Best Boots and Blades of the Year Awards for 2003!
Here's your chance to save money and your feet by finding out what the latest technology has to offer in ice skating boots and blades. You name the boot and blade and most likely I've tested it. I've done all the "leg work" for you so here they are:
The envelope please......this year's winner for Best Boot and Blade is the Graf Edmonton Special and the Graf Diamond Blade. This is by far the most advanced boot in comfort, fit and performance. Look on top competing skaters' feet such as Evegeny Pluschenko and you'll see these boots. Edmonton Special Boot Pros: Lightweight, completely heat moldable for an instant custom fit. Best features are the three piece, flexing tongue and warm insulation. Favored by eastern European skaters who often train in harsh conditions. Edmonton Special Boot Cons: None really. You'll need to keep up a schedule of using SnoSeal twice a month to keep the soles looking new.
Graf Diamond Blade Pros: 8 ft. radius blade laser cut for precision edges within micrometers. Very smooth freestyle blade with a generous toe pick and strong stanchion welds. Esthetically beautiful blade that backs up its looks with solid performance. Graf Diamond Blade Cons: Absolutely none.
First runner up is Riedell for their HLS 1500 model which is their top of the line freestyle boot. Very light with cork midsoles and heat responsive reinforcements. First runner up blade is John Wilson Gold Seals with K-Pick. Riedell HLS 1500 Pros: Boot is comfortable after heat molding and has a very contoured fit. Stand with your feet together. If your two big toes point away from each other, you have the perfect "Riedell Foot". The cork midsoles really make this boot easy to care for and their best feature is the anti-rotational tongue bar. You'll "feel the ice" more in these boots yet they are quite light and warm. Riedell HLS 1500 Cons: These boots required a good amount of heat to mold properly. Have them done at a reputable pro shop.
John Wilson Gold Seals Pros: Beautiful 8 ft radius freestyle blade. The K-Pick adds stability to jump take offs and landings. John Wilson Gold Seals Cons: Precision laser cutting would bring these blades up to date with competing laser cut brands.
The Most Improved Boot & Blade Design Award goes to Jackson for their Elite Supreme which is a 3 piece heat moldable boot. Comfortable and lightweight. Soles are very easy to care for. The Ultima Freestyle Blade is the best improved
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