It's difficult to overestimate the importance of skates as they relate to your speed, balance, comfort and overall play. For the beginner finding the perfect pair of skates is a challenge you will have to contend with. You will need the tips in this article to help you choose the most acceptable pair of hockey skates no matter who you are buying them for.
There are many companies that make hockey skates in a wide variety of models and price ranges. Your own common sense may tell you to buy the best skates you can afford, this is not always the best indicator however. Many professional players prefer a stiffer skate while the average beginner may want something a bit less restrictive to movement and more comfort too. You should, therefore, look for skates that are suitable for your current level of experience and ability.
The wheels and bearings that go on your skates will determine their performance and speed. The wheels come in different sizes and shapes, and if you ever have to replace the wheels on your skates it's essential that you choose ones that are the right size. Choose wheels that are on the harder side if you will use them on outdoor surfaces or softer ones for indoor surfaces. The bearings are what allow the wheels to easily spin, and they come in various qualities. Bearings are rated on a scale of 1 to 9 with the higher numbers being the better quality and usually the higher price too.
You may not realize the fact that hockey skates are unlike any other type of skates and thus not interchangeable. Hockey isn't for sissies, as you play you will realize you aren't just skating on ice, you are competing with others swinging a heavy stick. Your skates have to be able to withstand getting hit with hockey sticks and pucks, not to mention collisions with other players' skates. This is the primary reason to have skates formulated to the sport.
Hockey skates really must become extensions of your feet, as when you're on the ice, they are what give you speed, agility and flexibility. While it's important to choose a good pair, don't worry if you find this a little difficult at first. These things will all help you pick up the perfect pair of skates. For hockey players this is only one of many skills that will need to be developed over time.
There are many companies that make hockey skates in a wide variety of models and price ranges. Your own common sense may tell you to buy the best skates you can afford, this is not always the best indicator however. Many professional players prefer a stiffer skate while the average beginner may want something a bit less restrictive to movement and more comfort too. You should, therefore, look for skates that are suitable for your current level of experience and ability.
The wheels and bearings that go on your skates will determine their performance and speed. The wheels come in different sizes and shapes, and if you ever have to replace the wheels on your skates it's essential that you choose ones that are the right size. Choose wheels that are on the harder side if you will use them on outdoor surfaces or softer ones for indoor surfaces. The bearings are what allow the wheels to easily spin, and they come in various qualities. Bearings are rated on a scale of 1 to 9 with the higher numbers being the better quality and usually the higher price too.
You may not realize the fact that hockey skates are unlike any other type of skates and thus not interchangeable. Hockey isn't for sissies, as you play you will realize you aren't just skating on ice, you are competing with others swinging a heavy stick. Your skates have to be able to withstand getting hit with hockey sticks and pucks, not to mention collisions with other players' skates. This is the primary reason to have skates formulated to the sport.
Hockey skates really must become extensions of your feet, as when you're on the ice, they are what give you speed, agility and flexibility. While it's important to choose a good pair, don't worry if you find this a little difficult at first. These things will all help you pick up the perfect pair of skates. For hockey players this is only one of many skills that will need to be developed over time.
About the Author:
The author is a qualified physiotherapist. Take a look at his websites on massagers by clicking Back Massagers and Foot Massager.
