New Skates Question?

Question

I got new risport RF4 figure skates 3 weeks ago. I used them 2 weeks ago and I couldn't even attepmt to do a snowplough stop, but the blades were really slippery to go forwards to backwards on 2 feet (my old blades were NOT as easy to turn on)

Is there such a thing as 'breaking in blades'? Should I keep trying with the snowplough? I know its hard to stop when youve just had your skates sharpened, but they are so easy to turn on!

Mabey my old blades were the cause of me not being able to spin? I turned very slowly and ended up doing 2 rotations! I usually cant even get 2 when I try hard!

Answer 1

It sounds like your radius of hollow (RoH) is too large.  If your blades feel "slippery," you should take them to the sharpener to talk about the RoH...The sharpener should be able to tell you approximately the RoH that is on your blades.  You will then need to move to a smaller radius (deeper cut into the blade).  Most sharpeners will work with you to find the appropriate RoH while paying for only one sharpening.  Personally, I'd call the rink to find out a time when the sharpener is there and you can get on the ice to try out the new RoH.  Perhaps you could even make an appointment with the sharpener...I'm sure with his/her help, you will get just the right combination of secure edges and ability to spin.  [I had a really hard time getting good speed on my spins, by the way.  Mostly it just takes practice until you're comfortable enough with it that you can give a really good push into the spin.]

Check out the website link below, it's got some really good information in the "Q - What is the hollow?" and particularly the "Q - What is the correct ROH for me?" sections.

Answer 2

I've had the same exact problem!

I had skates (and to be honest they were not the greatest skates) that were very hard to do spins with, but I thought it was normal, they were my first pair of skates! So when I got my new skates, the blades were SO EASY to turn on!  It took me a while to control myself, I had the same snowplough stop troubles as you! Just keep practicing with your new skates and eventually you will get very comfortable with them, and you'll be doing spins like never before!  Thats what I did!

Good luck with your skating! =]

Answer 3

i try to break my boots in first with my old blades, then put on the new blades later. after i broke in the boots.

i'd say your old skates were the problem with your spin!

new skates always feel akward (even the blades) so keep trying with your other things.

Answer 4

i think its more of a problem with your boots it will take a while to break them in make sure to get your blades sharpened but it takes a couple of weks to truly break them in