Explaining Skate Hallows

Understanding skate sharpening and skate hallows can be confusing to understand. In the most simple terms: the sharper the blade the easier it is to turn and accelerate, while the duller the blade the easier it is to glide and stride. The standard skate hallow is 1/2”, but let’s breakdown different types of hallows to understand the difference between them, and what might be best for you!​

Some players prefer a sharper hallow, at either 3/8” or even 1/4”. This hallow makes it easier for the skate two to cut into the ice in turn making accelerating and moving in tight spaces easier. While a sharper hallow does make turning and accelerating easier, your blade is digging deeper into the ice, making gliding and striding more difficult and require more energy.

Some players prefer a more dull hallow at 5/8”, 3/4”, or even 1”. With the blade cutting less into the ice it is easier for a player to push off their blade in order to reach top speed. But, the duller the blade the more difficult it will be for your edges to hold while making those tight turns!

Skate hallow is definitely something worth experimenting with. If you’re a forward who needs to gain the extra step out of a turn, try a sharper hallow. If you’re a defenseman who needs to make sure they’re getting all they can out of their stride, try a more dull hallow!