WHAT IS HOCKEY SKATE PERFORMANCE PROFILING?

Simply put, profiling is the process of shaping your skate blade steel from heel-to-toe. By changing the blade shape to fit your individual specifications and preferences, you create the proper ice contact to make the most of your body positioning, skating ability and stride.

Profiling your skate blades properly helps you get the most out of them across the four aspects of skating: 

• Acceleration
• Transition
• Speed
• Stability

Skate sharpening, on the other hand, determines how your skates contact the ice surface. Deeper hollows, for example, put more pressure on the edges of the blade and cause you to dig more into the ice. Shallow hollows distribute pressure more evenly throughout the blade, which causes them to sit more on top of the ice. 

Dynamic Profile - ELLIPSE

Let us introduce ELLIPSE ZERO, ELLIPSE I and ELLIPSE II – the biggest thing that's happened to blade profiling since the 80's. The most DYNAMIC skating ever experienced. Combine maximum POWER with hyperlight AGILITY! Provide the skater with completely SEAMLESS transitions.

The new ELLIPSE profiles revolutionises profiling by transferring the shape of an ellipse to the blade instead of a circles (radius) or multiple circles (radii).

This is a paradigm shift where we're going from radius profiling, which was introduced in the late 80's, to ellipse profiling.

Ellipse profiles are designed to improve the skating of hockey players of all skill levels. The specific measurements are confidential and proprietary. As with all profiles, the feel on the ice is what each skater needs to experience. The feedback from the Ellipse profiles thus far has been incredible. Try one yourself when you get a chance.

No numbers, completely SEAMLESS transitions. The new ELLIPSE profiles revolutionises profiling by transferring the shape of an ellipse to the blade. This is a paradigm shift where we're going from radius profiling.

Prosharp can't provide the two parameters for the different elliptical shapes as that would be to give away the recipe to the secret sauce. We can say this (below) about the different profiles without giving away the parameters :

Ellipse Zero – Elliptic value closest to zero (a circle) – also meaning it’s the shortest profile of them all. Currently making it the most agile in the series, while packing the dynamic punch that all Ellipse profiles do. Inspiration taken from the Quad Zero on this one, making it best suited for skate sizes 7-8 (only a recommendation).

Ellipse I – The in-betweener. Best suited for skate sizes 9-10 (only a recommendation).

Ellipse II – Elliptic level furthest away from zero. Meaning it’s longer, making it more powerful, but still agile. Best suited for skate sizes 11-12 (only a recommendation).

In general, the Ellipse Zero will have less ice contact than the Ellipse II though will have more agility. As a recommendation if you skate on a Quad 0 then you should most likely start out by trying the Ellipse Zero. If you’re on a Quad 0 and would like more ice contact than try the Ellipse I. However, these are just recommended starting points.

The key feature is the seamlessness of the profiles. This gives the skater the feeling that they always have the optimal ice contact for each on-ice action.   

Agility Profile - ZUPERIOR

This profile is best for skaters who rely on agility. You’re a quick and nimble skater who plays more on your toes. You want better acceleration, top speed and stability while staying on top of the ice for explosive movements.​ 

Power Profile - QUAD

This profile is best for a long powerful stride that pushes into the ice. It uses the specific radius  in all four skating zones for maximum support without wasting any power.

Basic Profile - SINGLE RADIUS

Single radius profiles are designed with one radius for all around performance. They are designed to enhance either Speed, Acceleration, Mobility, or Stability. Single radius profiles can be pitched to the skates preference. So if you are wanting a specific pitch, please let us know. 

10ft is a standard stock profile. This is the sort of profile that comes with blades straight out of the packet. 

One of the most common radiuses is 13ft. It gives the skater an all-round skating experience.

If you are new to skating. We advise you to start with a long single radius such as 17ft. The long radius will support your balance and help you develop your skating.  

WHEN TO PROFILE YOUR HOCKEY SKATES

There is no one answer to how long a skate profile lasts. That answer will vary based on how much you practice and play, how you sharpen your blades, the quality of the blades, and general wear and tear. PROSHARP Bauer Automated Profiling and Sharpening will maintain your profile as it sharpens, while hand-sharpening can round out your profile in as quick as one pass.

Can I Change my Skate Profile or is it Permanent?

It’s changeable. You can profile your skates regularly to maintain your preferred profile, or you can change the profile completely. As long as your skate steel is in good condition, it’s up to you. So have fun experimenting with what gives you the best performance edge.

At Shinny Ice Hockey we use Bauer’s ProSharp AS 2001 ALLPro-SC.   

All ice hockey players and recreational skaters welcome.

We profile and sharpen all ice skates such as Vapour, Hyperlite, Nexus, and Ultrasonic.

We also sharpen figure skates.

We are based in Romford, Essex, London.

Contact us at info@ShinnyIceHockey.co.uk

Profiling, Grinding and Sharpening made easy.

Please make sure you read our policies on visiting the store, shipping and drop off & pick up before purchase. We are by appointment only.