Many Thermablade users have asked us how to fully experience the benefits of warm steel so we wanted to share some insights on how to fully understand the performance benefits. But first a little background:

 

· Thermablades are NOT rocket packs and they will not necessarily improve your top end speed, your natural ability and fitness level are the reasons for your individual skating performance

· On freshly Zamboni’d ice where the top layer of ice is smooth, the benefits of warm steel is less dramatic. This is due to the physical properties of smooth ice having consistent molecular properties that any quality well sharpened blade will perform well on. Our tests show that warm steel will improve glide, but it is less noticeable.

· Though there are many stated benefits from elite skaters, the most consistent is decreased fatigue in choppy ice conditions. With this kind of ice, the blade has to work harder to steer through the ruts and slush (friction and vibration) causing you to expend more energy to maintain the same pace as fresh ice.

· All of this can be a little subtle to feel. Simon Gagne had his “aha” moment when after skating on Thermablade he went back to his old blades: “The biggest difference I noticed is when you go back to your old blades, that’s a lot tougher and I had I more fatigue at the end.”

TIP: Thermablade technology helps counter bad ice conditions by reducing friction and vibration. This allows you to feel fresher and reduce wear and tear on your body.  In addition to the "Jump Start Your Game" drill guide, do these simple tests the next few times you’re on the ice and you should feel the benefits more profoundly:

  · In the last 15 minutes of a practice, turn off the blades and see if you feel a difference

· In the last 15 minutes of a practice and with the blade ON, pace yourself against the better skaters. Are they slowing down a bit compared to you?

· How do you feel after a tough practice, a little fresher than before Thermablade? What about the next day?

· If you have a second pair of skates, try going  back to traditional blades after at least 10 hours on Thermablade. Do they feel sticky and less stable?