Help with RBK 9K screeching sound - LHS at a loss

[sk8 0]

I am seeking some professional assistance. My son recently switched into a RBK9K Jr skate size 1. Previously he was in a RBK9k youth 12.5. When skating with the 9k Jr. the skate is making a horrible screeching sound as loud as a coaches whistle. This happens when making sharp turns or stops at high speeds.

I checked with 2 LHS stores in my area who have never heard of this issue before. The sound is annoying to everyone on the ice especially my son. I had the blade checked to see if it was loose and my LHS store said it looked good and they just tightened it about 1/8 of a turn.

Does anyone have an idea of what might be causing this? Also, as a last ditch attempt I am looking to replace the steel and can not find 215mm replacement blades anywhere. If anyone has these blades let me know via PM. I am nearing the point to simply get rid of these skates that I just purchased 1 month ago.

Thank you

Sk8

[chk hrd 164]

take the blades out of the holders and make sure there is nothing in them. Make sure the blades are not bent when you have them out of the holders. When you put the blades back in make sure the screws are tight and use lock tight on the thread. Have them cross ground before they put an edge on them.

[joshy207 15]

I had the same problem on a couple pairs of skates. I tried those "hotblades" that were out a few years ago, put them in some Custom+ holders, and they made that horrible squealing noise every time I stopped or turned sharp. I removed those blades later that day and threw them out.

I also had the same issue with some Kor Shift1s that I was demo-ing through the shop I worked at. I removed the steel and put a thin piece of tape across the top edge of the steel above both bolt holes, and the problem went away.

[Ogie Oglethorpe 14]

I had that problem with my CCM 752 tacks. It's the holder (at least it was on mine). It's sort of the natural resonance of the holder. For me, it was just the right combination of factors (my weight, the skate, etc) but it made the noise you're describing.

Any chance it has the prolite holders? (not the new E holder or whatever)? If so, I always theorized that it was the V shape that sort of helped the noise.

It does break in over time....

[sk8 0]

I took a look at the skates. The blades are Performance Lite Stainless and the holders are Pro E. I am trying to locate another set of blades 215mm but having no luck finding any. I would like to try another set of steel and possibly rule that out - process of elimination. If it comes down to the holders and I can not correct this I'm going to move away from the Rbk 9ks and give the Vapor XXXX's a try. Maybe the Lightspeed 2 holders will be better.

Anyone have the 215mm blades for a RBK 9K Jr Size 1.0 let me know

Thank you for the assistance

Sk8

[Viking 1]

Why not just try new holders on the 9K's instead of a whole new skate?

[bbruins8 0]

Why not just try new holders on the 9K's instead of a whole new skate?

What he said...if the skate fits and it works for him, do everything possible to keep him in that boot.

[jimmy 194]

Have the skates resharpened. Sometimes sharpeners when sharpening skates for first time do not establish a good hollow entire length of blade. If that doesn't fix it, swap left runner for right. See if that does it. If sound is still there and shifts to the other skate, you may have a mismounted holder and the steel is bent. Check with a straight edge, actually you should do this before you get the skates resharpened. Don't give up on the skates, you have a problem that is fixable for little to no $$$. DO not swap holders, it's a waste of money.

[bbruins8 0]

Have the skates resharpened. Sometimes sharpeners when sharpening skates for first time do not establish a good hollow entire length of blade. If that doesn't fix it, swap left runner for right. See if that does it. If sound is still there and shifts to the other skate, you may have a mismounted holder and the steel is bent. Check with a straight edge, actually you should do this before you get the skates resharpened. Don't give up on the skates, you have a problem that is fixable for little to no $$$. DO not swap holders, it's a waste of money.

It can be fixed for little to no $ if he purchased them through his LHS and they are going to stand behind their sale. If he didn't, they are going to charge him for every last bit of labor, replacement runners, etc. To the O.P., where did you get the skates? If a mismounted holder is the case, that is grounds for warranty replacement of a new pair.

[lb33knight 0]

Jimmy has offered solid advice. I'd certainly try that first before purchasing anything else. If you do need new runners finding a shop that has replacement steel for a size 1 skate in stock will be tough. That is the smallest replaceable runner that RBK makes. Shorter steel breaks much less often and they are outgrown long before the life of the steel is used up so there really isn't a demand for them. However, your LHS should be able to special order them for you.

[Bmplam 1]

Have the skates resharpened. Sometimes sharpeners when sharpening skates for first time do not establish a good hollow entire length of blade. If that doesn't fix it, swap left runner for right. See if that does it. If sound is still there and shifts to the other skate, you may have a mismounted holder and the steel is bent. Check with a straight edge, actually you should do this before you get the skates resharpened. Don't give up on the skates, you have a problem that is fixable for little to no $$$. DO not swap holders, it's a waste of money.

It can be fixed for little to no $ if he purchased them through his LHS and they are going to stand behind their sale. If he didn't, they are going to charge him for every last bit of labor, replacement runners, etc. To the O.P., where did you get the skates? If a mismounted holder is the case, that is grounds for warranty replacement of a new pair.

Exactly. The advice from the LHS guys here is great, but as the end user, you shouldn't have to take the skates apart trying to fix them. That should be done at the place of purchase on the manufacturers dime. Either that or a full warranty replacement from the manufacturer through the merchant.

This is a great example of the tremendous benefits of buying from the LHS, even if the initial price is a bit higher.