One of the most popular ways to spend time in winter is ice skating. Many people, going to the skating rink, rent equipment. This is reasonable if you ride infrequently. But if you spend a lot of time on the rink, then you should consider purchasing your own pair. This is where a lot of problems arise: which skates to prefer, but what to look for when buying, how to choose the size and what is the rating of the best skates for ice skating? All these questions concern the future owners of sports equipment.

Surely, many paid attention to the fact that the shoes of athletes differ depending on the sport. The skates of figure skaters, speed skaters and hockey players are very different. And this applies not only to the appearance, but also to the very design of the skates.

Skates are produced in three main types: for hockey, for figure skating and for speed skating. In some classifications, it is also proposed to separate children's models and pleasure skates, which are used for amateur skating in parks. To understand the question of which models are suitable for a novice athlete, let's look at the features of each type of ice skating shoe.

Hockey skates

This sport is quite traumatic and very aggressive. Therefore, shoes for him are made with the maximum possible protection of the athlete's limbs. It should also protect against blows with a club, an opponent’s skate, hitting a puck and other troubles. Therefore, hockey skate models are made rigid from special synthetic materials. They are equipped with rigid inserts in places that need to be protected more than others.

The toe of such skates is always made of hard plastic. Such a hard boot has several advantages: it supports the ankle and foot well and keeps the legs in the right position.

There are other requirements for hockey models. They must provide high speed to the athlete and not limit his ability to maneuver. In this regard, hockey models have a short radius of curvature and are made without teeth on the blade. This protects against clinging to the ice during sharp and dangerous turns. A smaller area of ​​contact between the athlete and the ice provides high maneuverability, but at the same time it complicates the task of maintaining balance.

Summing up, it can be noted that hockey skates are the best choice for a beginner only if he is going to continue to play this sport. For already trained athletes, hockey skates are quite suitable. They make it possible to develop high speed, do not limit the freedom of maneuver.

Read more about hockey skates in one of the episodes of the Galileo program:

Figure skates

These models are distinguished by a long straight blade that protrudes about 2 cm beyond the heel. There are sharp teeth in the front of the blade, which make it possible to perform various tricks and jumps. But at the same time, the teeth cause a lot of inconvenience to beginners who are not yet able to stand confidently on the ice. They catch all the irregularities of the ice of street rinks and are the cause of many falls. Otherwise, it is figure skates that are considered to be the best option for beginners.

The boot of such skates is made of leatherette or genuine leather. This material allows you to avoid numerous injuries due to the rigid support of the ankle. But such material makes the boot too thin, it is simply cold to ride on the street in a big frost on such skates. To some extent, thermal underwear helps to solve this issue. Figure skate boots are usually made high and laced throughout. This allows you to easily control the degree of fixation of the joint.

pleasure skates

These models do not have any manufacturing standards. The appearance of such skates can be similar to figure skates and hockey skates. Distinctive feature walking options - a soft insulated boot. The blade of these skates resembles curly ones, but the teeth will not be as large and sharp or may be completely absent.

If the blade is more like a hockey blade, then their degree of rounding will not be too large. Pleasure skates are designed for leisurely skating and enjoying the process, not for learning difficult pirouettes or puck racing.

Walking shoes are very comfortable. They are softer than sports models. The clasp can be classic lacing or like roller skates - buckley. In the latter case, there will also be plastic parts on the soft boot. Such boots are usually insulated so that you can ride in severe frosts. On the other hand, a soft boot does not fix the ankle so well and makes it impossible to perform complex maneuvers.

Children's skates

For kids, skates are equipped with a blade of increased width, which gives additional stability. Some models even have double blades. Such models are recommended for children under the age of 5 years. After the baby gets used to the rink, it is recommended to replace the children's model with a regular one. Parents often buy sliding skates for their children. Outwardly, they look more like amateurs, but their boot is made of plastic. They can vary by 3-5 sizes.

If the child will not just ride for pleasure, but develop in sports, then it is better to immediately purchase the right skates. They can be larger in size, but not more than 1 size. Otherwise, the boot will hang on the foot, which creates the conditions for injury.

What skates do you choose?

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28.11.2017

How to choose skates

If you have decided on the type of skates, it's time to go to the store to try on and buy. It is very important to buy skates after trying them on. This is the only way to decide whether this pair suits you or not. Don't forget to bring a pair of thick woolen socks with you to wear when you're outdoors.

Criteria for choosing figure skates

Traditionally, figure skates are considered to be female models. Before buying, be sure to put on a pair and walk around in them for a few minutes. Rate your feelings. The boot should not be very tight, at the same time, the foot should not hang out in it. Shoes that are too loose do not fix the ankle well and reduce stability.

The back of the boot should press the heel, and the ankle should be tightly covered by the shaft. If all these conditions are met, and at the same time you feel comfortable in boots, then you have found your pair of skates.
Video tips for choosing figure skates from a trainer:

What are the best walking skates to buy?

If you are going to skate for pleasure and do not intend to play sports professionally, then recreational skates will be an ideal option. These models are suitable for both children and adults. In addition, they use bright and beautiful designs. Many recreational skates have an insulated boot that can be pulled out to dry if necessary.

The criteria for choosing recreational skates are the same as for figure skates. You should feel comfortable in them, and the boot should fit your foot snugly.

What skates to buy for hockey

Hockey skates are more suitable for men. At the same time, they are all divided into amateur, semi-professional and professional models:

• In amateur skates, the boots are soft, they are suitable for beginner athletes. Of the protection elements in these models, only a plastic toe is provided, which protects the fingers. Also, there is no additional adjustment of the boot.
• Semi-professional skates are bought for ice hockey by people who often play and want to improve their level. It provides better protection with a rigid tongue and reliable support on the sides, which is provided by stiffening ribs. Some models of the semi-professional class have special features for adjusting the boot to the anatomical features of the foot.

When choosing hockey skates, you need to consider that they do not fit standard shoe sizes. Therefore, they must be measured. In a suitable boot, the foot should be comfortable. The back of the boot should press the heel tightly, but the fingers should not be pressed to the toe, but only lightly touch it.

Boots for hockey skates also differ in the width of the block. Therefore, if the boots fit you in length, but not in width, then you should just try on another pair.

How to choose skates for a child

Toddlers who are just starting to get comfortable on the ice are ideal models with two blades. These skates are stable and the child will feel confident on them. Then you can purchase a regular model with one blade. It is best to choose figure skates for children that allow you to fix the ankle well.

When trying on, be sure to put on thick woolen socks for your child. Perfect option when the finger of an adult can hardly be inserted between the boot and the heel. Too tight shoes will be uncomfortable when riding, and in free shoes, the risk of injuring the ankle increases.

The value of what size children's skates start with is Russian size 28. At the same time, keep in mind that for beginners it is permissible to buy skates 1 size larger than necessary. For young hockey players skates must be bought a size larger than necessary. For ordinary pleasure skating, children can be advised sliding models that change along the length of the boot by 3-5 sizes.
Video tips for choosing children's skates:

Rating of quality skates for men

After considering the main types of skates, their features and selection rules, it will not be superfluous to find out which popular models are currently leading the market. This will help you make a choice and take into account which company is better to buy skates.

Bauer Supreme One.4

These skates belong to models for hockey, they can be recommended for athletes of any level. The boot is made of high quality nylon, and the inner lining is made of microfiber with water-repellent properties. In these skates, the athlete feels confident on the ice, thanks to the tight fixation of the leg and reliable protection On the sides. Ultra-light foam inserts provide protection and support to the ankles.

For an optimally comfortable position of the foot while skiing, a special heel support and tongue are provided. Additionally, it is worth noting a high-quality sole made of pressed plastic, as well as a glass with a high-quality metal blade.

Bauer Supreme One.4

Advantages:

• little weight;
• boots have fairly good rigidity;
• durable;
• create excellent security;
• tightly fit the leg;
• the tongue has an anatomical shape.

Flaws:

• The laces need to be changed as they are of poor quality.

Cost: from 8990 rubles.

Bauer Vapor X400

This model is designed for beginner hockey players. It can be purchased by owners of foot sizes from 26 to 46, including those with D and EE fullness.

The upper of the boot is made of nylon, the inside is made of synthetic fabrics, which together guarantees good moisture removal. The sole is plastic, the blade is made of stainless steel.

Bauer Vapor X400

Advantages:

• Comfortable fit due to the presence of an anatomical tongue and ankle inserts;
• Blades are replaceable;
• The foot in the boot does not sweat.

Flaws:

• With increased use in the cold, cracking of the sole is sometimes noted.

Cost: from 4500 rubles.

Skates are positioned for men, although the size range allows you to try them on woman's leg. You can choose a pair of sizes from 32.5 to 46th. The NSX series is created by Bauer for those who are new to hockey.

The boot is made of composite material, the interior is synthetic. The sole is plastic with attached stainless steel blades.

The skates can be used as closed ice, and on a street skating rink, thanks to a frost-resistant glass.

Advantages:

• The presence of anatomical inserts and, as a result, a comfortable fit on the leg;
• Ankle support;
• Reinforced toe;
• The boot is anatomical.

Flaws:

• They are produced for one fullness, which means that they will not suit the owners of a wide foot and a high rise;
• The laces included in the kit have excessive elasticity, "pull" and the ability to dig into the palms with intensive lacing.

Cost: from 5700 rubles.

GRAF Super 103 Sakurai

These ice hockey skates are designed for boys and teenagers. Top part The boot is made of high quality combined synthetic fabric. Inner part Made from microfibre for soft support. The bow has reinforced protection against low temperatures. The insoles fit snugly to the feet and have the ability to adapt to the anatomical features of the wearer.

GRAF Super 103 Sakurai

Advantages:

• warm and comfortable lining;
• reliable leg support;
• insoles have an anatomical structure;
• protect well from frost.

Flaws:

• Need help tying shoelaces.

Average price: 3890 rubles.

For beginners in figure skating and middle-class professionals, this model of figure skates is the most acceptable. Boots in this model are entirely made of genuine leather. Over time, they take the form corresponding to the athlete's foot.

For comfort, special softening inserts are made on the inside of the boot. The lining absorbs moisture well. The lacing is designed with a special cutout designed to prevent the formation of wrinkles and creates the most correct positioning of the foot while riding.

Advantages:

• leather boots;
• convenient anatomical structure;
• anti-corrosion coating of blades;
• have a long service life;
• suitable for male and female athletes.

Flaws:

• it takes time for the boots to adapt to the shape of the foot.

Average price: 2450 rubles.

Rating of the best women's skates

These skates are for girls. The top on both sides is made exclusively of genuine leather. This contributes to better heat retention. The blades are made according to certification standards from high-quality stainless steel with anti-corrosion treatment, they retain sharpening for a long time. The boot has an elongated shape and perfectly supports the child's ankle during skiing, which is useful for preventing injury.

The boots are decorated with a stylish pattern, which is sure to be appreciated by young skaters. The lacing at the top is finished with hooks for perfect leg support. The medium-hard last allows you to feel comfortable when riding even with a thick toe.

Princess Kid Sports Collection

Advantages:

• comfortable model;
• Beautiful design;
• natural materials;
• excellent leg support;
• Blades made of quality material.

Flaws:

• must be carefully tried on when buying.

Average price: 3230 rubles.

This is a walking model for women, it is lightweight, which allows you to unload your legs. This model is cute appearance in white and grey. The boots have soft padding and provide good ankle support. All this creates convenience and comfort when riding.

The boots are laced up with laces and there is also a Velcro strap at the top of the boot.

Advantages:

• light weight;
• nice appearance;
• comfort and warmth while riding.

Flaws:

• require careful handling.

Average price: 5200 rubles.

A significant advantage of these skates is the use of leather as a material for interior and exterior decoration. The absence of insulation makes this model more suitable for ice skating. The sole is made of plastic, the blade is stainless steel.

The manufacturer positions these skates as for professionals. Size range- wide, from 25 to 42.

SK (Sports Collection) Princess Lux 100% Leather

Advantages:

• Foot comfort due to natural, non-hardening material;
• Feet in skates do not sweat;
• Good fixation on the ankle.

Ice hockey rink size

Before building a hockey rink, it is imperative to take into account the increase in the size of the hockey box (length and width), because you need to take into account the place for attaching the hockey board system. Usually the outer perimeter is increased to 1 meter.

The standard hockey box corresponds to the dimensions:

hockey rink 60 by 30 meters, with a radius of curvature of 7.5 meters

or with the minimum allowable size:

hockey rink 56 by 26 meters, with a radius of curvature of 7.5 meters.

Our company is engaged in the production of hockey courts with non-standard sizes:

Hockey rink 56 by 20 meters, with a radius of curvature of 4 meters

Hockey rink 46 by 26 meters, with a radius of curvature of 4 meters

Hockey rink 40 by 20 meters, with a radius of curvature of 4 meters

Hockey rink 40 by 15 meters, with a radius of curvature of 4 meters

Hockey rink 38 by 18 meters, with a radius of curvature of 4 meters

Hockey rink 30 by 15 meters, with a radius of curvature of 4 meters

Hockey rink 24 by 12 meters, with a radius of curvature of 4 meters

The sizes of the hockey rink differ in the rules:

NHL (National Hockey League - National Hockey League, NHL) and

IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation, IIHF)

According to the rules of the International Ice Hockey Federation, a hockey rink can be with a maximum size of 61 x 30 meters, and with a minimum allowable size - a hockey rink of 56 x 26 meters. The official competitions held under the auspices of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) are allowed in lengths of 60-61 meters and in widths of 29-30 meters.

In the rules of the NHL (National hockey league) prescribe the size of the hockey rink with a length of 60.96 and a width of 25.90 meters, it turns out that the hockey rink is already 4 meters wide.

It is believed that the smaller size of the hockey rink increases the power struggle of players, throws on the hockey goal. And the larger the size of the hockey rink, the more for a combination game of hockey. The corners of the hockey rink are rounded with a circle radius of 7 to 8.5 meters. Hockey goals should be located at the edges of the hockey rink. The height of the boards for playing hockey is from 1.17 to 1.22 meters according to the rules of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), and according to the rules of the NHL (National Hockey League), the hockey board is from 1.02 to 1.22 meters high.

Standard offer for the supply and installation of mobile equipment ice rink 15x30 m with artificial ice:

Complete set of equipment supply

Refrigeration system for the ice field 15x30 meters

Refrigerating unit of monoblock execution TRANE CGAM 70 HE SQ, complete with an air-cooled condenser and a refrigerant pump station.

Technical description of refrigeration equipment.

Parameter	Meaning
Refrigeration unit
Estimated cooling capacity, kW
refrigerant
coolant	aqueous solution of ethylene glycol - 40%
Coolant temperature at inlet/outlet, °C
Compressor type	spiral
Number of compressors, pcs
Coolant pump unit
Accommodation	On the frame of the refrigeration unit
Coolant circulation pump
Number of coolant pumps, pcs
Air cooled condenser
Ambient temperature environment, °С
Number of fans, pcs

The composition of the liquid cooling unit for the ice field circuit

The liquid cooling unit is a product of complete factory readiness, mounted on a single frame. The hydraulic elements are interconnected.

Control cabinets are switched with electrical elements of installations in the factory. Commissioning requires the connection of refrigerant piping to the unit nozzles and power cable.

Cargo-dimensional characteristics of the installation:

Installation dimensions: L x W x H, mm - 4100 x 2400 x 2400;

Installation weight - 3 400 kg.

Electrical characteristics of the installation:

Installed capacity - 68 kW.

TECHNOLOGICAL PLATE FOR COOLING THE ICE FIELDS - ICE MATS 450 sq.m.

Ice mats 150x8x8 (length of segments 16 m)

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Ice mats are operated as part of the ice field pipe system, connected to the refrigeration unit and providing circulation of the coolant to cool the ice. Pipe systems based on the technology of ice mats made of EPDM rubber, designed for the installation of cooling systems for ice fields in structures with artificial ice.

The pipe system is operable in air in the temperature range from minus 50 to plus 100˚С in the environment of water, antifreezes based on ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and an aqueous solution of calcium chloride, under pressure up to 0.25 (2.5) MPa (kgf / cm²) for a short time and up to 0.20 (2.0) MPa (kgf / cm²) in a constant operating mode.

The pipe system consists of a pipe collector and a cold-transfer surface, on which an ice field is frozen from above.

Advantages of ice mats over other types of ice rinks:

• the size of the ice field, if necessary, can be easily changed without disturbing the technological process and additional costs;
• the cost of manufacturing and installation of a mobile ice field is significantly lower than similar costs when creating a stationary site;
• low coolant consumption;
• efficiency in electricity consumption of the refrigeration supply system compared to stationary ice rinks (up to 30%);
• ease of dismantling and storage during downtime.

HOCKEY COURT (BOARD) 30x15 m.

White fiberglass panels with a glossy surface, meeting the requirements for hockey boards:

• thickness 7mm;
• height 1220mm;
• length 2440 mm;

Fiberglass panels are mounted on metal welded frames from a profile pipe 50x25x1.5mm.

The adjunction of fiberglass to the steel frame is carried out by galvanized self-tapping screws. All fasteners (bolts, nuts, washers) are galvanized, and the metal structures of the box (frames, hinges, self-closing bolts) are coated with blue polymer paint.

In the lower part of the board, they are reinforced with a yellow fiberglass plate (impact), 6 mm thick and 200 mm wide, which is attached to the panel with a bolt-nut connection. In the upper part of the side there is a “P” shaped handrail 60 mm wide, blue, made of low-pressure polyethylene (HDPE). This shape of the handrail prevents moisture from getting between the fiberglass panel and the steel frame, as well as protecting the frame itself from harmful effects.

The handrail is attached to the fiberglass panel with galvanized self-tapping screws.

The composition of hockey boards includes reinforced gates for players (2 pcs.), 900 mm wide, with a self-closing lock and technological swing-type gates 4880 mm wide with a two-frame bolt. For ease of opening the gate leaves are equipped with retractable rollers.

Fastening of the hockey board to the base using triangular supports made of a profile pipe 50x25x1.5mm, the height of the support is 600mm. The clamping of the supports is carried out using anchor bolts (concrete) or a corner 35x35x4mm. (soil, asphalt), which is driven into the ground to a depth of 800mm.

The hockey board withstands the ambient temperature conditions:

from -50˚С to +50˚С.

Hockey court fencing

Height 1500mm. Material - steel angle panels 35x35 mm filled with galvanized chain-link mesh with a cell of 45x45 mm.

The chain-link mesh is framed from a corner and has dimensions of 1500x2440 mm. Bar thickness 2mm.

Fencing sections are fastened together using a vertical post, which allows you to increase the rigidity of the structure and improve the appearance of the fence.

Hockey, figure skating, hiking with friends on a skating rink or a sprint race? If the goal is known, you can proceed to the selection of skates!

Purpose

pleasure skates- these are skates with straight blades, a minimum number of teeth (or without them at all) and a warm boot. On the leg they are fixed with laces or plastic fasteners. They differ mainly in appearance, but comfort should be the main guideline when choosing. Recreational skates are designed for newbies, so their design provides stability and tight ankle support.

Skates for figure skating have a number of features that distinguish them from other skates. To perform complex elements of figure skating, the skid and lower side surface the blades should be hard and the rest should be softer. Figure skate boot made leather and tightly fits the athlete's foot, and the blade is hardened, which helps to achieve better glide. The blades themselves are usually removable, which allow you to change only this part of the structure for a new one, since leather boot much less wear.

To provide the player with safety and explosive speed are the main tasks hockey skates so the producers Special attention give to the quality of the boot and the blades. How tougher boot, the higher the level of fixation of the ankle, which means that the risk of injury is less. Boots are made from nylon thermoforming method, which allows you to adjust it to the anatomical features of the leg. Ankle inserts plastic and anatomical ankle support designed for greater comfort for the player who is on the ice for a long time. Stainless steel grommets on the lacing sockets, which are called eyelets, are found on both expensive models and budget options. This small element is responsible for strong and reliable lacing.

Hockey skate blades are made from alloyed , stainless , carbonaceous or high carbon steel. Thanks to the addition of chromium, nickel and manganese alloy steel is resistant to corrosion and high strength. Stainless steel is not as hard, but also does not corrode. Carbon steel contains carbon, which is responsible for the hardness of the blade, while high carbon steel has a higher carbon content, which gives the steel the highest degree of hardness. The frequency of sharpening skates depends on the hardness of the material - the harder it is, the less often it is necessary to sharpen the blade. Hockey skates with a high blade rarely become dull and sharpen the angle of the push, allowing for more sharp turn and more effective push.

Designed for speed skating sprint skates. Their main task is to quickly gain and maintain speed, for this the boot in such skates is lower, and the blade is elongated. To protect your feet from hypothermia and moisture and keep high level comfort during the race, synthetic fabric is used as an interior finish, which has high thermal insulation and wear-resistant qualities, less often - natural fabric or genuine leather. Faux fur is more decorative in nature, acting as a trim for pleasure skates.