Quantum Radii Skate Performance Systems

https://youtube.com/shorts/7fkSRI2s5y8?feature=share

This is a brilliant video and while he doesn’t mention custom, precision blade profiling directly, the actual geometry of the profile/rocker is directly related to the concepts discussed.

Think of it this way. A dime will turn tighter than a half-dollar if both coins are tilted on edge to the same degree. But, as is shown in the video, friction/grip on the ice factors into the equation and while he didn’t mention it, the length of blade in contact with the ice (if positioned properly and the proper height) determines the amount of blade tilt a skater can maintain without falling. Not surprisingly, then, a skater with a 9 ft radius can out turn a player with 13 ft radius initially, but, as the turn becomes tighter and the skater leans in more the larger radius provides the added grip required. To go back to the coin analogy, while a dime might turn tighter than a half-dollar, the dime’s smaller radius has less contact with the surface it’s rolling on, and thus, as it loses momentum, will fall over sooner.

What we’re looking to set up then, is a blade whose radius is sufficiently wide so as to made it impossible for the skater to lean in too much and fall inward. As a coach of mine says, once you feel it you cannot UNfeel it. I tell skate clients to push their turns tighter with more lean than they ever have, even so much as to where they TRY to fall inward. Look at how far inward a speed skater can lean. They have ZERO radius and an 18” blade. That’s a LOT of grip to support a LOT of lean. Once you feel the increase in lean, you cannot unfeel it.