Profiling - Blade profiling is blade shaping using a precision system of shaping the working radius (gliding surface) of the blades to the specifications of each skater. Correct positioning of the balance point on the blade provides maximum stability and maneuverability matched for the player. The concept of profiling is to center a skate for proper Lie and Radius. Once or twice a year skates should be profiled to give them the proper Lie and Radius. After having been profiled, they are sharpened to the desired hollow grind. Skates direct from the factory are profiled and in a majority of cases may have an incorrect lie for the individual skater. Blade-Tek uses a computer aided grinding machine to achieve exact specifications. Goalie skates can be given virtually any profile, from a 50 or 60mm (minimum) to near full blade length (maximum) working radius.
For years sharpening attendants have been 'rockering' skate blades. The idea was to put a radius on the blade to increase maneuverability. Although the idea is sound, the operation was mostly 'free-hand', consequently there is no consistency to the radius, and more importantly, no consistency in the lie of the radius. The radius on a 'rockered' blade extends from toe to heel, and very often too much blade is taken off both front and back of the blades. The quality of the 'rocker' was dependent on the skate sharpener attendant. The results were inconsistent, often proved wasteful and harmful to performance.
Profiling on the other hand is not a 'free-hand' operation. Blades are shaped and matched to the skaters' natural stance and style. Blade-Tek's Computer-Aided-Grinding machine ensures the profiled blades each have the exact same lie and working radius.
In addition, our profiling system has the advantage of being able to apply this profile to any new skates or spare blades, exactly like your previous pair, so you don't have to re-adjust your skating style. Profiling takes out the guesswork and gives you the same precision time after time.
Lie - The Lie of a skate is the pitch of the center Radius. It is this pitch or Lie that controls the skater's posture. Radius is actually secondary to Lie in proper skating. Even though the Radius may be correct, if it is not pitched properly, the skater will experience great difficulty in skating. With the correct LIE, a skater standing erect should be evenly balanced and comfortable. If the lie is too far back, the knees and ankles will be forced to bend. If the lie is too far forward, the legs are locked into a rigid position.
The Profiling System uses the concept of LIE to assist the skater with proper posture by pitching the working Radius to match the player's posture; either slightly forward, slightly back or straight-up, unlocking the ankles, knees, and hips.. |
