Flat Bottom V - How To Hockey (2024)

The flat bottom v sharpening method is the newest craze to hit the hockey world. The flat bottom v was created andfirst introducted in early February 2009 by Blackstone sports in Kingsville, Ont. The unique skate sharpening method promises better gliding ability, and increased “bite” when turning, everything a hockey player could ask for. While many were skeptical (and many still are) when the new technique was introduced it did not take long for the flat bottom v method to take off, all the way to the NHL
One of the first NHL teams to be using the flat bottom v skate sharpening method was the St. Louis blues, now over 20 NHL teams are using this method, quite a bold statement for a technique that just took off at the beginning of the year! Many players, minor league and NHL alike are claiming that the flat bottom V feels like your are gliding on top of the ice, allows you to glide longer, allows you to turn easier, and skaters will not fatigue as fast because it takes less energy to skate. These arestrong recommendationsconsidering the Flat Bottom V is just a minor adjustment in the way the metal is shaped on a thin piece of metal on the bottom of your skate. Some say it is simply a placebo effect, others are disciples of the new cut.
The flat bottom v changes the normal half moon cut of a blade to be a flat bottom with “fangs” on each edge, supposedly allowing you to glide easier, further and faster than the normal cut and turn better. See the diagrams below of the normal skate sharpening and the flat bottom v skate sharpening
This diagram shows the normal cut vs the flat bottom v. (in the diagram it appeared that the v goes all the way up, however see the diagram below these ones for the actual shape of the flat bottom v.
Flat Bottom V - How To Hockey (1)
Flat Bottom V Skate Sharpening Options
Flat Bottom V - How To Hockey (2)
You can see from this diagram that there are different options to choose from when you get your flat bottom v sharpening done. According to Johnny Macs (a skate sharpening shop that uses the FBV skate sharpening) Most skaters should start with a 100/50 FBV and then adjust their cut accordingly as the best cut in the end will come down to player preference (and who knows, maybe you will prefer the regular method of skate sharpening)
Some people may ask does the flat bottom v wear the blade down quicker? According to No Icing sports (a custom radius shop) Getting a Flat bottom von your skates will not alter your rocker radius at all and a flat bottom vdoes not take off any more steel than a regular sharpening would.
We are still waiting on official flat bottom v stats and test results from the skating labs, which will be posted here when they come out (a good reason to subscribe in the box to the left!) Below I have list of possible pro’s and con’s of the flat bottom v

Flat Bottom V Pros and Cons

Flat bottom V Pro’s

  • Better gliding ability
  • Better turning (more bite)
  • Less fatigue
  • “For pushing and gliding and being on top of the ice, there’s a huge difference” Cory Stillman, Florida Panthers
  • “The concept for the V scientifically makes a lot of sense” Dr. Kelly Lockwood, president and lead scientist at The Skating Lab at Brock University
  • From many reviews and posts on forums parents of minor hockey players notice an improvement in skating

Flat bottom V Cons

  • Reports from some minor hockey forums state the when you lose an edge you lose it all at once, which could mean missing the rest of the game until you can get the skate sharpened
  • If it is easier to lose an edge with this grind it could result in injuries
  • If the edge comes off easily then this would require frequent sharpening to keep the edge

It seems like the pro’s far out weigh the con’s, and the con’sall rely on speculation that the edge comes off easily (which has not been proven just yet)
So I leave the debate up to you, how is your experience with the flat bottom v? Post your comments below
If you would like to visit the official website of the people who created the FBV skate sharpening method, or buy a FBV machine for your arena or business then visit Blackstone Sport

Flat Bottom V - How To Hockey (2024)

FAQs

Do NHL players use flat bottom V? ›

Many players, minor league and NHL alike are claiming that the flat bottom V feels like your are gliding on top of the ice, allows you to glide longer, allows you to turn easier, and skaters will not fatigue as fast because it takes less energy to skate.

What is flat bottom V? ›

An alternative to the common Radius of Hollow is the Flat Bottom V, developed by Blackstone. In the FBV, the traditional half-moon concave shape is modified so the bottom is flat and the two edges extend more like fangs.

Do NHL players use Sparx fire ring? ›

Used by more than 25 NHL teams, the Sparx Sharpener produces professional results with ease.

Are ice skates flat on the bottom? ›

Racing skates have a completely flat bottom. There is no hollow, only a squared off bottom with two edges. This improves glide time, by not cutting into the ice.

What is the most difficult position in hockey? ›

It is said that goalie is the most difficult position to play within Ice Hockey, and one of the hardest to play in any sport. The main objective for a goalie is to keep the puck out of the net, and with a great one, they can control the game and greatly influence their team's confidence.

Did Gretzky use a curved stick? ›

Other superstar forwards like Patrick Kane, Pavel Datsyuk and Wayne Gretzky have also used mild curves throughout their careers... none of which had any trouble scoring.

What hollow do most NHL players use? ›

A 1/2” hollow is pretty standard for most players in the League – not too deep, not too shallow and gives a little bit of ability ... The amount of hollow is based on personal preference and style of play, among other things.

What cut do most NHL players use? ›

To put it in perspective, a fresh 5/8” cut may feel like a worn out 1/2″ cut. In the NHL, however, the most common cut is much shallower, between 5/8” and 3/4″. Players in the NHL also get their skate profiles customized 100% of the time.

What radius do NHL players use? ›

The most common skate sharpening radius we see for ice hockey players is a 1/2″ inch or 5/8″ inch cut.

Do NHL players tape their sticks every game? ›

From beer leagues to the NHL, taping the stick is often considered to be a holy pre-game ritual for almost every player. The tape job (or "TJ" for short) needs to be perfect, done the same way, to the same length, with the same amount of overlap, and with the perfect amount of wax, no exceptions.

Do NHL players reuse sticks? ›

It's not uncommon for NHL players to use a new stick every game and their teams pay for them — an average of about $200 per stick, which is about $100 less than they cost in a sports store.

Do NHL players wax their sticks? ›

Stick wax is a necessity when climbing the ranks of professional ice hockey. Hockey players that are looking for more control over the puck, less wear and tear on the stick's tape job, and accuracy in their shots use stick wax often to bring their game to the next level.

Is 2 inches of ice enough to skate on? ›

Minimum ice thickness should be:

15 cm for walking or skating alone. 20 cm for skating parties or games. 25 cm for snowmobiles.

Are flat or heel skates better? ›

The best choice is related to style and purpose. For skaters, who aim at the ability to stand completely upright without having knees bent or shoulders leaning forward, heeled boots provide more balance. This is the reason, why heeled boots are better for dancing and grooving on skates.

What is the easiest ice skating move? ›

The Simple Jump

Most skaters start out with a waltz jump, which can be done from a takeoff or a standstill. First, try the jump while holding onto the rail to get used to the feeling of it. Move to the center of the ice and stand on your left foot with your right leg held up in the air behind you.

What is the easiest position in hockey? ›

The easiest hockey position is a winger. It requires the fewest additional skills, unlike other positions. You should play left wing if you're left-handed and right wing if you're right-handed.

Where do you put your weakest player in hockey? ›

A "weaker" player is more focussing on the forehand techniques. Therefore he/she will position him/herself with the left shoulder or even the back towards the goal recieving a pass from a co-player. In this position the stopping/control of the ball will be in forehand and a shot/push can be taken also in forehand.

What hockey position gets injured the most? ›

According to a prospective cohort study performed by Flik et al., there is a significant disparity in injury incidence depending upon player position in NCAA Division 1 ice hockey. Only 6.2% of injuries were sustained by goaltenders, whereas 32.7% were defensem*n and 61.1% were forwards.

Why did Gretzky put baby powder on his stick? ›

I don't like my hockey sticks touching other sticks, and I don't like them crossing one another, and I kind of have them hidden in the corner. I put baby powder on the ends. I think it's essentially a matter of taking care of what takes care of you.

What is the oldest hockey stick? ›

Known as the Moffatt stick, it was hand hewn in the 1830s in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, from a single piece of sugar maple. The Museum purchased the artifact from Mark Presley of Nova Scotia through its donor-supported National Collection Fund.

Who has the stiffest stick in the NHL? ›

The moment anyone starts talking about hockey stick flex, Zdeno Chara's name comes up. The 6-foot-9 Boston Bruins defenseman is known for having the stiffest stick in the NHL, typically playing with a 150 or 155-flex stick in a league where anything in three digits is considered stiff.

What sharpening does McDavid use? ›

Connor McDavid uses custom Tydan Performance Blades. Connor McDavid runs a 10' profile. We sell Tydan Performance Blades.

Can an NHL player wear 0? ›

Beginning with the 1996-97 season, the NHL decreed that Nos. 0 and 00 could no longer be worn since they confused the League's digital database; today, only No. 1 through No. 98 are allowed, No.

How often do NHL players tape their sticks? ›

How Often? For optimal performance in terms of feel, your stick should get new tape for every game. Many pros re-tape for every practice.

Why do NHL players not shave? ›

The Stanley Cup playoff beard has been an NHL tradition since the early 1980s, when the shaggy New York Islanders won four straight championships. It represents the players' singular focus, as if even personal hygiene is sacrificed in pursuit of hockey's holy grail.

What skate cut does Crosby use? ›

Some examples of ROH used by current and former NHL players are:
Wayne Gretzky – 1/2″Sidney Crosby – 9/16″
Joe Sakic – 5/8″Evgeni Malkin – 11/16″
Chris Pronger – 7/8″Jordan Staal – 5/8″
Mark Messier – 1″Sergei Gonchar – 1-1/4″
Paul Coffey – 1″ to 2″Alex Ovechkin – 1/2″

Can you wear 99 in the NHL? ›

99 – The Great One

Unless you are the Great One, this number is completely off limits to any hockey player anywhere in the known universe. It is retired in the NHL, and pretty much around any hockey leagues in North America, and quite likely in the whole world.

What is the best hockey curve? ›

A moderate curve depth (1/2”) is the most popular and will help improve puck control, improve the ability to lift the puck easier (compared to slight), all while still having a good backhand. A deep curve depth will provide the most control thanks to the blade being able to really cup the puck.

What sharpening do most NHL players use? ›

You can get your skates sharpened anywhere from 1/8th of an inch to one inch. 1/8th would be the sharpest, and one inch would be the least sharp. The majority of pros use something with a shallower hollow, but preference does widely vary.

What is the ideal body type for a hockey player? ›

So the million dollar question is, what's the ideal body fat percentage for hockey players? Answer: No higher than 12% for males, and 18% for females. Ideally for males, you should be anywhere from 8-10% body fat. Up to 12% is acceptable though – Any higher than this is likely a performance trade-off.

Can an NHL player play without a glove? ›

Unlike soccer, hockey rules allow players other than goalies to use their hands on the puck.

Can you hold 2 sticks in the NHL? ›

It's illegal to play with two sticks—even if one of them is a goalie stick. In fact, playing while holding the goalie stick would normally violate another rule governing the dimensions of a player's stick, but that rule is waived in this specific situation.

Is hooking the stick a penalty? ›

55.2 Minor Penalty - A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player or goalkeeper who impedes the progress of an opponent by "hooking" with his stick. A minor penalty for hooking shall be assessed to any player or goalkeeper who uses the shaft of the stick above the upper hand to hold or hook an opponent.

Do hockey players shower between periods? ›

Some players will take a shower during the intermission to feel revitalized for the upcoming period. Other players choose to meditate, closing their eyes, staying silent and visualizing their success for the remainder of the game.

How long does an NHL stick last? ›

Even the most durable carbon stick, players note, can break in a week or can last a year. Most people cite frequency and level of play as two central factors for determining the lifespan of a hockey stick. Remember, too, you may want to replace a stick when it's not broken—it may have lost its stiffness, its pop.

Why do refs leave broken sticks on the ice? ›

Dropping a stick because it is broken. Simply, it is illegal to play with a broken stick. If a player is caught using a broken stick it is a 2 minute minor penalty. Therefore, if a player has his stick broken they must immediately drop the stick to the ice and discontinue using it.

What do hockey players smell before they play? ›

More recently, athletes have begun to use smelling salts with the belief that their use will keep them more alert. The use of smelling salts is particularly popular among football and hockey players who believe this reflex will counteract the effects of concussion.

Do NHL players smoke? ›

Thankfully, things have changed in the NHL and a player smoking a cigarette today would be a rare sighting. Watching the pace of play in the Stanley Cup playoffs this year, it's hard to imagine a player being able to keep up while being a smoker. “There's probably still some guys who smoke today,” Nilan said.

Do NHL players sharpen their skates before every game? ›

Some players sharpen their skates before every game and others may drop their skates for sharpening only once or twice a year. If you skate twice a week, try a monthly sharpening schedule. Adjust based on your skating schedule, ice factors, and what works for you.

How much weight will 4 inches of ice hold? ›

At 4” the ice is suitable for ice fishing, cross-country skiing and walking and can support about 200 pounds. At 5 inches of new clear ice should be enough to hold a single snowmobile or ATV or about 800 pounds.

What is the thinnest ice you can skate on? ›

Five centimeters [2 inches] is often the limit [to how thin it can be]. If you're close to shore, you can go thinner, up to about 3.5 centimeters, before it breaks.

What are 3 things you should do if you fall through the ice? ›

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FALL IN?
  1. Call out for help.
  2. Resist the urge to climb back where you fell in – the ice is weak there.
  3. Use the air trapped in your clothing to get into a floating position on your stomach.
  4. Reach forward onto the broken ice without pushing down; kick your legs and push your torso onto the ice flat.
Jun 15, 2022

What are the easiest skates to skate on? ›

Inline skates are more commonly known as rollerblades, and have a single row of wheels down the middle of the skate. The arrangement of the wheels on quad skates gives them more stability, making them good for beginners who struggle with balance.

Which skate is best for beginners? ›

Beginner Skates
  • IRIS 3 in 1 Convertible, Adjustable 78 mm Inline Roller... Red. ₹3,849. ₹7,700. ...
  • TOOBIL Portable Skateboard, 4 Wheels Skate Boards, Mini... Multicolor. ₹748.
  • Ziya Skating red color Shoe have different size and wit... Red. ₹1,999. ₹2,900. ...
  • KOJERAFASHION Skates with PU Flashing Wheel Aluminum Bo... Blue. ₹1,549.

What is the hardest thing to do in ice skating? ›

The Axel, also known as the Axel Paulsen jump after its creator, is the most difficult one. It is a type of "edge jump," meaning skaters have to skate on one side of the blade when lifting off the ice.

Is it harder to skate goofy? ›

Whether you have a regular or goofy board stance doesn't affect your riding ability, style, or how fast you can go. However, if you're riding switch, which is when you're riding in a stance that's opposite of your natural stance, you may not find the success you're hoping for.

What are the 3 types of skating? ›

Hard surface
  • Roller skating, the traveling on surfaces with roller skates. Inline skating, traveling on surfaces with skates having one line of wheels. ...
  • Skateboarding, an action sport which involves riding and performing tricks using a skateboard.

Do NHL players use FBV? ›

For NHL players not so much because they rarely achieve top speeds and they're stopping and starting a lot. Some of them do use it but it's rare.

Has the Flying V ever been used in the NHL? ›

Believe it or not, the Flying V has been tried -- at least in part -- deliberately in the NHL. Habs did do the Flying V last night, not once, but *three* times in a row. Failed the first, got an entry, third one worked! The media could not be played.

What Flex does McDavid use? ›

Generating table...
PLAYERHANDFLEX
Connor McDavidL85
ROOPE HINTZL85
John CarlsonR95
MARK SCHEIFELER100
46 more rows

What Flex does Ovechkin use? ›

Alexander Ovechkin is 230 pounds and uses a 79 flex stick, which is probably a big reason for his one-timer. Sidney Crosby uses a 100 flex stick, higher than you may imagine for a skilled player.

What curve is better P92 or P28? ›

TLDR; Entry level players will likely play better with a P92 curve, but could grow in skill-set by using the P28 for one stick-life. Advanced players can choose either based on preference on the ice. P92: Easy to aim high, and low shots are very easily managed by rolling the wrists to close the blade.

Do NHL teams use Sparx? ›

Used by more than 25 NHL teams, the Sparx Sharpener produces professional results with ease.

What is the sharpest skate sharpening? ›

You can get your skates sharpened anywhere from 1/8th of an inch to one inch. 1/8th would be the sharpest, and one inch would be the least sharp.

What is a squid in hockey? ›

Having eight arms, the octopus symbolized the number of playoff wins necessary for the Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup. The practice started April 15, 1952, when Pete and Jerry Cusimano, brothers and storeowners in Detroit's Eastern Market, hurled an octopus into the rink of Olympia Stadium.

Is Flying V uncomfortable? ›

Flying V guitars are more comfortable, they are much lighter and the higher frets are more accessible than traditional guitars. While holding the Flying V in between your thigh, you are not going to hunch over and the neck is placed slightly higher – which means lesser strain on the wrists.

What NHL team no longer exists? ›

Montreal, Quebec City and Atlanta all have two defunct or relocated teams with the Wanderers and Maroons, the Athletics and Nordiques, and the Flames and Thrashers, respectively.

Has an NHL team ever had 0 shots? ›

The New York Rangers have taken the fewest shots by a team in a game, with 0 taken versus the Red Wings on October 12, 1958.

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