out of business sometime in the late 70’s or early 80’s.

Thanks for watching! I stick with John Wilson. What do you skate on now?

[@lisabaltzer4190]

@ I have very tiny feet (4) and got very lucky and found a new never been used pair of SA 3 ( top of the line) custom made Klingbeil boots on eBay and got them for $66.49. Nobody else bid on them. The child outgrew them by the time they got the boots. They fit me like they were made for me. I put a pair of Phantom Special blades on them. When Olympiads were no longer available, I switched to Phantoms. I gave up skating when I got pregnant at age of 22. I am now 62, but started skating again 5 years ago with my grandson and needed new skates. I love the boots and the blades are good, but I liked Olympiads better. They are what I learned on.

You did get lucky! Phantoms can be a difficult blade - glad it worked for you. Best of luck to both you and your grandson!

[@tamakyuart]

Very informative, thank you 😊 I've just bought new boots and Coronation Ace (Lite) blades having been using Graf 500 skates so far, which I think have an 8' rocker. I've had no problem getting speed and landing jumps but have really struggled to get my spins, so I'm really curious now to see if the smaller radius will prove helpful O:

Glad to help!

[@keltecdan]

I always hated breaking in new boots. Plus trying to get the right blade alignment on the boot was frustrating and painful at times. If the blade is too far left or right it can cause you to slide out and fall.

[@1chienandalou]

And experienced skate tech is extremely helpful for things like this. I’ve had my blade position adjusted by just about a millimeter a few times, thinking how is going to change anything…. But he has been right every time. My blades had to be moved those forward backward as well as sideways and different for each foot. My feet are strange probably don’t necessarily have to do that much but if you don’t get adjusted after a few weeks you could always try to consult someone about the position.

[@Mineralmango]

Thanks for this video! I learned a ton

I have more on the blade profiles in Part 2. Which will post next week! In a nutshell, most blades are based off the John Wilson profiles (models).

[@Alana-bv5ib]

I'm a beginner and I got Rispirt Electra boots with Bjørn blades. I feel like these blades might have been a bad choice, but I didn't know any better. I can't find any information on these blades, so they're probably not good at all 😅

I've never heard of Bjørn blades. When I google the only thing that comes up are hockey blades. However, they may be perfectly acceptable for a beginning skater.

[@sandyerickson7886]

I have new Edea Concerto skates (thanks to YOU!) (I messaged you earlier under "Boots" about trying on the squeaky/damaged skate and went elsewhere) and would love and can afford to get the JW Gold Seal. I am not presently under coaching, but have been skating for 20 years and several more as a teen. Adult Silver is the highest level I have passed and am practicing those skills and Gold Moves. I am 66YO this week, am not very serious anymore, but would love a great skate and blade for future. I plan to learn more figures, footwork, and try out Solo Dance, which I've never done. I will begin private Dance lessons soon. I will still want to be able to do single jumps and basic spins to keep up my skills. Question: Is the JW Gold Seal too much blade for an older skater at my lower ability? I have been skating on JW Coronation Ace for 14 years. I'm complimented by my edges, but could never spin. I'm ready to get move on up. Will switching to an 8' rocker be harder than a 7' rocker?

IMO - You cannot overblade. However, the MK Professional is more affordable and similar to the Gold Seal. My concern is that you are focusing more on dance and skating skills. Therefore, you may do better with a dance or hybrid blade then with a freestyle blade. I encourage you to work with a coach and get their input.

[@sandyerickson7886]

Thank you; you're right. My new coach recommended the MK Dynasty synchro skate and Apex Dance, since I like edges, figures, moves and want to also do solo dance. I'll go for the Dynasty. One time you also mentioned I consider a synchro blade.

You're welcome! The Dynasty sounds like a good choice for you!

[@skatingqueen24]

8:06 thank you for this information Aimee! Getting back to skating after 10 years off and it’s a whole new world! You’re making things so much easier :) You mention blades are usually up to a half inch shorter than the boot. Most information I’ve looked at says a quarter inch is standard, so I’m interested in when a half inch might be used. I’m looking at a pair of Jacksons and I’m just wondering if there would be a reason to go with a half inch vs a quarter inch shorter than the boot? Is the difference between these sizes more about preference or function?

What I say in the video is 1/8 to 1/2 inch shorter in length. The variance, depends on the brand and model and personal preference. Your skate tech has charts that they use to determine the range that is appropriate for each make and model. They usually give you the range and ask your personal preference. I generally go on the shorter size for my own preference. Ask your tech what the range is for your particular boot and let them know your preference.

[@carrieli9163]

Hi coach! I am a beginner adult skater, I love this beautiful sport and would love to continue on. I plan on upgrading from my Jackson artiste beginner level boots that come with the blades in the near future. I would like to know if the gold seal revolutions is too much of a rocker for me to handle and control (the ones that Yuzuru Hanyu have! I love the look of those blades haha but they are close to $800 kinda pricey) or should I go for coronation ace revolution blades that have similar looks and a 7ft rocker which I guess is more beginner friendly, and for $350 (so a lot cheaper in comparison)

I skate on Gold Seals and I love them! Rather than Coronation Ace, if you are interested it eventually moving to Gold Seal you may also want to consider MK Professional. MK and John Wilson are sister brands and the MK Pro is a great blade that is similar in price to the Coronation Ace! It's always best to ask your coach and professional skate tech what their thoughts are before you purchase new equipment. Whatever you decide, there will be a learning curve and it may take you a bit to adjust. Be patient as you get used to the new blade!

[@fdshighland949]

Are there certain blades that will work best on synthetic ice? I know blades will dull faster on synthetic ice, so i wanted to see what blades would hold up best with the additional sharpening.

Not that I'm aware of! Most blades are designed and engineered for actual ice.

[@catherinefitzgerald2494]

I'm 13 and I'm a pretty beginner skater, I was looking into getting new skates, I can land most singles and turn but I'm lost when it comes to picking new skates and was looking for recommendations. I am looking at either the Edea overturned, Jackson freestyle or the Jackson premiere skate and I have no idea what blades to get but was leaning more towards the straight cut. I want something that would last a long time and are very comfortable because I've had some issue in the past with too narrow skates. Any suggestions?

You should ask you coach where to go! They will know the best skate tech and will be better able to make recommissions for you.

[@genenightthunder2727]

So what did you end up getting?

[@leslieraper5661]

This is a great video. I'm am ready to move into higher end blades and Gold Seals are a contender. I went a quarter inch shorter in my current blades Coronation Ace. Should I stay with that size?

I’m glad you found it helpful. For the blade size, it’s best to check with your skate tech and your coach.

[@vivonco]

I just realized, that my skates got a "bump" in the non skatbale area. Do you know if this affects my spins? I always have a scratchy feeling and cant center them well since i let them grind (at one of our public rinks)

Yes, it can affect your spins because the bump can interfere with rocking to and from your toe pick. This is why I always recommend making sure you go to a skate tech that is skilled with figure skates. Check with your coach, the rinks figure skating director, and other skaters. Ask them where to go!

[@carismorel]

So why would a skater offset their blade mounting? Pronation?

For better alignment over the blade. It could be pronation or supination.

[@carismorel]

Gotcha! Thank you!

[@krcjjck]

I have coronation ace light blades and am having a horrible time trying to spin. Can you suggest a better blade for me please? I am an older skater (51) and a beginner only 2 years working on salchow toe loop and loop jumps but my spins are almost non existent. I travel and just can not stay on or find that sweet spot. Thank you

The CA Lite works best for petite skaters, primarily working on edges and footwork. I have found that most of my skaters prefer MK Professional. However, my spins improved greatly when I switched to JW Gold Seal.

[@alanamarie22]

Will the coronation ace blades be good for the edea overtures as a beginner?

I generally suggest either the MK Professional or John Wilson Coronation Ace for my skaters that are purchasing their first boot and blade separately.

[@alanamarie22]

@ what about mk galaxy starting out & then eventually switch to mk pro or CA as I advance?

[@alanamarie22]

I was also looking at MK Vision Synchro? Have you heard of these specific blades before? Would this be a good blade for a beginner. I am looking to eventually tryout for a synchro team! I know blades can be quite expensive and I don’t want to have to keep buying new blades.

I have heard of those blades, of course. As far as I know, the MK Galaxy does not have a spin rocker. So, I prefer the MK Pro or JW Coronation Ace. MK appears to have discontinued the Vision. Synchro blades are typically shorter than freestyle blades. I encourage you discuss the options with your coach and skate tech before you purchase.

[@alanamarie22]

@ thank you! I just like having multiple opinions. I appreciate your help :)

[@christineniu3677]

Why would a coach not want to upgrade the blade? The aspire xp is causing problems with spins and the toe pick keeps hitting causing my daughter to fall. I’ve suggested getting a different blade like MK professional, but the coach doesn’t want to switch. I feel bad if I go against her. Any advice?

I can’t speak to your coach's specific reasons. My guess would be that they don't feel that the blade is the issue, and there could be other reasons your daughter is having difficulty. Or, maybe the coach feels that switching out the blade would cause too steep of a learning curve. Have you asked the coach for specifics as to why they don’t want to change the blade? My suggestion is to inquire about the coaches specific concerns in an open discussion.

[@karinapetraityte1180]

Hello! Whats your opinion on Jackson Matrix Freestyle blades?❤

Nearly every blade available is derived from John Wilson or MK profiles. For example, I understand that the Matrix Elite is based off the John Wilson Pattern 99 profile. The main difference is in the material used. The Matrix runner is mostly stainless steel, while John Wilson and MK are carbon steel for most models. Matrix blades are designed with an aluminum chassis to lighten the weight. I don't have a specific opinion on Matrix blades as I haven't skated on them. I have skated on other brands though and my preference is John Wilson. I have found that I don't like the sound of stainless steel blades on the ice and they just don't have the feel that prefer. John Wilson blades (to me) feel like cutting butter. That said, it really just comes down to personal preference.

[@karinapetraityte1180]

@ thank you very much for replying 🥰

You're welcome!

[@Yaziceed]

I need help here anyone?im getting risport royals in a size 250 uk size 4.5 and I can’t for the lift of my figure out the blade size 😭

Your tech should do that for you!

[@shrek-chan6115]

hello! im thinking of getting edea chorus skates, because my old skates are used and big in the ankle area, but i only jump singles, so im thinking maybe they are too advanced for me? and i don’t know what blades i should get or if i should keep my old blades. i use risport royal pro skates and john wilson coronation ace revolution blades. what do you think?

It depends on many things! It’s best to discuss it with your coach and pro skate tech.

[@shrek-chan6115]

@ thank you!!

You’re welcome!

[@yasemin5475]

Hi again first of all i dont have a coach so i need help i decided to buy Jackson Classique 1990 and it comes with Mark iv blade i want to do jump and spins but people says Mark iv blade sucks what blade should i buy or do you have any recommendation for me im thinking to buy edea overture with mk galaxy . Im not buying a new skate so its all about luck finding clean skates and model . If i buy Jackson Classique 1990 can i change the blade and can i do jumps with it ? Which blade can i buy for Jackson Classique Mirage is okay ? Can i still do jumps with this blade or do you have any recommendation? Please reply i really need help

Something new that is affordable is always advisable over purchasing a used skate. You need to get fitted by a professional tech. Have you watched this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/enOTmZ-Ggr6emMk Jackson Classique has a PVC sole and it's not advisable to change or reposition the blade. From your previous comment it sounds like you are jumping and I don't suggest the Classique as it is geared toward more recreational skaters. But, please, discuss your options with a professional tech at a reputable skate shop. I cannot provide you specific advise here.

[@yasemin5475]

@ @Aimée Ricca Skates that i looked they just worn for 2 or 3 times they are actually new but secondhand . I also found Edea Overture with Mk Galaxy its really new she only wore this just for 2 times. I stucked between Edea Overture Mk galaxy and Jackson Classique with Mirage blade

[@yasemin5475]

@ im not gonna buy something really old and dusty with broken ankle i will buy something new it will be used for just couple of times

If they have been worn they are not new. A professional skate tech at a reputable shop will be able to better assist you with your selection.

[@yasemin5475]

@ i think we can count them new because they have worn only 2 times on the ice rink just a few hours there is no scratch on them

[@rawsunnata829]

I do not jump and do not spin. What kind of blades do I need?

What level are you and what is your goal?

[@rawsunnata829]

@ I have very beginning level and do just recreational skating for health and posture support.

You would do well with a stock set - boots and blades together. I have a video on the best skates for beginners here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKWohaNuadSGldU

[@rawsunnata829]

@ Are John Willson Coronation Ice light good for me if I buy Edea Chorus boots?

It honestly depends on your size. They’re meant for very petite skaters.

[@sakula5605]

Can you trade me

[@linkchen8245]

just try all of them see which u like LOL

LOL! That would be expensive!

[@linkchen8245]

@ I think blades mnf should allow pro shops and skate tech for that service. They are making a lot out of skaters but not giving back enough and allow the sport to become more efficient and grow.

I realize that it's difficult to know which blade to purchase when you can't take them for "test drive" but that would be very difficult for a skate shop/tech to maintain every blade in every size for skaters to try them - even if the manufacture gave them demos. It's not really feasible.