Flat Bottom V Skate Sharpening
September 15, 2009 by Tyler
Filed under Hockey Equipment
I recently had my Easton Stealth S17 skates sharpened with a new technology from Blackstone Sports called the Flat Bottom V.
This new technology grabbed some spotlight with use by some NHL teams last season and now has 14 20 National Hockey League teams signed up to use the skate sharpening system for the 2009-2010 season. The guys at Blackstone really knew they had something when several NHL players proclaimed that they had to have it and wouldn’t go back to regular sharpening!
I’ve skated with the Flat Bottom V sharpening five times now and can certainly say that there is a noticeable difference between the FBV and the traditional skate sharpening.
The Technology
While the technology is based on physics principles of friction, the application to ice hockey compared to traditional skate sharpening can be most easily understood in the following images:
As we can see, the edges remain in tact producing a sharp bite for acceleration and agility but instead of the concave hollow, the middle of the blade is ground flat to increase glide.
I highly suggest that all serious hockey players take a shot at trying the Flat Bottom V. I’ve really enjoyed playing using this technology, noticing added ‘bite’ instantly during the first few strides. It took me a few minutes to get the feel for how the edges perform, but after the initial few shifts I had no complaints.
A quote from Cory Stillman describes the feeling best:
“For pushing and gliding and being on top of the ice, there’s a huge difference,” says Panthers’ veteran Cory Stillman who became a disciple in training camp after he tried it just once. “Because it’s not sinking into the ice, you don’t have to work as hard.”
One recommendation that I have is to make certain that you match up your current sharpening hollow with the associated FBV sharpening. This will reduce the adjustment period to the Flat Bottom V.
Here are the corresponding hollows for the Flat Bottom V according to Blackstone:
From our initial testing, we have determined that the 90/75 can be related to the edge of a 5/8 circular hollow and the 100/75 can be related to the edge of a 1/2 – 3/8 circular hollow.
Next time you hit your local Pro Shop to get a sharpening, try out the Flat Bottom V…I think you’ll be glad you did.
*P.S – I got my Flat Bottom V sharpening from a Sport Check store and there was no additional cost for the FBV versus a regular sharpening.
Stephen Carleton on Fri, 25th Sep 2009 2:32 pm
I went to get my skates sharpened and they suggested to try this new way of sharpening. I had it done and I told the guy I would be back the next day if I fell on my face. It took a little getting use to but I could not believe the difference. Faster, smoother, great edging and my legs were good to go for another 3 periods. I will never go back. Needless to say I didn’t go back to see the guy.
Lover of the Game!
Coach Carleton
Carlene on Sun, 6th Dec 2009 10:29 pm
I bought my 10 yr old son new skates this year and had them sharpened the traditional way as we had the previous two seasons. I went back to get the skates re-sharpened and noticed a sign about the flat bottom v. I inquired about it and thought I’d try getting the skates sharpened with fbv. I saw an immediate improvement in his skating. I will not get his skates sharpened any other way now, much to his coaches chagrin!
Hockey Mom.
Carlene
TragicMagic on Sat, 12th Dec 2009 12:01 pm
I’m 28 now, and have been playing hockey since I was 8. Though the last few years have been recreational hockey only. I have always been a weaker-than-average skater – and have always played defense.
Anyway, the FBV didn’t seem to make me faster in a straight forward line. However, my turning was much smoother and with a tighter radius, and allowed me to maintain speed more easily when changing direction. Where I noticed the biggest improvement was with my backward skating. Which is an essential part of being a defenseman.
For anyone that’s on the fence about getting their skates sharpened with the FBV, I’d suggest you hop down, and give it a try. If you don’t like it, go back to what you’re used to.
At my local Pro Shop, they charge $10 instead of $6 to get it done…
Sherry on Thu, 31st Dec 2009 6:01 pm
I would like to know which players are using the Flat Bottom V. It seems like all the hype is only by the makers of Blackstone and no players are actually using this new technology.
Roger on Tue, 6th Apr 2010 10:00 pm
By far the best thing to hit hockey since the composite stick. I tried it after much skepticism and I will never go back to traditional sharpening. I immediately noticed a huge difference. I went with the 90/75 and love it. No fatigue and all the turning radius control of a deep hollow. A must for any avid elite player.
james on Wed, 11th Aug 2010 9:01 pm
I have tried fbv cut. I am a player who likes a really deep hollow, ie, 1/4 to 5/16 traditional hollow. The first day or 2 is a bit slow but after then my edge will hold consistantly for another 9-12 skates with flat filing following each skate. I tried the fbv deepest cut. On the first and second day I like the feel and grab of the cut. However, by the third and fourth skate the hollow really loses it bite. The one positive is it does allow better glide and speed. Equivalent to maybe one flatter hollow adjustment in traditional cut. IMO, go fbv if you don’t mind more frequent sharpenings and gain better glide.(That’s why pros like it. They can get their edges done as frequently as they want… free). Traditioanl sharpening if you want longer lasting edges.