6 Best Figure Skating Toe Picks For Control That Top Coaches Recommend

Your skater has just landed their first clean Salchow, and the coach pulls you aside with a smile, saying, "It’s time to think about new blades." For many parents, this moment is a mix of pride and confusion as you enter the highly technical world of figure skating equipment. Understanding the subtle but crucial differences in blade design, especially the toe pick, is key to supporting your child’s progress safely and effectively.

Why Toe Pick Design Matters for Young Skaters

When your child first steps on the ice in rental skates, the toe pick is a tiny, simple feature, mostly used for pushing off or, let’s be honest, stopping unexpectedly. But as they progress, that serrated edge at the front of the blade becomes one of the most critical tools they have. It’s the fulcrum for every jump takeoff, the pivot point for intricate spins, and the anchor for powerful footwork sequences. An incorrect toe pick can be a major roadblock to skill development.

Think of it like learning to write. A beginner uses a thick, chunky crayon, which is perfect for developing grip and making broad strokes. You wouldn’t hand them a fine-tipped calligraphy pen. Similarly, a skater learning their first waltz jump needs a modest, forgiving toe pick that won’t catch them by surprise. A skater attempting a double Axel, however, needs an aggressive, sharp pick that can bite into the ice and launch them into the air.

The design of the toe pick—its size, angle, sharpness, and the configuration of its teeth (or "drag pick")—directly impacts a skater’s ability to learn proper technique. A pick that is too aggressive for a skater’s level can cause them to trip, develop a fear of falling, and alter their technique to compensate. Conversely, a pick that is too small or worn down won’t provide the grip needed for powerful jumps, leading to slips and frustration. Matching the toe pick to the skill level is fundamental for both safety and progress.

John Wilson Coronation Ace for Advancing Skaters

You’ve watched your child move beyond the basic skills curriculum. They’re no longer just gliding; they’re working on single jumps like the Salchow, toe loop, and loop jump. This is the exact moment when the John Wilson Coronation Ace becomes the go-to recommendation from coaches everywhere. It’s widely considered the gold standard for a skater’s first serious blade.

The magic of the Coronation Ace lies in its balance. The toe pick is significantly more pronounced than what you’ll find on any recreational or entry-level blade, giving skaters the secure grip they need to start vaulting into the air. However, it’s not so aggressive that it interferes with the foundational stroking and edge work they are still perfecting. Its cross-cut pick design helps "stick" the landing on jump takeoffs without feeling jarring.

This blade is the perfect partner for a skater who is solidifying all of their single jumps and perhaps beginning to work on their Axel. It provides the confidence and capability they need to advance without overwhelming them with features designed for elite-level power. For parents, it’s a smart investment that will carry a skater through a significant and exciting phase of their development, often lasting until they are consistently working on double jumps.

Jackson Ultima Matrix Supreme for Power and Bite

Is your skater starting to generate some real speed and power? Are they landing their single jumps with authority and beginning to train an Axel or early double jumps? This is the stage where coaches often look to blades like the Jackson Ultima Matrix Supreme to help a skater harness that newfound strength.

The key word for the Matrix Supreme is "bite." Its toe pick is engineered to dig into the ice with exceptional security, which is crucial for skaters launching into multi-rotational jumps. This design gives them the confidence to attack their takeoffs, knowing the blade won’t slip. For a skater learning a double Salchow or double toe loop, this secure feeling is a game-changer, allowing them to focus on rotation rather than worrying about the takeoff.

Furthermore, the Matrix Supreme is part of a line of lightweight blades. As skaters advance, the physical demands of training increase dramatically. A lighter blade reduces fatigue, allowing for more repetitions in a session and potentially quicker progress. It’s a blade designed for the athlete who is transitioning from learning jumps to performing them with height, power, and consistency.

MK Phantom for Precision Jumps and Footwork

Some skaters are pure power jumpers, while others are known for their beautiful spins and intricate, lightning-fast footwork. If your child falls into the latter category, or is an all-around skater who values precision, the MK Phantom is a blade that coaches frequently recommend. It’s a top-tier choice for skaters working on double and triple jumps who also need a blade that supports high-level edge and footwork skills.

The Phantom’s toe pick is robust enough for explosive jumps but is designed to feel less intrusive during other elements. Its tapered design and the placement of the drag pick (the bottom-most tooth) are configured to minimize the risk of it catching the ice during deep edges or quick changes of direction. This allows skaters to achieve greater flow and speed across the ice without sacrificing the grip they need for their jumps.

This blade is often seen as a perfect tool for the "technical skater." It provides the security needed for consistent double Axels and triples while being agile enough for complex step sequences and centered, fast spins. It’s an excellent choice for a well-rounded, competitive skater who needs their equipment to be as versatile and precise as they are.

John Wilson Pattern 99 for Aggressive Jumpers

You know the skater: they fly into their jumps with incredible speed and power, aiming for maximum height on every attempt. For this type of aggressive, athletic jumper, the John Wilson Pattern 99 is often the blade of choice. It’s specifically engineered to translate raw power into explosive vertical lift.

The defining feature of the Pattern 99 is its large, aggressive, straight-cut toe pick. This design allows for an extremely deep and secure hold in the ice, creating a powerful springboard effect for jumps. The pick is also placed slightly lower on the blade profile, encouraging skaters to use proper technique by bending their knees deeply on takeoff. This is a blade that rewards a strong, attacking style.

However, this blade is not for everyone. Its aggressive nature requires a skater with excellent control and a very consistent technique. A coach will only recommend the Pattern 99 for an advanced skater, typically one who is very solid on their double Axel and working on triple jumps. For the right athlete, this blade can unlock new levels of height and power that other models can’t match.

John Wilson Gold Seal: The Elite Standard

When you see skaters competing at the national or international level, there’s a very high probability they are skating on John Wilson Gold Seal blades. For decades, this blade has been synonymous with the pinnacle of the sport. It’s a choice made by champions and those aspiring to be, but only when their skill level truly warrants it.

The Gold Seal’s design is a masterclass in engineering for elite performance. Its toe pick provides uncompromising grip for the most powerful triple and quadruple jumps, while its unique rocker profile (the curvature of the blade from front to back) allows for incredible speed and effortless edge transitions. This combination of power and agility is what makes it so revered. It enables skaters to perform the most difficult elements with a level of control and flow that is breathtaking to watch.

This is an investment in a skater’s elite journey. It is a highly specialized tool that, in the hands of a developing skater, can be difficult to manage. A coach will only suggest moving to a Gold Seal when a skater has the maturity, strength, and technical mastery to take full advantage of its capabilities. It represents a commitment to the highest levels of the sport.

MK Gold Star for Advanced Rotational Control

A direct competitor to the legendary Gold Seal, the MK Gold Star is another elite-level blade favored by top skaters around the world. While it offers similar capabilities for powerful jumps, coaches often recommend it for skaters who need to enhance their rotational control and spin technique. It offers a slightly different feel on the ice that some skaters find helps them "find their center" more easily.

The Gold Star’s design focuses on creating stability throughout a rotational element. The toe pick provides the necessary bite for triple and quad jump takeoffs, but its rocker and blade profile are engineered to help skaters feel incredibly centered during spins and secure on jump landings. For an advanced skater struggling to control the rotational energy of a triple Lutz or trying to achieve faster, more difficult spin variations, the Gold Star can be a transformative piece of equipment.

Like the Gold Seal, this is a blade for the dedicated, high-level competitive skater. The choice between the Gold Star and the Gold Seal often comes down to the skater’s individual style, their coach’s assessment of their technique, and what "feel" on the ice gives them the most confidence. It’s a nuanced decision made at the highest rungs of the developmental ladder.

Matching the Blade to Your Skater’s Skill Level

Navigating the world of skate blades can feel overwhelming, but the guiding principle is simple: the blade must match the skater’s current skills, not their future aspirations. Putting a skater on a blade that is too advanced is not just a waste of money; it can hinder their progress and even be dangerous. Always, always make this decision in close consultation with your skater’s primary coach.

Here is a simple framework to help guide your conversation with the coach:

• Learning Basic Skills & First Single Jumps: Skaters are typically in a good quality beginner blade that comes with a boot/blade package. The next step up is a blade like the John Wilson Coronation Ace, which is perfect for skaters landing their first few single jumps.
• Consistent Single Jumps & Working on the Axel/Early Doubles: This is the time to look at intermediate blades. The Jackson Ultima Matrix Supreme is excellent for skaters developing power, while the MK Phantom is a great choice for those focusing on precision and all-around skills.
• Consistent Double Jumps & Working on Triples: This is the advanced and elite tier. The John Wilson Pattern 99 is for the aggressive power jumper. The John Wilson Gold Seal and MK Gold Star are the top-tier options for elite competitors, with the choice often coming down to the skater’s specific technical needs and feel.

Remember, the goal is to provide your child with the right tool for the job they are doing today. A more expensive, advanced blade will not make them a better skater faster. Proper, patient development with the right equipment at each stage is the true key to success and enjoyment in this demanding and beautiful sport.

Choosing the right blades is a significant milestone that reflects your child’s dedication and progress. By working with their coach and understanding how a blade’s design supports their specific skills, you can make a confident choice that fuels their passion and helps them skate safely toward their goals.