Quick Guide
BLADE PROFILING
The curve of your blade from toe to heel controls your speed, agility, and stability. Here's how to read the numbers and choose your contour.
What Is Blade Profiling?
While sharpening controls your bite (how deep the edges dig in), profiling controls your blade shape — the curve from toe to heel that determines how much steel touches the ice. A smaller radius (like 7') gives you less contact area, meaning quicker turns and more agility. A larger radius(like 13') gives you more blade on the ice, meaning better speed, stability, and balance. Multi-radius profiles blend different curves to get the best of both worlds.
Key Terminology
Profile (Contour)
The shape of the blade as viewed from the side — the curve from toe to heel. It determines how much blade contacts the ice and where.
Radius (R)
The measurement (in feet) of the blade's curve. A smaller radius (7') = more curve = more agility. A larger radius (13') = flatter = more speed and stability.
Contact Area
How much blade is touching the ice at once. More contact = more speed and stability. Less contact = more agility and quicker turns.
Rocker
The curved portion of the blade that actually touches the ice. This is the working surface of your profile.
Flat Spot
A straight section added to a profile for increased speed and stability — like a mini speed skate section built into your blade.
Multi-Radius
A profile that blends two or more radii (dual, triple, quad) to combine the benefits of different curves in one blade.
ProSharp Profile Options
From a single radius to quad contours — each blade below shows how many radius segments are blended along the steel. The numbered zones indicate where each radius contacts the ice, from toe to heel.
PROSHARP
Profiling from Binnie's Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair
ONE RADIUS PROFILE:
- 9'
- 11'
- 26' GOALIE
TWO RADIUS PROFILE:
- COMBI 9-10 — 9' - 10'
- COMBI 10-13 — 10' - 13'
THREE RADIUS PROFILE:
- ZUPERIOR S — 6' - 12' - 20' | SIZE 7-8
- ZUPERIOR M — 6' - 13' - 20' | SIZE 9-10
- ZUPERIOR L — 6' - 14' - 20' | SIZE 11-12
- GOALIE SAM — 10' - 50MM - 27' | SIZE 7-12
QUAD RADIUS PROFILE:
- QUAD XS — 6' - 8' - 11' - 12' | SIZE 5-6
- QUAD ZERO — 6' - 9' - 11' - 13' | SIZE 7-8
- QUAD I — 6' - 9' - 12' - 15' | SIZE 9-10
- QUAD II — 7' - 10' - 13' - 16' | SIZE 11-12
Profile Comparison Chart
| Profile | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 7' Radius | Single | Forwards who prioritize agility and quick turns |
| 9' Radius | Single | Skilled all-around players, balanced game |
| 11' Radius | Single | Defensemen, stability and speed |
| 13' Radius | Single | Big skaters, max speed and stability |
| Dual (8'/12') | Dual | Agility in front, stability in back |
| Triple (Zuperior) | Triple | Pro-level: speed + agility + power |
| Quad (Quad 0-2) | Quad | Elite players, maximum customization |
Quick Tip
Most stock skates come with a 9' or 11' radius. If you want more speed and stability, go larger (11'-13'). If you want more agility, go smaller (7'-9'). For the best of both worlds, ask your sharpener about a dual or triple radius profile.