What blade hollow do NHL players use? (2024)

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What blades do NHL players use?

The larger the radius, the better the straight line, top-end speed and stability. The shorter the radius, the better the maneuverability. The blade can also be contoured with a forward lean or a backward lean — the former enhancing speed, the latter stability. More than two-thirds of NHL players wear Bauer skates.

(Video) What EVERY hockey player should know about skate blade profiling
(Hockey Tutorial)
What Hollow Do pros use?

There are several different types of hollows to choose from, but pro shops will commonly use 1/2” as their “standard” cut. The 1/2” hollow offers a respectable mix of glide and control for most players but adjusting the depth of the hollow can offer several benefits when done correctly.

(Video) WHAT SKATE SHARPENING SHOULD YOU HAVE? | SPARX
(Pavel Barber)
What blade radius do NHL players use?

Most skates are sharpened by cutting an arc in between the two edges, known as the radius of hollow (ROH). This is measured in inches. Hockey player and goalie skates are often sharpened with a ROH from 3/8” up to 1-1/2”.

(Video) ASK THE PRO: Pierre Gervais on skate sharpening and player performance.
(ELITE Blade Performance Technology)
Do NHL players use flat bottom V?

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!

(Video) Hockey Skate Blade Hollow
(EliteHockeyAcademy)
What steel do most NHL players use?

Hundreds of NHL players use Ls4 and Ls3 steel, it is the highest grade of steel offered on the Bauer light speed edge holders which is being heavily recommended and borderline mandatory on some teams.

(Video) Skate Sharpening, What Do You Get? - Radius of Hollow
(Seen By Yosh)
What skate hollow does Crosby use?

Around 3:44, he mentions that Crosby used to prefer a deeper hollow, but now uses a 1/2" hollow.

(Video) Skate Blade Hollows - Bladetech Hockey Sharpening Series
(Bladetech Hockey)
What hollow do speed skaters use?

Speedskate blades should be sharpened every 2-6 hours of use. They are “flat ground” with a 90 degree angle, whereas hockey and figure skates are “hollow ground”. The blades must be sharpened by hand, and will be ruined if sharpened like hockey skates.

(Video) The EDGE; Hollow Testing With High End Hockey
(Sparx Hockey)
What radius do pro hockey players use?

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

(Video) Bauer LightSpeed Pulse TI Edge Steel Runner // Zoom Insight
(Ice Warehouse)
Do longer skate blades make you faster?

The longer blades help speed skaters go faster because they provide more pressure into the ice. These blades also help speed skaters have more grip on the ice while they skate.

(Video) Custom blade profiles of Canadiens players
(Canadiens de Montréal)
What is the most common skate sharpening radius?

The most common radius of hollow cuts are ½” and 5/8” for skate sharpening shops because it provides the best balance between edge depth and glide speed.

(Video) Bladetech Black Diamond DLC hockey runners on Bauer S29 skates
(Can't Drive 55)

How often do NHL players get new skates?

So, how often do players in the NHL get new skates? It varies from player to player. Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning says he uses a new pair of skates every ten games. Patrick Marleau of the San Jose Sharks said he used to get a new pair of skates four to five times a season.

(Video) Edge Again Video introducing the EDGE AGAIN Manual
(Chris Kontos)
What type of skate sharpening does McDavid use?

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

What blade hollow do NHL players use? (2024)
Is 5/8 a good skate sharpening?

5/8 (Shallow) grind is what most figure skaters skate on. This gives you a good flowing edge and has little friction on the ice.

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.

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.

Do NHL players sharpen their skates between periods?

In the NHL, players will have freshly sharpened skates for every game, but not in between periods.

How long do hockey blades last?

It depends on the blade, the skill level, the skater, etc. Done frequently enough, a blade should last 5 to 8 years for the average recreational skater.

What NHL players use Step Steel?

"The reason we chose to acquire STEP is simple: They are as obsessed as we are with performance and work tirelessly to create a precision tool that makes skaters more confident in every stride; it is the reason the majority of NHL players, and some of the best in the world such as Brent Burns, Alexander Ovechkin and ...

What is the difference between 5/8 and 1/2 skate sharpening?

Glide and bite are determined by the amount of blade cutting into the ice. 1/2 inch is our standard hollow, a 3/8 would provide more bite, a 5/8 would provide less bite.

Do NHL players use heated skate blades?

Heated skate blades that are supposed to enhance performance are being used by four anonymous NHL players.

Does Sparx do profiling?

The Sparx Sharpener will not contour the profile of the blade. But, unlike traditional manual sharpening which alters the profile after 15-20 sharpenings, the Sparx Sharpener will hold the skate profile throughout the life of the steel thanks to the consistent RPM, Speed, and Pressure applied by our Grinding Rings.

How often do pro hockey players sharpen their skates?

Some players will sharpen very frequently, such as every 2-3 hours of ice time, while others go for an entire season without sharpening. If you're unsure of where to start, try getting them sharpened after 10 hours of ice time, and then adjust as you feel is necessary.

How sharp are figure skate blades?

If sharpening is done properly, blades will actually be sharp regardless of the radius of hollow but they'll feel differently. Most figure skaters get their skates sharpened with a radius of hollow in a range between flatter 10/16 (or 5/8) and deeper 6/16 (or 3/8) of an inch.

Why are speed skaters blades so long?

Long track blades are longer to help athletes glide straight faster. Short track blades are shorter and easier to control since there are more dynamic turns. Short track blades range from 30-45 centimeters, and long track skaters use 40-55-centimeter blades, according to Olympics.com.

Are speed skating blades sharp?

In order to allow speed skaters to take long, gliding strides, speed skating blades have very little curve compared to hockey, figure or short track skates. Edges of the blades are sharpened to a 90-degree angle for maximum efficiency during the push.

What blades do Olympic figure skaters use?

What Are Some of the Most Popular Types of Figure Skating Blades? Many intermediate, advanced, and elite figure skaters skate on the Pattern 99 blade manufactured by John Wilson. Other popular blades are John Wilson's Gold Seal and MK's Phantom. Many pre-intermediate figure skaters skate on MK's Professional model.

How long do Sparx grinding rings last?

A Grinding Ring (Radius Ring or FIRE Ring) will last for 320 cycles. If you're freshening up your blades after every skate, you'll get 50-60 sharpenings (or even more!) per ring and if you're sharpening your skates after every 5-6 hours of ice time, you'll get about 40 sharpenings.

What is the best radius for hockey skates?

A 5/8" radius will take care of most recreational skaters. Most rink managers shoot for an ice temperature of approximately 25 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature of 17 to 23 degrees is considered "hard hockey ice", 25 to 26 degrees is considered good figure skate ice.

What is a Sparx fire ring?

The Sparx FIRE Ring is an optimized flat bottom hollow that provides improved glide while still maintaining desired bite. The Sparx FIRE Ring provides the grip you need with the benefit of extra glide – the best of both worlds. The FIRE name says it all - Flat Inside Radius Edges.

How do you get explosive speed in hockey?

EXPLOSIVE SPEED WORKOUT FOR HOCKEY PLAYERS - YouTube

How many times can you sharpen ice skates?

The rule of thumb is to sharpen ice skates after every 15-20 hours of use. This is typical for athletes who play hockey or figure skate multiple times on a weekly basis.

Are hockey players faster than figure skaters?

If the race is shorter, the hockey player would likely win as they've been training their blades for fast bursts. But as the race gets longer, the long strides of a figure skater would prove more efficient, and they would most likely pull ahead. There are injuries in both sports.

How can you tell if a hockey skate is sharp?

A quick test for a sharp edge is to hold the skate upside down, place one thumbnail on the edge of the blade and gently pull down and away from the blade on three or four parts of the blade. A good, sharp blade will easily scrape a layer of your thumbnail, leaving the remnants on the blade.

How sharp should my hockey skates be?

Here is How to Know if Your Hockey Skates Are Sharp Enough:

Your hockey skates should be sharp enough to ensure the blades have bite and allow you to turn and stop with confidence. Sharp edges mean that the inside and outside edges of your skate blade are razor-thin, clean and without burrs or nicks.

Do any NHL players wear true skates?

True Pro Custom Skates are now worn by 122 NHL players, 110 AHL players, and 60% of all NHL goaltenders.

Do NHL players wear socks in their skates?

During the last couple years there's been a growing trend among NHL players trying to protect their lower legs from skate blades. Several manufacturers produce these high-tech socks using a variety of material — including Kevlar and copper — to save calf muscles, Achilles tendons and a player's feet.

How much do NHL players skates cost?

Skates, which cost $700 per pair, are equally customizable. “Your skates and your stick are the most important part of your equipment,” Davidson-Adams said. “These guys have to have full control because this is what wins championships — skates and sticks. If you can't skate and you can't shoot, you can't do much.”

How do pros sharpen their skates?

The machines aren't complicated — there's a grinding wheel set horizontally and the equipment manager moves the skate, on its side, along it by hand — but there's an art to doing it right. The Hurricanes lug two sharpening machines along with them on the road.

Is a Sparx sharpener worth it?

You'll be able to save a bit on the wheel by doing less passes, it's when skates come in with a bad edge that you have to do more passes (and thus, burn out your wheel faster). Honestly, the Sparx sharpener has been a game changer for my goalie skate sharpening. This sharpener is worth every penny.

What is the best skate profile for defenseman?

Prosharp recommends a quad profile for players who need to cover a lot of ice. It is the ideal profile for centers and defense. You will feel balanced on your skates when transitioning from gliding to striding. This profile maximizes full stride length.

Do CCM skates come sharpened?

New hockey skates do not come sharpened. Not only are the skates not pre-sharpened, but the first sharpening is an important one. The bottoms of blades on new skates are flatter and rounded, so they need a hollow groove cut into them before they should be used.

Does baking skates make a difference?

Heat molding or baking your new hockey skates is a way to help break them in faster so they'll hurt less and fit your foot better. Some hockey players choose to heat mold their skates at home in the oven, and others take them to a pro shop.

Do you need to cross grind new skates?

The first sharpening on a new pair of skates is so important because the sharpener needs to apply a cross grind to the blade with a grinding wheel. A cross grind will ensure the steel is totally flat before applying the specified hollow.

What Hollow does Ovechkin use?

Radius of Hollow or Hollow Grind
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"

What skate sharpening do most NHL players use?

Hockey player and goalie skates are often sharpened with a ROH from 3/8” up to 1-1/2”.

What is the standard hollow for hockey skates?

There are several different types of hollows to choose from, but pro shops will commonly use 1/2” as their “standard” cut. The 1/2” hollow offers a respectable mix of glide and control for most players but adjusting the depth of the hollow can offer several benefits when done correctly.

Do NHL players use heated blades?

Four NHL players are skating on heated blades said to enhance performance. Heated skate blades that are supposed to enhance performance are being used by four anonymous NHL players.

What NHL players use Step steel?

"The reason we chose to acquire STEP is simple: They are as obsessed as we are with performance and work tirelessly to create a precision tool that makes skaters more confident in every stride; it is the reason the majority of NHL players, and some of the best in the world such as Brent Burns, Alexander Ovechkin and ...

Does the NHL allow heated blades?

Kris King, the NHL's senior manager of hockey operations, said the league approved the heated blades after determining that the blades were safe.

Do hockey skate blades make a difference?

Hockey Skate Advantages

The skate's lighter weight allows players to skate fast, stop on a dime, and change direction. The boot protects the player's feet against stick blades, pucks, and other impacts. Hockey skate blades have more curve—or rocker—at both ends, making the skates more maneuverable and easier to turn.

Why do NHL players blowtorch their sticks?

Around an hour or two before a game, players assemble to heat their hockey sticks with a blowtorch. Brave Stick Hockey reports, "This enables [the players] to customize the blade's curve to their own personal liking."

Why do hockey players bend their sticks?

Hockey players decided to start curving the blades of their sticks decades ago as they found it was easier to raise the puck off the ice with a more pronounced curve. They could target the upper portion of the net from a close distance with a bigger curve as the speed and trajectory of their shots would be changed.

Can you curve a straight hockey stick?

The curvature of the blade of the stick shall be restricted in such a way that the distance of a perpendicular line measured from a straight line drawn from any point at the heel to the end of the blade to the point of maximum curvature shall not exceed three-quarter of an inch (¾”). NHL Rulebook 2007.

How long do hockey blades last?

It depends on the blade, the skill level, the skater, etc. Done frequently enough, a blade should last 5 to 8 years for the average recreational skater.

What flex stick do NHL players use?

With that all said, the majority of NHL players use a stick with flex in the 85-100 range. Forwards tend to use a lower flex. Some players with a notable low flex are Johnny Gaudreau with a 55 flex and Phil Kessel with a 65 flex. You can see just how much bend these players get out of their stick when they shoot.

Do NHL players sharpen their skates between periods?

In the NHL, players will have freshly sharpened skates for every game, but not in between periods.

Is there a curve rule in NHL?

By 1967, the NHL began to limit the amount of curve a stick blade could legally have. In the NHL today, the legal limit is 19 mm, or 3⁄4 of an inch. Much like the shaft's flex, a blade's shape is a very important characteristic of a stick's performance.

Why are ice skate blades heated?

Thermablade, Heated Ice Skate Review - YouTube

What are hockey skate blades made out of?

The blade is typically made from steel, with some manufacturers adding titanium for extra reinforcement. The steel is tempered and covered in chrome. Like the leather, the blades are outsourced and sent to the manufacturer in a variety of sizes for different size skates.

Do longer skate blades make you faster?

The longer blades help speed skaters go faster because they provide more pressure into the ice. These blades also help speed skaters have more grip on the ice while they skate.

What is the difference between 5/8 and 1/2 skate sharpening?

Glide and bite are determined by the amount of blade cutting into the ice. 1/2 inch is our standard hollow, a 3/8 would provide more bite, a 5/8 would provide less bite.

How sharp are professional ice skates?

If sharpening is done properly, blades will actually be sharp regardless of the radius of hollow but they'll feel differently. Most figure skaters get their skates sharpened with a radius of hollow in a range between flatter 10/16 (or 5/8) and deeper 6/16 (or 3/8) of an inch.

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