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11
The Pro Shop / Re: Uneven sole issues?
« Last post by tstop4me on March 21, 2024, 05:28:54 PM »
I'm confused at what you're doing.  In the blade level checker I described (and similar one-piece blade level checkers), the "level" is with respect to a virtual horizon perpendicular to the sides of the blade, independent of how the blade is mounted to the boot.

You have a Matrix blade, correct?  If so, you won't be able to use standard two-piece blade level checkers (with a separate reference horizon): Paramount sells a special one.  As an alternative, you'll need to get hold of someone with a machinist's square and adept with it's use.  The HDI gauge won't work on Matrix either.
12
Tstop, I’ve heard good things about Derby.  I’ve already ordered more Jerry’s, but I have some Derby’s on hand too.  I just don’t want the rainbow colours of them for this pair and was glad to find I had one more set that I could colour match.   My rainbows can go on the old white skates more nicely when I’m ready to switch to quirky.  :)

OK  If you have the rainbow, then you likely have the wider "CORE" laces.  Probably OK on old Harlicks, because the eyelets have likely been enlarged through wear.  But maybe a bit snug on a new pair (but also a matter of personal preference; the field testers for Harlicks I worked with preferred the EDGE to the CORE).  Glad your new skates are working out, especially after such a long wait.
13
The Pro Shop / Uneven sole issues?
« Last post by Christy on March 21, 2024, 05:02:21 PM »
A few weeks ago I tried making the blade level checker based on the info from Tstop4me, and I think I got it right. It showed that one of my blades wasn't level - higher on the outside than the inside. I then asked someone at the rink if they could check the blade as they had a proper level checker. They said the blade was higher on the outside compared to the inside. We also noticed that the blade appeared to bend inwards, so was at a 75deg angle to the inside of the sole.
I didn't get the blades sharpened at that point, but I did move blade itself, sideways, towards the outside of the sole, and it then appeared to be at a 90deg angle, so straight. It was only moved a tiny amount, as I just undid screws and moved blade to other side of the slider holes.
I then checked the blade level again, and it showed the inside edge was higher than the outside. I got it rechecked at the rink, and same thing.
So blade close to inside, outside edge appears higher than inside edge
Then blade moved a small amount towards the outside of the sole, outside edge now lower than inside edge.

I'm confused. Does this mean the sole is uneven? or is something else going on?
14
That's great about the boots!

Perhaps any figure skate laces of the right size might work. Unless Harlicks require thin laces. (Hockey laces are too wide for my boots.)

Also, do any of the pro shops near you, or other shoe or boot stores, sell "lace pullers". Basically just a hook. (So other hook tools might do.) Makes it very easy to pull laces tight. I used them for a while, before I discovered that round nylon utility cord of the right width is very easy on the fingers, and lasts almost forever. Though I recently replaced mine, because when nylon cord stretches after a few years or so, it becomes stiffer and harder to handle. A bit of a nuisance, because I had to melt the ends so I could push them through the holes - this time I used an electric burner, because I couldn't be bothered to buy matches.

I just didn’t have time to put in new laces unless I wanted to miss the entire session.  Also, I wanted to dye them.  I just put them in and feel much better.  I like Jerry’s and have more on the way.
I do have a lace puller around somewhere, but I never used it and have no idea where I hid it. 

The town rink isn’t frozen enough yet today to try them again, but in the house right now they feel very nice.  Off ice I have no trouble bending my knees and ankles as much as I’m supposed to even for a proper sit spin, but we’ll see about on ice. 

I have not had any trouble with various laces in Harlick eyelets.

Tstop, I’ve heard good things about Derby.  I’ve already ordered more Jerry’s, but I have some Derby’s on hand too.  I just don’t want the rainbow colours of them for this pair and was glad to find I had one more set that I could colour match.   My rainbows can go on the old white skates more nicely when I’m ready to switch to quirky.  :)
15
Those narrow Harlick laces killed my fingers and were hard to pull tight and keep tight.  For the first fifteen minutes I had arch cramps until I was able to tighten the laces enough. 

Several years ago, I ran field trials for Derby Laces (I'm not affiliated with them, and I receive no compensation from them).  Several skaters wore Harlicks and were always griping about the Harlick laces:  cut their fingers and came untied easily.  Derby has laces in a variety of widths.  Their "EDGE" laces fit Harlick boots well, don't cut fingers, stay tied, and are durable:  https://derbylaces.com/product-category/derby-laces/waxed-edge-laces-4-5mm/.  The field testers were really happy with them.  The EDGE laces are wider than the Harlick laces, but not so wide that they are difficult to pass through the eyelets (Harlick eyelets have a smaller diameter than most other brands).
16
That's great about the boots!

Perhaps any figure skate laces of the right size might work. Unless Harlicks require thin laces. (Hockey laces are too wide for my boots.)

Also, do any of the pro shops near you, or other shoe or boot stores, sell "lace pullers". Basically just a hook. (So other hook tools might do.) Makes it very easy to pull laces tight. I used them for a while, before I discovered that round nylon utility cord of the right width is very easy on the fingers, and lasts almost forever. Though I recently replaced mine, because when nylon cord stretches after a few years or so, it becomes stiffer and harder to handle. A bit of a nuisance, because I had to melt the ends so I could push them through the holes - this time I used an electric burner, because I couldn't be bothered to buy matches.
17
The Pro Shop / SkateLoops: Your Perfect Practice Companion
« Last post by davincisop on March 20, 2024, 11:23:47 PM »
Hey everyone! It's been.... quite a while since I've been here.

I wanted to share a new app I created for skating. It's called SkateLoops and it allows you to upload, play, replay, and delay your program music. I've tested it hundreds of times now and have friends who have been helping me test and it's had a resounding positive review from everyone.

It's available currently for iOS with the goal of learning android and getting an android version up and running by end of summer. I started this in mid-December and went from no app coding knowledge to something workable.

If you are interested, you can download it here: www.skateloops.com

18
Okay... I'm swamped with travelling, paperwork and appointments, and more.  Now the report on getting my skates.  :)

I've been pretty comfortable in my (aggressively stretched) old pair, but these felt far more plush and good on my feet than I ever imagined.  These are more like sneakers.  They feel nothing like my old boots.  Heat moulding made this even better.  There were no pressure spots, not even on the ankle bones, and the top edges didn't cut in.

Those narrow Harlick laces killed my fingers and were hard to pull tight and keep tight.  For the first fifteen minutes I had arch cramps until I was able to tighten the laces enough. 
When I stepped on the ice I felt a little strange, and it was clear there was a slight adjustment in blade position compared to before to get used to.  I couldn't spin for a while.  (I was only on the ice half an hour, and I wish I had more time, because I was doing some sit and camel spins by the end.) 
They don't feel too stiff (the triple duo-bond) although I acknowledge they probably hinder bend and pointing toes.  I actually tried undoing a hook at some point in the session, as some people say to do when breaking in boots, but right away I went back to fully laced. 

Unfortunately I had computer and internet issues all evening, so photos must wait.   :-\
 
19
Today I had the kind of skate that made me question continuing, but when I arrived home a saw a notification and cheered up significantly:  Video of them complete! 

I love how they look, hope they feel good, and don’t break me trying to break them in.   ;D
20
For your sake, I hope the video was not a deep fake!  Hard to imagine Harlick is still in business; not sure how many skaters can tolerate nearly a 1-1/2 yr delivery time.  Here's hoping they fit out of the box.

Just imagine boots ordered for a growing child.  ::>)
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