When did you get your own pair of figure skates?

I went through all the basic levels with rental skates, and even into freestyle 2. When I was either 13 or 14 (i started skating a later than most people), and in freestyle 2, i got my own skates. They were only about $100, $130 at most, with blades. Recently I upgraded to $270 pair of skates (i'm learning my loop jump and I need better ankle support). If you are in the freestyle levels, get your own pair of skates. But if you are in the lower freestyle levels (which i'm guessing you are), don't rush into getting an expensive pair. You want to prove to your parents you can be mature about not always getting what you want, and are serious about skating. Cheaper pairs are more than capable of performing scratch spins and waltz jumps, and even toe loops and salchows. (I know, because I had them all through that!) But once you get to learning toe loops and salchows, consider getting a more expensive pair for better ankle support. Don't rush it though, because lower-end skates are more than capable. I was about mid-way through learning the jumps when i upgraded. The first link is similar to my first pair of skates (the actual ones are a little cheaper), and the second are the ones i have now. If money is an issue, ask for them for your christmas or birthday present! if you can't wait until next christmas, and it's nowhere near your birthday, see if your parents will give you your present in advance.

What level? Hmmm... I think (not quite sure) when I was first starting waltz jumps (second or third month of skating) when I was 8. I don't know how much they cost because my parents wouldn't tell me. Probably around 150-200 dollars with blades.

I got my first skates when I had to repeat pre-alpha. I found out the crappy rental skates they gave me was the problem and getting me nowhere. I got the Jackson Classiques which were $140-$150 all together because I had to pay an extra $10 for molding which is highly recommended if you get this type of skates.

I got my first pair when i was still in the basic lessons, they were Riedells, and i think they cost $200. I'm not really sure..

I got my 1st pair of skates the 3rd time I went skating, just after signing up for lessons and rink membership. They were Risport R4's, but I don't remember how much they cost.

I got my first pair of skates in November 2004, and they were a $50 pair of used Riedells. I was going to public sessions regularly with my mom and sister, who were both taking lessons, and my mom was teaching me some of the stuff she learned. So I didn't start lessons until June 2005, so seven months later. I did it reverse of most people, but I was moving up levels almost weekly until Basic 4. By the way, just so everyone knows this, you don't need to buy brand new skates as a beginner unless there are no good used ones in your area. (My pro shop has a consignment shop too, so I get used skates and used dresses from there sometimes). I have had eight pairs of skates, including my new ones that are being shipped right now, and only four of them have been new. Not counting my current pair or my new pair, only two of them have been new. Yeah, it's called saving money by getting used skates. Works really well when you have three figure skaters in the family.

I got my first pair in week 3 of basic one, and I got wifa prima hobbys from bladeworx $330 (silly australian ripoff prices)