If you’re a figure skater looking for a hockey skate that is more suitable for your talents, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss what makes a figure skate special and different from a hockey skate so that you can make the right choice for your needs. You’ll learn about the differences in both performance and design so that when it comes time to make a purchase decision, everything will be at the back of your mind. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Performance
When it comes to sports equipment, especially skates, every little bit counts. The small variations in performance between one pair of skates and another can make the difference in whether you feel like you can really give it your all or if you feel like it’s all been for nothing. Because figure skates are so precise and demanding of your attention, the little bit of extra friction when you push off the ground with them makes a noticeable difference in how fast you can go. This is especially important if you’re trying to improve your speed or learn how to throw your legs more effectively while turning. The little bit of extra drag when you push off with them also makes a difference in how much power you can generate. This is important for when you’re performing those difficult jumps or throwing your legs around in the air for that pretty death spiral. These are all the reasons why every little bit of performance that a figure skate can provide is worth having.
Another advantage of figure skates is that their shape and design allows for more efficient stride patterns. When you’re skating, you naturally extend your arm forward to push off with, however, this is the only position it can be in if you want to maintain that classic โfigure fourโ shape. When your arm is extended in front of you, it naturally wants to follow the same path as your legs while you’re pushing off, creating a more natural and smooth transition from one stride to the next. Also, because your arms are always kept ahead of your body, there’s no need to fight the force of gravity as much while you’re performing turns and jumps. All of these factors contribute to making a better performance out of your skate in figure skating as compared to a hockey skate.
Design
Hockey skates are designed to be lightweight and easy to maneuver around even in crowded ice rinks while figure skates are built for precision and smoothness. This is because figure skates were originally designed for ladies’ figure skating in the 1800s and then adopted by the guys during the early 1900s. One of the first widely adopted designs was for the single blade. Back then, everyone basically used to skate around with just one blade attached to the foot, hence the name โsingle bladeโ. While this design is still used today, most people now prefer to have two blades. The two-bladed approach allows for more speed and maneuverability while also adding some cushioning for when you hit the ground with a forceful push off. This is because the softer the material of the surface you’re skating on, the more shock absorption there is.
Another difference between a hockey skate and a figure skate has to do with the shape of the blade. Typically, the blade of a hockey skate is more pointed and has a sharper edge, but this is personal preference and varies from brand to brand. What’s important is that the shape of the blade helps determine the overall design of the skate, as well as the curve that the blade makes when it’s attached to the shoe. The curve of the blade will depend on how you want to perform. Some like a sloped blade, while others prefer a flat one. It’s all about what works best for you as a skater.
Material And Weight
Another important factor to consider when buying a skate is the material the skate is made of. One of the most popular synthetic materials used in making figure skates is vinyl. It’s light and has good grip properties, making it easy to slide around on even when the temperature is below freezing. It is, however, more flexible than other materials like plastic, which can cause it to break down more quickly as you use it over time. If you plan on skating frequently during the warmer months, then this is something to consider.
The weight of a figure skate also varies widely, from the tiniest figurine skates to those that weigh a ton. The lighter the weight, the easier it is to maneuver around even when the temperature is below freezing. Since we already covered how much this mattered for performance, let’s discuss weight for a second. If you want to go fast, then you’ll want to go for the lighter option. It’s all about what works best for you as a skater.
Size
The last factor we’ll discuss here before wrapping up is size. Every skate needs to have some kind of connection to your body in order to work properly, so make sure you get one that is tight enough to provide this connection but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable. In most cases, the tighter the better. This way, you can maximize the performance of the skate.
Now that you’re equipped with the basics of what makes a figure skate different from a hockey skate, it’s time to talk about which one is right for you. If you’re a figure skater who wants to use their equipment regularly then get some of the lighter-weight models with a pointed blade. These will be easier to propel around even in the coldest temperatures. If you’re a hockey player who wants a single piece of equipment that is suitable for both on and off the ice, then get one of the heavier models with an oblong blade. This will help you deal with the force of gravity when you push off the ground, making it easier to perform those difficult jumps and spins. When it comes time to make a purchase decision, everything will seem clearer in hindsight, and you’ll know which one is right for you. If you’re still not sure then ask an expert or consult online reviews to help you make the right choice for your needs.