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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).
Price for profiling is $25.00 and the skates need to be left overnight.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
To purchase a profiling… we will call you with questions to help us recommend a profile and to arrange for shipping or dropping off the skates.
Upon submission of this request, customers will receive an email confirming their appointment. If you do not recieve an email confirmation of your scheduled appointment, please contact the store to verify your appointment time prior to arrival at the shop.