Gear

Skate hollows explained

A hollow is the shallow groove ground along the bottom of your blade, and it's what gives you two edges. The number is the radius of that groove's curve, so a smaller number means a deeper groove: more bite, but less glide.

What each hollow size does

1/2"

Beginner · Medium-deep

Good bite with fair glide. The usual place to start.

Often used by: Kids and youth players, and many adults.

5/8"

Beginner · Medium

An even mix: more glide, and still enough edge to turn and stop.

Often used by: Adult rec players, especially high school age and up.

7/16"

Intermediate · Deep

Strong bite with less glide than 1/2".

Often used by: Skaters who want a firm hold on tight turns. Also the deep end of the usual figure skate range.

3/4"

Intermediate · Shallow

Easy glide and less effort at speed, with less hold on hard cuts.

Often used by: Heavier or stronger skaters, advanced players and some goalies.

3/8"

Advanced · Very deep

The most bite: quick stops and tight turns, but the most drag.

Often used by: Skaters who want maximum grip, often lighter players, and some goalies.

1"

Advanced · Very shallow

The most glide and the least bite.

Often used by: Speed-focused skaters, some goalies and some figure skaters.

Levels are a rough guide, and kids, goalies and figure skaters often differ. The drawings show the blade end-on, above the ice, with the grooves enlarged but in proportion to each other.

Picking yours

Not sure? Start at 1/2", or 5/8" if you're an adult rec player, and adjust by feel.
Slipping on sharp edges? Try one step deeper.
Working hard through turns and losing speed? Try one step shallower.
Your weight: Heavier skaters press further into the ice, so they usually go shallower. Lighter skaters usually go deeper.
Goalies: Advice runs from 3/8" to 1" or flatter, so expect to experiment.
Figure skates: Usually cut between 7/16" and 7/8".
Hard or soft ice: Guides disagree on which way to go, so ask your shop what works at your rink.
Flat-bottom V (FBV): A different cut that aims for the grip of a deep hollow and the glide of a shallow one. Not every shop offers it.

These are starting points, and players' preferences vary. Based on guides from Sparx ↗, Sports Plus ↗, Ice Box Hockey ↗. Not every shop cuts every size, so ask yours.