Sizing skates for 9 year old/ Skate choices

[weasel 3]

My son made a tier 1 hockey team for the 07 age group.  Right now he's a perfect fit in his size 3 Easton Synthesis skates.  I see HM has Easton RS for $75 and also has the 85s for $45.  He has grown 1 size every year and I haven't messed around with half sizes yet because I figured he'd just grow in to his new skates.

Now that he's playing at a higher level I'm wondering if I should pay more attention to his exact size and maybe order a 3.5 for his next pair instead of a 4.  I also don't want him to have to break-in 2 pair of skates next season so that has me leaning towards getting him a size 4 (which I'm sure he'll be wearing by the end of the 2016-17 season).  He also refuses to give up his old skates until he's outgrown them by a half size.  I won't force him to start using his new skates. I wait until he complains this current ones are hurting his feet.

I guess my question is should I be buying skates by the 1/2 size at this age/level?

[tvguy 5]

He will always skate better in proper fitting skates.  You need to balance what that is worth to you.  He may be a bit sloppy and lose a step or some agility in the bigger skate and it may take some time for him to adjust.  That is something you need to judge.  Take a look at his team mates, the competition, and judge their skating ability.  I would base my decision on that.  I have purchased 2 pairs a year, in half size increments, for my son.  He is one of the best skaters in his peer group. I'm not sure that's a coincidence.  Any break in periods have been a non issue, because he's in the same boot and its only a half size difference.  The skating adjustment each time has been seamless.  One or two practices at the most.