Skate Profiling for heavier player

[mug25 2]

Hey guys, I did a search and I didn't come across a specific answer to my issue..

I'm looking to get my skates profiled for the first time. I understand the general benefits of the hollow, pitch and radius however I cant really find anything that explains what specs I should go with for a heavier player.

If anyone can point me in the right direction or help me out it'd be greatly appreciated.

I'm 6'1, 300lbs

Wearing 9K's, never had them profiled before

Also, I've read about combination radius. Is this something I'd want to look into?

I'd like something with a very good "bite", I'm not so much worried about agility. Any suggestions? Thx :)

[loose_caboose 0]

I'd say you wouldn't have to worry about the skate "biting".

The 300 pounds might do the trick.

[hamstercaster 2]

I'm not a pro and don't know much about skate profiling but I fail to see why skates would profiled differently for heavier guys like you and me. If I understand profiling correctly, it's sole purpose is to give you the appropriate pich and all for your style of skating and such. As for the bite, this would be achieved through sharpening and weight will definitly affect what sharpening you would should get but it won't be the only thing in the equation. The ice will also play a role wether it's soft or hard ice.

Again, not a pro and some of the more knowledgeable people will most certainly give you better advice

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

Hey guys, I did a search and I didn't come across a specific answer to my issue..

I'm looking to get my skates profiled for the first time. I understand the general benefits of the hollow, pitch and radius however I cant really find anything that explains what specs I should go with for a heavier player.

If anyone can point me in the right direction or help me out it'd be greatly appreciated.

I'm 6'1, 300lbs

Wearing 9K's, never had them profiled before

Also, I've read about combination radius. Is this something I'd want to look into?

I'd like something with a very good "bite", I'm not so much worried about agility. Any suggestions? Thx :)

I would start you on a 13ft 5/8ths hollow.....as a starting point.....you have a 10ft on there now.

With the added bladed you would be more stable and be able to corner better. As your stability was increased you could go smaller but I would start with more.

[SolarWind 23]

I would start you on a 13ft 5/8ths hollow.....as a starting point.....you have a 10ft on there now.

With the added bladed you would be more stable and be able to corner better. As your stability was increased you could go smaller but I would start with more.

I must be reading this wrong, but there's just no way to "corner better" on 13ft radius - we'd be lucky to fit the turn into a center circle ;)

What position do you play, how long have you been playing? This would be a good start.

Combo radius was discussed here many times - just search, as usual we haven't landed on any conclusion.

But I personally gave it a go, kept it on for a while & then ditched it since at least the dual one like 7/13 does provide additional stability, but severely affect agility - all high speed turns when the weight is on the heels would involve the rear radius, which is very long & will result in a very large turn.

[skyscrape 5]

I must be reading this wrong, but there's just no way to "corner better" on 13ft radius - we'd be lucky to fit the turn into a center circle ;)

What position do you play, how long have you been playing? This would be a good start.

Combo radius was discussed here many times - just search, as usual we haven't landed on any conclusion.

But I personally gave it a go, kept it on for a while & then ditched it since at least the dual one like 7/13 does provide additional stability, but severely affect agility - all high speed turns when the weight is on the heels would involve the rear radius, which is very long & will result in a very large turn.

First of all, I disagree with this statement. I am not saying it is wrong, just for me it is the complete opposite. I had a lhs put a ten foot radius on my size 306 runners and could barely keep my balance. I got in touch with No Icing Sports and filled out their profile questionnaire and was told-

"For radius, I recommend you go with a larger radius. On size 306mm runners a 10' is very short and it causes instability and with the less blade touching the ice, your 300lbs is putting more pressure per Sq in on the blade which results in more drag, less speed and more fatigue. So as to not lose turning ability, I strongly recommend the combination radius. You can read more about it on our website as well. The combo is different than the single radius that comes stock on the skates. The combo has two radius on the runner, a shorter one in the front of the skate for responsive and sharp turning, and a larger one in the rear of the skate for maximum glide, speed, and balance. The combo works so well because each part of the blade is tuned for what purpose or maneuver it's used for. As a result, you can get both better turning and faster speeds. Something not possible with a single radius. For you I would do a 9' in the front and a 15' in the rear. I'll also give them just a minor forward pitch to improve knee bend, stride, balance and to give you more explosive starts. I think you'll like this FBV w/combo profile very much as it will give better turning and way more speed than your current 10' radius."

I highly recommend Bob at No Icing. Everything he said was true! He has helped me tremendously!

[Jordan 13]

but there's just no way to "corner better" on 13ft radius

OTG knows his stuff.

He likely means that if the player has significantly better balance with the longer profile, he will turn better despite the larger radius.

[skyscrape 5]

OTG knows his stuff.

He means that if the player has better balance, he will turn better despite the larger radius.

I also believe that it has to do with your leg strength. If you can power through the turn, the longer radius will not push you wide.

[jimmy 194]

I'm not a pro and don't know much about skate profiling but I fail to see why skates would profiled differently for heavier guys like you and me. If I understand profiling correctly, it's sole purpose is to give you the appropriate pich and all for your style of skating and such. As for the bite, this would be achieved through sharpening and weight will definitly affect what sharpening you would should get but it won't be the only thing in the equation. The ice will also play a role wether it's soft or hard ice.

Again, not a pro and some of the more knowledgeable people will most certainly give you better advice

Radius is equally important for bite. A shorter radius disperses less pounds per sq in, than a longer radius. So, a heavier player who has all his weight on a small portion of the blade will cause the skate to grip too much. Making the radius longer for a heavier player can reduce bite, and for a lot of skaters, this is a good thing. A shallower hollow or FBV is a good place to start, and a proper radius for weight and blade length will compliment it as well.

[mug25 2]

I must be reading this wrong, but there's just no way to "corner better" on 13ft radius - we'd be lucky to fit the turn into a center circle ;)

What position do you play, how long have you been playing? This would be a good start.

Combo radius was discussed here many times - just search, as usual we haven't landed on any conclusion.

But I personally gave it a go, kept it on for a while & then ditched it since at least the dual one like 7/13 does provide additional stability, but severely affect agility - all high speed turns when the weight is on the heels would involve the rear radius, which is very long & will result in a very large turn.

Ive been playing ICE for only 8 weeks now. (Played roller before hand though that doesnt matter)

I'm switching between LW and RW, though I'm finding that I'm more comfortable on the left.

[SolarWind 23]

well - to each his own of course, like I said I tried combo, and went back to 9" and didn't look back

physics are physics - the reason skates aren't flat but radiused is so that we can turn

because of that 9" radiused skate will produce sharper turn when comparing to 13" - that's all I was saying.

of course it doesn't diminish the fact that if the skater can't control his skates because he's not getting enough grip or altrenatively is sinking into the ice then it's a different story, but it often can be fixed by adjusting the hollow and improving skating abilities. possible minor radius adjustments can be handy to of course, but not necessarily to a dramatic extent of going all the way up to 14"

just .5 you know :)

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

well - to each his own of course, like I said I tried combo, and went back to 9" and didn't look back

physics are physics - the reason skates aren't flat but radiused is so that we can turn

because of that 9" radiused skate will produce sharper turn when comparing to 13" - that's all I was saying.

of course it doesn't diminish the fact that if the skater can't control his skates because he's not getting enough grip or altrenatively is sinking into the ice then it's a different story, but it often can be fixed by adjusting the hollow and improving skating abilities. possible minor radius adjustments can be handy to of course, but not necessarily to a dramatic extent of going all the way up to 14"

just .5 you know :)

With out trying to sound rude.

Thank you for said I know my stuff I think it was Jordan.

Any who......lol I do this for a living and I mean from the novice player to NHL players during the summer break.

Yes I was guessing that at 300 he was taller and thee for needed the extra support of a longer radius. I also assumed by where they lived that they may not be an ex pro player and knowing most newer players more blade offer more support which in turn allows for better cornering.

hope that helps with why I chose what I did.

Also yes I should have said 90-75 just didnt know if you had FBV available....

[skyscrape 5]

With out trying to sound rude.

Thank you for said I know my stuff I think it was Jordan.

Any who......lol I do this for a living and I mean from the novice player to NHL players during the summer break.

Yes I was guessing that at 300 he was taller and thee for needed the extra support of a longer radius. I also assumed by where they lived that they may not be an ex pro player and knowing most newer players more blade offer more support which in turn allows for better cornering.

hope that helps with why I chose what I did.

Also yes I should have said 90-75 just didnt know if you had FBV available....

Sounds pretty much like what I was told! The funny thing is, physics are physics and a small radius on a longer runner is not a good idea. It is proportion! WHy do bigger skates have bigger runners if they all are going to have the same radius? For a smaller skate it would be like walking a tightrope. Oldtrainerguy, I wish there were more of you around!

[mug25 2]

Sounds pretty much like what I was told! The funny thing is, physics are physics and a small radius on a longer runner is not a good idea. It is proportion! WHy do bigger skates have bigger runners if they all are going to have the same radius? For a smaller skate it would be like walking a tightrope. Oldtrainerguy, I wish there were more of you around!

Indeed! Oldtrainerguy is the man!

[IPv6Freely 2095]

Sorry for the thread necro, but I actually used the search rather than starting a new thread ;)

I'm 5'9, 240lbs. Wearing RBK 9K skates. I play forward only. I'm still a pretty weak skater.

I'm looking to possibly change my profile and hollow, just to remove these items out of the equation of reasons I'm a poor skater.

These skates have never been profiled, and I get whatever my shop uses as its "house" cut. I just don't know enough to really be able to request anything specific.

Could you guys offer some suggestions? If you need more information, please ask :)

[Chadd 916]

I'm looking to possibly change my profile and hollow, just to remove these items out of the equation of reasons I'm a poor skater.

What aspects of your skating are you looking to improve by changing the profile and hollow?

[IPv6Freely 2095]

It's not so much that I want to improve something specifically, but rather I want to ensure that the settings I'm using aren't hindering progression, if that makes sense.

Trying to establish a baseline.

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

It's not so much that I want to improve something specifically, but rather I want to ensure that the settings I'm using aren't hindering progression, if that makes sense.

Trying to establish a baseline.

Well I think we have to find out what you are using now and how old the blade is on the skate you are using in order to make the best suggestion as it would only be a suggestion.

And to those with the praise above thank you very much.

I am now on my own working so I will be doing sharpening I guess similar to No-Icing for those in Canada. Hopefully JR and Chadd that isn't a line that cant be crossed saying I am available? (Advertising)?

[IPv6Freely 2095]

Well I think we have to find out what you are using now and how old the blade is on the skate you are using in order to make the best suggestion as it would only be a suggestion.

I'll try to find out. I just took my skates a couple days ago to the pro shop at the new rink I play at. Since I had no idea what the old pro shop was giving me, I just asked for "the standard".

I mean, both the cut and the profile could both be "it doesnt really matter at your level", but I thought it was just worth asking in case it was a "oh, youre a heavy dude... id start with at least a <insert hollow here> if i were you. Then adjust from there"

Thanks for the reply :)

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

Wow......very sensitive people at that shop.I know I put on a couple and I would hate if I was larger having someone saying that...ouch... I would say well your on the more stocky side so I would suggest for the best glide........and making it easier for you to skate......try X...........

[IPv6Freely 2095]

No no I'm saying that's the kind of answer I was looking for. I'm a fatass, help me make the best of it! :)

*EDIT* Went to put my skates on tonight, and this was in the boot:

So I guess I currently get 1/2".

[donkers 31]

It's not so much that I want to improve something specifically, but rather I want to ensure that the settings I'm using aren't hindering progression, if that makes sense.

Trying to establish a baseline.

You're overthinking things. Just worry about skating techniques and less about your equipment.

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

Really? Hard to get good technique when you have a piece od equipment working against what your trying to do? 1/2 is to sharp for someone of your staure. Way to much bite unless you have the hardest ice around!

[IPv6Freely 2095]

Really? Hard to get good technique when you have a piece od equipment working against what your trying to do?

This was my thought... I'd rather start off with something that works a bit better for my weight (knowing that im significantly bigger than most guys my height, I'm sure it makes enough of a difference to make it worth adjusting). I mean, I could get totally lucky and 1/2 is exactly what I should be using, but that's why I'm asking ;)

1/2 is to sharp for someone of your staure. Way to much bite unless you have the hardest ice around!

What would you suggest? 5/8" and go from there?

What about profiling? Even if I don't need to make a change from "standard", I'm tempted to have them profiled just to ensure both skates are the same (I read on noicing that ~80% of skates out of the box don't have matching profiles). What should I ask for?

Again, thanks for the replies!

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

That would be correct not sure of the exact % but that sounds close to being right. Alays good even if just replicating the stock profile they are both exact.

I would suggest if you have sharpened them a few time you do get a Profile and get it Neutral and start with 11ft and a 5/8ths. (I know I said 13 before) this should make a minimal adjustment if your skates were sharpened well prior!