With so many options online today, we are shopping more and more over the Internet than ever before. And there are certainly better deals buying things online. HOWEVER, ice skates are not one of them!
As a long time skating coach, I cringe when I hear that someone is considering purchasing inline ice skates. In essence, this means that a person is going to buy professional equipment online without trying on their boots, talking to someone about the quality of the equipment, waiving their warranty, and not getting any promise of continued fit or service on the equipment. Actually ???? This makes no sense.
I think the biggest argument I hear from someone considering this option is that they think they are getting a better deal. Well, in the case of professional equipment, there is rarely a “deal”, but more often a regret after your purchase. The average cost of buying a good pair of skates from a professional on-rink store for a beginner skater is about $ 120! If that’s all! And here are the advantages of buying them from a professional track:
– They will measure your feet and recommend the best brand of boot and blade that fits the goals of the skater. Taking into account also the level of experience, age and ability.
– If the boot is Jackson or similar, they will heat-mold the boot to your foot.
– They will allow you to update the blades separately, if necessary or desired.
– They will guarantee the boot and blade and have a money back guarantee if something goes wrong.
– They will mount the new blade to the boot and sharpen the blade before you get on the ice for the first time as part of the starting price. Generally, mounting and sharpening the blade are separate fees.
– You can also buy additional accessories for your skates while you are there just for your boots such as blade guards, underpads, wax, laces, etc.
– And they will answer all your questions so that you learn everything about your equipment and how to take care of it and protect it.
Last but not least, buying equipment at the local ice rink supports smaller businesses. Ice rinks operate with a very low margin and often barely manage. Support them by shopping with them so they can stay in business.
So please don’t buy inline ice skates. Save yourself the headache. When skates don’t fit well, it can negatively affect your learning experience and make it frustrating for your coach, who really wants you to progress. Shop locally at your pro team court!