Larger blades and holders help?

[Hockey4Life10 0]

I've been told it helps to have a a bit of a longer blade, helps push off. Does anyone think installing a longer blade on skates helps? If so what size should i try?

[sirunsky88 1]

I have a size 6EE in Vapor XXXX's and switched out my 254's for size 263 which felt much more natural. The 254's felt too small for that skate size in my opinion.

[Ogie Oglethorpe 14]

It will come to personal preference, but while you get better pushing off, and eventual straight line speed, you may find the trade off is cornering, crossing over, nimble-ness in tight, etc.

[Hockey4Life10 0]

also, would i have to drill new holes to fit new holders?

[mew1838 0]

Why not profile the blade instead of switching to a longer holder?

Yes you have to drill.

[Hockey4Life10 0]

profiling?

[TBLfan 25]

Profiling wont give you a longer blade. It might adjust how much blade is sitting on the ice but it's not going to give you a longer blade.

[lb33knight 0]

Profiling wont give you a longer blade. It might adjust how much blade is sitting on the ice but it's not going to give you a longer blade.

It won't? :lol: Grinding steel off of the blade won't make it longer? :P

[TBLfan 25]

The thing is that it's occasionally confused as to exactly what the advantages of a longer runner provides with the extra length!

...One of the reasons why I'm seriously considering the change to one95s, if they fit.

[Hockey4Life10 0]

so the recomended new length would be 263?

[lb33knight 0]

so the recomended new length would be 263?

Yes. I swapped the 254's on my Flexlite 12's with 263's which is the next size up. New holes will have to be drilled but most shops should be able to handle that with no problems.

[duch 0]

As previously mentioned a longer blade will give you more straight line speed and a slightly better push off as there is more blade on the ice. (ie speedskaters use a very long blade) Your manoeverablilty suffers a bit with a longer blade because your turns and cuts will be less pronounced because of that little extra blade touching the ice. Some guys like myself adjust quickly however others tend to stick to the on ice feel they are used to, like yourself. I have a 263 blade on my Easton 1100's yet use a 272 on my Vapors and Reebok 8K's and don't have any issues switching back and forth. If your more comfortable on the longer blade then stick with them, otherwise you could tough it out and force yourself to adjust. It's your choice and your cash.

[TBLfan 25]

As previously mentioned a longer blade will give you more straight line speed and a slightly better push off as there is more blade on the ice. (ie speedskaters use a very long blade) Your manoeverablilty suffers a bit with a longer blade because your turns and cuts will be less pronounced because of that little extra blade touching the ice. Some guys like myself adjust quickly however others tend to stick to the on ice feel they are used to, like yourself. I have a 263 blade on my Easton 1100's yet use a 272 on my Vapors and Reebok 8K's and don't have any issues switching back and forth. If your more comfortable on the longer blade then stick with them, otherwise you could tough it out and force yourself to adjust. It's your choice and your cash.

Now THAT can be adjusted with profiling.

[Hockey DeVoTee 1]

Just wait for Light Speed 2.1 steel to hit the market and replace your steel. It will be like moving to 263 holder without the cost of replacing and installation of new holders.