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Adaptation to blades with nano-groove 

Graph and stages od adaptation to blades with a nano-groove

We monitored 3 stages of adaptation during testing and the feelings of hockey players. These are the following stages shown in the graph. We should note that adaptation means the transition from standard blades and sharpening to standard Nanoblade blades with a nano-groove, which are in the extreme compared to standard blades. Extreme nanoblade geometries are intended for skaters experienced with standard Nanoblade geometries, or for very patient and convinced skaters who realize that this change will take a bit longer.

  • 1st Stage – this is the shortest stage (it usually lasts a few seconds or minutes, but for some even dozens of minutes) and also the worst. When the skater steps onto the ice for the first time, he will have a false feeling that the blades are dull (as we mentioned before); the blades begin to slide in all directions in a stance perpendicular to the ice, and the skater doesn't trust the edges; he must make sure that the edges will hold him perfectly. It's best to go to a safe zone away from the side boards (e.g. to the centre of the ice rink) and start slowly circling the centre and crossover skating, slowly accelerating to find out that the edge is truly stable. The second feeling is the height of the blade. Many skaters skate on sharpened blades, so they can easily be 4mm or more lower than new regular blades. The standard geometries of Pikatec Nanoblade are about 4 mm higher than conventional new blades, so the difference compared to regular blades can be 8 or more mm! Skaters especially need to get used to this in crossovers.The third feeling, especially for older skaters, is that they are used to having a very curved geometry profile, known as a "cradle". In normal sharpening, this geometry is more agile than the standard geometry from manufacturers, and some skaters have it rounded even more by blade sharpeners. With this geometry, skaters are less stable on the heels and slower, but they get accustomed to it over the years. Pikatec blades have straighter heels for stability in the transverse direction, and skaters need to get used to this.The last feeling that partially blends into stage 2 is a reduced response from the blades on the ice. In other words, the blades glide silently on the ice without "grinding" as you've been used to before. This may bother you at first, but it is one of the main benefits of Pikatec Nanoblade blades. Once you overcome this stage, you can start skating normally and, most importantly, you won't want to go back to conventional blades.This indicates that for some, especially older, skaters with years of experience, there may be many changes overall, and whether they will be able or willing to overcome them mostly depends on their patience.

 

  • 2nd Stage – this is the stage when you get used to skating, learn to skate in bends with bent knees, brake, accelerate, make sharp turns and learn to trust the blades. You will use the agility of the blades in transverse skating, and you will learn to use the tilting of the blade edges for sharper or smoother braking. You will learn to control this as needed. You will take advantage of the speed and other possibilities the blades offer. You will now be at about 80% satisfaction. This stage is a bit longer than stage 1.

 

  • 3rd Stage – this is the last stage of getting accustomed to Nanoblade blades. This stage is the longest for sensitive skaters. By using the blades, you are already subconsciously getting accustomed to all the other properties of the blades. You will skate "quietly" in turns, without the grinding on the ice, and you will enjoy and take advantage of the new possibilities.

 

As we mentioned before, the process of adapting to the blades varies from one skater to another. For most junior skaters, these stages merge into one short stage. It's pretty normal for them from the start. It was only later that they said they began to perceive skating differently than before, and that they didn't think about the details before.

It's all about your mindset and your willingness to learn new things, and Pikatec wishes you much patience and success.

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