We spend an awful lot of money on new skates for either ourselves or our Athletes. Once you have found the skates that fit your budget and personal preference a couple of things have to happen.
The first thing after being properly fitted is the "Rocker" you choose for your blade. The Rocker or Profile is the curve of your blade from heel to toe that touches the ice.
Hockey player skate profiles can range from 7′ to 13′ rockers with the most popular being 9′ and 11′, while goalie skates are usually around a 28′ rocker. On average only 60% of the blade will be profiled, centered around the balance point of the skate, which can be placed in the center of the blade or also altered towards the toe or heel of the blade as well for different skating styles. The very front 20% of the skate blade on the toe and very back 20% on the heel are much more rounded to allow for proper starts, stops, and full skating stride extension.
The first thing after being properly fitted is the "Rocker" you choose for your blade. The Rocker or Profile is the curve of your blade from heel to toe that touches the ice.
Hockey player skate profiles can range from 7′ to 13′ rockers with the most popular being 9′ and 11′, while goalie skates are usually around a 28′ rocker. On average only 60% of the blade will be profiled, centered around the balance point of the skate, which can be placed in the center of the blade or also altered towards the toe or heel of the blade as well for different skating styles. The very front 20% of the skate blade on the toe and very back 20% on the heel are much more rounded to allow for proper starts, stops, and full skating stride extension.
BALANCING POINT & PROFILE
The Center point of your blade is the Balance point of your skate and knowing this allows you the opportunity to change that point to benefit your skating stride.
Changing this balance point will pitch or feel as your leaning forward if you move it back or have you sit down in your skates if you move the balance point up.
A skater who is leaning forward more will have an increased knee bend, more agility, and quicker acceleration, the downfall is your muscles will tire faster. A forward or puck-moving defenseman would benefit from this Rocker. Contrary as well the movement of your rocker up your blade might benefit the stay at home Defenseman as it keeps you seated in your blades.
Over time and sharpenings your Rocker will move this will happen because the individuals sharpening your skates are grinding the blade down too much, be aware of this and maintain your Rocker at your preference.
Changing this balance point will pitch or feel as your leaning forward if you move it back or have you sit down in your skates if you move the balance point up.
A skater who is leaning forward more will have an increased knee bend, more agility, and quicker acceleration, the downfall is your muscles will tire faster. A forward or puck-moving defenseman would benefit from this Rocker. Contrary as well the movement of your rocker up your blade might benefit the stay at home Defenseman as it keeps you seated in your blades.
Over time and sharpenings your Rocker will move this will happen because the individuals sharpening your skates are grinding the blade down too much, be aware of this and maintain your Rocker at your preference.
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