Why Klingbeils?
HILL JANET SWAN
the shop, or what?
When I decided I needed to get custom boots, I asked around -- talking to
skaters, skaters' parents, and my pro shop. (I'm not close to ANY
bootmaker, so proximity had nothing to do with it).
The decision was made based on reputation:
Klingbeils had the reputation of being extremely comfortable from the
start (discounting the fact that they would be stiff as concrete when new
... like virtually all customs)
All options on a Klingbeil boot are available on *any* of their boots,
and do not change the price (options such as extra strength, type of
tongue lining, boot lining, heel/sole finish, exterior finish)
They have a reputation for willingly and without complaint taking back
boots and reworking them at no charge until they get it right --- and for
being so well-fitted at the start that they rarely have to take them
back. I heard quite a few horror stories about Harlichs' very different
(and rather unloveable) approach to customer service. I didn't hear any
such stories about SP Teris, and those who have SP Teri customs seemed to
be pleased with them)
Add to this the fact that Klingbeils are less expensive than Harlich or
SP Teri customs, and it seemed like a good choice.
I am *very* happy with the boots. I had to have one spot punched out (it
is a pressure point on the top of the toes that didn't show up on the
mold taken of my feet (how could it, the mold is of the bottom and sides
of your feet), but I never had any blisters, rubbing, or chafing.
In the end, though, it's an individual decision. If you live near the
headquarters of a bootmaker, it could certainly make a difference in your
decision.
(I should probably mention that I had very good experience with Reidell
when I had them re-sole my old boots prior to turning them into patch
skates. They did a fabulous job, very fast, and for only $90).
janet swan hill
hil...@colorado.edu
wi...@spooky.rwwa.com
> They [Klingbeil] have a reputation for willingly and without complaint
> taking back boots and reworking them at no charge until they get it
> right --- and for being so well-fitted at the start that they rarely
> have to take them back. I heard quite a few horror stories about
> Harlichs' very different (and rather unloveable) approach to customer
> service.
The part about Klingbeil is quite true. I doubt there is anyone in
the country harder to fit than me, with my leg and foot problems.
They have cheerfully spent hours with me on my boots. They approach
it as a challenge. Besides, Bill and Don are just kinda ``loveable''
guys.
And, if you like dropped names, they are now supplying Ms. Bonaly
with her boots.
My coach uses custom Harlics, and he loves them (and he had Klingbeils
before). The Harlics are much lighter, which is why he chose them.
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Robert Withrow, Tel: +1 617 598 4480, Fax: +1 617 598 4430 Net: wi...@rwwa.COM
R.W. Withrow Associates, 319 Lynnway Suite 201, Lynn MA 01901 USA
Gene Ouye
I don't know much about skates, but when my wife and daughter
were both considering custom skates, like Janet Hill we asked
around and everything I heard confirms Janet's post. Klingbeil
has an excellent reputation for doing what it takes to get your
skates fitting right.
--
Gene Ouye <ge...@rational.com>