Features of speed skating skates

The delightful maneuvers and grace of the skaters are not only due to long training sessions. They would be unthinkable without the specific features of speed skating skates. That is why you will have to choose the running "clamps" for speed skating as carefully as possible. Attention will need to be paid not only to individual types, but also to the characteristics of different manufacturers.

Modern speed skating skates have gone far ahead of their ancestors, who appeared in more or less normal performance by the XIV century. Moreover, they are very different from the earliest prototypes, dating back over 3000 years. However, the basic principle of ice racing remains unchanged. The decoration with stylized horse heads, which gave this type of equipment its name, has, however, disappeared. Skating skates are commonly referred to as "klapa" - this is an imitation of the sound that occurs when the blade returns after being pushed off.

And this eloquently shows the most important practical feature of such equipment, which distinguishes speed skates from skates for other sports and for amateur skating. The blade is not rigidly fixed. When movement begins, the boot detaches from the blade at the heel. Further, he again drops to the same place.

The boots themselves are also unusual. They are designed for intensive ankle manipulation:

• in the area of ​​the heel, the Achilles tendon opens;
• thanks to the low fit, the leg moves completely freely in this area;
• sudden blockages or even more injuries to the ankle during a push are completely excluded;
• the sidewalls are located above the back of the ridge and, due to their rigidity, improve coordination;
• the bottom of the boot is divided into several layers;
• fixation points of the blades are complemented by high-quality steel plates;
• some models are covered with wear-resistant synthetic fabric.

Moving blades, it is worth noting, are characteristic not only of speed skating, but also of short track speed skating. A hinge and a return spring are built into them. The springs themselves can also vary, there are both sprint and stayer models. The blades are made from carbon steel. Supports are formed from the same steel or from aluminum alloys.

To avoid corrosion, the blades:

• nickel;
• chrome;
• in some cases covered with amalgam.

It is worth considering that older (pre-mid-1990s) skates were made without valves. They had a rigidly fixed blade.

Speed ​​skating primarily can be designed for different people. There are models designed for:

• women;
• men;
• children.

Adult modifications in terms of technical perfection differ little from each other. Women's skaters tend to be brighter in appearance, while men's skaters prefer darker colors. Along with simple cross-country runners, there are also short track accessories. They differ in the following features:

• rigid fixation to the boots;
• lack of springs;
• shift of the blades to the left (compared to the center placement, this makes turns easier);
• a slightly higher height of the boots than in the classics;
• suitability for virtuoso maneuvers at very short distances.

Both professional people and those who go out on the ice from time to time buy the most products:

• Amigo;
• ISG;
• Fila;
• Viking.

These brands are supported by:

• decent quality;
• attractive practical characteristics;
• affordable cost.

The Viking Gold Sapphire model definitely deserves attention. Compared to the previous version, these skates have an updated design. But the matter is not limited to the appearance - the designers were even able to improve the fit. All the previous positive characteristics typical of the Gold 05 have been successfully preserved. The runners are 0.11 cm thick and the outer layer is made of kangaroo leather.

If you do not limit yourself to well-known brands, then you can take a closer look at SPEEDISE Forza White. Not only experienced engineers were involved in the development, but also experienced athletes. Under the Speedise brand, skates are supplied not only for classic running, but also for short track skates. The color of the models varies widely.

Returning to the leaders of the rating, it is worth paying attention to Viking Silver. This reliable model is perfect for the fairly experienced skater. It can be overwhelming for beginners. Peculiarities:

• the runner is attached to the tube using spot welding and soft soldering;
• good varnishing;
• hardness at 62 or 63 HRC;
• bridge type Black Nagano;
• height - 3.5 cm;
• bimetallic skid HSS.

If you have to choose equipment for high-level professionals, Viking brand products are almost perfect. But the strong competition for this brand is made by products from Maple. The Maple assortment includes both amateur and semi-professional models and accessories for advanced athletes. It is also worth noting the presence of junior samples.

Do not assume that only the brand and cost of the equipment are important for a skater. The size of the skates plays a huge role. It is extremely important: all fittings are made only in person, always in thin socks. The product must be carefully laced up and see if it will dangle on the leg after that.Even if there is no such problem, but somewhere it squeezes, or the leg sits loosely, it is more correct to postpone a specific pair and go in search of further.

These rules are equally relevant for all models, regardless of gender, age and skill level. It is not recommended to buy speed skates from anywhere other than specialty shops. The only exception is direct ordering from manufacturers.

Long distance model has stiffer springs. Skates for short runs tend to have a smoother ride. It is also necessary to evaluate the material from which the boot is made. Natural leather is the most expensive and guarantees excellent air exchange. True, it is hardly suitable for beginner skaters; eco-leather or reinforced synthetic fabric is better for them.

It is naive to believe that quality skating equipment can be cheap. You will have to pay a substantial amount for anything that is even slightly better than the entry-level. Experts also advise you to check:

• the quality of fixing all parts of the ridge;
• availability of official certificates;
• reviews about models;
• the device of the mechanism that holds the blades (the simpler, the better).