Problems with LSIIs

[DekeHead 0]

I have been skating in Vapor XXXs for about a month and just can't get used to the new (new to me) Lightspeed IIs. When I'm skating it feels like the blade is totally neutral in pitch, and it seemslike I was more on my toes in the old Tuuk+. What are the differences in pitch between the old and new blade holders, and what size lifts should I have my LHS install to make them feel like Tuuk+s?

Thanks

(Sorry if this has been asked before, I did a search, but it's early on a Friday morning!)

[jimmy 194]

I don't think their is anything wrong with the LS2's. It's probably that your pitch and rocker on your old skates was altered and more banana shaped than your new skates. You got use to that very slowly as it was altered at every sharpening. I think you will just need some time to get use to the new steel.

A profile though is always a good idea on new skates. Just have one done and get a fwd pitch.

[DekeHead 0]

I'm not that's true, but it may be. I switched to XXXs for V-12s, and when I got the V-12s I had to swap the LS2 for Tuuks because of the same reason. As soon as I put Tuuks on the skates, they immediately felt right and the Tuuks had new, uncontoured steel. There must be some fundamental pitch difference, because the LS2 feel so much "flatter" in pitch.

[jimmy 194]

You kind of lost me... Unless you had the new V-12's, they don't have LS2 they have regular LS. Nevertheless, there are so many variables in how a skate runner feels after it's been touched by a sharpener, even once. I can change the balance of a skate with one pass if I want to, or if not paying attention. I don't think Bauer changed anything as far as radius/pitches in the new LS2 steel. They may have done something to the holder, honestly, I haven't had time to research the main differences between the LS and LS2 holders. I've been replacing LS2 steel in the last month and no-one has mentioned any problems. I do profile most new steel though as the factory radius/pitch is generic and should be customized for each skater. Besides, the steel is mass produced by subcontractors, and the radiuses rarely match exact from blade to blade, so I profile to match them back up too.

Your problem can be fixed by a profile.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Not necessarily...

I know EXACTLY what DekeHead is talking about.

The LS and LS2 are exactly the same pitch-wise. When I got my test pair of 8090s I had a forward lean and I still kept on leaning backward. Had to put a 3mm heel lift on both holders and that fixed the problem.

[Jason 65]

I had the same feeling as JR with my Vapor XX's. I tried a heel lift and that didn't really work. It wasn't until I had them custom contoured that I felt comfortable on them. I now have a 9'/10' radius on them with a 1/32'' forward pitch. Meaning the rear part of the working radius is 1/32" higher than the front. This along with a modified toe shape (I find that the LS1/LS2 have a fat toe) have had a dramatic effect. The skates feel awesome now. I only hope that I can achieve the same feeling with my next pair.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

I had to contour AND do the lift...

[DekeHead 0]

Jimmy- Sorry I meant that I had to change the V-12's LS not LS2 holders.

I'll look into getting a forward pitch profile on the blades!

Thanks!

[EBondo 233]

yeah profiling definitely helps on skates, i have had them done on every skate ive owned, except my first pair, but it's a huge difference, for the better imo

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Jimmy- Sorry I meant that I had to change the V-12's LS not LS2 holders.

I'll look into getting a forward pitch profile on the blades!

Thanks!

Chris -

Send me down your steel.

No charge. I owe ya...

[jimmy 194]

Jason,

Many don't like the "fat" toes on the Bauers and have them ground down.

Also I'm curious, you said you had a 9/10' radius put on. It can't be both, either 9 or 10.

Also heel lifts don't work as well as shaping the blade because the flat spot is still in the same location, that's prob why it didn't feel as good till you had the profile done.

[dustwvl 0]

I know Maximum Edge does compound radius. For example 9/10 or 8/9

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Yup, sounds like he got a compound radius done...

[Chadd 916]

I have one set of steel that's 9 in the front and 11 in the back.

[wickedwrister 0]

Yep, Inside Edge does it here too. The way it's supposed to work is that you get the tight turns with the smaller radius toward the toe and good glide with the larger in the rear. Have not tried it so....?