How Do Companies Measure Skate Stiffness?

[Racer8 0]

Just curious to know how Companies measure skate stiffness across their own models and against the competition? Sticks have a flex comparision, with a measureable standard. For example, (I think this is right) it takes 100lbs of force to drop a shaft two inches in the middle to be call a 100 flex. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the point is illustrated. Is there a "flex chart" for skates?

And, how do companies determine the proper amount of stiffness for a skate? How did the Vector Pro(for example) get to be the stiffness it is? Pro testing? Trial and error? Do they measure the force against the boot from thrusts generated by a certain weight, or do they take a bunch of kids to open skate and see which model the fat kid can flex? Just curious about the inner workings of skate construction.

[Chadd 916]

Funny thing is that tapered sticks don't flex in the middle as much as they do at the bottom.

[seanmccann 3]

Well in Graf's case the 500s are the softest, then the 600s and then the 700s. Graf just does it across their own models.

[Chadd 916]

Well in Graf's case the 500s are the softest, then the 600s and then the 700s. Graf just does it across their own models.

727s are less stiff than 609s

[Langenbrunner15 0]

Well in Graf's case the 500s are the softest, then the 600s and then the 700s. Graf just does it across their own models.

i think yah got them switched around.

[Chadd 916]

Well in Graf's case the 500s are the softest, then the 600s and then the 700s. Graf just does it across their own models.

i think yah got them switched around.

No, for the most part he's right.

[Langenbrunner15 0]

Well in Graf's case the 500s are the softest, then the 600s and then the 700s. Graf just does it across their own models.

i think yah got them switched around.

No, for the most part he's right.

As you said that the 727`s are less stiff then the 609`s, then it would be 500`s then 700`s, then 600`s unless i miss-understud your post.

[Eazy_b97 1]

Theres the 703, 704, 705, 709, 727 and 735's. The 27's (and possibly 35's) are less stiff than the 609 model. The others are stiffer. In generaly the lower the first # the less stiff it is

[Cavs019 710]

the 727 is the only 700 series boot softer than the 609. 703, 709, and 705 etc are all stiffer

[Langenbrunner15 0]

o,ok, thanks for makeing it more clear.

[PMurphy17 25]

Just curious to know how Companies measure skate stiffness across their own models and against the competition? Sticks have a flex comparision, with a measureable standard. For example, (I think this is right) it takes 100lbs of force to drop a shaft two inches in the middle to be call a 100 flex. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the point is illustrated. Is there a "flex chart" for skates?

Racer,

There is no "Chart" for skate stiffness. Mission is really the only company that has stiffness ratings(a numbering system) related to their skates.

As general rule you find that higher the price the stiffer the skate. As stated in some previous posts(ie..countless corrective posts.. :lol: )...the model numbers used by some companies can create confusion and do not paint a clear picture of stiffnesses of skates.

Hopefully this clears things up a little.

Everyone else can go back to listing the graf skates in order of what they think is stiffest...LOL

[Racer8 0]

Mission is really the only company that has stiffness ratings(a numbering system) related to their skates.

And that's one of the reasons I like Mission. They actually give the consumer a performance number they can use besides a skate weight.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Well, they USED to...

[asdfa 0]

we all know thanks to JR and Justin that a stiff boot is no longer the holy grail of skate performance anymore, its about fit and allowing the ankle to move the way it's supposed to :D

[JGraz15 53]

Yeah...but I still prefer a stiffer skate. I think alot of people do too. It is all about being comfortable, everyone is different

[Chadd 916]

Yeah...but I still prefer a stiffer skate.  I think alot of people do too.  It is all about being comfortable, everyone is different

A lot of people still think stiffer is better because they don't know any better or have never tried a high quality skate that is less stiff. Some will still prefer stiffer skates though.

[MDE3 0]

Didn't stiffness in many cases relate to the amount of protection a boot afforded?

[mojo122 538]

There are some who also think that stiffer means more durable.

[Accord 0]

With CCM Pro Tacks, you can choose 3 different stiffnesses. There is red, blue, and then another softer stiffness only available for junior sizes.