What are Stiffness/Support Ratings?
The Stiffness ratings in the Figure Skate Comparison Guide refer to the amount of support for a particular model of skate. The stiffer the figure skate, the stronger the support. Stiffness ratings will vary depending upon figure skate brand. For this reason the Figure Skate Comparison Guide has given a range for stiffness with each level.
Stronger skaters or larger adult skaters might want to move up to the next higher level boot (a more stiff boot), lighter or younger skaters might want to move down to the next lower level (or less stiff boot) but purchase a higher level blade. This is especially true for young girls skating at higher skill levels, but their physical size can’t justify a figure skate boot built for a senior lady. When in doubt consult your coach or instructor.
If you have chosen the correct figure skate boot and skate several times a week, then it should take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to break them in. If your feet are killing you after 5 or 6 months then you probably picked the wrong boot for your skating level. Expect blisters and/or sore spots during the break in process.
| Test Level | Skill Level | Skate Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
RECREATIONAL ONLY This means that these skates are meant for pond skating or for skaters who only want to skate occasionally. Except for the very young (ages 7 and below), these skates do not have the support needed for skaters who are taking lessons and wanting to advance in the sport. | Occasional ice skating, non-competitive skating, or beginner skaters (not for Adult Beginners). Good Recreational Boots with a stiffness rating between 15-20. | (Girls Beginner/Rec.) (Women Beginner/Rec.) Jackson JS1392 Excel Riedell 113SF Riedell 110 Opal (Girls Beginner) (Ladies Youth or Adult Beginner) (Ladies Youth or Adult Beginner) |
ISI USFSA SKATE CANADA SKATE UK AUSSIE SKATE | Basic steps, swizzles, gliding, stopping, forward stroking, basic edges, forward crossovers, two foot spin, backward stroking. Boots Should have stiffness rating between 20 - 30. Lowest Rating is for Youth, Higher Rating for Adults. | (Beginner Girls) ( Beginner Girls) Jackson JS1790 Artiste (Beginner Boys) (Beginner Boys) (Youth or Adult) (Adult Beginners) GAM G0171 Pirouette (Beginner Girls) (Beginner Adult) (Youth or Adult) SP -Teri Silver Medalist SP-Teri Escalde Graf Splendid Gold |
ISI USFSA SKATE CANADA SKATE UK AUSSIE SKATE | Back crossovers, three turns, bunny hop, forward lunge, arabesque, ballet jump, beginning half jumps, simple footwork such as Mohawks, hockey stop, T-stop. Boots Should have stiffness rating between 30 - 45. Lowest Rating is for Youth, Higher Rating for Adults. | Jackson JS1791 Artiste Jackson DJ2130 Elle (JS1990) (JS1993) (Youth) Riedell 223 Stride Sp-Teri Gold Medalist Graf Ace |
ISI USFSA SKATE CANADA Pre-Preliminary SKATE UK AUSSIE SKATE | Advanced stroking, crossovers, forward one foot turns, consecutive edges, half-jumps, one foot spins, sit spin. Beginning single jumps. Boots Should have stiffness rating between 40 - 50. Lowest Rating is for Youth, Higher Rating for Adults. | (Ladies) Jackson JS1993 Marquis (Men) (Youth or Adult) (Ladies) (Ladies) Risport Excellence (Adult) Sp-Teri Pro Teri Graf Prestige |
ISI USFSA SKATE CANADA SKATE UK AUSSIE SKATE | All single jumps. Half and Single jump combinations, beginning axel. Spins such as backspin, scratch and sit, camel, spirals, simple footwork. Boots Should have stiffness rating between 45 - 70. Lowest Rating is for Youth, Higher Rating for Adults. | Jackson Debut Jackson DJ2471/DJ2470 Competitor (Ladies) (Ladies) (Men) (Youth) (Ladies) Graf Richmond Special Sp-Teri Pro Teri |
ISI USFSA Intermediate Free SKATE CANADA SKATE UK AUSSIE SKATE | All single jumps, Combination jumps, Axel, Change foot spins, flying spins, more complex footwork, spiral sequence. Beginning doubles. Boots Should have stiffness rating between 55 - 75. Lowest Rating is for Youth, Higher Rating for Adults. | (Ladies) GAM G0058 Podium Risport RF3 Graf Richmond Special Sp-Teri Super Teri SP-Teri Super Teri Deluxe |
ISI USFSA SKATE CANADA SKATE UK AUSSIE SKATE | All single jumps, all double jumps, combination doubles, lower level triples, flying spins, complex footwork. Beginning Triples. Boots Should have stiffness rating between 70 - 85. Lowest Rating is for Youth, Higher Rating for Adults. | (Ladies) (Ladies) Jackson DJ3852, DJ3802 Elite Supreme (Mens) (Mens) (Mens Lightweight) GAM G0078 Bronze Label Risport RF2 Graf Edmonton Sp-Teri KT-2 SP-Teri Super Teri Deluxe SP-Teri Zero Gravity |
ISI USFSA USFSA SKATE CANADA SKATE UK AUSSIE SKATE | Triples, quads, combination triples, all spins, complex foot work. Boots Should have stiffness rating between 85 - 100. Lowest Rating is for Youth, Higher Rating for Adults. | (Ladies) (Ladies) (Womens Lightweight) Jackson DJ3902/DJ3952 Elite Supreme Stiff (Mens) Jackson Supreme DJ5452 Low Cut (Mens) Jackson Supreme DJ5852 (Mens Lightweight) Graf Washington Sp-Teri KT-3 |
Figure Skate Comparison Guide
There are several factors to consider when choosing figure skates such as your body type, your skill level and the stiffness rating of each boot. The Figure Skate Comparison Guide below has our recommendations for choosing figure skates based upon an individual's skill level. This guide refers to the test levels of the United Skate Figure Skating Association (USFSA) and the Ice Skating Institiute (ISI). It also uses the recommendations provided by figure skating manufacturers as well as observations and experiences of the customers who have bought figure skates to help you select the most appropriate figure skates.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Figure Skates
Four factors to consider when purchasing your boot are: your weight, how often you skate, your skating level and your foot length & width. Remember there is no "better brand" of figure skate, there is just the brand that fits your foot the best. To read more information about figure skates, visit ourFigure Skate Factspage.