I find that when I tie my skates tight all the way to the 2nd hook, then tie it loose for the 3rd and 4th, I am able to bend my knees more easily, but it's much harder to stroke. If I tie it tight all the way to the 3rd hook, then tie it loose only for the 4th, it's harder to bend, but I am able to glide faster. However, I notice that my weight is more on the heel, and although basic stroking is more effortless (as far as getting speed is concerned), moves like progressives are more difficult to balance.
So what is the proper way to tie your skates?