Competent Skate Tech

[orphan 0]

Hi,

I was in a LHS trying on new skates and had an oppurtunity to read through some of Graf's "training" manual about blade/holder alignment. They said that most people would need the blade adjusted side-to-side to properly center the blade under the weight bearing part of the foot, thereby correcting slight pronation or supination. Note that they did not say "some" people, but rather, most people!

This was a revaltion and vindication for me, as for years I thought this was exactly what I needed. The part-time "experts" at the pro-shops always scoffed at this idea saying that I needed superfeet or something similar. (I have never have a problem or pain fitting into boots as my feet are pretty average.) I do feel like I am tracking too much on my inside edge (and torqueing) when I glide on one foot.

I am about to buy a new pair of skates (705, 735 or XXX) and would like to seriously investigate the option of adjusting the holder. My problem is that I don't trust any of the shops I know to do this to high-end skates.

Can anyone please recommend an experienced tech (working in a shop or independently) that can expertly do all the possible fine tuning to hockey skates? (e.g. stretching, lifts, blade alignment, etc.)

Thanks in advance!

P.S. I did do a search for old threads but didn't find anything.

[JR Boucicaut 3810]

Can't do the work unless I see the skater. Where are you located?

[orphan 0]

I work in Troy and live in Chesterfield (Michigan, that is.) But I'd drive a long way to avoid some teenager at the LHS with a DeWalt in his hands. :o

[jjtt99 0]

Orphan,

FYI - JR knows skates. Everyone on this forum would back me up on that.

[Fonya 0]

I dont know my American geography but JR is in detroit michigan and your at least in the same state lol.

[areed89 3]

I've had JR do some skate stuff for me and I can vouch for his skills and knowledge firsthand. I wouldn't hesitate to task him with a project like this, he's good to go. Johshy207 is in Farmington Hills, and he knows his stuff too.

[JR Boucicaut 3810]

Orphan - you're in luck. I'm right up the road in Rochester.

[jrhky36 1]

i have had JR work on my skates also. i would not trust anyone esle with them now that JR is about a half hour away. the best by far.

Orphan, if you know where the onyx in rochester is, that is where you will find JR.

[orphan 0]

Thank you all for your unanimous recommendation!

JR,

I'll contact you by PM later today.

Thanks Again!