One90 Transition and Skate Profiling

[moose77 0]

As for IceSports on the NorthShore CanucksFan, i actually thought they were too rinky-dinky of a shop[ to even get profiling done. Also do they do the top notch profiling we are talkin' bout here?

I haven't had my skates profiled yet, but I am thinking about it. I've spent quite a bit of time chatting with the guys at IceSports North Shore and I'm pretty sure they know what they're doing. More than any other shop I've been to in the Vancouver area, they really seem to take sharpening seriously. Every time I have had them sharpen my skates they've never felt better. They can also talk intelligently about different hollows, something I've found other skate shops to be shockingly bad at.

I agree.....I've only get my skates done there now. Their sharpening is the most consistant I've had. I've tried them all, Scoff's, Larry's, Cyclones, Time Out Sports etc. There are only 2 guys that sharpen at IceSports North Shore and they kick ass when it comes to doing skates. Edges always perfect...not uneven! As for profiling I pretty sure Tom only does it and he'll do you good.

Ultimate Edge Sports inside of Ice Sports North Shore is phenomenal! They came highly recommended to me by MSH member Jason, so I made the trek across the border to North Vancouver last spring to see what they could do for my skates. I described the kind of skating I mostly did (officiating), the way I tended to skate, gave them my weight, and mentioned what had been happening with my blades (felt like I was falling backwards, seemed to go faster on one foot than both feet, knee pain after skating 2 games in a row). They held my bladed up to a template where they showed me how one of my TUUKs had only 1/2" of glide surface and that the center points of the blades was too far forward (common on TUUKs). They asked if it felt like I was falling backwards and I said yes. Turns out the soreness in my knees came from them overcompensating in keeping me upright.

I left my skates for a week (they only profile after hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), and returned for them a week later. They'd added some forward lean to the pitch of my blades and profiled them to a combination 9'/10' profile. They also took me from a 1/2" to a 5/8" hollow, saying it would put me more "on" the ice as opposed to digging into it so much. I was also told it would take 2 or 3 ice times to adapt to the new profiling. They were absolutely right! First game I skated in them, I lined a Pee Wee AA game and I thought for sure I'd go down. I gave it 2 more games and soon I was more comfortable with the new profile and found I could skate faster and maintain that speed with less effort. My starts improved as did backward skating but most important, the knee pain disappeared! Oh sure, they still get stiff after doing 5 games in a single day, but that's just part of being 38 years old. The pain however, is pretty much gone.

I'm a huge beliver in profiling and a big fan of Ultimate Edge Sports located inside Ice Sports North Shore in North Vancouver, BC! Oh, my skates are Bauer 8090s.

[Jarick 5]

I've been skating on a 3/8" hollow, I'm 5'8" 170 so not super heavy or super light. Most of what I read in this thread is a flatter hollow is preferred for improving skating. As I'm not a great skater, I got a deeper hollow so I could stop and make quick movements faster, but I find it difficult to do smooth crossovers.

Tried a 1/2" and it seemed the crossovers were a bit better but I was pretty clumsy out on the ice so I went back to 3/8" after two skates. Should I have stuck with the flatter hollow to improve my skating? Speed isn't so much an issue but I do have to be a bit light on my feet to not grab too much ice.

Also, I use Vapor XIX's and never had them profiled. Would it be worthwhile to do a profiling? With an 8D adult foot, is the standard 9' radius a good starting point or would I gain some agility in crossovers and turns by going with a different radius?

[Gongshow11 1]

getting a pair of skates andnot even getting them radisued at the stock 9' is stupid in my opinion. you never now the radius out of the box. If you like a 9' get them radiused, or try other things I wear an 8d and have a 13' radius at a 5/8" hollow with no pitch. When i first started radiusing my skates i was on a pair of vapor 8s with a 9' radius and i found that to be much different then what came out of the box. try it out

[Jarick 5]

Anyone know if Gold Medal Sports is a good place in Minnesota for profiling? 95% of the time when I walk into an LHS there's half a dozen teenagers and I just don't trust any of them with something like profiling, even if they can turn a decent edge.

[srv2miker 0]

Getting to richmond for me is a lil outta the way blues91, but i used to work down there and yeah i would say from the cpl times i talked to them they seemed knowledgeable, but never heard anything good from ppl. Not only that do they do top notch profiling like OTG and JR talk about? As for IceSports on the NorthShore CanucksFan, i actually thought they were too rinky-dinky of a shop[ to even get profiling done. Also do they do the top notch profiling we are talkin' bout here?

A little out of YOUR way? Dude I drove all the way from Langley to get my skates profiled because I don't trust anyone out my way. I couldn't believe the difference when I took my older Tacks to Ice Level, and now I've taken them my new Grafs (although I haven't had a chance to skate in them yet). I'll add another vote to the guys at Ice Level.

[ktang 34]

Getting to richmond for me is a lil outta the way blues91, but i used to work down there and yeah i would say from the cpl times i talked to them they seemed knowledgeable, but never heard anything good from ppl. Not only that do they do top notch profiling like OTG and JR talk about? As for IceSports on the NorthShore CanucksFan, i actually thought they were too rinky-dinky of a shop[ to even get profiling done. Also do they do the top notch profiling we are talkin' bout here?

A little out of YOUR way? Dude I drove all the way from Langley to get my skates profiled because I don't trust anyone out my way. I couldn't believe the difference when I took my older Tacks to Ice Level, and now I've taken them my new Grafs (although I haven't had a chance to skate in them yet). I'll add another vote to the guys at Ice Level.

I got a flatter radius there a few years ago, and they did a great job for my skates. It was done within a day, too.

[Mikke 0]

My 14 years old son is a defenceman. His weight is 110 lb. Skates are Vapor XXX and size is 6,5. Radius is 9 and hollow 5/8. What do you recommended about place of the blades highest point (balance point) ? Is it middle of the blade or maybe little rear (middle of the boot) or where is the best highest point of the blade radius for quick turn, start and best glide.

[Timber 0]

Anyone know if Gold Medal Sports is a good place in Minnesota for profiling? 95% of the time when I walk into an LHS there's half a dozen teenagers and I just don't trust any of them with something like profiling, even if they can turn a decent edge.

If you want to go local, go to Westwood Sports in Bloomington (952.881.2222). Let them know you want your skates profiled, and that you'd like to talk to either Andy or Dirk. If you know what spec's you want (i.e. 13 ft., +1, 3/4"), let them know and they'll maker sure it gets done correctly. If you're not sure, they'll help you dial in to a good place to start given your history and observations. For the record, I have no business interest here, I've just had great results and have heard the same thing from a lot of guys I've skated with. Good luck.

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

My 14 years old son is a defenceman. His weight is 110 lb. Skates are Vapor XXX and size is 6,5. Radius is 9 and hollow 5/8. What do you recommended about place of the blades highest point (balance point) ? Is it middle of the blade or maybe little rear (middle of the boot) or where is the best highest point of the blade radius for quick turn, start and best glide.

Sorry I dont quite understand your question?

[Hockeydog 8]

Is he asking about the pitch of the skate?

[Ngo_35 1]

I think he's a little mixed up about where the blade contacts the ice.

The flat spot on the blade is where the determination of how much of the blade is in front or back of the mid point. I use a cag machine so im not too sure about the template form if contouring but this is my interpretation of what he's asking.

ie

25/40

of the 40mm flat surface area touching the ice, 25mm would be in the front giving a slight lean forward.

[ljbaron 0]

Sorry to get off topic for a little bit, but could someone with skate experience please tell me what kind of profile/radius I should get.

I'am 6'0 175 pounds and a forward.

Thanks

[Hockeydog 8]

S

orry to get off topic for a little bit, but could someone with skate experience please tell me what kind of profile/radius I should get.

I'am 6'0 175 pounds and a forward.

Thanks

Do you know what you currently have your skates sharpened to?

Do you feel uncomfortable on your skates, as in leaned back or forwards too far, or just unable to balance in general? Your question is one of personal preference, every one is different. Determine how you feel on your current skates and what you'd like to feel, then talk with a good LHS. They can work to fine tune your skates for you. There is no standard for a players size or position.

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

S

orry to get off topic for a little bit, but could someone with skate experience please tell me what kind of profile/radius I should get.

I'am 6'0 175 pounds and a forward.

Thanks

Do you know what you currently have your skates sharpened to?

Do you feel uncomfortable on your skates, as in leaned back or forwards too far, or just unable to balance in general? Your question is one of personal preference, every one is different. Determine how you feel on your current skates and what you'd like to feel, then talk with a good LHS. They can work to fine tune your skates for you. There is no standard for a players size or position.

Height 6'0"

Weight 175

Postition

Speed or dipsy doodler

lean forward?

We need the rest and a little more about your hockey playing!

[jeffw 1]

Great thread.

I recently switched to Vapor XXV's after skating Pure Fly's for two years and, as I expected, the transition is not going as smooth as I had hoped.

Looking for some suggestions.

As expected I'm feeling back on my heels and overall slower, less stable & less agile. I feel like there's too much blade under my toes.

The Missions had a 288mm blade while the Vapor's are 280mm.

I'm, 6' 3" 195 lbs. Long legs. 1/2" radius. Play mostly forward.

I'm going to try leaving the top eyelet unlaced next skate but I'm really hoping to get the Bauers feeling more like the Missions, to the point of considering having Pitch 3's mounted.

After reading through the thread I understand profiling and heel lifts, etc but I'm looking for some more specific ideas like how much heel lift or a specific profile/radius.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Storm 0]

Great thread.

I recently switched to Vapor XXV's after skating Pure Fly's for two years and, as I expected, the transition is not going as smooth as I had hoped.

Looking for some suggestions.

As expected I'm feeling back on my heels and overall slower, less stable & less agile. I feel like there's too much blade under my toes.

The Missions had a 288mm blade while the Vapor's are 280mm.

I'm, 6' 3" 195 lbs. Long legs. 1/2" radius. Play mostly forward.

I'm going to try leaving the top eyelet unlaced next skate but I'm really hoping to get the Bauers feeling more like the Missions, to the point of considering having Pitch 3's mounted.

After reading through the thread I understand profiling and heel lifts, etc but I'm looking for some more specific ideas like how much heel lift or a specific profile/radius.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Can't answer what you really want to know but seeing that you haven't gotten a response yet I'll share my experience switching to Pitch 3's ... I too felt I was too much on my heels but I took care of that by going from LSP to Pitch and using the +1 setting.

However the shape of the blade somehow feels less "banana like" than the Bauer ... I was able to start the turn on my heels and lean forward to the tip of my steel coming out of the turn more easily with my LSP.

...something for you to consider.

[jeffw 1]

I was assuming that the Pitch 3 would have the same profile as the F-Pro's that were on my Pure Fly's.

Today I decided that since I was going to swap out the holder anyways that I'd try something a little drastic.

I pulled the steel out of my Vapors & traced the profile of the F-Pro steel on it with a Sharpie & headed out to the rink, fired up the Blackstone & started grinding. Put a fresh edge on 'em (went a little shallower, too) reinstalled the steel & hit the ice.

Initial impression was very good but I'll give 'em a good workout at pick-up this afternoon.

Laying the F Pro steel on the LS 2 steel it was very close on the front 3/4 of the blade but the LS 2 steel dropped off drastically at the back 1/4.

[JCYC5 0]

Anyone know of any good shops in Edmonton?

[Tikkanen 1]

After reading the entire thread I think I know the answer but just want to make sure. I wear the S-15's, size 8.0R, 6ft, 190 lbs, don't lace up the top eyelet, transitioned from the Synergy 1500 size 8.5R. Had to take out the heel lift during first use because I kept stumbling forward. Sharpen them at 7/16 but I still feel awkwards sometimes and stumble forward. From what I've read the Eastons come with a forward pitch so do I have them profiled to neutral? Or is the radius the problem? Or both? Need a reccomendation. I play forward and defense but don't rely on my speed, kind of like a Doug Weight.

[docar15 1]

By chance, have you been able to compare how much the rocker was moved forward? I mean, if you had access to a factory blade, compare it to yours and see what the difference was?

If your doughter's new blades are working this great, perhaps making a template and safekeeping it would be a good idea.

Best regards.

She's a good skater...

Tell, me, from the second pic, I can see she transitionned from a s500 Mission...

How did she feel about the boot transition?

Thanks, her skating has been a problem - she's the most cut kid in the city because of her skating. Which is why she's been on a concentrated effort to get rid of old, bad habits and "relearn" the proper way to skate.

The old skates are actually S-W's (Mission's women's skate), she just loved the SuppleFit but needed a top end skate now - unfortunately the S500 was a bit too wide/mobile in the heel. If it had fit we would have bought them, instead we had a long search for skates.

Everything felt weird to her after the Missions. She was really worried about skate stiffness feeling "clunky" on ice. She immediately liked the One90's because, although stiff, they didn't feel like they had her foot trapped. Although they are the stiffest skate she has ever been in, she says it doesn't seem stiff because of how responsive they are.

[Powerfibers 8]

Would a 50 pound kid in a size 1.5 youth skate benefit from a profiling job and a more shallow ROH?

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

After reading the entire thread I think I know the answer but just want to make sure. I wear the S-15's, size 8.0R, 6ft, 190 lbs, don't lace up the top eyelet, transitioned from the Synergy 1500 size 8.5R. Had to take out the heel lift during first use because I kept stumbling forward. Sharpen them at 7/16 but I still feel awkwards sometimes and stumble forward. From what I've read the Eastons come with a forward pitch so do I have them profiled to neutral? Or is the radius the problem? Or both? Need a reccomendation. I play forward and defense but don't rely on my speed, kind of like a Doug Weight.

I have found most s-15's have only a 7ft N profile instead of the 9 ft they are supposed to have.

With your height and weight I would start at 11ft N and go from there. Also switch to 5/8ths with more blade and you will find your transition much easier front to back.

With he blade already blended on the toe thee should be minimal blending required to make that skate ROCK for you!

[Archangel#16 1]

Didn't think this needed a new topic:

I am currently skating in some one90's and I am told that I have a problem with "kicking" the ice. Apparently whenever I take a stride, the front of my blade kicks the ice. My skating coach tells me that this is a problem that needs to be fixed. My question to you is should I get my skates profiled, or get some heel lifts? Also would switching to regular LS's instead of LSP's be a good idea?

Thanks in advance!

[schrempsky 0]

i would say this would seem to be more of a technique thing rather than an equipment problem. i have a friend in Ultra G5 who does the exact same thing.

i would say though that if you are keen on tinkering with your stuff that you would get them profiled, but i would definitly try to change up technique before i did any work on my skates

just my opinion, would love to hear what works for you though

[Chadd 916]

Exactly, you can either pick up your feet or profile the skates.