If you\’re a seasoned hockey skater, you\’ll probably have worn out a number of boots and know exactly what you\’re looking for. Beginners, however, need an introduction as finding the right ice hockey skates is completely different to finding the right figure skating ones. Following are the aspects to consider.

Figure skates have toe picks on their blades for jumping, spinning and stops. Hockey boots and blades assist speed and direction changes. Their blades are narrow.

They are designed for different levels of skill. It\’s not advisable to spend the largest amount possible on the most advanced pair when starting out. This will result in a pair you\’ll struggle to use as they\’ll be too stiff around the ankle and the blades will allow little control.

The main section of the blade\’s curvature is called a rocker. The most curved section in the front of the blade is called a spin rocker as it assists the player to turn during game play. The lower the curvature, the more speed the player has. Thus, which role you play in the team determines the curvature of your rocker.

Your weight is also a factor in the type of boots you require. Blades made from carbon steel which is heat hardened are desirable. This is because blades wear relatively quickly and they can only be reground so many times before they are completely worn out. Stainless steel blades are too soft and require frequents sharpening.

Advanced boots will be made from genuine leather. Beginners more than likely will prefer synthetic as they are easier to care for. Be careful of cheaper leathers as they wear and crack too easily.

You can usually tell if a leather is real by the presence of metal eyelets around the lacing area. Real leather hardly ever has eyelets. Essentially, as a beginner, you need synthetic boots that can support the ankle, not cheap, thin leather.

Once you\’ve completed lessons, however, you\’ll quickly need to advance to genuine leather that you can jump and spin in. Be extremely careful if you\’re determined to buy second hand. These need to be virtually unused to be of any worth.

A worn pair will usually have no ankle support. As soon as that\’s gone, the pair is rendered useless. Avoid anything that has creases around the entire ankle area.

In second hand boots, also ensure that the heel is still attached to the boot. Check the blades for deep nicks. If these are present, the blades will have to be replaced.

When it comes to size, you need one size smaller than your shoe. Ensure that they are tight around the ankle. There should be no room for the foot to shift with different stances but not tight enough to scrunch the toes.

Finally. Remember that paying more money buys you higher quality. Buying from a reputable vendor will entitle you to extra services like blade sharpening and heat fitting. Now all that\’s left is to enjoy your hockey in your brand new blades.

The leaders in hockey supplies provide an extensive inventory of hockey equipment including the latest in ice hockey skates , ice hockey sticks, apparel and memorabilia.

The leaders in hockey supplies provide an extensive inventory of hockey equipment including the latest in ice hockey skates, ice hockey sticks, apparel and memorabilia. http://www.prohockeylife.com .

Author Bio: The leaders in hockey supplies provide an extensive inventory of hockey equipment including the latest in ice hockey skates , ice hockey sticks, apparel and memorabilia.

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