how do different hollows affect the way you skate?

[Kathryn Tappen]

pretty much a newbie when it comes to this.

what a the difference between 1/2 cuts and others?

ie
is one better for skating faster? which one would I want in that case?

if my skates have already been sharpened to 1/2, is it too late to change to something different?

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[AIREAYE]

A few factors should determine what kind of hollow is likely better for you. Thankfully, there's only ever a small range of 'cuts' to choose from. Vast majority end up in the 'regular' 1/2" hollow.

The shallower cut to that would be 5/8". This allows better glide at the expense of some 'grip' of the ice.

Deeper to 1/2" would be 3/8". This sacrifices glide for grip.

Few skaters opt for 3/8"; it is simply too grippy for most. For yourself, I would suggest trying out the shallower cut at 5/8", which I seem to notice more skaters going towards at higher levels. You may find that you're less fatigued when you skate as there's less 'friction' so to speak when skating/turning/crossovers etc.!

Other factors include weight and ice quality, but I suggest you put those aside and simply try out 5/8" for a while first!

 

[BruinDust]

A few factors should determine what kind of hollow is likely better for you. Thankfully, there's only ever a small range of 'cuts' to choose from. Vast majority end up in the 'regular' 1/2" hollow.

The shallower cut to that would be 5/8". This allows better glide at the expense of some 'grip' of the ice.

Deeper to 1/2" would be 3/8". This sacrifices glide for grip.

Few skaters opt for 3/8"; it is simply too grippy for most. For yourself, I would suggest trying out the shallower cut at 5/8", which I seem to notice more skaters going towards at higher levels. You may find that you're less fatigued when you skate as there's less 'friction' so to speak when skating/turning/crossovers etc.!

Other factors include weight and ice quality, but I suggest you put those aside and simply try out 5/8" for a while first!

For years I used a 1/2" cut. That was the "standard cut" and didn't know enough about to change it up.

Then a few months ago, my regular skate-sharpener gave up the business to concentrate on just equipment repair. So I started bouncing around all over town trying out different providers, never really satisfied. Then one day I walked into a shop I hadn't used before, and their standard cut was 5/8", so I went with it. And loved it, for all the reasons you stated above.

So I did some research and turns out I probably should of made the switch several years ago. Playing minor hockey at 155-160 lb,s 1/2" was just fine, but now that I'm heavier (205 lbs), that was really too deep of a cut for me, and I've benefitted from a shallower cut with the increased weight gain.

 

[jorbjorb]

5/8" or 1" for me. I prefer less fatigue and at beer league level I don't really have to do any crazy tight turns.

I haven't sharpened my blades in 15 games.

btw I'm 5'7 160lbs.

 

[Joel 67]

There is some science around your weight and playing preferences (speed/glide vs agility, etc.) but at the end of the day it comes down to preference and what feels best. My shop has 7/16” as standard and used that for a while not knowing any better. Once I learned there were differences, I decided that I wanted to be faster as my agility on the ice was already above average for my level of hockey. With each couple of sharpenings I went up a hollow until I found the one that seemed to work best for me.

 

[Slats432]

Bigger guys that need to cut will even go to 5/16" Most skate places will go "Huh?"

 

[LarryO]

Bigger guys that need to cut will even go to 5/16" Most skate places will go "Huh?"

Can't blame them for going "Huh?". 5/16" is highly unusual especially for a bigger guy. If a bigger guy needs 5/16" to cut, maybe he should re-examine his skating technique.

 

[AIREAYE]

I didn't mention the finer fractions because, in my opinion, you're not going to notice the swing between +/- 1/16" due to many factors including ice quality, weight difference in the skater, and even quality of the sharpening and sharpening equipment!

 

[DevsFan84]

IMO, the only way you are truly getting a 5/16" every time is if they are using a form dresser and someone who knows what they are doing (Blackstone, specifically- I don't even think Blademaster has a 5/16" diamond wheel) It's so easy to be off such small amount with a quill. With that said, AIREAYE is dead on- I highly doubt most people will notice the difference.

 

[PiggySmalls]

I'm a bigger guy that plays in the south on softer ice. I typically go with a 5/8", I eventually would like to get back to using 3/4". I just started back playing after not playing for 13 years. So my skating is still needing to catch back up to me.

 

[CaptBrannigan]

As an extreme example of how height/weight, skating ability, and ice quality all factor in, the rink where I work regularly gets skates come through that are returns or used by the Lightning. The labels indicating that particular player's specs are often still attached and there is a huge range. I've seen recently anywhere from 5/8 Drouin to 1 1/2 (yes, an inch and a half!) for Brewer.

In any given week, across all skill levels, I'd say I do 80% 1/2, 10% 5/8, 5% 3/8, and the last 5% spread across 7/16 or 3/4 or Blademaster flat bottom.