The Theory
Profiling is the process of shaping skate blades to maximize turning ability, skating posture and overall balance. The system used at Edges is not the same process as generic profile systems that merely address blade inconsistencies caused by mass production.
The unique profiling process at Edges modifies three areas of your skate blades to make skating more efficient for all players, at any age and any level. Profiling promotes ideal stride length, skating posture and overall balance.
Stride Length:
A correct blade radius for your skill set, playing style and position will allow you to stay better balanced, turn with precision and stability, and pivot fluidly for more seamless strides.
Blade Pitch/Lie:
An appropriate blade pitch/lie will put you in the ideal skating position at all times - knees bent, body weight slightly forward, arms drawn in front of you. This is important for backward and forward skating for both defensemen and forwards.
Balance/Contact Point:
An accurately determined balance point allows you to reach the toe area of your blades for quicker acceleration and pivots. It also promotes overall balance while turning and battling for the puck.
Common signs you would benefit from profiling:
- Short strides
- Tendency to fall backwards
- Leaning too far forward/hunching
- Poor balance
- Difficulty stopping precisely
- Instability while turning
- Inadequate knee bend
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: If profiling is so beneficial, why don't blades come profiled out-of-the-box?
Answer: There are several different ways to profile a blade. Each player needs a specific radius, pitch/lie and balance point suited to their skating ability, position and skate type. Skate manufacturers select a generic profile as it is more cost-effective and efficient for mass production.
Question: Will profiling really make a difference for my son or daughter? They are young and I hear it only makes a difference for older, highly skilled players.
Answer: Simply put, profiling is beneficial for all players at any level and age. In fact, over the years of gathering feedback from players, coaches and parents, the more drastic results are noticeable in younger players as they are working on establishing proper skating technique and balance.
Question: How long does it take to get used to skating on profiled blades?
Answer: The adjustment period is typically very short. Most players get used to the positive change in a matter of minutes, while some players take a full practice. If you want an adjustment to the contour, we're here to help and work with you. With your feedback a simple adjustment can be made.
Question: I see there are several profiling systems on the market. Which one do you use?
We have two profiling systems we utilize depending on the type of skates and needs of each customer: The Elite Performance EP-3 Profiler which is widlely used by most N.H.L. teams and a traditional system created by Fleming Gray. We use these machines because they are accurate, efficient and provide skaters with numerous profiling options to customize their blades.
Next Steps:
To select the most appropriate blade shape we require the player's age, height, weight, level of play and position played. We would also like to know if the skater is experiencing difficulty stopping, achieving balance or posture issues such leaning too far forward or skating too upright. Gathering this information takes less than five minutes and allows us to accurately select the most beneficial profile.
Estimated Turnaround Time: Many of our customers leave their skates with us overnight for this service, but same-day pickup is usually available. Please call the shop if same-day turnaround is required and we will try our best to accommodate your schedule. 905-878-9585
Contouring - $50.00 + HST