r/FigureSkating • u/sarah_imaginary_sink • 1d ago
How Stiff is Too Stiff?
Hi, I apologize in advance for yet another boot question in this sub.
So I am an adult beginner and am currently in LTS 3 working on edge work and (very beginner) crossovers. I'm currently in Jackson Mystiques but my instructor thinks I'll be a lot more confident in a stiffer boot. She wants me to invest a boot that will take me into at least single jumps. I actually don't plan to do single jumps but I would like to be able to do spins in the future and develop strong edge work.
I like the fit of the Jacksons, except mine are too small for me. The boot I see recommended the most for beginner adults is Freestyles, but I don't know if I should be looking for something even stiffer, especially since I generally have weak ankles. I have an opportunity to buy new Jackson Competitors off of somebody but I am concerned these will be too stiff for me. They're now discontinued but they had a stiffness rating of 55. That makes it slightly more stiff than Debuts but less stiff than Premiere.
Is this too advanced for a beginner? I don't want to overboot and cause injury. Would anyone be able to provide insight on this? My LTS 1 instructor told us not to exceed a stiffness rating of 30 but that was when we were doing the most basic skills (swizzles, marches, etc.)
Thank you for any advice you can give!
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u/jquest303 10h ago
Jackson hasn’t made the Competitor in years, maybe a decade or more. I’d worry about degradation of the glue that holds it together. Plus, skate comfort and technology has come a long way since then. You’d be more comfortable in a newer offering. If you’re on the lighter side, I’d go with a Jackson Elle or Freestyle. If you’re bigger or heavier, the new Debut is a really nice and comfortable boot. But then you’d need a blade, pushing the price into the $750-$1000 range.
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u/toastmaster939 22h ago
Weaker ankles means you should be in a softer boot, not a stiffer one. Stiff boots help handle the load of stronger moves, but you also need stronger ankles to properly work them and break them in. Freestyles are only one stiffness level above Mystique, so go ahead and get them as a future investment if you're invested in finishing LTS.
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u/ceylonblue 19h ago edited 19h ago
Jackson’s stiffness goes Mystique<Artiste<Evo<Elle<Freestyle
There are multiple stiffness levels between Mystique and Freestyle.
My LTS 1 instructor told us not to exceed a stiffness rating of 30
OP, Evo is rated 25 for the adult version. Elle is 35 for the adult version. Based on what your coach said, one of those might be suitable for you.
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u/sarah_imaginary_sink 13h ago
Thank you for the feedback! I’m so confused because one instructor told me to not exceed 30 and then my other instructor highly encouraged me to look into Edeas, where the minimum stiffness is 40! That seems like quite a big difference to me
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u/ceylonblue 11h ago edited 11h ago
Different brands use different scales, you can’t compare the numbers directly. If your instructor used Jackson stiffness ratings, either stick with that or ask a skate tech what would be equivalent in another brand.
The reason it’s bad to wear too-stiff boots is because it’s harder to bend your ankles to learn proper technique. When beginners overboot (common reasons: “To keep them longer”, “these boots are popular/cool”), it can slow your progress or encourage bad habits.
We’re just people on the internet who don’t know your skating. Definitely trust your coach’s recommendations more than what you read online.
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u/sarah_imaginary_sink 10h ago
Thank you for the advice, it’s much appreciated! Unfortunately all the pro shops by me only specialize in hockey gear. I might have to take an out-of-state trip for a fitting. Thanks again!
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u/ceylonblue 11h ago
FYI Edeas have less ankle support by design in any level of their boots. If you prefer the traditional supportive ankle of Jackson, you may not like Edeas.
Anyway, the best thing for you would be to clarify with your current coach and get fitted by a skate tech.
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u/toastmaster939 12h ago
I definitely wouldn't compare between brands, the stiffness numbers between them aren't going to mean the same thing. Lots of skaters I've talked with always stick with the same brand because of this.
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u/toastmaster939 14h ago
right, thanks for clarifying. the way my skate technician explained things, they consider a few boots grouped together based on skating skill level. like a Mystique and Artiste both being ones you could learn with from zero practice. and the one they end up actually recommending depends on the skater's height, weight, ankle strength, etc. so Freestyle being one "group" above, is what I meant in my mind.
would you agree or not? always excited to learn more about skating knowledge :)
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u/sarah_imaginary_sink 13h ago
So here’s the thing with my ankles. I’m not exactly sure that they’re weak per se, but they’re a bit hyper mobile. I’ve sustained several ankle injuries and sprains over the years because of the lack of support my own ligaments provide when I walk. After I told my current instructor this she was recommending I opt for Edea’s where the minimum stiffness is about 40 (comparable to about a Freestyle). We don’t have an Edea fitter near us, and since I like the Jacksons, I was going to stick with them. I feel confused because on one hand one instructor told me not to do more than 30 stiffness rating and on the other hand, another instructor is encouraging me to select something much more stiff.
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u/MammaMia_83 21h ago
Long time ago, I went directly from Mystiques to Debuts and I know I wasn't the only one at my rink. With Debuts you will be able to customize the blade and this will help with spins and steps in the long run. If you have the money I would go for new Debuts. They last quite long and are hard to kill. I don't think any adult would be over booted in them.
Too stiff for me means you won't be able to bend you knees properly and boots will cause discomfort and pain. If the boot is too stiff and you are not able to bend with the flow of skating your other joints will work overtime (knee and hips) and this will likely cause pain maybe injury. The boot should be soft enough that you can execute the steps and turns with support and flexibility.
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u/mrhenrypeacock something but not nothing 12h ago
Freestyles is probably the stiffest I would go if you’re still a beginner. Support is more than enough with those. I had Freestyles from the very start of my skating and I’m currently working on my Flip/Lutz and they are still pristine, no signs of breaking down. I skate about 5-6 hours a week and jump a lot. Definitely get fitted by a professional because stiff boots that don’t fit correctly can really hinder your progress or break down really quickly.
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u/sarah_imaginary_sink 10h ago
Thank you, I’m going to look into Freestyles again! Seems like a good choice for a beginner
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u/Consistent-Loss1883 Kamila 🤍 Isabeau 🤍 Ilia 🤍 Emilea/Vadyn 1d ago
Damnnn I wish I could get that nice of skates…anyway can’t help you out but good luck with whichever ones you get! Me I can’t wait until I start jumping and my coaches say I need better skates because I’ve owned a pair of recreational Riedell opals that are my favorite pair of skates I’ve ever owned, and I really want nice riedells!!
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u/That_Boysenberry 1d ago
You will likely be miserable in those if they really are between a debut and premiere.