Question About Hard Guards And Soakers?

Question

So I just got my ice skates, and it came with blade covers. They're pretty slim and plastic ones. Is it okay if I use these are guards instead of the other ones?

Also, do I need soakers? I know you're supposed to have them, but is it okay if I just dry my whole blade then put the blade covers on?

One more question. Are the brand DBX good? There from D***'s Sporting Goods.

Answer 1

You certainly need soakers. The plastic blade covers are OK when you are walking around in your skates (on and off the ice, etc), but the soakers hold the water in them and they need time to dry out, and they shouldn't be on your blades all of the time because the hard plastic covers will promote rusting even if you think your skates and covers are dry.

Usually skates that are bought from d**k's Sporting Goods aren't super great quality, but they can work for a beginner for a little while. Usually it is best to go to a pro shop that specializes in skating so that they can help you get the right skates with the right fit.

Answer 2

Soakers are what you put on your blades after you skate and dry them well. It prevents rusting and makes your blades last longer.

Hard guards are for when you are not skating and you're walking around for long periods of time. You don't need them for walking from the ice to wherever you take your skates off. You most deffinately need them for competitions, shows and during camps.

You do not necessarily need hard guards, but you do need soakers. NEVER put hard guards on your skates while they are not being used(like between the times you skate). This will ruin your blades and require you to get your skates sharpened more often and they will rust.

Answer 3

any guards are fine for now- its highly likely that the floors of your rink are lined with a hard rubber coating- so you dont really need heavy-duty guards for walking around right now.

soakers are the best for skate care but if you aren't interested in buying or making some- a towel works just fine. once you take your skates off, dry them very well with an absorbent cloth. but DO NOT put your guards back on, wait until your blades heat up to room temperature and then dry them off again. because your blades are made of metal, they stay cold for a long time, and VERY cold. so when the shock of warm air hits the blades, they heat up quickly causing the metal to condensate or "sweat", so you could be trapping water on your blades by putting the guards on when theyre still cold, causing harful rust to form on your skates- NOT GOOD. once you have dried them a second time, you can go ahead and put the guards on. soakers eliminate the hassle so they are more innovative.

DBX is an okay brand, but getting custom boots from a pro shop or athletic coordinater at your rink is the best bet. my figure skating head coach always custom orders and fits mine. and i have never had an issue with them.

happy skating!

Answer 4

The hard ones are okay to walk around in with your skates on, but I wouldnt reccomend them for long term use (even a week) they eventually rust your blades.

You dont NEED soakers but they are a good investment because they protect the blades from the condensation that usually forms after you have been skating (even when you have dried them).

Also dont leave your boots in a bag for a long time, especially straight after you have been skating.

My advice for your situation would be to try your blades, take your boots off and leave them some place dry or warm (room temperature) untill they warm up, then put them away somewhere (a bag or your closet mabey) but not for ages...

Answer 5

I guess you could use them, but it is more sure to get regular hard guards. I wouldnt walk on them though, which kinda defeats the purpose. I dont reccomend using the blade covers after you skate though. No amount of drying can get all of the water, so getting soakers to absorb the extra water would be good. I remeber when i used plasitc guards after i skated. My blades were soo rusty. I also dont reccomend buying skates from D***'s. I got some twice, and my coaches told me that they have almost no ankle support. It is easier to order from online or go to a skate shop. There are usually skate shops in the rink. good luck. :)