The first time shopping for hockey skates, things can get confusing. There are so many brands and types, different choices and considerations that picking a single pair can be tough. With a bit of research and a good salesperson, it's possible to find the right pair every time.
The first thing to know is what position the person will play. Goalies wear a different type entirely than the rest of the players. Goalies need a more stable surface, and less overall speed, so their blades are usually flatter and longer, more like a speed skater might use. But they also need more flexibility and the ability to move their ankles a lot, so the boot is also different. They often don't have as much built in protection or padding as those used by other players. The padding for goalies covers most of the foot, so the boot doesn't have to.
The rest of the team wears about the same type of skate. With strong reinforced panels at the ankles, toes, and up the back of the foot, they're designed to turn, stop, and go fast. They also are designed to protect the foot and lower leg from flying pucks and angry stick-jabs. With the similarities, there's still room for choice.
One area where even the most standard player will often change things is the curve of the blade. While newcomers usually stick with the curve and rocker decided by the manufacturer, serious players have their own preferences. Some like the peak of the curve a bit farther forward, others prefer less of the blade be in contact with the ice. Each develops their own blade contour the longer they play.
Another important point to decided on is the amount of ankle support and padding desired. While padding can come in handy when a puck hits the ankle, support is sometimes overvalued. Tight laces and lots of support seem like a good thing, but can keep a player from developing muscles and strength. It can also increase the number of injuries, due to muscles that aren't strong enough for what they're doing. While protection is good, too much support is almost always not.
Padding in general is another thing to think about. Some people prefer not to wear socks, allowing them to "feel" the ice. They also don't usually want much padding in the foot bed. Because they don't have the protection of a sock, though, they need more padding to minimize rubbing or other injury in other parts of the boot.
Higher end skate manufacturers also sometimes offer custom molding. They aren't custom boots, but rather standard ones that are heated to fit to a players feet. This allows them custom-fit boots, adding stability and reducing break-in time.
Armed with basic knowledge, shopping for hockey skates is less scary. After the first pair are found, it gets even easier. Even with changing styles and models, most brands keep something similar around.
The first thing to know is what position the person will play. Goalies wear a different type entirely than the rest of the players. Goalies need a more stable surface, and less overall speed, so their blades are usually flatter and longer, more like a speed skater might use. But they also need more flexibility and the ability to move their ankles a lot, so the boot is also different. They often don't have as much built in protection or padding as those used by other players. The padding for goalies covers most of the foot, so the boot doesn't have to.
The rest of the team wears about the same type of skate. With strong reinforced panels at the ankles, toes, and up the back of the foot, they're designed to turn, stop, and go fast. They also are designed to protect the foot and lower leg from flying pucks and angry stick-jabs. With the similarities, there's still room for choice.
One area where even the most standard player will often change things is the curve of the blade. While newcomers usually stick with the curve and rocker decided by the manufacturer, serious players have their own preferences. Some like the peak of the curve a bit farther forward, others prefer less of the blade be in contact with the ice. Each develops their own blade contour the longer they play.
Another important point to decided on is the amount of ankle support and padding desired. While padding can come in handy when a puck hits the ankle, support is sometimes overvalued. Tight laces and lots of support seem like a good thing, but can keep a player from developing muscles and strength. It can also increase the number of injuries, due to muscles that aren't strong enough for what they're doing. While protection is good, too much support is almost always not.
Padding in general is another thing to think about. Some people prefer not to wear socks, allowing them to "feel" the ice. They also don't usually want much padding in the foot bed. Because they don't have the protection of a sock, though, they need more padding to minimize rubbing or other injury in other parts of the boot.
Higher end skate manufacturers also sometimes offer custom molding. They aren't custom boots, but rather standard ones that are heated to fit to a players feet. This allows them custom-fit boots, adding stability and reducing break-in time.
Armed with basic knowledge, shopping for hockey skates is less scary. After the first pair are found, it gets even easier. Even with changing styles and models, most brands keep something similar around.
About the Author:
Pro Hockey Life provides an extensive inventory of hockey sticks including the latest in hockey equipment, hockey equipment, apparel and memorabilia.
{ 0 comments... Views All / Send Comment! }
Post a Comment