John Wilson Blades Size Chart For Figure Skaters

Looking for your next set of John Wilson blades but not sure which ones to choose? 

We’ve got you — check out all the sizing information and blade comparisons to help you take your next competition by storm.

 

Is John Wilson Blades A Good Brand?

With a royal legacy that traces back to the creation of King William III’s ice skating blades in 1969, John Wilson has meticulously crafted a reputation for reliability and quality in the centuries since.

That commitment to maintaining their high standard of craftsmanship has meant that many elite skaters trust them for their whole careers — and it’s easy to see why. Every single pair of blades from John Wilson comes with a lifetime manufacturer guarantee, so you can trust your blades to take you straight to the top with confidence and precision.

Which John Wilson Blades Should I Choose?

When you get to the level where you need to fine-tune your blades to get the most out of your performance, choosing the right blade for your ability, style, and goals is crucial. 

The right blade for you comes down to a combination of different features.

Rocker

The rocker refers to the curve of the blade, as it depends on the blade's ability to ‘rock’ back and forth — the smaller the rocker radius, the higher the degree of curve. 

A 7-foot rocker will have a more distinct curve than an 8-foot rocker, meaning it will have less surface contact with the ice. While this might sound like a more advanced feature, it actually means that your blades will be more forgiving during spins, giving you more fluid three-turns and better mobility on the ice.

With an 8-foot rocker, you’ve got a larger surface contact with the ice. This will deliver better stability when it comes to landing jumps, faster gliding and more edge control.

Because the flatter 8-foot rocker makes it harder to find the ‘sweet spot’ during spins, it’s best to start out with a 7-foot rocker until your skills develop into confidently landing triple and quadruple jumps. 

With John Wilson blades, the secondary rocker, also known as the spin rocker, is the area that sits just behind the toe pick, about where the ball of your foot is. This spin rocker will contain the 'sweet spot', the crucial zone for allowing skaters to balance and execute spins with minimal friction. A more aggressive spin rocker will have a slightly more pronounced curvature in this section, giving skaters precise control and manoeuvrability. 

Toe Picks

Your toe pick will impact everything you do on the ice — so it’s essential to find the proper cut for you.

Straight-cut picks are designed to cut deep into the ice quickly, helping you to get more air on your jumps. Typically, they’re only recommended for advanced skaters, as you risk losing momentum and slipping if your jump technique isn’t completely on point. 

On the other hand, cross-cut picks will cut into the ice less, giving skaters a more stable and consistent base to practice their jumping technique — making them excellent for beginner to intermediate skaters.

Stanchion Heights

The stanchion height refers to how long the pillars that hold your blade to your ice skate are — the taller the stanchion, the higher up off the ice you’ll be. 

A higher stanchion is especially beneficial for taller skaters, as it gives you extra clearance off the ice for better edgework and more controlled elements. 

Blade Feature

Your ice skating blades can also be manufactured in different shapes to personalise your skating further. 

Parallel blades are the most common configuration, where the blade maintains an equal width from the toe to the tail. You can also get tapered blades that are narrower towards the tail end — this reduces drag against the ice for faster gliding. 

John Wilson Blades Comparison Chart

Use the chart below to find the perfect John Wilson blade for your style and skill level.

Blade	Primary Rocker	Secondary Rocker	Toe Pick	Stanchion Height	Blade Feature	Available Size	Skating Level
Phoenix Gold	8ft	Aggressive	Cross Cut	High	Parallel	8-11”	Advanced freestyle, double, triple and quad jumps
Phoenix 99	8ft	Subtle	Straight Cut	High	Parallel	8-11”	Advanced freestyle, double, triple and quad jumps
Gold Seal Revolution	8ft	Aggressive	Cross Cut	High	Taper	8-11”	Advanced freestyle, double, triple and quad jumps
Pattern 99 Revolution	8ft	Subtle	Straight Cut	Low	Parallel	8-11”	Advanced freestyle, double, triple and quad jumps
Pattern 99	8ft	Subtle	Straight Cut	Low	Parallel	8-12”	Advanced freestyle, double, triple and quad jumps
Gold Seal	8ft	Aggressive	Cross Cut	High	Taper	8-12”	Advanced freestyle, double, triple and quad jumps
Coronation Ace	7ft	Subtle	Cross Cut	Standard	Parallel	7-12”	Combination spins, advanced edge work and double jumps
Coronation Ace Lite	7ft	Subtle	Cross Cut	Standard	Parallel	8-11”	Combination spins, advanced edge work and double jumps
Coronation Dance	7ft	Standard	Cross Cut	Standard	Parallel	8-12”	Suitable for ice dancing

   

Which Size Of John Wilson Blades Do I Need?

Once you’ve found the right blades for your ability, you need to make sure you get the right blade size for your skate. 

The blade size you need comes down to the length of your boot’s sole — simply measure in mm from the toe to the heel of your boot and compare it to the chart below.

Ice Skate Boot Length (mm)	John Wilson Blade Size (in)
203	8
210	8 1/4
216	8 1/2
222	8 3/4
229	9
235	9 1/4
241	9 1/2
248	9 3/4
254	10
260	10 1/4
267	10 1/2
273	10 3/4
280	11
286	11 1/4
292	11 1/2
299	11 3/4
305	12

  

John Wilson Blades For Ice Skating From Willies

If you’re looking for your next pair of John Wilson blades and want to take the guesswork out of it, swing by our Willies store and chat with one of our expert skate technicians. They can give you personalised feedback and advice on John Wilson blades and help match you with the best steel for your ability and ice skate boot.