for me the MLX/Mako concept isn't about how good a skater you are, it's about comfort. I spent almost a year trying to transition from Vapor 8's to a new pair of Vapor XXXX's then I bought my first pair of MLX. after baking, one public skate session and 1 period of a beer league game I was ready to make them my permanent skates. took a deal from a rep on a new pair of Makos but I don't have them yet. my friends that are moving to Milan later this year, the wife skates in MLX's so you'll probably get to at least see those up close. :)