You might be familiar with hockey skates; they’re the shoes many hockey players wear while playing ice hockey. But did you know that not all hockey skates are made equal? Let’s dive into the process to find out what kinds of materials go into making today’s top-of-the-line hockey skates.
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The Growth Of Hockey Skates
Although ice hockey can be traced back to the 1800s, it was not until the 1980s that the sport really began to take off. Thanks in part to the invention of ice-reserving tubes and the growth of home ice-making machines, hockey became a year-round sport, allowing players to train and compete at all times. This increased the demand for hockey skates, which at the time were plain brown leather with metal spikes sewn in over the outerwear. As a result, the market expanded and manufacturers had to adjust to meet the demand.
Thanks to advancements in materials science and new designs that allow for better traction on the ice, the range of hockey skates has expanded greatly today. Gone are the days of metal spikes jutting out from the sole; today’s hockey skates are sleek and stylish, with comfortable cushioned soles and innovative materials like composite plastics and metal alloy mesh. These materials allow the skate to maintain its elegant appearance while offering better grip on the ice.
What Is The Difference Between Roller Skates, In-Line Skates And Ice Skates?
There are many different types of skate that are built for specific uses and designed for specific sports. If you’re interested in how to buy the best possible skates for your needs, check out this useful guide that breaks down the differences between various kinds of skates.
The Different Materials Of Hockey Skates
What types of materials are used to make today’s hockey skates? Let’s take a quick look at some of the most common materials and their advantages and disadvantages.
- Plastic (ROCKER FUEL): The most common type of plastic used in the construction of hockey skates is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This material is light in weight and easy to mold into any shape. It’s also highly transparent, which allows for better reflection of light and thus improved visibility during day hours. Additionally, plastic is soft and flexible, which makes it ideal for creating flexible and comfortable skate boots. Unfortunately, plastic does not wear well against the ice and is prone to denting and scratching. Moreover, while plastic is easy to clean and maintain, it is not sanitized very well by ordinary household cleaners and tends to yellow over time.
- Metal (ALUMINUM): The second most popular type of material used to make hockey skates is aluminum. Like plastic, aluminum is lightweight and provides the designer with a wide array of options for customizing the shape and style of the skate. It also has a high melting point, which makes it ideal for use in extreme winter conditions. The downside to aluminum is that it is highly conductive, which makes it more difficult for the skater to keep in contact with the ice. This can be problematic for beginners who are just getting started. Additionally, while aluminum is rust-resistant, it still needs to be maintained and cleaned regularly.
- Composite (FIBERGLASS): A composite of aramid and glass fibers is also often used in the construction of hockey skates. This provides the designer with the benefits of both plastic and metal in a single product. It is not only lightweight but also highly abrasion-resistant. This makes it ideal for use by professional athletes who are competing in high-pressure games or practices. The downside to composites is that they are typically more expensive than other options and require a skilled technician to build.
- Titanium (ALUMINUM): Made popular by the famous brand Vans, titanium is a lightweight metal with unique properties. It is not only strong and durable but is also highly resistant to corrosion and easy to clean. It also has a high melting point, which makes it ideal for use in extreme winter conditions. Although it is not the most popular material used in the manufacturing of hockey skates, it has many advantages that make it worth considering.
As you can see, there are many different options when it comes to materials used to make hockey skates. It depends on the level of aggression the athlete plans on taking on the ice. For example, if speed is the key to reaching the top leagues, then opt for the lightest and most flexible skate that you can find. But if you’re looking for a more durable product that can take a bit more abuse, then go for one of the more expensive and less flexible choices. In addition to this, you will also want to keep in mind the material of the lid and the nose guard of the helmet you are using while playing. If you are using hard plastics, then go for the harder the better when selecting the skate. This will increase the comfort level when skating and allow for better handling of the puck. This especially applies to goaltenders who are handling heavy sticks all day long during practice or games.
The Different Types Of Ice Skates
The two broad categories that fall under ice skates are in-line skates and roller skates. In-line skates were designed to improve the ease of playing ice hockey. They are also known as figure skates because they were originally used by figure skaters. If you’re looking for a product that is easier to maneuver, then by all means, go for in-line skates. They were originally designed with wheels in line with the ankles and the blade running along the length of the spine. This makes it much easier for the skater to move forward quickly.
What are roller skates? Roller skates were originally designed to be used on a gym’s roller rink. It was not until the 1950s that they began to be used on the streets, mainly by children and teenagers. In line with the invention of in-line skating, roller skates were designed to be easier to use and more affordable. They were originally made of wood, but these days they may be made of plastic,metal or a combination of the two. A roller skate consists of a pair of boots, a set of wheels and a metal frame. The metal frame holds the pair of boots, while the set of wheels provide the traction needed for the skate. The majority of roller skaters still rely on the wooden frame and wheels, which are held together by metal rivets. This ensures that the product will not become obsolete too soon as technology changes. Additionally, the use of wood provides the product with better grip on the ice. If you’re a beginner looking for a cheaper option, then opt for the plastic version. This will provide you with a safer and more comfortable ride while also meeting the price point of the product. However, if you’re planning on using these skates on pavement or icy sidewalks, then go for the metal-framed version.
The Construction Process Of Hockey Skates
There are many different materials that can be used to make hockey skates, but how are they actually put together? It’s actually quite a complicated process, which involves numerous steps that need to be followed precisely in order to get the finished product that you see.
When it comes to designing a hockey skate, the first step is to determine what the basic design will look like. Then, the desired properties of the final product need to be taken into consideration. To start with, the type of skate you’ll need will depend on the sport you’re playing. For example, if you’re just getting started, then go for the lighter and more flexible version, otherwise, if you’re already playing at a higher level, then opt for a faster and more durable option. The properties of the material used to make the product will also affect the design. The softer the material, the more pliable it will be. This makes it easier to mold and work with. Finally, the height and diameter of the wheel will determine the type of maneuverability the product offers. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the number of inches the wheel is tall, the easier it will be to control and the faster it will go when moving forward.
Once you have the basic design of the product, it’s time to move onto the next step. This involves taking the measurements of the skater and using this information to properly size and shape the product. Next, the boot needs to be attached to the metal frame, which will serve as the base of the product. Once this is complete, it’s time to work on the other pieces of the skate, namely the skate blade and the protective covering. These two items will be attached to the boot using metal rivets at the end of the process, which will complete the design of the product.