WHAT IS PITCH?

ANGLE OF THE SKATE BLADE

Relating to blade profiling is the pitch of the blade. It is another crucial factor that influences how your skates feel and perform. Pitch determines the angle at which the blades lean toward the ice — forward, neutral, or backward. Adjusting the pitch affects your foot’s angle, which in turn impacts your posture and balance. These elements are crucial for effective skating, influencing your stride, knee positioning, and overall stance.


GENERAL GUIDELINES BASED ON VARIOUS BLADE PITCHES:

  • Forward Pitch (+)


    Your boot is angled slightly forward, promoting better acceleration and speed. This position can enhance powerful strides but may make quick stops more challenging.

  • Neutral Pitch (0)


    Your boot is positioned parallel to the ice, providing a balanced stance. This setup offers a good mix of speed, acceleration, and stopping ability, making it suitable for versatile skating.

  • Backward Pitch (-)


    Your boot is angled slightly backward, which can enhance stability. This position may help with balance but can limit acceleration and top speed.

1 3

Pitch chart

HIGHER NUMERICAL VALUE = STEEPER / LARGER ANGLE

  • Forward Pitch (1 to 10)

  • Neutral Pitch (0)

  • Backward Pitch (-1 to -10)

RECOMMENDATIONS

Correct pitch settings are essential as an improper pitch can not only hinder acceleration but also impact other skills like passing, shooting, and checking. Getting the pitch right is key to optimizing your skates for peak performance.



Beginner
Neutral Pitch (0) is usually recommended as it offers a balanced performance and helps develop fundamental skating skills.


Intermediate to Advanced
We recommend experimenting with different pitches to fine-tune your performance. Based on your preferences, we suggest these pitch ranges:

  • Mild pitch (1 & 2)
  • Aggressive pitch (3 & 4)

PROFILING — tied to pitch — is another factor affecting your skate's feel and performance.

QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP.