Bauer Supreme Total One NXG Review

The two most popular sports today, football (soccer) and basketball, require a small amount of gear. Mostly, they will just require a uniform, shoes, and a bit of protective gear (shin guards for football and mouthpiece for basketball). The same cannot be said for ice hockey. Ice hockey players should have full body armor, hockey stick, helmet and the venerable skates.

Hockey players and enthusiasts aim to have the best equipment available so that they could compete well. That being said, every hockey player should scrutinize each part of the gear that they are getting. With a lot of gear comes a lot of responsibility and one faulty part of the whole can mean failure in the rink.

One of the most identifiable items known in the hockey world is the skates that are used by players themselves to move around the rink and towards victory for their team. Skates, specifically hockey skates, are one of the most essential parts of the gear as your mobility depends on the skates that you’re wearing.

There are many types and brands of hockey skates around the world. It may be intimidating, especially for novices, because there are too many choices out there. As the saying goes, too many choices paralyze us. This paralysis of analysis is usually remedied by seeking out the trusted brands of ice hockey skates. Bauer Hockey is one of the trusted brands in the market right now. They have been serving the interest of ice hockey players since 1927. Its longevity is a testament to the enduring confidence of their consumers with respect to their products. One of their products is the Bauer Supreme Total One NXG.

Why buy the Bauer Supreme Total One NXG?

For the material and fit

As any ice hockey player/enthusiast knows, baking is a natural part of the process in fitting skates. For the unaware, skates are put inside an “oven” to be heated and fitted afterwards. Baking is done to soften the skate thereby making it easier to be molded. This results in to a better fit.

The Bauer Supreme Total One NXG is made up of composite materials. This means that baking would be easier as the material chosen is optimal for such operation. Better baking conditions mean that this one of a kind product will have better fitting with any player/enthusiast. Also, the Bauer Supreme Total One NXG is shaped to mimic the dimensions of the feet, thereby making it more fit for its wearers. The guys at Bauer call this the Curv™.

The twin features regarding the material being used ensure that the fit is optimal, boosting the performance of nay hockey player that is wearing the Bauer Supreme Total One NXG

 

For being lightweight and flexible

The Bauer Supreme Total One NXG is touted to be lightweight. Advance in the design, such as the patented flexible tendon guard, enables the Bauer Supreme Total One NXG to shed off some unnecessary weight and be flexible amidst the rigors of the rink. Even the runner, the metal part that touches the ice inside the rink, is lightweight. The runner is composed of high-grade aluminum, which is a lightweight metal. Also, the composite material used all throughout this product cements its lightweight reputation without sacrificing durability. As you can observe, Bauer likes to use materials that are light weight.

Ice Hockey is a demanding game. This, in turn, demands a lot from the athletes that plays the sports. While in the rink, hockey players are always expected to make split second decisions all throughout the game. This entails flexibility, and Bauer Supreme Total One NXG gives its users the edge because it gives flexibility.

 

For the Agility

All the advantages mentioned above will tend to produce the next advantage that will be discussed; AGILITY. Agility is an essential advantage to be had in hockey game. To score, you must outrun (or outskate) defenders in order to shoot the puck inside the goal. Likewise, defenders must keep up with the forays of any attacker in order to defend the goal.

As mentioned above, Bauer Supreme Total One NXG’s lightweight nature ensures agility for its wearers. The composite nature extends to the outsole, which results into more power directed to the ice, making each stride a forceful one and enhancing the agility of this already fast skate.
The Bauer Supreme Total One NXG is a masterpiece to behold. The technology used producing the different materials used are fused together in a way that they are in harmony with each other. As mentioned above, this hockey skate puts a premium on fit/comfort, agility, flexibility and quality.

How much does it cost?

About the only thing you could complain about the Bauer Supreme Total One NXG is the price. Some had commented that its asking price may be too much. One website pegged the price at 360 US dollars (494 Canadian dollars). There was even one website that listed the price at a whopping 849 US dollars!

The price may be too steep for some but you should not skimp on quality gear. If you want an excellent performance the rink, you can consider the Bauer Supreme Total One NXG as a possible candidate.

Where can I buy the Bauer Supreme Total One NXG?

It’s quite easy to buy the Total One if you live within the USA and Canada. Bauer Hockey Stores are spread throughout the two countries. If you’re unsure about the location of the nearest Bauer Hockey Stores, go to https://www.bauer.com/stores and use the store locator built in the website.

You can also acquire the Bauer Supreme Total One NXG through online shopping but going to a physical stores is till your best bet because you can see the actual product firsthand and the solicit the advice of the store staff. This advice will matter more for first time buyers. Online stores like Total Hockey, Perani’s World and Sporting Goods have the Total One NXG as part of their stocks.

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Simple Guide to Fitting Any Skates 2017

A Simple Guide to Fitting Skates

Hockey Skates are a tricky proposition, especially for first-time buyers, because finding the right fit could be hard. Unlike simple shoes where you’ll just look at the shoe size, skates have more characteristics to take note of.

Of course you’ll have to take note of the skate’s size but you’ll also have to take note of the skate’s depth/arch, the width and your own weight. The skate that you should be choosing should satisfy each of the measurements listed above or you might incur buyer’s remorse. Also note that skate brands may differ in their measurements.

Also, be wary of sellers who try to convince you to buy the first pair of skate that you put on for fitting. As noted above, skate fitting is complex and will take time. Getting a great pair of fitting skates is essential if you plan on using your skates for longer than a few months. The next step is learning how to sharpen your skates.

Different ways to test the Fit 

Although skate fitting itself is a bit complex in terms of measurements, there are some simple shortcuts to test the fit.

Pen/Pencil Fitting Test 

Put on the skates (not necessarily both) but leave the laces untied. Uncover the socks by pulling up the part of shoes underneath the laces (this is called the tongue).

Place a pen or pencil above and between perpendicular eyelets (the holes where the laces go through, essentially balancing it. The skate is considered ill-fitting if the pen in question touches your foot (the instep). This means that the skates are too shallow for you. The skate maybe deemed a good fit if the pen is well balanced and does not touch your foot.

Toe and Stance Test 

Familiarity of the athletic (Hockey) stance is essential with this test. In athletic stance, your knees are bended forward and your body is leaning forward. Lace up your skates and try to feel if your toes are touching the front part of the skates. Optimal fit means that your toes aren’t touching the front part whilst in athletic pose.

To check further, try standing up while still wearing stakes. Optimal fit means your toes are just brushing the front part of the shoes.

Deviation from the aforementioned conditions in this particular test may deem the skates being tested as unfit.

Stiffness Test 

The general rule is that stiff skates are good ones. The stiffness supports the ankle thereby avoiding ankle and other related injuries. Testing the stiffness of a pair is pretty simple, just give your skate a squeeze (making this test virtually the easiest one of the batch discussed here). Avoid skates that give in rather easily when squeezed.

Very stiff skates are usually recommended for experienced skaters. Novices should avoid the stiff ones and try to purchase less stiff ones because they may not be able to break the skates. Failure to do so may impair there performance. However, novices should still avoid skates that have little to no stiffness because the shoes will not be able to support the ankles.

It is worth noting that different brands have different standards of stiffness (like sizes) built in to their boots. Some brands or types might be better suited for seasoned skaters while some are better suited for novices or first timers.

Finger-at-the-back Test 

This is another test that will enable the buyer to determine the fit of the skates at hand. To be more specific, this kind of test will determine if the skates have the right ankle size. While the first test (pen/pencil test) entails the laces being untied, this test will start with the tightening up of the laces. Wear it like you’re going to an actual hockey game. Lean forward so that there will be a bit of gap at the back of the shoes. Put a finger or two inside the gap and try to reach the heel inside. Placing two fingers all the way inside means the skate is a bit loose and is an ill-fit. Using a pair of loose skates may cause injuries, highlighting the importance of this test.

You don’t have to do all the tests listed here but doing more than one (plus the tips given by the local skates’ seller) will help.

Breaking In

Just like in a car where you ride for a couple of thousand kilometers, you also need to wear the pair of skates to shake it up. Blisters and other discomforts are normal for the first few tries but that will go away after the tenth tries or so.

Baking is usually a shortcut to this but almost all skaters with a new pair will undergo this “break-in” period. The break in period is actually like baking, where the mold of your foot is being impressed on the skates for better fitting (baking being the faster method). 

Baking and Skates?

The two words above may not make sense but ask any skater (hockey) and they will tell you that baking skates is a usual occurrence. Please take note that this is only true for the high-end products. Baking in this sense is done so that your skates will be molded to fit your foot/feet. You will be asked to wear the pair after heating it inside the “oven”.

You can try to bake your skates at home but it would be better to bake it in the shops. Skates ovens are specialized and not the usual oven that you see around. Doing it on your own increases the risk of destroying your pair of skates. You don’t want to burn your pair to crisp.

Online or Offline

There are so many choices, brands and methods to obtain skates. As such, this could be a bit intimidating especially for first time buyers or novices. While online buying seems more convenient, first time buyers would be better served by going to physical stores where sellers could give out advice and choose the skates best suited for you. Also, you could check the product (skates) on a firsthand basis.

Finding won’t be a problem provided there is an actual hockey store near you. Just go online and type “hockey store” or “skates store” and the internet will handle the rest. Common names are Source for Sports, Pro Hockey Life (both found in Canada) and Total Hockey (found in USA).

The only con for choosing this route is that you’ll have to go to the physical stores as opposed to the convenience of online shops. For online shops, common names are Hockey Monkey, Pure Hockey, and Pro Hockey Life (online).

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Graf Skate Review 2017 – What are the Best Graf Skates?

If you actually searched for Graf skates then you’re probably a pretty hardcore hockey player or maybe you just like the buy the top of the line gear; which is exactly what Graf is.

A quick web search about Graf Skates won’t reveal that much for a few reasons. First, they are based in Switzerland and don’t really sell to the US market. Second, their primary market is professional and NHL teams who are looking for the highest quality skates.  Graf doesn’t really promote itself online and doesn’t even sell on Amazon really.

Graf skates are for sure second to none. They are extremely well crafted and last a lifetime. Think of them as the samurai sword of hockey skates.  Many hours go into each skate and they aren’t mass produced in some Chinese factory.

I’d suggest Graf skates for anyone who:

1. want a pair of skates they can literally use forever
2. professional player or aspiring to be one
3. wants a pair of skates designed for serious explosive power.

Grafs are definitely more expensive than your typical pair of skates, but like I mentioned if you want superb quality, design and especially blades than I’d seriously advise you to get a pair.

I’ve personally had a pair of the GRAF G735 Overload for five years and use them three times a week with no issues.

So in this article I’m going to break down my top five choices for Graf skates to help you decide which one is best for your skating ability/goals/budget.

Here is the sizing chart for their senior skates.

Best Top of the Line – GRAF PEAKSPEED PK7700 SENIOR (Good for Wide Feet)

Yes, they are expensive but these are actually the go-to skates of nearly a quarter of the NHL teams right now (according to Graf). The PK 770 is made of composite material that is locked into place. It’s extra light which mean it offers extremely fast acceleration.

The runner uses titanium non-coated plates. These plates allow for 10 foot radius meaning aggressive stop, turns and cuts are enhanced by the design.

Some of Advantages:

• Flex Fit Collar for enhanced agility
• Double stich Ankle Support
• Anti-bacterial lining
• Titanium Runners
• Comes with a holder and replacement runners
• Top Cap is steel plated for direct puck contact
• The arch is moldable with a brushed microfiber interior for great comfort.
• Extremely lightweight
• 6 Month warranty

If you can afford it the PK7700 is the top of the line skate used by a lot of pros. I’d recommend this Graf skate for anyone looking for serious performance, agility and long-term durability.

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GRAF G735 OVERLOAD SENIOR ICE HOCKEY SKATES (Runner Up)

Ok, so the last one. The G735 are a great final choice if the ones above didn’t suit you. As a senior skate this is one that can definitely be used for a lifetime. If you’re an old geezer like myself these skates offer a really beautiful fit. For anyone who knows the feeling you get when you try on a pair of skates and just know they fit perfectly – these are the ones.

I think that has to due with the quality interior stitches and the way the heel is designed. Just the right blend of composite materials to make the G735 great for wide feet, novices and also experts.

This is also very much so a performance pair of skates. The microfiber quarter panels allow you to utilize serious power in each stride.

Advantages:

• Anatomically correct interior design hat offers 3d Liner to keep your foot from moving
• Tongue support to keep it from moving
• Lace design keeps it from moving around
• Texalite Outsole provides some great power transfer and rigidity throughout the skate
• Laser Cut Stainless Runners

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Best Value Junior Skates – GRAF PEAKSPEED PK2200 JUNIOR  SKATES

The PK2200 is the cheaper, more affordable and junior sized skate version of the 7700. It has a lot of the same design features as its big brother with some toned down specs and modifications. The biggest difference between the two is the stitching and the blade quality (from my opinion).

These are a also a good pair of skates to get for novice athletes or someone who isn’t looking for the extreme performance provided by the PK7700.

I got my son a pair of these two years ago and he has used them since. They are a quality pair of skates at a very reasonable price. Again we see a high standard in Swiss skate design.

• Advantages:
• Multi Layer Quarter Panel for high level performance.
• Optimized Fit (fairly snug)
• Stainless steel runner
• Toe protection for direct impact
• Anti microbial
• Moldable Arch Support
• Replacement Runner

Here is the sizing chart for all junior models. 

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GRAF PEAKSPEED PK4400 (Best Mid Range Option) 

These are a step between the PK2200 and the 7700. I choose this one second as they are a bit pricey but they provide a lot more performance and support for more seasoned athletes.  The blade design is higher quality and its designed to be lightweight yet strong.

The one feature of this skate I really liked is the heel lock design which maximizes speed and allows for a really tight fit.  This model also uses a titanium nano-coated runner so the blade quality is exceptional.

Full disclosure – I haven’t purchased this pair yet, but speaking with a few people who own them I know they are a quality choice.

Advantages:

• Heel Lock for max speed.
• Asymmetrical design stop the shifting of the tongue so it stays in place all game.
• Flex Fit Collar giving better range of motion
• Replacement Runner
• 6 Month Warranty
• Protection on toe area.
• Stay Dry Liner
• Moldable Arch Design

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That’s it those are all your picks. There are more Graf skates to choose from, however, those are the ones I’ve used and recommend.

It’s important to remember with a product like Graf you’re getting skates that will last a lifetime so the amount of money you will have to spend initially isn’t much when you break it down in a per year basis.

Also another point I should mention because of the titanium skate design I haven’t had to sharpen my skates that much over the last 3-4 years which definitely ads up itself and could easily equate to the original price.

Let me know if you guys have any questions and I’ll be glad to help.

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Shake Sharpening 101

So there is a good chance if you’re reading this that you’re actually fairly new to hockey skating.  Or perhaps you have been skating for years and just want to know more about sharpening your skates.  Either way the goal of this post is to be a novice’s guide to everything you need to know about skating.

My goal is to:

1. Help you understand when is a good time to actually sharpen your skates.
2. How the process of sharpening works
3. Discuss some of the problems that might occur when you sharpen your skates

The Basics of Skate Sharpening

 

A skate blade is sharpened by making an extremely perfect rounded area called a “valley”. This area is located at the bottom of the blade which gives skaters control over the ice.

If you want to see what I’m talking about just take a quick look at the underside of your skates and you can see that on each individual blade there are multiple edges; not just one.  Each area has a middle area that is hollowed-out.

This area is actually where your skates are sharpened and it’s done by utilizing a grinding wheel or in some instances – a finishing wheel.  The grinding wheel is further separated in two separate pieces which form a semicircular. As you run the skate blade across this circular area in a parallel motion you can basically “carve” or sharpen the blade with the same rounded shape.

Skates are secured down with a device known as “jig”. A jig makes sure the skate doesn’t move and the blade remains horizontal. From there the blade is sharpened around ten times until both edges are sharp.

This hollow area is also referred to as the “radius of the hollow”. This area is range from 1/4 of an inch to 1 1/2. The majority of players will opt for a hallow that is roughly 3/8 inch or 5/8. This is all skate sharpening is really, making sure the hallow is razor sharp.

Generally speaking the larger the radius, the more shallow the hollow of the blade is. Another of understanding radius is to think of it as a wheel.  A larger wheel will tend to be slightly flatter than a smaller wheel.  This difference is the old that the wheel will leave on your skates.

This valley is the hollow, or more precisely the “radius of hollow.”

Radius of Skates – How They Affect Sharpening

The radius of hollow can be varied from ¼-inch to 1 ½-inch, however most players will chose a hollow between 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch. Radius of hollow is the most important aspect of skate sharpening to understand. It’s really pretty simple. The bigger the radius, the shallower the hollow on the blade will be. Picture the radius as a wheel. A bigger wheel is going to be closer to flat than a small wheel. That is the impression the wheel leaves on your skate blade.

The depth of hollow changes the feel of the skates on the ice. A deep hollow such as 3/8-inch will give significant “bite” on the edges at the cost of glide. A shallower hollow like 5/8-inch will allow better glide with some loss of edge bite. Thus, if you’re tripping over your edges and landing on your head, the hollow you are using is likely too deep. If your skates are skidding wildly out of control, you probably need to go deeper on your hollow.

Custom Sharpening Options

Having a hollow of a different depth really changes the feel of your skates.  For example, a deeper hollow like 3/8inch will give a larger “bite” when gliding; meaning you’ll get more power but slightly more friction.  A shallow hollow like 5/8 makes for smoother movement but with a loss of power.

If that seems a bit convoluted think of this, if you’re constantly falling down and tripping over your skate edges than it’s a good chance the hollow is  little too deep. Contrary to that, if you’re skating like a maniac without the ability to stop properly, the hollow probably needs to be a bit deeper.

The above diagram gives you a little bit of insight into how these custom changes can affect your skating ability.  In either case, don’t worry as any profession skate sharpener will know exactly what to do.

 

I’ll add another picture below which gives another visual representation of how the hollow can affect skate sharpening. If you’re unsure of what to use I’d suggest just going with a 5/8, especially for kids.

How to Pick the Perfect Hollow

Let’s just review the above concepts one more time to make sure you got it.

Small Radius Hollow (usually 3/8)

• Less Energy = More Friction
• Top Speed is not as high
• A little bit extra effort is required to skate
• Great for lighter players
• Great movement on the ice.
• Faster turns, stops and explosive movements.

Large Radius Hollow (usually 5/8)

1. Uses your energy better
2. Less tiring
3. Great for new players and kids
4. Faster speed
5. Diminished turns and stops

Common Mistakes When Sharpening

There are some issues that can come up when your sharpen your skates. These should be addressed quickly as they can lower the reliability of your gear. The solution for any of these problems is to just get your skates resharpened

 Alignment Issues

• An easy way to tell if this is a problem is to look down the length of your blade and check if one side or area is higher than the other. Basically it should be even with no side coming up higher than the other.
• If one side is taller than the other that’s due to the fact that your grinder didn’t align the wheel well enough when sharpening. Best solution is to resharpen.

Not Sharpened Well Enough

• If your skates are cross-grounded but still not entirely hollowed, skates will have a slight bite in multiple directions. Again the issue with this is basically that the sharpener didn’t spend enough time on the finishing wheel and the edge is not properly set.
• If you hold your blade up to the light and move it around you can notice two thin lines that run parallel to the edges. These lines differ in color to the rest of the blade.
• If you can see this on only one edge as opposed to both that’s an indication that your blades were entirely sharpened and there may be some issues.

Too Much Cross Grinding

When you take new skates to get sharpened or even to remove rust you often take them to for cross-grinding.  So remember when we talked about the finishing wheel and the jig that holds your skates horizontally. Well, in cross grinding your skate is being held vertically.  The reasoning for this is in cross grinding a much more vigorous shaping of the blade is taking place.

Cross grinding allows an older blade to be “reset” the blade to being completely flat on the bottom of the hollow. This in turn allows it to be better aligned when traditional skate sharpening takes place on a finishing wheel.

One thing to note – if your skate shop is doing a cross grind every time you take your skates in be wary. This is slightly harmful to the overall lifetime of your skates and they will probably only last you about 1/3 as long as they should.  I’d suggest doing this for the new skates but not every time.

 

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What are the differences between hockey skates and figure skates

You’ve watched ice hockey players excelling at their sport and plenty of figure skaters also enjoying what they do. Do these two types of skaters use similar skates? Are they interchangeable? What are the differences between skates used for figure skating and skates used for hockey skating? There are all common questions. Of course, these types of boots aren’t the same; but for the average person, spotting specific distinctions might be tough. Let’s look at a few of them now.

Figure Skates vs. Hockey Skates:

• Blade Differences: The blade on a figure skate comes with toe picks, (a jagged design with teeth) in front, which help with spinning and jumping out on the ice. These blades are typically heavier and longer than the blade of a hockey skate. Figure skating blades are often mounted separately onto the boot, while you can find the hockey skating blades riveted into the base of the boot.

Figure skating blades don’t come in one single type and can vary a lot depending on their purpose. There are, for instance, tapered blades which are thinner at the back and thicker toward the front, and side-honed variations which are thinner in the middle and thicker at the edges. There are also parabolic blades with smaller middles and wider ends for extra stability.

• Materials used for Each Type: Boots used for figure skating are most often crafted from leather and cost more than boots for hockey skating. You can find crafted hockey skating boots in plastic or synthetic leather materials, and also in nylon. Figure skating boots are often designed with the look and style in mind, while hockey boots might focus more on utility.

• The Range of Mobility Offered: Hockey skates usually come with molded plastic on the shoe, which provides protection but restricts mobility in some ways compared with figure skates, which need to be more flexible. Figure skates are built to accommodate many types of motion and in some cases, dance moves. Crafted from synthetic materials, some figure skating boots have a lining added for extra strength and are lighter in weight than leather. These are easier to break in than leather boots, as well, which can take a while to get used to, just like leather shoes.

• Ankle Supports: Many boots designed for figure skating have ankle hinges for lateral support and added flexibility. Figure skating boots usually have lower backs, allowing the skater for more freedom of movement, such as deep knee bends.

• General Levels of Comfort: Boots for hockey skating typically offer a lot more comfort than figure skating or ice dancing boots.

As you can see, there are many differences between each boot type, and they also look quite distinct from each other. The blades of hockey skates are meant to facilitate quick stops and overall speed. Created for different reasons and ranges of mobility, so don’t expect both blades and boots to be very similar, apart from the fact that both are used to skate on ice.

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Can You Use Hockey Skates as Figure Skates

There are a few different reasons why you might want to try using hockey skates as figure skates. Perhaps you thought hockey was your sport and found out it wasn’t, and would like to switch hobbies. Maybe one of your children has an interest in figure skating, and you want to know if your other kid’s old hockey skates will work for this.

Hockey skates and figure skates are different from each other in a few key ways, including blade shape and boot composition. Within each type of boot, there are many variations and categories. Figure skates can work for ice dancing, synchronized skating, or freestyle maneuvers. Ice dancing skate boots might have lower cuts at the top. Hockey skates, on the other hand, are designed to suit goalies, defensemen, and forwards, each requiring different features.

These subtle distinctions allow each type of skate to be well-suited for the needs of its respective sport. Knowing these differences will help you find the perfect skate for your needs. Let’s start by covering the differences between hockey skates and figure skates, then see whether you can use one for the other.

Differences in Functionality:

• Figure Skate Features: Figure skates have gently curved blades, supportive leather boots fit for knee bends, and toe picks. These qualities help facilitate the spins, jumps, and sweeping curve moves that the sport involves.

• Hockey Skate Features: Hockey skates come with blades that are shorter and have steeper curves. The boots are typically crafted from plastic or other rigid, synthetic material and don’t come with toe picks. Hockey skates usually have a back heel guard to protect the Achilles tendon from injury, unlike the softer figure skate design. Built for ease of turning and speed, these have the ability to stop fast out on the ice.

Using Hockey Skates as Figure Skates:

The Bottom Line.Basic dance moves may be possible with hockey skates, but even navigating the ice is very different from one boot type to another. Although you would be able to do some simple figure skating moves using hockey skates, though, more advanced spins and jumps are unlikely due to the absence of a toe pick. So for your initial lessons or attempts at figure skating, the boot doesn’t matter as much, but as you advance, an appropiately suited choice is necessary.

New to Skating? What you should Know:

If you’re a first-time skater, it’s advised to begin using figure skates instead of hockey skates. This reason is because the figure skating blade is more equipped for spreading your weight evenly and fostering proper balance. New skaters might be tempted to use the skate’s toe p ick improperly, but this should never be used to stop or push off. Due to the steeper curves in the blades, hockey skates aren’t safe for first-timers, except those who are already comfortable using inline-style roller skates. Since the weight distribution between these two boot types is similar, it’s easier to get used to hockey skates from inline skates.

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How Often Should Hockey Skates Be Sharpened

A logical question to ask yourself, as a hockey player, is how often you need to sharpen your skate blades. The short answer is that it varies from skater to skater. Every hockey player is different, and the frequency of sharpening required relies on how often you use the skates and the skating ability level of the player.

In general, most hockey players lose up to 10 percent of their skates’ edge for every hour they spend skating. In other words, after 10 hours of average game, they may need sharpening. Pros, on the other hand, may use up to 60 percent of their edges, because of how powerful their strides are. Some require sharpening before each and every game or practice. Others need to sharpen their skates before each period.

Estimations of How Often to Sharpen Hockey Skates:

Take into account your personal style of skating when deciding how often to grind, but use these general guidelines to help you choose. Based on averages of skating for one hour each week, here are the following estimates:

• Beginner: As a beginner skater who is only shuffling on the ice, they shouldn’t need sharpening more than twice in one season.

• Intermediate: As the skater begins to use the blade edges to dig deeper into the ice more often, they may need to be sharpened up to four times in one season.

• Advanced: For hockey players who are gaining advancement or skating up to two games each week, blades should be sharpened every five games or so.

Of course, every hockey player is different, meaning that they can handle varying degrees of blade dullness. One method for telling whether blades need sharpening is feeling them (with caution, of course). To do this, just run your fingertip along the edge, width-wise, (since length-wise can cause injury). Ideally, you will feel two edges. Do this both before sharpening and after, so you get familiar with the difference.

The Sharper, the Better?

Some believe that sharpening blades as much as you can allow them to last longer, but this is a myth. At times, when the blade is too sharp, stopping becomes more difficult. New skaters may be struggling with making snow or scraping, and more sharpened skates can add to this problem.

Other Ways to Tell It’s time to Sharpen your Skates:

• Visual Cues: The First and most obvious method for telling that your blades need sharpening is seeing if any nicks are visible along the blades. You can also look out for rounded blade edges, a clear signal that sharpening is required.

• Feeling: As you get better at skating and hockey, you’ll eventually be able to feel when your blades need to grind. You will notice that the skates are losing their grip.

A basic, simple rule to go by is every five hours you spend skating. However, that’s a general figure and not meant to be a strict guideline. Personal preference plays a role, so sharpen your

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How Do I Make Hockey Skates Tighter

There are a lot of different reasons why you might want to make your hockey skates feel lighter than figure skates. Perhaps you’re dealing with shin splints or your hockey skates are cumbersome and clunky, and find that this is standing in the way of your performance. Hockey is a sport that relies a lot on speed and agility, so feeling light on your feet is an absolute must for excelling at the game. The issue of a heavy-feeling hockey skate could have to do with the natural weight of the skate or could be related to an error in your technique and wasted energy. At times, it’s a combination of these factors.
Let’s look at some changes you can implement to make your skates either feel lighter or physically reduce their weight. If you try each of these tips, you will eventually figure out why your skates are feeling too heavy and be able to prevent this problem in the future.

Try Changing Out the Wheels:

If you find that you are having a hard time lifting your legs even after doing some basic warm up exercises, you might benefit from switching out your wheels to something lighter. Do some research to find out which brand to go.

Using Metal Plates in the Skates:

Another option is trying out metal plates. Although this does sound heavier at first glance, it can help you more efficiently transmit your strength to the ground. It would give your legs a break and allow them to feel lighter.

Get Enough Protein for Muscle Recovery:

What you’re dealing with may have more to do with nutrition than physical aspects of your skates. When your skates feel heavy, it can be a sign that you need more protein to rebuild your muscles, as these get ripped when you train for hockey. Try a protein drink or powder both before and after you skate and see if it makes a difference over time.

Waterproofing your Boots:

You can also try waterproofing your hockey skating boots a few times, including the laces. Too much water soaking into your boot can cause them to feel heavier as you practice, even if you don’t notice this initially.

How to Adjust the Skate’s Hardware:

When you’ve made all of the suggested changes above and still find that your boot is too heavy, it’s safe to assume that it’s related to the actual boot materials and the hardware of the skate. To investigate this throughly, you might have to disassemble it. Take a look at the only implements of your skate, including the anchors and screws holding the runner on. If made from steel, they can be removed and replaced with aluminum or titanium substitutes, both of which are light and durable.
You might need to try a combination of these tips until you find what works for you. You may also find that going with a different brand of boots is best. Either way, don’t give up until you

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Bauer Supreme 190

The Bauer Supreme 190 ice skates are a part of Bauer’s high performance, competitive ice skating line. The 190s are a moderately priced shoe with an efficient, high-quality design. If you are looking for a pair of skates to up your game, but you are still on somewhat of a budget, the 190s will serve you well.

The Bauer Supreme 190s work well for improving your performance. The Tuuk Lightspeed Edge paired with the Tuuk LS3 Stainless Steel runners provide a precise and balanced feel to them. Another perk of this runner and holder combination is their ease of use. The 190s make it easy to change blades when they have become dull.

As for comfort, the Supreme 190s offer padded luxury. The tongue is crafted using a set of FormFit 3 52 ounce three piece felt. This will prevent lace bite and reduce the force from a wayward slapshot to the foot. The inside lining of the 190s is Hydra Max, a moisture reducing comfort padding. The lightweight vented composite which makes up the outsole is designed to keep your feet cool during play and practice.

Here is a complete list of the 190s specs:

• 3D Anaformable Curv composite boot construction
• Hydra Max inner liner
• Lightweight vented outsole construction
• Form-Fit footbed with stabilizer grip
• Form-Fit 3 52 ounce three piece pro felt tongue
• Tuuk LS3 Stainless Steel
• Tuuk Lightspeed Edge
• Weight: 790 grams
• Warranties: one year – holder, 90 days – runners, 90 days – boot

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Mongoose Girls and Boys Skates

Mongoose has created great inline skates for beginners, and their children’s models are perfect for getting your kids out of the house! They come with adjustable sizes so that they’ll last longer, meaning you get to save money! The 64mm wheels help kids to stay stable, and the power strap closure system makes sure that their feet are secure inside.

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Rollerblade Women’s Macroblade 90

If you’re looking for a high-performance fitness inline skate that’s ready to take you wherever you need to go, the Macroblade may be your perfect match! These women’s skates come with a form fit liner that gives you an extra layer of comfort while skating, and the 90mm wheels are built for speed and performance. If you’re looking to upgrade your current pair of skates or are jumping in at an intermediate level, these may be the skates for you.

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K2 Women’s Alexis Boa

With K2’s original Softboot technology built into this skate, your feet will thank you for the most comfortable ride possible. The frame is made of aluminum and keeps the boot stable and durable for a long period of time. These fitness inline skates bring you the best of performance, speed, stability, and durability. The 84mm wheels are upgradeable to 90mm if so desired.

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Bladerunner 2014 Pro 80

Known for quality and at a good price, these fitness inline skates are great for smooth riding for beginners to intermediate skaters. They’ll give you the snug fit and comfort that you desire right out of the box. Also, since this company is so widely known, replacement parts are easy to find on the market. The sizes listed are in men’s sizes, however they can be used by men or women.

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K2 Sports Men’s F.I.T. 84 Boa

This fitness skate comes from one of the top brands currently on the market. They’re focused on comfort and stability while skating, giving you the smoothest ride possible. The men’s F.I.T. features 80mm wheels that are designed to travel well and last a long time even over rough, urban terrain. Beyond all of the technical features, they’re also very stylish and attractive.

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How to Buy the Best Fitness Inline Skates

Inline skating is a great way to get outside, enjoy the world around you, and have a bit of fun! More than that, it’s also a great way to get some exercise. When shopping for fitness inline skates, what are some of the best products on the market, and how can you determine which is the best for you?

Here are 5 of the best fitness inline skates available now for men, women, and even children! After this, we’ll discuss the details of your fitness inline skate purchase and how to make the best choice.

For more info on inline skates, please check out:

• Adult Inline Skate Reviews
• Kids Inline Skate Reviews
• Toddler and Young Children Inline Skates
• Aggressive Skate Reviews
• Derby Skate Reviews

Top 5 Fitness Inline Skates

Our Picks	Product
1 (BEST VALUE)	K2 Sports Men’s F.I.T.
2	Bladerunner 2014
3 (Best Womens)	K2 Women’s Alexis Boa
4	Women’s Macroblade 90
5 (Best Kids)	Mongoose Girls and Boys Skates

1. K2 Sports Men’s F.I.T. 84 Boa  (Best Value)

This fitness skate comes from one of the top brands currently on the market. They’re focused on comfort and stability while skating, giving you the smoothest ride possible. The men’s F.I.T. features 80mm wheels that are designed to travel well and last a long time even over rough, urban terrain. Beyond all of the technical features, they’re also very stylish and attractive.

Pros:

• 84mm wheels built for smooth speed
• Patented Softboot technology for optimized comfort
• Lightweight stability cuff gives you support where you need it
• Integrated Boa system meant for ultimate comfort and snug fit

Cons:

• May not be as durable for aggressive skaters

2. Bladerunner 2014 Pro 80 

Known for quality and at a good price, these fitness inline skates are great for smooth riding for beginners to intermediate skaters. They’ll give you the snug fit and comfort that you desire right out of the box. Also, since this company is so widely known, replacement parts are easy to find on the market. The sizes listed are in men’s sizes, however they can be used by men or women.

Pros:

• Quality parts means long-lasting skates
• The smoothest ride possible
• Easy to use and fit into for beginning skaters
• Incredible value for cost

Cons:

• Not made for advanced skaters

3. K2 Women’s Alexis Boa

With K2’s original Softboot technology built into this skate, your feet will thank you for the most comfortable ride possible. The frame is made of aluminum and keeps the boot stable and durable for a long period of time. These fitness inline skates bring you the best of performance, speed, stability, and durability. The 84mm wheels are upgradeable to 90mm if so desired.

Pros:

• K2’s original closure technology gives you a perfect fit every time.
• Good padding inside the boot for added comfort
• Smooth and fast design
• Perfect for intermediate skaters

Cons:

• Not built for beginners
• Sizing runs small

4. Rollerblade Women’s Macroblade 90 

If you’re looking for a high-performance fitness inline skate that’s ready to take you wherever you need to go, the Macroblade may be your perfect match! These women’s skates come with a form fit liner that gives you an extra layer of comfort while skating, and the 90mm wheels are built for speed and performance. If you’re looking to upgrade your current pair of skates or are jumping in at an intermediate level, these may be the skates for you.

Pros:

• Fast and secure ride
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Durable for long distances
• Stylish design combined with ultimate performance.

Cons:

• For less experienced riders, stopping is a bit difficult
• Not made for beginners

5. Mongoose Girls and Boys Skates 

Mongoose has created great inline skates for beginners, and their children’s models are perfect for getting your kids out of the house! They come with adjustable sizes so that they’ll last longer, meaning you get to save money! The 64mm wheels help kids to stay stable, and the power strap closure system makes sure that their feet are secure inside.

They’re available for boys or for girls.

Pros:

• Stable and comfortable for kids.
• Easy to adjust so that kids can keep them longer
• Good for beginners

Cons:

• Not as durable for aggressive skaters

Guide to Purchasing Fitness Inline Skates

So how exactly do you find that perfect pair of fitness inline skates? Let’s talk about different ways to determine which is your best match, and where you can find the pair of inline skates that will take you where you want to be.

Determine Your Level

Figuring out what level of skater you are is an important part of knowing which inline skates are right for you. But remember, the level you are at now may not be where you’ll stay. If you plan on improving your inline skating skills, then you may choose to buy a skate of a slightly higher level instead of upgrading down the road.

Beginner

If you’re a beginner, you’ll be looking for a pair of skates that have 80mm wheels or lower, allowing you to have more control and less speed. Also, beginner’s fitness inline skates will tend to have boots with a higher cut, giving you more stability while learning. For more info about newbie skates check out our guide to beginner skates.

Intermediate

If you’re gaining confidence as a skater, you’ll eventually want more speed than smaller wheels can provide. Thus, look for wheels around 80mm to 90mm. This will give you better speed but still offers stability on the road or on rough terrain.

Advanced

If your fitness inline skating has reached a level where you’re going for many miles at a time, you’ll need to find a skate that is extremely durable and has larger wheels. Something between 90mm to 100mm would be perfect. Also, high-performance inline skates are usually cut lower in the boot to optimize the energy transfer.

Components of Fitness Inline Skates

For a more comprehensive look at the internal components of fitness skates take a look.

 

Wheels

The wheels of your fitness inline skates need to be durable and stable over rough terrain. As mentioned above, the size of the wheels will depend on your abilities as a skater. The average fitness inline skater will choose a wheel that is between 80mm to 90mm, giving him or her the maximum amount of stability. This size will also provide an appropriate amount of speed for beginning to intermediate skaters.

Durometer

This is the other number after wheel size, followed by the letter ‘A,’ and refers to how hard the wheels are. Higher numbers mean harder wheels, which tend to be more durable and resistant to rough surfaces. That being said, they don’t make the ride as smooth. While softer wheels give you better maneuverability and a smoother ride, they wear out faster on rough terrain.

In the case of inline skaters looking to get exercise, an intermediate wheel would be the better option. Look for a durometer of between 78A to 88A.

Brakes

It is common in most recreational skates to have a heel stopper brake at the back of the right foot. This mechanism is the most widely used, and the majority of fitness skates will include this method of stopping.

However, in other types of skates, you’ll find that there are actually no brakes at all! This makes it easier to perform maneuvers but means that the skater must learn alternative ways to stop.

Closures

The most common types of closures in inline skates are either lace or buckle closures. Both of these options give you a snug fit that shouldn’t come loose while skating. The difference between them is mainly that lacing up obviously takes more time than buckling. However, laces give you a more personalized adjustment.

K2 has a new type of closure system that it calls Boa, which gives the skater added adjustability when tightening or loosening the boot. After placing your foot in the boot, you adjust the tightness with a small wheel, giving you a perfect fit in no time at all!

Best Brands of Fitness Inline Skates

When looking for brands of inline skates, it’s important to choose a company with a dedication to the work that they do and experience in making skates that satisfy the end user. Here are two of such brands.

K2

For over 50 years, K2 has worked to make sports equipment that brings joy to sports enthusiasts around the world. They use their own innovative technology to bring the next generation of skates to the market even before the next generation of skaters! Their inline skates provide comfort and stability while riding.

Rollerblade

Known as the inventor of modern inline skating, Rollerblade is a company for skaters, by skaters. They are passionate about creating inline skates that are high performance, high speed, and fit for the best of the best. They have created the standard for inline skates around the world, and continue to produce fantastic products for intermediate and advanced skaters.

Bladerunner

This company came into existence as a smaller version of Rollerblade, bringing the same fantastic quality to beginner level skaters. They provide good products at a lower cost.

Conclusion

Fitness inline skates give you the opportunity to get some exercise while having fun! It’s a great activity for adults and children alike, and brings you places with ease and style. With this guide, you’re now equipped to find the perfect pair of inline skates for you.

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Best Skates for Beginners

 

Whether you are trying out your hand in roller derby for the first time or are keen on introducing your kids to it, your choice of skates is vital.

Skating is not only fun and exciting but is also a convenient way to workout. The constant bending and shifting is a great way to develop endurance, strength, and flexibility. Like any activity, expertise is developed with time and practice.

As a beginner, though, you want a skate that will make you comfortable while providing plenty of control. The following is a look at the 5 best skates for beginners.

If you’re an experienced skater check out these related posts:

• Best Rated Mens Hockey Skates
• Best Rated Womens Skates
• Figure Skates

Top 5 Best Skates for Beginners

 

1. Roller Derby Trac Star Adjustable Roller Skate

 

Ideal for growing children who are just starting to get their rhythm, Roller Derby Trac Star offers comfort and performance. The adjustable size conveniently accommodates the growing feet of the kids. The molded shelf comes with a washable liner, buckle closure, and hinged cuff.

 

Pros

 

• Inexpensive
• Lightweight
• Easily adjusted for size
• A good front brake

 

Cons

 

• No padding inside so you may have to buy inner soles separately
• Being lightweight is not always an advantage as it makes the skates harder to control
• Straps do not always function as they ought to
• Inside of the skate sometimes pops out when you take it off
• Does not hold out too well in speed skating

 

Chicago Girl’s Sidewalk Skate

 

The Chicago Girl’s Sidewalk Skate has semi-precision bearings, a built-in toe stop, and an athletic style boot. Designed for both outdoor and indoor use, the skate features a comfortable boot with wide urethane wheels for extra stability.

 

The plates have an adjustable truck for versatility and precision as one turns and leans. The toe brake ensures reliable and safe deceleration.

 

Pros

 

• Inexpensive
• Padded ankle support
• Oversized wheel for greater stability
• Adjustable truck and chassis
• Lightweight with a velcro strap and lace-up front
• 30-day warranty

 

Cons

 

• Wheels are hard plastic and do not roll smoothly. You may need to replace the existing bearings with higher quality (and perhaps more expensive) ones
• The wheel assembly is not high quality and they tend to break off after a while
• The shoe sizes run a little too big
• The velcro at the shoe top is not easily tightened
• Works much better outdoors than they do at an indoor skating rink
• The laces are too long
• The tongue has no padding
• Stopper comes loose or breaks off easily

 

Roller Derby Girl’s Laser Speed Quad Skate

 

This man made speed skate has a boot that consists of a padded collar, velcro strap, laces and a reinforced comfortable fit. It has a Tru-Tac chassis and urethane wheels. It’s sleek design is ideal for those looking to hone their speed skating skills.

 

Pros

 

• Inexpensive
• Visually appealing
• Fairly easy to clean

 

Cons

 

• Bearings aren’t that great and you’ll eventually need to replace them if you want the skates to give you a longer service
• Not ideal for indoor use
• Toe stop is hard
• Axle trucks are plastic so they are unlikely to last

 

Cal 7 Roller Skate

 

The Cal 7 Roller Skate is an enduring classic that is specifically built for skating beginners. It features a strong, hard and high plastic plate. The pliable and soft boot has a solid heel support, simple lacing system, and overall cool styling.

 

The urethane wheels have high rebound that easily rolls over bumps and cracks with less interference or uncomfortable vibration from the ground. The Cal 7 Roller Skate has a wide suspension truck that ensures stability, balance and a smooth rolling experience.

 

Pros

 

• Boot with ankle support
• Easy to control
• Lightweight
• Inexpensive
• It can be used both indoors and outdoors

 

Cons

 

• Wheels could do with more rubber. You may actually need to replace them and the bearings with something of better quality.

Pacer XT70 Adjustable Roller Skates

The XT70 Adjustable skates work well for growing kids and come with an adjustable boot and removable liners. It has adjustable plates and urethane wheels.

Pros

• Adjustable chassis
• Adjustable plastic wheels
• Inexpensive
• Comfortable wear

Cons

• A crack may develop on the skate tongue

Product Buying Guide

How do you buy the right skates? Which ones should you choose? What skates best meet your requirements? What is the difference between quad skates and inline skates?

These are just some of the questions you are bound to grapple with especially if these are the first skates you are buying. Shopping for roller skates is pretty much like shopping for anything else. The more information you have, the better your decision is likely to be.

Quad Skates vs. Inline Skates

One of the key decisions you must make is on whether to go for inline skates or quad skates. Quad skates have 2 wheels below the front of the boot and 2 wheels below the back. Quad rollers are recommended for beginner or young skaters.

They give a sense of stability that is not much different from that of wearing ordinary tennis shoes. Inline skates, on the other hand, are best left to the more experienced skaters. They require that one heavily relies on leg muscle and ankle strength.  

Size

This is especially important when buying roller skates for kids. Unlike adults whose feet have already matured, kids feet are still growing. The last thing you want to do is buy something that they can only wear for a few months before they outgrow it.

As a rule of thumb, you can buy a child’s skates one size bigger, and it will still be comfortable to wear as long as you tie the laces tight enough.

Have them slide on the roller skates and kick their foot forward into the shoe so they can leave some room behind the heel. If you can insert a pencil or finger, that should be sufficient growing room.

As tempting and cost-effective as it might seem, do not go two sizes higher. The rubbing and slipping of the oversize skate can cause blisters.

Another no-no is using socks to fill up the gap as this will create excessive heat and moisture that may lead to not just blistering but something more serious such as athlete’s foot.

Price

Even the richest people do not have an unlimited amount of cash (come to think of it, many wealthy people are careful spenders and are reluctant on paying an exorbitant amount for something they can get at a more affordable price.

Price will certainly be a major factor when buying beginner skates. You want to get a decent quality item at a reasonable price. Cost may range from a couple dozen dollars to more than 500.

The law of diminishing returns applies. A $200 skate may be four times better than a $50 pair. However, a $400 skate is unlikely to be two times better than a $200 pair.

If this is your first pair of skates, be conservative in your spending. It would not be wise to splash a lot of money on an expensive set. Go for something inexpensive that you will not consider a major loss if it wears out quickly as you try to find your balance.

Instead, pay greater attention to safety. When buying roller skates, it is easy to forget that you need to buy protective gear too. When planning your budget, make sure you factor an extra amount to cover the cost of a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads.

Ensure you provide a budget for the replacement of bearings and wheels. Most low-cost skates have notoriously poor quality wheels.

Brand

Like all other products, you cannot ignore brand power when it comes to roller skates. Some brands have been around for much longer and managed to build a loyal following over decades.

The popularity of such brands could be down to name recognition or a history of delivering good quality products over the years.

Some manufacturers have identified a particular niche and excelled in it. For instance, some people prefer Chicago skates because of their affordability while there are those who go for Riedell because of their Sure-Grip components.

Be careful not to get too hung up on big brand names. Newer manufacturers usually have a lot to prove and will go out of their way to ensure customer satisfaction.

This is where checking out the reviews of different products can come in handy. Consider trying out less known brands that are spoken well of. You could also get recommendations from friends and family.

Padding vs. No Padding

Speed skates may have padding or no padding. Neither is inherently better than the other. For a long time, roller skate boots were made without padding. They were built using several layers of real leather or synthetic materials.

No padding boots are designed for a tight fit initially and then break in with use. They conform and stretch in accordance with the shape of your feet leading to a smooth contoured fit. Before they break in, non-padding boots can feel hard and uncomfortable to wear.

The rigidity of no padding boots was the primary reason for the emergence of padded boots. These are designed to be comfortable from the get go. They have the same cozy feel as running shoes.

Width

Most roller skates are available in only standard width, and this will not be a problem for the majority of people. Persons whose feet are of above average width may struggle to find a skate that feels comfortable.

Higher end models have a wider variety and usually come in wide, medium or narrow sizes. Bottom line, you may have to spend more to get a wide boot.

Toe Stops

Toe stops allow for quick deceleration during skating. Toe stop bolts are either 5/16” (also known as “Bell Stops” and are meant for outdoor skates) or 5/8” (referred to as “Speed or Artistic Stops” and are fitted on indoor skates.They are usually height adjustable).

Stops may be round, half-round or square. Round and half-round stops can be fitted facing any direction while square stops must face forward. Stops wear out so expect to replace them at some point.

Competitive or Leisure

If you’ll be using the skates competitively, you would be better served spending a little more money to get a good quality product. Otherwise, you’ll be heading back to the store every few weeks to get a new pair.

On the other hand, if you are only looking for skates to use once in a while and less intensely, do not buy a high-end product. Your needs could still be met via a lower cost set of skates.

Our Final Thoughts

There are many factors to consider when buying skates. What you take into consideration though differs slightly when your intention is to buy beginner skates. Here, comfort, safety, and size take much greater precedence than they do when shopping for a more seasoned skater.

As a beginner, you do not want to spend on a very expensive skate at the start. What if you are no longer as excited to skate as you thought you would be?

Inline skates are not ideal for children or novices as they are less stable than quad rollers. Kids, In particular, may injure their ankles or strain their knee joints.

As expected, higher quality skates cost more. Some will take you back in excess of $500. Aluminum plates, for instance, are stronger though that means the skate also becomes heavier.

For best results, you can check out skates made from high-quality magnesium or aluminum as this provides better maneuverability without the additional weight burden.

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