"Maximize Your Skating Potential"
I. Intro
II. Radius Of Profile (ROP)
III. Rocker Point
IV. Radius Of Hollow (ROH)
V. Myths About Profiling
VI. What is right for you
Skate “Profiling” involves changing the shape of the skate
blade to help a player maximize their skating potential.
Profiling is also referred to as rockering, radiusing, contouring, and
body-balance contouring. During the
process we can change 3 major attributes of the blade; 1) the radius of the
profile (ROP), 2) the rocker point, and 3) the radius of the hollow (ROH).
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Turn your skate and look at the profile (from the side) of the
blade. The blade is circular in
shape from the middle of the ball of the foot to the middle of the heel of the
foot. The first and last couple of
inches are non-circular in shape and not intended to be skated on.
We refer to the circular area as the “skateable area” of your blade.
The profile of the skateable area is an arc that can be set to a 7’,
9’, 11’, or 13’ ROP.
A 7’ ROP will have about 1” of blade on the ice, a 9’ ROP
will have about 1.5” of blade on the ice, an 11’ ROP will have about 2” of
blade on the ice, and a 13’ ROP will have about 3” of blade on the ice.
A smaller ROP will allow for more maneuverability and agility.
A figure skater typically has a 7’ ROP for this reason.
However, a 13’ ROP will allow greater speed and improved grip or bite.
A speed skater has their entire blade on the ice, which allows them
maximum speed and push with every stride.
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The rocker point is sometimes referred to as the balance point.
When your center of gravity is directly over your feet, the area of the
blade making contact with the ice is your rocker point.
This point can be moved to aid in the fundamental differences between
skating forwards and backwards.
When the rocker point is moved towards the heel, this allows the
skater to lean forward and accelerate easier.
If the rocker point is moved towards the toe, the skater will be able to
sit back on their heels to help with skating backwards.
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The ROH is the groove cut down the middle of the blade during a
normal skate sharpening procedure. This
hollow forms 2 edges, which are essential for skating.
These edges are referred to as the inside and outside edges.
Typical ROH’s for hockey skates (excluding goalies) are 5/8”,
9/16”, 1/2”, 7/16”, 3/8”, 5/16”, 1/4”.
The depth of hollow will determine how sharp the blades feel.
A 5/8” hollow will feel very dull, but allow for the maximum amount of
speed. A 1/4” hollow will dig into
the ice allowing for more grip, but will not glide as well as shallow hollows.
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A common complaint received, especially with adult men's-leaguers
and anyone with new skates, is “I’m catching the toe of my blade.“
The cause of this feeling is from rolling too far forward on the blade.
At the point when the skateable area ends and the non-circular toe
begins, you will be on less then 1/4” of blade, which is unskateable!
The toe and heel (non-circular area) of the hockey blade are not meant to
be skated on. Proper skating
technique says that the skater should always be directly over the middle of the
blade. Speed skaters have no toe or
heel to roll onto. Figure skaters
have a toe pick up front and a square heel, neither of which they can skate on.
Hockey players want the speed of a speed skater and the agility of a
figure skater. There is 3
possible solutions: 1) bend knees more and straighten back, 2) undo top
eyelet of skate, or 3) move rocker point towards the heel.
Many skaters complain of their skates not being sharp enough.
A very deep hollow is not always the best answer for this problem.
Technically sound skaters, Paul Coffey for instance, skate on 1.25”
hollow and have no problem keeping their edge. The
best method to solve this problem is to increase the amount of blade making
contact with the ice.
Be cautious of those who attempt to profile skates by hand.
The very essence of profiling a skate is to have the exact same amount of
blade making contact with the ice throughout the entire skateable area.
When profiling by hand, it is inevitable their will be inaccuracies in
the shape of the blade causing transition points where the contact area may be
less then 1/4” of blade on the ice. We
use the Blademaster Custom Radius profiling system.
This method uses very precise templates and gauges to achieve a perfect
profile on both skates every time.
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The effects of profiling are very theoretical; therefore we don’t
always achieve the desired effect on the first try.
To achieve the best combination for you, we need to know your height,
weight, age, position, and skill level. With
a thorough consultation, we can maximize your skating potential.
We will change your profile as many times as needed until you have the
feel you’re looking for. Finally,
if we can’t achieve your desired results, we will gladly refund your money!!!
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Click here to purchase a profiling... we will call you with questions to help us recommend a profile and to arrange for shipping the skates.