As we’re getting back on the ice (or waiting for our rinks to reopen) it may be time for new skates soon! This summer we wanted to share some information about the skate brands that we represent. These are the options available to you when you come to us for your fitting appointment. Our goal is to provide information that we may not get to explain when we’re focused on your feet.
Jackson Ultima
Jackson Skates started in 1966, fueled by a passion for skating. Canadian skater Don Jackson founded the company with his brother after he won the World Figure Skating Championships. The Jackson brand is known worldwide for their boot design and developing technology to enhance skate performance and comfort at all levels of skating. In the last few years Jackson’s skates have undergone a complete makeover inside and out, creating skates that feel perfect and perform perfectly.
Notable features of Jackson skates include:
The Jackson Wrap System - how the laces hold the foot securely in the skate.
The Jackson Heat Mold System - a technique where the support materials soften to shape the boot to a skater’s foot.
The Fusion Sole - a lightweight nylon composite sole with a rubber inlay that is waterproof, keeps its shape and positioning, and provides shock absorption on takeoffs and landings.
At The Skater’s Edge, we are an Authorized Dealer
One of these days, Claire and Dawn will make it to Canada to visit Jackson and see where the magic happens! Until then, we are so grateful to our mentors for teaching us all they know. And we’re also thankful to Jackson’s sales reps and traveling team of tech reps for updating us on caring for the latest technology.
Mark Ladwig stopped in Buffalo and spent a day with Claire in the workshop. He shared quick fixes, sharpening techniques, and ways to make adjustments to meet any skater’s needs. He’s also at the ready when Claire needs a quick question answered, or a boot recommendation confirmed.
When you are fitted for Jackson Skates at The Skater’s Edge, you have a wide range of skates available to you. Jackson has lines of skates for recreation, beginning lessons, beginning to compete, and advanced/elite skates. So first, we measure and assess your foot to see which size we’re looking for. Then we discuss your skating goals for the season. Together we determine which Jackson skate model is a good option for you, and we will either have the skates on the shelf or need to order it.
Generally Jackson Skaters prefer:
SoftSkate for recreational skating, or just starting skating. The design and the cushioning gets rave reviews from skaters of all ages.
Ascend Series - Mystique and Artiste sets for learning crossovers, turns, and beginner jumps. This series has everything the skater needs to get started, from the proper support level to the blade matched with their skills.
Fusion Series - Elle or Freestyle sets for beginner jumps through mid-level single jumps. This is where skaters first get to know the magic of heat molding, the lighter Fusion Sole, and the Jackson Wrap System.
From Freestyle, the next step will depend on the skater’s goals, skating schedule, and stature. The Jackson Wrap System will hold your foot in place no matter which boot you choose. Jackson offers boot-only options to personalize the support level and the blade choice when skaters are working on axels through double jumps and beyond. The Jackson Heat Mold process will help address most comfort issues in toes and ankle spots. You can also address other comfort issues or size issues with Jackson’s Rapid Custom program. We’re happy to help you decide!
Boots Are The Beginning
In addition to skate sets and boots, Jackson also offers a complete blade line.
Apex Blades
The Apex series is a group of blades that provides incredible edge lean and control with familiar pick patterns and performance. Skaters appreciate the long sharpening life. The 8’ rocker provides stability and speed to your skating.
Matrix Blades
Jackson’s lightweight Matrix Blades are popular around the world for their Stainless Steel edges and Aircraft Aluminum chassis. The profiled steel holds their edge through hours of tough skating, while the lightweight chassis allows skaters to soar to new heights. Matrix versions are available for the Legacy blade, Elite blade, Freestyle blade, Supreme blade, and Nova blade.
And did we mention they can come in different colors?
How Does Jackson Feel on Ice?
Claire hasn’t had a pair of Jackson skates since she was eight years old! So when she came across a pair in her size that needed some repairs and TLC before they were ice ready, she knew it was fate. After some work with rubber cement and leather pieces and a quick tape job the Debut boots were good as new!
She noticed comfort across the ball of the foot right away. The Jackson last is cut in a different shape than the Riedell and Edea lasts. The Fusion sole feels light and springy, and Jackson’s heel height puts her center just behind the ball of her foot and ready for action. Like with her Edea skates, the positioning took some getting used to, but after a couple of sessions it felt natural. The cushioning and lining of the skate around the ankles feels amazing, too. Skaters tell Claire that the Fusion Series Jackson boots and up “feel like skating on a cloud,” and she agrees!
Claire chose a Matrix Elite blade in lilac to model the feel of her old trusty Vision blades (now discontinued). The 8’ rocker feels steady and stable in footwork and spins. The straight cut toepick configuration gives her strong takeoffs on toe jumps. She has only sharpened them once and is on about 15 hours of skating on them. They aren’t feeling dull at all yet!
Of course, the purple color is her favorite part.
If this article gave you ideas about Jackson Ultima skates for your next skate, or if you have more questions please contact us!
We love talking skates, and if you think Jackson could be right for you, we as an Authorized Jackson Dealer want to help. With all things skating, each brand is going to feel different for each skater. What works well for one may not be so comfortable for another. So remember the only way to know if a skate is right for you is to try it on!
Call us, email us, or click here to schedule a fitting appointment with us!
The Skater’s Edge is Buffalo and Western New York’s one-stop figure skating store for new ice skates, competitive figure skates, and skate sharpening. The skate shop carries Riedell, Jackson, and Edea skates, as well as skating apparel and accessories. With technicians trained by a master sharpener of over 30 years, trust The Skater’s Edge with your next figure skate fitting, figure skate sharpening, hockey skate sharpening or hockey skate repair, as well as shaping your hockey blade radius or profiling.