Hi Kiwi
7's are very easy to get going on and have a different spring feel (I am not keen on them as I bottom them all the time)
If your springs are too heavy now you will love them once you build the technique and muscle to use them but like you say you could always go down a weight to get started (that would be cheapest) and if your worried about changing them I could do them for you
Why not try and get along to a meet where someone is willing to let you try a lighter pair before you make your mind up
If you could get over to Hanworth at the weekend Clives daughter has my wifes 540 skips and you could try them (that will really mess you mind up
)
But don't be to worried as it's time spent exercising on the bocks that make the difference and you might need to build some leg muscle to bend the springs so just do what you can until your knackered them start again once you get your breath back and after a couple of sessions you will notice the difference (and you'll sleep well too
)
I try to run up every flight of stairs taking them 3 at a time to help build muscle (down to2 with the ankle) that helps a lot
Jason