kaisersoze

Yes, exactly. You explained it well. That's why I'm thinking about trying a slightly deeper hollow with these blades. I found during very slow movements, turns and transitions, I couldn't feel that edge because I hadn't quite reached that angle of engagement yet. So it felt a little unstable during those situations.

It's good to know that many others have also found the benefits substantial and even, dare I say, revolutionary? I wasn't just imagining things. I don't expect products to always deliver what is promised but when they do, you just like, feel good about humanity 😄 I had some doubts that these might be like those heated blades or the spring-loaded blades. Hard to substantiate with so little information and feedback out there from normal guys like us. Sorry, when I mentioned the hollow that I used, I was referring to traditional blades. So according to the Flare chart on the package, the 3/4" (traditional) would equal to 1 1/8" (Flare). In fact, I'm thinking of going up to a 5/8" (traditional) or 1" (Flare) because as a defenceman, I need some "grip" to gently move guys in front of the net. Like I said, during my skate, I didn't feel much bite until I leaned into turns and really focused on my edges. I've since had a stick and puck session and the sharpening is already feeling a bit worn so I think I will try the next hollow up. I think this current hollow is too flat for me. Btw, I had these Flares profiled with Quad 1 just like my Steps and LS4s. But those sets are flat-bottom sharpened.

Ok, I haven't really seen anyone here say they've tried these blades so... I'll be the first? Wow. Just wow. I normally just roll my eyes whenever I hear hockey marketing and about advanced technology in new gear. 10% faster this, 20% harder that, blah blah blah, etc. But I was able to confirm everything these blades were advertised to do during a skate (no game action yet). Massive glide, tighter turns and as good or better edges or "bite" using a lesser hollow. For an experienced player and above average skater like myself, this was one piece of equipment where I feel was not just a small, incremental improvement but a next-level type of improvement to my skating. I know that might sound like hyperbole, but that's how it felt after only one 2-hour skate with them. I'm going to have to try them back-to-back-to-back with my Steps and LS4s, but after the first time with these, I feel like I should just retire the conventional blades. I agree with this. Although I thought the wider blade would feel different and more "stable", I really didn't notice anything while standing still. The blade didn't feel wider or any different than normal. It did feel taller though. As someone who isn't that good in science, I can't wrap my head around how a wider blade would give you more glide... but there it was. It was massive and it was strange in a good way. Yes, I did go down to a 3/4" (The last time I used a conventional sharpening I was going with 5/8". Been using flat-bottom for 5-6 years now) but it was the flare and not the shallow hollow because I was never so smooth before Feeling how little bite there was initially while gliding, doing basic snowplows and forward strides, I was really hesitant to do a fast tight turn. Well, I was absolutely shocked and delighted that my edges were better and cleaner than, well, ever... using a hollow that would have normally sent me sliding towards the boards on regular blades. Finally, some truth in advertising. Anyways, that's all I got for now.