What is the difference using figure skates versus hockey skates?

Both the edge and the curve of the blade are different, not to mention the pick on figure skates.

A hockey blade is more curved and shorter, while a standard freestyle figure skating blade (there are also dance blades and "figure" blades which are different again) is slightly less curved and protrudes out longer at the back.

In use, a hockey player is able to lean forward more while skating forwards due to the lack of picks and generally will accelerate much faster than a figure skater.

A figure skater on the other hand is able to skate at a higher top speed due to the slightly flatter and longer blade. A figure skater can also skate backwards infinitely better than a hockey player, again due to the shape of the blade. A figure skater can skate as fast backwards as forwards (most actually faster), while hockey players (including some professionals) tend to look awkward and slow while skating backwards and most find it much more difficult than going forward. The shape of the blade also provides a figure skater better balance than a hockey player.

In essence, the figure skating blade is designed to be an all-purpose blade than can spin, jump, skate forwards and backwards, turn, and be used in creative ways. A hockey blade is designed for short bursts of speed and quick turns, while generally skating forwards.

First answer by ID1480827000. Last edit by ID1480827000. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question]