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What is a Hockey Skate Profile?
A skate profile refers to the shape of an ice skate blade as it contacts the ice when viewed from the side. It's often called "rocker" or "contouring." The profile is defined by the radius of an imaginary circle, usually measured in feet. For example, if you drew a circle with a 9-foot radius and shaped the blade to match this circle's edge, you'd have a 9-foot radius profile on the skate blade. Standard profiles for player skates range from 9 to 13 feet, while goalie skates typically have larger profiles, from 27 to 50 feet.
Why is Profiling Important?
The profile of a skate blade affects a player's speed, agility, power, and overall performance:
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Smaller profiles (8-9 feet): These are great for agility, quick starts, stops, and rapid acceleration. However, they dig into the ice more, increasing stress on joints, requiring a deeper hollow, and burning more energy to maintain speed. The reduced glide means skaters need to move their feet more to sustain speed. This profile is often preferred by defensemen who value quickness and agility.
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Larger profiles (11-13 feet): These enhance glide and speed due to the larger contact area with the ice, which requires a shallower hollow for the desired grip. The downside is less agility and slower acceleration.
Can You Have Different Profiles on Each End of the Blade?
Yes, it's possible to use different radii at each end of the blade, depending on various factors such as a player's height, weight, and playing position.
What is a Hollow
(Radius of Hollow or RoH)?
The hollow refers to the curved, hollowed-out section between the two sharp edges on the bottom of a skate blade. This hollow is formed by passing the blade along a grinding wheel, and the shape of this wheel determines the hollow's size. The hollow impacts how the skate grips and glides on the ice. Players can choose a hollow that provides more speed and glide or more bite and control, depending on their needs.
