Emanate excellence and defy gravity through the fit, function, and experience offered by AURA.
EDEA boots are formable to your foot, but not like other brands. You DO NOT put them in the oven. You must heat them up in the spot that needs molding with a HEAT GUN (1500 -1800 watts). This process is used to adjust for the Runner's bump (Haglund deformity), bunions, 5th metarsol, small toe, ankles, and especially the navicular bone. This is only done once we have dealt with foot alignment issues during the fitting. This is for fine tuning purposes, not a whole new fit.
Here at La Maison du Patin, we mod and rebuild skates. To strengthen or rebuild an EDEA boot, we put it in a oven for 10 minutes at 180 degrees and we can easily open up and add thermoplastic reinforcements giving the skater the exact boot they want along with a personalized strength (Example a Concerto with the strength of an Ice Fly or even Piano). Please note, THIS service is very specialized and very few places can offer this. It is highly specialized and requires highly skilled and knowledgeable shoemakers.
According to one of EDEA's distributors, (here is an extract)
We can take a standard “C” width boot and narrow or widen the boot to accommodate a range from “AAAA” to “EEE” all without adding or subtracting material! Feet tend to change over time, so in the instance you may need adjustments, just re-shape the boot! The EDEA design allows us to pinch, punch, widen, and narrow without comprising the structure of the boot, and as long as it’s heated correctly, you can have it re-shaped as many times as you need! Again, all this is done in house in our premises with a very high level of expertise.
Here at La Maison du Patin, we have been selling and servicing EDEA skates since 2006, so we have mastered the craft of fitting these skates and perfecting them even further for our skaters. We were the very first in our province to start promoting them because we knew, although at them time it was a very unique and innovative boot, we knew that the figure skating market needed to be disrupted.
Here is the full write up by the distributor regarding EDEA boots and customization.
<< One of the best features of the EDEA boots is the fact that we can take any model of EDEA and customize it to fit your foot! Shaping can be done to allow for square toes, hammertoes, bunions, narrow heels and narrow Achilles tendons, along with the many other shapes that feet can take. We can take a standard “C” width boot and narrow or widen the boot to accommodate a range from “AAAA” to “EEE” all without adding or subtracting material! Feet tend to change over time, so in the instance you may need adjustments, just re-shape the boot! The EDEA design allows us to pinch, punch, widen, and narrow without comprising the structure of the boot, and as long as it’s heated correctly, you can have it re-shaped as many times as you need! How is this achieved? The custom shaping is achieved by manipulating the thermo-formable material used in the structure. This carbon-type material can be pinched, punched, widened, and narrowed in various ways, thus taking a stock “C” width boot off the shelf and creating a custom skate that is shaped to fit your unique foot. When we shape the boots, we use 1800-watt hair dryers. Once the temperature reaches between 140-180°, the thermoformable material will become soft and pliable. Different techniques are used to achieve the desired fit. For widening, we use tracings of your feet and shoe lasts. For narrowing, we use the lace locking system incorporated into the EDEA boots and foot tracings to achieve a snugger fit. We use a few different punches that vary in size and shape to punch out at the ankles or to adjust the heel pocket. Once the material cools, it will not move again until it is heated again. Because of this, we advise against storing the boots near a heat source, like in a car on a hot summer day. The shape will change if these temperatures are reached. However, if the shape of the boot does change, it can always be shaped back! What areas of the boot can be shaped? The EDEA boots can be shaped anywhere where the heat-moldable shell is present. This includes the toe box, the heel pocket, and the area around the ankle and navicular bones. The exception to these areas is the EDEA Roller Boots, the Classica and Flamenco Soft, where the thermo-formable shell stops under the ankle. How long does the shaping process take? Depending on how much shaping the boot requires the process could take from 45 minutes to 2 hours. The longest part of the process is the cooling process. The boot must be completely cooled off before you can try it on. Trying a warm boot on could cause the structure to change shape, and then the process must be repeated to recover the desired shape. How does this compare to shaping a traditional leather boot? This technology is far superior to that of heat molding, which uses the traditional oven and in many cases requires periodic re-molding. The oven heats the padding in a traditional boot so that it will form to your foot. With EDEA skates, the internal padding is memory foam; similar to the mattress you sleep on. When the skates are shaped, the actual structure of the boot is being altered, not just the padding inside. We strongly advise against utilizing an oven to shape the EDEA, as this softens the entire structure and shape in a way that is harmful to the carbon type material. We use hair dryers, shoe lasts, and other tools to modify specific areas of the structure. While this may not be incredibly difficult, it does require the proper tools and the knowledge of skating, the EDEA design, and body alignment. >>
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The Revolution technology is unlike any other lightweight blade in the industry and HD Sports is the only company which offers the true Gold Seal and Pattern 99 features. Composed of 100% unidirectional fibers which are compression molded with a thermosetting resin, these blades deliver incredible strength and unprecedented performance. The unique cantilever shape, which has become so synonymous with the world’s elite, has led to reports of a “feel” unlike any other lightweight offering. Adam Rippon stated, “There is a quality to the run of a Wilson blade and a softness that helps me feel my best while performing.” This responsiveness allows the skater to give the impulsion of a jump and the certainty of a forgiving landing. The technology has changed the way the world thinks about figure skating blades and the manner in which equipment can define and enhance a skater’s aesthetic. Additionally, the resin we use in the carbon fiber acts as a thermal barrier which protects the feet from the cold transference felt through other blades. If you want a smoother, more responsive skating experience, you need to join the Revolution.
The technology
Carbon composite technology ensures blades are lightweight, but not when it comes to strength and durability.
Lighter than a standard blade for improved take offs, this technology is designed to help you reach even greater heights.
Featured blades
Our carbon fibre body utilises a nano charged matrix formula to provide increased strength and performance.
After spending countless hours consulting with skaters, engineers, coaches and our design team we are proud to say that we’ve created a blade that’s 46% lighter than traditional blades, 30% lighter than Revolution blades, and up to 20% lighter than aluminum products.
Our patented technology showcases an unprecedented approach to building strength and performance throughout the blade’s frame. This feature allows the Phoenix to be the lightest blade on the market without any loss in strength, giving you savings in energy and more time in the air.
This is officially the lightest blade ever made and showcases a full carbon fiber body with a stainless-steel runner. The stainless steel we’ve selected will outperform anything we have offered before in its ability to resist corrosion while providing extended edge life.
Perfectly designed to provide improved performance, this innovative blade design will allow athletes around the world to reach unprecedented technical heights.
The skater with the competitive advantage is the one with the best technology.
The technology
Nano charged matrix formula to provide increased strength and performance.
The lightest blade on the market which provides increased energy saving and more time in the air.
The 420 stainless steel variant we’ve selected is specifically formulated to provide improved corrosion resistance and unrivalled edge life.The 420 stainless steel variant we’ve selected is specifically formulated to provide improved corrosion resistance and unrivalled edge life.
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There are many levels of skate sharpenings. We pride ourselves in knowing the details, having the technology to adapt and innovate to the ever changing skating needs. In our flagship store in Montreal, we offer many different sharpening possibilities and they are offered on 2 different types of technologies.
One technology is by a Canadian cie, called Blackstone Sports that has an FBV (Flat Bottom V) integrated sharpening system. This machine has a patented diamond dressing system that are wheels instead of a diamond dresser. This provides us quick and precise dressing of our grinding wheels. Other machines provide a diamond dresser that creates volatility. It is not exactly the same dressing each time, so this makes the sharpener have to adjust the alignment of the jig and make other unnecessary adjustments.
Dupliskate (Jonah) is our other technology that we use. A very efficient and quick sharpening machine allowing us to provide a better price for recreational, starter skaters, adults and anyone needing a plain old good sharpening. The goal of using a machine like this, is like driving a Toyota Corolla, a good low budget reliable car without any fancy bells and whistles. It is not like our BLACKSTONE machine which is equipped like a Bentley that allows us a quality finish unlike the Dupliskate.
These are 2 necessary machines, just very different and for different purposes. All our in house technicians have been thoroughly trained by Steve Laframboise (owner with over 27 years experience) and have to meet our high standards. Meeting and updates are a regular part of our work weeks. You have to do these things when you have olympic level skaters, and most of all, skaters with dreams needing your services.
You can find a radio interview with Steve Laframboise that voices his interest in new sharpening technologies, from years ago.
More to come on our Youtube channel!
]]>AURA custom and soon in stock boots. AURA has a patented technology to scan the foot in 3D, along with the boot being made completely in carbon fiber. It makes the fit extremely customizable and above all, very lightweight. As this company scales, the competition will have to push themselves to get lighter. This is a good thing!
Jackson Ultima Skates has been working on their synergy line for quite some time. Again, the pandemic slowed down progress, but now slowly but surely, it is starting to come alive. Made with carbon fiber and micro fiber, all synthetic skate when matched with fusion soles, the skate is customizable and has a better longevity than the previous leather boot generations. Finally, figure skating is entering into the new technological world of synthetics. The leather days are almost behind us.
John Wilson, Phoenix. Another company join the carbon fiber trend. So lightweight and yet robust. Not that long ago, to get a robust blade, the weight of the blade made the benefits a reward with diminishing returns. Thinking outside of the figure skating box, using nonstandard raw materials, we get the best of both worlds, lightweight and robustness.
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Introducing the first insole created specifically for the skating motion.
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Designed to enhance alignment, the unique 'reversed arch' creates a linear knee bend for more stability & power!
Pronation is present Wider Foot - requires less volume underfoot |
Pronation is present Regular Foot - requires standard volume underfoot |
Pronation is present Narrower Foot - requires more volume underfoot |
What is pronation? Pronation refers to the way in which your foot and tibia roll inward at the ankle, causing the knee joint to turn in more than normal. This misalignment can lead to an increased risk of injury through the pronation itself, or the attempt of the skater to compensate for the pronation. |
WHO and WHY These propietory insoles have undergone scientific testing at The University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM), examining the effect of an orthopedic insole on ankle stability in ice skating. |
Subjects performed on-ice skating with and without the insoles. Those with wider feet used the 3° insole and narrower the 7°. Pressure sensor instruments provided readings of each skater’s center of pressure (COP). The COP and the location of the blade were then compared - optimal stability occurs when the COP is equal to the blade location. |
RESULTS The use of the insoles allowed the skater’s COP to be closer to the blade of the skate, providing higher ankle stability. Since the motion of skating is drastically different than walking, the optimization of the skating boot should be specific to this unique COP. |
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CARBON COMPOSITE
Carbon composite technology ensures blades are lightweight, but not when it comes to strength and durability.
FLY-WEIGHT
Lighter than a standard blade for improved take offs, this technology is designed to help you reach even greater heights.
GOLD SEAL
Our carbon fibre body utilises a nano charged matrix formula to provide increased strength and performance.
After spending countless hours consulting with skaters, engineers, coaches and our design team we are proud to say that we’ve created a blade that’s 46% lighter than traditional blades, 30% lighter than Revolution blades, and up to 20% lighter than aluminum products.
Our patented technology showcases an unprecedented approach to building strength and performance throughout the blade’s frame. This feature allows the Phoenix to be the lightest blade on the market without any loss in strength, giving you savings in energy and more time in the air.
This is officially the lightest blade ever made and showcases a full carbon fiber body with a stainless-steel runner. The stainless steel we’ve selected will outperform anything we have offered before in its ability to resist corrosion while providing extended edge life.
Perfectly designed to provide improved performance, this innovative blade design will allow athletes around the world to reach unprecedented technical heights.
The skater with the competitive advantage is the one with the best technology.
THE TECHNOLOGY
Revolution is the little differences in your blade that make a big difference on the ice. You get greater control, extra lift, improved responsiveness and, above all, you get the edge on the competition.
The technology
Process 55
Creating an MK blade is a 55-step process, followed precisely to ensure every blade is the best it possibly can be.
FEATURED REVOLUTION BLADES
]]>The EliteXpression brand has grown over the years and now has developed a specialty in swimsuits. As of 2022, we are launching new segments and Active wear line for not just skaters but moore for everyone to enjoy.
EliteXpression has always been avant-garde and now we are poised to be even more with our emphasis on sublimation along with new technologies to allow 3D designs and a better customer experience.
Our team of designers, both graphic and fashion can and have created marvelous masterpieces. As both the owner and CEO, I feel that the industry in now headed into a direction that is more about technology allowing the design to evolve beyond any limit. It is here that our team has its talent focused. Considering how the world has evolved we can say, it is not just about matching fabrics, but instead having unique prints, themes or depth to capture the essence of the story that the athletes are portraying. At this time, Elitexpression is one of the only companies that can sublimate in house, and we can do so on many different fabrics.
Follow our updates in our Hall of Fame section and see our Collections grow into this prestigious and very demanding segment.
I would like to thank all of our loyal customers and especially my amazing team. I am both honored and humbled to be so fortunate to have such great people surrounding me.
Steve Laframboise
CEO / Owner
Get ready to Xcite your audience!
]]>Both companies offer a 3D scan system that is done with a scanner allowing us to capture your entire foot. We can make any requests to fit the needs we feel you need.
Skate production varies between 3 weeks to 5 weeks. Please take this into consideration when coming into the store and requesting a made to measure.
Both companies offer an in stock boot that does fit most skaters, so do keep this in mind.
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Once you walk into our flagship store, you will be hit with many different segments such as skates, services, accessories, our staff and our world reknowned brand EliteXpression! In its humble beginnings we had only one designer with a few sewers and production manager making only custom costumes. As our popularity grew, my vision for the brand went from custom costumes to making a complete line of apparel. Skaters at this time were slowly moving away from wearing dresses and skirts to leggings (yoga wear). Having all our focus and talent oriented in custom costume designs, this was more challenging than one we wanted to admit. Custom costumes are a very different breed allowing you to hone in on the customers needs and putting your design capabilities into their requirements. Creating a collection is a whole other beast and process. The design and production needs are very different.
Along comes the pandemic, that exposes, like all companies, small cracks in our model and our needs. Changes were to be made and adapting to our new environment had to come hand in hand. The vision for the company, grow our design and manufacturing capacity. After many meetings and facing new challenges, the pivot was made.
Integration of 4 designers, each specializing in their field of expertise. They range from fashion designers, graphic designers to branding. Also, some of the manufacturing is done overseas by a figure skating guru who has the biggest footprint and manufacturing expertise in the world. We are very fortunate to have ties with such a dedicated group.
Now to address the new Custom dresses. Times are changing and technology is allowing us to make more thematic and endless personalized designs. Matching fabric has its place for now, but the future design marvels lie in our hands. Investments were made to introduce an amazing and exciting platform. It is called sublimation and I am proud to say, nobody does it like us. We have just made major investments in adding more efficient technology to this platform allowing better efficiency and a much better customer experience. You can see creations that have been done on our website of Elitexpression.com
Today, we have an energized team of passionate people who truly love what they do. Stay tuned as many more segments and exciting products come alive!
Steve Laframboise
Owner and President
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I talk about this every once in a while, it is what I call the greek god of thunder. Since science did not exist how else would you explain the roaring skies?
Let me fast forward now to 2022. Science is key. It truly is, you can't argue with science. I have noticed such a beautiful evolution with my skaters (customers) over the last decade with how they speak and their thoughts. I rarely get these greek god of thunder comments like back in the day. I have to say without being pretentious, when it is a new customer from elsewhere, I do still get the theories about the angry skies. Thankfully our reputation allows us to move forward and get passed the stories and theories quickly. Why? Because we address the issues immediately.
The more the skater understands why these things are happening, the quicker they progress. Key ages to have issues, 13 and 14, Also, older skaters (see above 18) due to, for lack of another term, wear & tear.
You can find articles of research and development here on our site. One of them is regarding our proprietary insole.
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This will help reduce slippage in the ice when you pass an angle of 20 degrees. There are different size toe picks for different needs according to your level.
Carbon steel blades in general are less noisy than stainless blades. However, Stainless being harder steel (hence why they are noisier because they tend to resonate more) do have a better longevity for the life of the sharpening.
For extra glide, stainless steel blades do a better job than carbon blades UNLESS they are tapered blades like Gold Seal's from John Wilson (IOW's wider in the front and narrower at the heel. Another advantage to a tapered blades is the ease of spins.
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