Choosing ice skating blades involves considering how the blade's design elements, like radius and hollow, affect performance, along with your skating level and goals.
Choosing the right ice skating blades is essential for performance, control, and comfort on the ice. Key factors include the blade's profile (radius/rocker) and the hollow grind, which should align with your skating style and skill level.
Key Factors for Choosing Ice Skating Blades
Understanding a few core concepts about blade design can significantly help you make the right choice.
Blade Radius (Rocker)
The blade radius, or rocker, refers to the curve of the blade from front to back. A larger radius means a flatter blade, while a smaller radius indicates a more curved blade. This curvature affects how much of the blade touches the ice at any given time, influencing speed, agility, and stability.
- An 8' radius is flatter and provides more speed as there is more blade touching the ice, making it better for jumps. This flatter profile offers greater stability for landing jumps.
- A 7', smaller radius is better for agility, deeper edges and smoother turns. This more curved profile allows for quicker pivots and easier maneuvering.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Radius Size | Shape | Contact with Ice | Primary Benefit | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8' | Flatter | More | Speed, Stability (Jumps) | Figure skating (Advanced) |
| 7' | More Curved | Less | Agility, Edges, Turns | Figure skating (Beginner-Intermediate), Hockey (Some styles) |
Note: These are common examples; actual radii vary widely depending on the specific blade model and intended use.
Blade Hollow (ROH - Radius of Hollow)
The hollow refers to the concave groove ground into the bottom of the blade. This groove creates the two sharp edges you skate on.
- Hollow (ROH) or grind refers to the concave surface on the bottom of a correctly ground blade.
The depth of this hollow significantly impacts grip and glide. A deeper hollow provides more grip on the ice, offering greater control for sharp turns and stops but resulting in less glide (slower speed). A shallower hollow provides more glide, allowing for faster skating but less bite into the ice.
Choosing the right hollow depth depends on personal preference, weight, and skating discipline.
Other Considerations
Beyond radius and hollow, consider your:
- Skill Level: Beginners often benefit from more stable blades (potentially flatter radii or moderate hollows), while advanced skaters might choose profiles optimized for specific maneuvers.
- Skating Discipline: Figure skating blades have a distinct toe pick and different rocker profiles compared to hockey blades, speed skating blades, or recreational blades, each designed for the specific demands of that sport.
Ultimately, the best way to choose is to understand these factors and potentially try different blades or consult with a skate technician who can assess your needs.
