""I was very happy with Paragon Sports. I love winter sports like downhill skiing and ice skating. I had plans to go ice skating last evening but didn't want to rent skates. When I lived abroad, I went ice skating a lot, so I know that it would be worth it just to buy my own pair of ice skates. Paragon and a maybe a couple of other stores are the only places in the area where you can go and buy a pair of skates. The other retailers have moved that to online only. That would be fine if we're talking about shoes, but you need to know that your skates fit well.
I found a pair I wanted online and called them. They confirmed that they had that pair in my size. I tried them on and that was that: sold. Then I learned that you get free blade sharpening for the lifetime of the skates. It's limited to 3 skate sharpenings per year, but that's awesome because that's not cheap or free. If you look at it from either side, the $5 to 20 a pop to sharpen blades ($20 at CitiPond at Bryant Park, just so you know) or the rental fees required to rent ice skates and I already know buying a pair is worth it. (Of course, that means I have to use them, but I will.)
The guy who helped me wasn't the most chipper but this is NYC and almost no one here is chipper. He did his job, laughed at my jokes and got me out of the store with what I needed. That's all good.
It was my first time at the store and other employees were nice too. Granted, for most stuff, I'll probably order online just due to cost. The store isn't cheap, but when I need sports gear NOW? I know I'll start here from now on.""
more