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Figure skates are in general a faster skate than hockey skates. Figure skates have more blade on the ice compared to hockey skates, the blade is thicker, so when you push, more force is applied to the ice compared to a thinner hockey blade. However, a thinner hockey blade glides better when power is not applied compared to a thicker figure blade, so that's the tradeoff. Also, most figure blades have more blade in the back of the skate, and from the back of the skate is where all your power is from, it works out much better for transferring weight to get more skating power. The other factor is, skate technique, figure skaters in general are faster/better skaters, but obviously they don't play hockey, so the point is pretty much moot except in the rare cases they race each other for fun (which is not often, as usually there's a tad bit of animosity between figure skaters and hockey players on both sides.)

However, there's lots of reasons figure skates aren't used for hockey. First is the toepick, you'll fly forward from leaning too far forward on it, it's meant to stop you instantly for doing jumps/etc, but if you're at all careless with the front of your skate, you can send yourself flying forward. Also, hockey boots are tougher constructed, they have to take stick/puck/people hitting into them, too. The other factor, just in blades alone, hockey blade design compared to figures, while not as powerful, is much more forgiving. The balance on most hockey skates is neutral, set in the middle, whereas figures, the balance point is on the back of the skate, so in a hockey game, it's not ideal, as you're having to make quick moves a lot of times without "thinking" so they work great for that. Also, the neutral balance works out if you're getting hit into by people/pucks/sticks, as it's neutral, so if you go too far back or forward, it's easy to correct yourself.

Sorry for my long James May sounding answer, but I wanted to correct the misconception people have.

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Q: Are figure skates faster than hockey skates?
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What is the difference between hockey skates and figure skates?

Figure skate blades are thicker, and the balance point is at the back, with more blade extending past the heel compared to hockey skates. They also have toe picks, to help with jumps and other maneuvers for figure skating. Figure skates are also "rockered" differently, meaning the blade curves differently, so turning is different in figure skates compared to hockey skates, as the balance is different. Figure skate blades are thicker, too, so they can be faster, as you have more blade contact to push off of. Hockey skates have no toe picks, as with toe picks, if you accidentally drag your foot or put it too far forward on the ice, you can fall. Also, hockey skates are balanced more neutrally, in the middle of the skate, which helps with recovering balance during the fast maneuvering and contact in the game. Hockey skates have thinner blades, so compared to figure skates, you're going to apply less power to the ice, but they glide a little bit easier than figure skates. Also, compared to figure skates, hockey skates have much tougher construction, as they have to be able to take pucks/sticks, etc.


Why are ice skates different than the other kinds of skates?

Ice skates are different because they have blades on them and they are designed differently than per Se roller skates. Roller skates have more padding and have wheels on them, while figure skates have blades on them. If one wanted to compare a figure skate to a hockey skate, for example, a hockey skate does not have toe-picks while a figure skate does. Hope this helps :)


Is it easier to learn to skate on figure skates or hockey skates?

Neither, really. It mostly depends on what you decide to start with. People who skate in hockey skates generally fall over on the toe picks when they try figure skates, and even accomplished figure skaters say they feel like they're gonna fall over when they put on hockey skates. So it's pretty subjective. One thing I can say from personal experience, figure skates encourage much better posture and skating technique than hockey skates, as figure skates require you to straighten your back out much more to skate in/not fall over on the toepicks in them compared to hockey skates, I started in hockey skates and switched to figure like a week ago, so yeah. The only bad part of figure skates is, if you get a higher end pair to just start out in, the toe picks will be close to the ice, so if you lean forward much at all, you'll fall on your face. The other issue is, up to about the 80s, figure skates were made of a single layer of leather, that you could move your ankle around in, like a combat boot. I find these really really hard to skate in, due to the lack of ankle support, compared to hockey boots. I'm sure if you start in them, you can eventually get used to them, but after starting in hockey skates, I could not at all. However, newer figure skates are as stiff/stiffer than most hockey skates, so that's no longer an issue, but I'm just saying this if you find some cheap $20 brand new Chinese "figure skates" or find some older skates at a garage sale or something.


How to Choose Hockey Skates That Fit Correctly?

Many hockey players have questions about how to locate a pair of hockey skates that fit properly. This is hardly surprising because hockey players can choose from over 20 styles of hockey skates that can be customized to meet a hockey player's needs.The easiest way to locate a pair of hockey skates that fit properly is to use a simple step-by-step process. To see how this is possible, please read this step-by-step guide that can help you find a pair of hockey skates that fit properly.Step 1: Find out your normal shoe size.It is a good idea to have an idea about your regular shoe size before you purchase a pair of hockey skates. This is the case because most sporting goods experts suggest that you purchase a pair of hockey skates that are at least 1 _ to 2 sizes greater than your normal shoe size.Step 2: Put on a pair of socks that you will wear while wearing the skates.Most sporting goods experts suggest that you should wear the socks you plan on wearing while wearing the skates because it can help you determine which hockey skates offer the best comfort and traction.Step 3: Place your feet into the skates.Step 4: Lace the skates tightly around your feet.Be sure to lace the skates as tightly as you can without hurting your feet. If you find it difficult to lace the skates around your feet comfortably, pass on the skates and go back to step three using a new pair of hockey skates.Step 5: Finally, walk around in the skates to determine how comfortable they feel.It is a good idea to walk around while wearing the skates because it can help you determine if the skates fit comfortably around the pressure points located on your instep, your toes and the balls of your feet. If the skates feel too tight around these areas, be sure to pass on the skates and look for a pair of hockey skates that are more comfortable.For more information on how to choose a pair of hockey skates, please visit your favorite hockey equipment dealers in your area for more details. They can help you choose hockey skates that can help you maximize your playing potential.


Is figure skating and ice skating different?

Speed skating is based on skating for speed, not style. Figure skating is the opposite, as it skates for style and not always speed. Speed skating requires: -Lower cut boot, almost like a shoe -Longer blades than artistic skaters -the objective is to go fast, not to impress the judges Figure skating: -based on competing in a number of levels and elements -consists of jumps, spins and footwork -artistry and difficulty are considered when judging -higher cut boot -regular length blade, but with a toe pick and edges


Is futsal a faster sport than ice hockey?

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Is Shadow Faster Than Sonic?

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What if your neighbor says she can skate at a speed of 4 meters per second if your time is 20 seconds who skates faster?

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How do you tell if you should buy E or D ice skates?

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What does d stand for in ice hockey skates?

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What does ee mean in ice hockey skates?

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