Ice Skate Services
Hockey Skate Sharpening
Skate PROS use cutting-edge technology from Sparx, Wissota or Blackstone to deliver accurate and consistent sharpening. Plus, our PROS have adapters to sharpen traditional, flat-sided figure skates and risers to sharpen goalie skates. Skate sharpening equipment varies by store.
We recommend sharpening your skates every 4-6 hours of ice time to ensure edges are sharp, clean and without burrs or nicks. We can also will help you choose the radius of hollow and smoothness that might be best for your skill level and style of play. Skate often? See below for details on our Frequent Skate Sharpening Program.
Figure Skate Sharpening
Radius rings are available to produce a flat-bottom cut and achieve improved glide while still maintaining desired bite.
Heat Molding Service
You can also customize the fit of certain hockey skates with heat molding services, offered in select stores. Many skates contain a specialized thermoformable foam that softens when heated, creating a fit that’s specific to your foot. Our Skate PROS will bake your new skates in a specialized oven, then fit them to your feet, helping you save hours of break-in time. The skate will be just warm enough to soften the foam, while cool enough to slip onto your foot.
Sparx Skate Sharpening
This patented alignment system provides consistent sharpening for pro-level results at the following locations.
Hockey & Figure Skates
Hockey skates are designed for speed and protection. The boot features a lower front, high back and toe box. The blade is riveted into the sole of the boot and has a flat middle and curved ends. It’s more difficult to spin in hockey skates, but they are better for speed, turns and quick stops.
Figure skates are built for performance and support. Figure skating blades have a high boot and blades that are longer and heavier. They feature a toe pick at the blade tip, which helps with jumps. Figure skate blades are gently curved and mounted separately onto a skate boot.
Choosing Radius of Hollow
Our Skate PROS typically recommend a default radius of 1/2” for most youth athletes; 5/8” and up as athletes get more comfortable on the ice; and 1” for most figure skates.
A smaller radius equals more bite, which equals quicker acceleration.
A larger radius equals a flatter surface, which equals more speed and less bite for maneuverability.
Sharpening
Find the right sharpness for your needs. Tell a PRO your radius preference or adjust slightly between sharpenings until you find the right radius for you. There’s even a spot on your Frequent Skate Sharpening Program card to record your hollow and the name of your Skate PRO.
Save on Services When You Shop at DICK'S
Skate sharpening and fittings are FREE with purchase of ice skates in-store or online with proof of purchase. Buy four skate sharpenings and get the fifth free through our Frequent Skate Sharpening Program. Find the store nearest with the DICK'S Sporting Goods Store Locator.
Services vary by location. Contact your local store to determine which PROS services are available.
