You’ve decided to try ice hockey for the first time, and you came across a size chart that confused you.
The chart stated that if you have a body mass index (BMI) above 25, you should select a X-Large ice hockey skate. On the other hand, if your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, you should select a S medium ice hockey skate. But if you have a BMI of 17.0 or below, select a L small ice hockey skate.
What did you decide to wear?
Table of Contents
The Truth About The BMI
You may be familiar with the equation {BMI} = {body mass index} x {height} x {width}/{length} to determine your weight class in taekwondo. The same concept applies to hockey.
Your body mass index (BMI) is a number that determines how you measure up against other people of your same height and weight. The BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9 (underweight), 25 to 29.9 (normal weight), 30 to 34.9 (overweight), and 35 to 39.9 (very overweight).
In general, people with a higher BMI are at a greater risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Since the majority of the people playing ice hockey are of average height and weight, it follows that most of them would fall into the normal weight category. Still, it’s always a good idea to consult with your personal physician regarding your weight status before trying out a new sport.
Many people, when they hear the words ‘body mass index’, think that they will have to go on a diet. This notion is far from true. If you want to lose weight, then taking part in a structured weight loss program with your physician may be the best route for you. This way, you’ll both be on the same page regarding your goals and will have a clearer picture of what lies ahead.
The Different Sizes Of Ice Hockey Skates
While the BMI formula applies to most sports, it doesn’t necessarily pertain to hockey. Each sport has its own set of standards for size and weight that determine which type of hockey skate you should use. Here we’ll go over the various types of skates and which one you might need based on your weight.
Traditional
In most cases, the traditional or classic ice hockey skate has three or four metal blades. It is designed to pick up the ice speed and is usually around 14 inches {36 cm} wide. This width creates enough friction on the ice to give you some maneuverability. However, more and more people are seeing the benefits of an eight-inch wide (20 cm) skate which, though it may not feel as natural, is actually much more efficient in terms of cutting through the ice smoothly and quickly. In addition, the thinner the ice, the more speed you’ll generate. Traditional blades are best for use on thick ice or snow (up to about an inch {2 cm}).
Though some people claim that the noise made by traditional blades is beneficial to their game, most experts agree that it is actually harmful. Aside from the fact that it is often too loud for indoor use, the constant friction between the blade tips and the ice causes serious damage to the surface of the ice. Over time, this can cause the ice to become weak and even in some cases, to break up completely.
Inline
The inline hockey skate is nearly identical to the traditional one, with the exception that it has no roof or backplate. This is where the name comes from as most of the action takes place inside the skate. Therefore, inline skates are mainly used for practice or competitions on roller or inline skates. Inline skates are thinner and lighter than their traditional counterparts, but they are also considerably more complex. Inline skates can be either right- or left-handed, and can be configured in various ways to accommodate specific needs. They also have a broader range of sizes available, as determined by their creators. This makes it simpler for people of all sizes to find a fitting skate.
Many consider the inline skate to be the gold standard among all types of hockey skates because of its efficiency, durability, and maneuverability. However, they are also considerably more expensive than traditional and mini-hockey skates. Inline skates can also be used on ice or snow, but they are typically designed for rough terrains such as concrete or asphalt. This is because the thinner the ice, the more speed you’ll generate. If you live in an area where the roads are mostly concrete, then an inline skate may be the best option available to you. They’re also a good choice if you have a history of knee problems or simply want to avoid the pressure that comes with regular-sized skates.
Miniland
The miniland ski is essentially the same as the inline one, but with the addition of a few more design elements. These include a nose (front part) which can be raised or lowered, depending on the type of snow or ice that you’ll encounter, and an adjustable rear tail which helps to give you better stability on the slopes. Miniland skates are commonly used by snowboarders who want the ability to switch between all-mountain and big-mountain skiing. This means that they can use the same ski as both a snowboard and a ski-mask.
The downside to a miniland ski is that they are heavier and louder than their traditional counterparts. This is because they have more metal and plastic in their construction. Miniland skates are also more expensive, as much as three times as much as a traditional one. However, they are still considerably less expensive than an inline skate. In terms of durability, miniland skates tend to last longer than most others because of their material selection and more intricate design. This is mainly because there’s more friction between the surface of the metal and earth (concrete or asphalt). Finally, the adjustability of the rear tail, as mentioned above, is another major advantage of miniland skates. This makes it simpler for people of all sizes to find a fitting skate.
The Conclusion
When it comes to choosing an ice hockey skate, the first thing you need to do is to decide whether you are a professional player or simply want to play for fun. Next, you need to consider what size you should wear. In general, you should choose a medium or large skate if you have a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. Otherwise, you should choose a small or extra-small one. Based on your answer to the above question, you may also need to consider which type of skate is best for you.