What are the cheapest DECENT aggressive skates you can buy?

What ice skates should I buy, and can anyone recommend a good supplier??

• Hi there , I've just started ice skating lessons and have just completed my uk skate level 3. I have currently been using the hire skates at the arena where I have my lesson ...show more

• Answer:

  rental skates are horrible. i used rentals all through basics and had to constantly change them cos the blades were blunt. This made me lose confidence in the edges for crossovers, 3-turns etc. Plus i have a low arch so the retals always gave me blisters. Its really important if you plan to continue skating to get your own skates that will fit and support you as you progress. The switch from rentals to your own takes getting used to too cos i wasn't used to having such sharp blades - you'll love the extra stability you get from the edges but stopping, like your snowplough, will be harder. riedells and jacksons are very popular beginner skates and widely recognised for their quality. although after using rentals any skates would feel awesome =) if cost isn't an issue i would suggest Riedells Bronze Medallions with a Jubilee blade cos they'll last through all the basics and your freestyle 1&2. Although they'll take longer to break in than the Ribbons they should last longer. Alternatively, Jacksons are heat moldable to make breaking in much easier. You can check http://www.riedellskates.com/fit/boots.html to see what level skates you should be getting but your best bet is to ask your skate coach because they know your skills best and can recommend something that will support you through the next few levels without being too stiff for you to break in. you should also get yourself fitted at your local skate shop because skate sizing isn't true to shoe sizing. This site may help for sizing http://www.skates.com/Fitting-Riedell-skates-and-size-charts-s/136.htm but nothing beats getting yourself properly fitted. The wrong fit will damage your skating.