| So you've been skating on those CCM skates that | | | | simple way, determines what angle the steel is going |
| feel just right. But they are worn out so you replace | | | | to lie at on the ice. This is huge! Let me say that again, |
| them. You replace them with a pair of new Bauer's | | | | If your serious about your game, this is very important |
| because they feel more comfortable. You skate in | | | | information! |
| them and hate them. Don't worry - your not the only | | | | Now, those formula's I've listed above are just |
| person who has experienced this. It's actually pretty | | | | "theoretical". Just because you go out on a 7 foot |
| common. | | | | radius because you think your game play is all quick |
| Unless someone has told you or you work in the | | | | cuts and fast feet, does not mean that will be the right |
| industry, you probably wouldn't know that they are | | | | number for you. If you look the NHL the blade radius's |
| setup differently. Odds are those CCM Skates, | | | | are all over the place. Many players, like Sergei |
| pending on how old, what model and size they are, | | | | Fedorov have been known to use larger radius's and |
| could have an 11 foot radius and a forward blade pitch. | | | | are still very agile and can fly. There are many factors |
| Those Bauer's you just switched to could be a 9 foot | | | | that come in to play to find the best radius and pitch |
| radius with a negative pitch. That's a very different | | | | for you. |
| change. | | | | The best thing a serious hockey player can do, if they |
| The Blade radius determines how much steel you | | | | already haven't is get to their local pro shop. Work with |
| have on the ice. While the Blade pitch determines | | | | them to find the best combination for you. Odds are |
| where steel lies on the ice. | | | | the first pair you try may not be exactly correct for |
| There is a whole science behind this. Both have a | | | | you, if it is congratulations are in order. But don't be |
| major effect on you, the skater. I'm going to make this | | | | alarmed if the first combination you try does not work |
| simple, with a simple formula. More steel on the ice = | | | | out. I tested just about every combination you can think |
| more speed, less agility, Less Steel on the ice = less | | | | of to find the one I like most. |
| speed, more agility. As far as Blade pitch goes, in a | | | | |