Q      What is custom ice skate profiling?

A      Profiling uses a precise, computerized system to customize the blade’s gliding surface to each skater’s specifications and position played. Centers and wingers have different requirements, as do defensemen and goalies. Before the blade is sharpened, it is shaped and the balance point is positioned. Profiling can also fix blades that have been damaged by inferior skate sharpening and over-grinding.

Q      How is custom ice skate profiling done?

A      To ensure the profiling is tailored to individual preferences, it is done with a computer-aided grinding machine. This is the best way to get the exact same lie and working radius of the blade. Lie is the pitch of the center radius and is what controls a player’s posture. More importance is placed on the lie than the radius because the lie of a properly profiled skate provides even balance and comfort for the skater when standing straight.

A      This computer driven equipment creates a flat surface or gliding area in the center of the skate blade. The area can be shortened or lengthened and moved forward or backward from the middle point of the blade. The profile consists of two numbers, such as 35/50, for example. These dimensions are measured in millimeters. 35 is the amount forward of the middle point, while 50 is the length of glide surface. 35/50 is the typical profile of wingers or centers who desire a forward-tilted position. Defensemen and goalies’ profiles are entirely different from centers and wingers, as well as from each other.

Q      What are the benefits of custom ice skate profiling?

A      In order to skate well, skates must be well maintained. Profiling must be a part of regular maintenance for enhanced player performance. Profiling helps the skater maintain proper posture by pitching the working radius of the blade to match the player’s posture, thereby unlocking the ankles, knees and hips. Players with properly profiled blades experience significant increases in control, balance, speed, shooting and passing accuracy, stability and movement. Quicker starts and stops, reduced fatigue and tighter turns are additional benefits.

Q      How often should skates be profiled?

A      The frequency of profiling depends on several factors, such as: how often the skates are used, the player’s position, the intensity level of play, the importance of hockey to the player, how the skates feel, etc. However, as a general rule, it is recommended profiling be done two or three times a year.

Q      Aren’t skates profiled from the factory?

A      Skates are profiled at the factory, however, since the purchaser of the skate is unknown when the skate leaves the factory, there is no way to customize the profile to individual specifications.

Q      Is there anything special about ice skate sharpening?

A      Even though most people think ice skate sharpening is pretty standard and can be done by just about anyone, that’s not the case. Poorly sharpened skates can have an adverse effect on player performance and safety.

A      The bottom of an ice skate blade is cupped inward and is about 1/8” thick. The inward part is a hollow, which creates an inside and outside edge of the blade. The side near your big toe is the inside and the one near your pinky toe is the outside.

A      Because the bottom of the skate is not flat, it’s called a hollow. The hollow is the radius of the circle or semi-circle that is cut into the blade to grip the ice. Hockey skate hollows are typically ¼” to ¾”. A sharper blade will have a deeper hollow or smaller number, enabling the player to make better turns. This deep hollow may also make the player slower and have difficulty stopping because the blade is digging deeper into the ice. The weight of the player should be considered before sharpening the skate. Heavier skaters should have a shallow hollow since their weight will dig more into the ice. Lighter skaters should have a deeper hollow. Since shallow hollows provide better lateral movement, they are better suited for goalies. That’s not to say a heavier player may not like the deeper hollow; the depth of the hollow is subject to individual preference. Before sharpening a skate, consideration should be given to the goals of the specific skater.

A      Typically, deeper hollows feel sharper, have more edge, allow more contact with the ice and provide less maneuverability. They may also make the player slower and have difficulty stopping, but the deeper hollow does allow very tight turns. Shallow hollows feel less sharp and have less edge, but they provide more maneuverability and greater speed on the ice.