Pro's Corner: What Is A Profile?

May 25

To put it simply, the profile is the curvature or shape of a skate blade from front to back. It is sometimes also referred to as a contour or – by the old-school players – a rocker. On average, the profile on an adult hockey skate is around 11 feet and the average profile on an adult goalie skate is around 25 feet. The profile on a skate can vary by skate size, brand, model, and even which batch of steel is installed from the manufacturer.

Because of this variance, it is important to have your skates profiled for both consistency and to fit your exact playing style. Usually, smaller players and those who like a smaller turning radius will have a smaller profile. The smaller profile will place less blade on the ice at any given time, making for more aggressive turns, acceleration, and changes of direction. Players that have a smaller radius, however, need to be much better with their balance because of the reduced surface area contact. In contrast, players with more flat profiles increase their balance and ability to subtly change direction by being able to slide more. They can also retain more speed in turns, but they increase their turning radius.

Some skate shops use old style manual contour bars which can result in inconsistent profiles. Binnie’s currently offers Cag One digital profiling for a consistent profile on each blade. Cag One utilizes the physics of speed skating and applies it to the physiology of a hockey player to improve skate contouring. In speed skating, the flat portion of the blade generates speed through enhanced ice contact. Similarly, Cag One profiled hockey skates have a flat spot. This flat spot allows for increased speed while still providing the maneuverability and balance every hockey player needs to compete at their highest potential. Additionally, the physics behind the profile increases the power generated in each stride by returning energy to the player meaning you can skate better with less fatigue.

There's a reason more NHL players rely on a Cag One profile!

CAG ONE PROFILING HIGHLIGHTS

Improves Control and Flow
Improves Turns and Acceleration
Increases Blade Contact and Consistency
Increases Balance, Stability and Agility
Results in Less Fatigue
Reduces Risk of Injury

In the near future, Binnie’s will also be offering ProSharp profiling, for the players that want a more traditional profile and greater options on their balance point. The problem with any skater is balancing maneuverability with speed. A longer flatter blade allows for greater gliding with less effort and more returned energy, but sacrifices grip needed for quicker, shorter movements. In contrast, a shorter blade provides a superior turning radius and generates greater immediate power because of increased friction but decreases gliding. With a ProSharp profile, you can get the best of both worlds through variable profiles.

PROSHARP PROFILING HIGHLIGHTS