Spin Trainer

[kiwiskater]

One of the coaches Kiwiskater #2 & I work with on a semi-regular basis recommended getting a spin trainer... we're completely baffled - I sort of understand the purpose behind them - are they worth the investment?

We have no idea about types etc, no idea how to select one! talking to someone at the club session yesterday it sounds like there is quite a bit of variation in them... said coach mentioned there was another skater interested in purchasing & might be able to group our purchases to save on shipping but I would like to know if she is going to buy it for us we are getting something worthwhile....

[hopskipjump]

My dd has the square metal one - she used it to get used to the feeling of a much faster rotation and also to change positions.  It's now at the bottom of her zuca - after those things she hasn't had a use. 

[Clarice]

I have the plastic one, and never use it, either.  I never had a lot of success with it.  Actually, I practice spins better on a smooth tile floor in my socks!  In all cases, make sure you have enough room so you don't go crashing into stuff!

[FigureSpins]

I bumped an old thread about spin trainers, but I agree that socks on a smooth floor is just as good for a low-level skater.

I have a rectangular plastic spinner that's better for practicing turns than spins, IMO, but I have used it for jump walkthroughs.

I also have a square metal spinner that's good for spins, but you have to learn how to use it properly.  I studied a lot of videos and talked to off-ice coaches.  Before I loan it to students, I make sure they understand how to use it.

There are at least a dozen skaters at our rink with spin trainers in the bottom of their bag, gathering dust.

[FigureSpins]

Definitely try to buy one used.  They're overpriced and plenty of them go unused.

[kiwiskater]

I also have a square metal spinner that's good for spins, but you have to learn how to use it properly.  I studied a lot of videos and talked to off-ice coaches.  Before I loan it to students, I make sure they understand how to use it.

Thanks - that is quite good to know that its not just a case of jumping on & problem solved!

[JSM]

I used mine a LOT when learning twizzles, just to get used to rotating in the opposite direction.  It was great for that purpose, and I got to use limited ice time for efficiently.  However, once I passed my last moves test, it doesn't come out very often!