DaveTheWave 0 Report post Posted November 15, 2006 It seems designers are using more cues from speed skates nowadays with the molded carbon fiber boot of the Kor line, the larger wheels on the all 80mm Labeda frames, minimalistic/lightweight boots, and the nearly direct port of hub structure on some of the wheels out there.Everyone knows that speed skaters don't need to change direction as sharply as hockey players or stop quickly, but what do you guys think we can still use from the speed skate design? I mean there seems to be consensus that a hi-lo sort of setup can be beneficial for example...This thread could come in handy for Mission and the other companies as they work on their 08' designs right now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sdcopp 1 Report post Posted November 15, 2006 outside of the purely custom boots speedskaters have made, not much. Funny thing is, the first ever Hi-Lo designed frame saw wasn't for hockey, it was actually a speed skating frame designed for smaller feet. A few months later I saw the Tour Hi-Lo's come across for hockey. Hockey players don't need to worry about drag, so lace covers aren't necessary. We really don't have to worry about getting the boots any lighter, since we've all seen that the threshold there has been met with durability. Clap frames in hockey would be disatrous from breakage issues. The only thing left would be completely custom made boots for every little inch of your foot, or possibly a custom build program: neither of which is really feasible for the companies to do and be profitable by at this point. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nummer55 10 Report post Posted November 15, 2006 Speed skating is all about getting the highest speed on a long track. When you look in the Powerslide 07 catalog (http://www.powerslide.de/downloads/pscat20...07_RACE_150.pdf) you can see there will be a 4 x 110mm setup this year. For hockey this is completely unnecessary since the closed rink will never get you up to that speed. The search for new lighter materials in one that starts way up the ladder in aerospace industry. I'm curious what the d3o (www.d3o.com) material could do for a skate. Maybe it can replace some panels in the skate to be of enough protection, but lighter and breathable. I would also love to see some gloves / pants / body armor with this material.I it was not for the 'unknown' Dutchman this sport maybe would have never existed ;) http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa050997.htm Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sprungster 5 Report post Posted November 15, 2006 Speed/marathon skating will learn from roller hockey. Sprung's technology transfers directly into the speed category. The newest speed thing is four 100s with a low mount between wheels 1&2, 2&3 and 3&4.I'm currently working on a setup that will have all 100 mm wheels attached to the boot sole by four opposed rocker arms, same as our hockey frame. They will mount in a low profile configuration. All in light weight exotic materials.Now that the bugs are worked out of the hockey frame, the speed frame is like falling out of bed. Much easier since it won't have anywhere near the stress and impact involved in hockey. And with the 100s, there's much more room for the suspension components.The speed frame is a High Ticket item because of the materials and numbers. Most competent packages are $600-$1000 startup.It's going to be FUN!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sdcopp 1 Report post Posted November 15, 2006 there's the inline speed varient of the clap frame then, same idea with different (and probably better) execution. Honestly speed skating evolved it's huge needs abotu a decade ago and has been minor tuning to things since then. Bigger wheels, slightly different composites for less weight, but nothing truly ground breaking and outlandishly innovative. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim A 4 Report post Posted November 30, 2006 well the guy behind the Kor skate was a world class speedskater and the catalyst for K2 inline skates ...speed skate technology changes year to year..when I first started in the early/mid 90's..it went from all 80's and long frames with an 82max (13'5") to being like the dutch and skating A2A on 76mm wheels and low pro viking setup to 78mm/12.5 or 80mm 12.75 Eaglehawk's to clap skates (very interesting demo in Central Park) hi-lo's (80/84), 3 big wheel 100mm frames, monocoque skates for $2000, 5*84, 4*90, 4*100...yet for common speedskater..its akin to the OPS's and the social hockey player or the guy who needs all pro stock gear..although speed skating consumers make the biggest hockey weight weenies seem like retro grouches Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
