Understanding Skate Hollows
A simple guide to choosing the right edge for your skating style
When you get your skates sharpened, one of the most important choices you make is the hollow — the groove cut into the bottom of your blade.
The hollow affects how your skates grip the ice, glide, and feel while turning, stopping, and accelerating.
This page explains everything you need to know so you can choose the right hollow with confidence.
What is a Hollow?
Every skate blade is sharpened into a slight U-shaped groove. This groove creates two edges — inside and outside — which allow you to cut into the ice.
A deeper hollow = sharper bite
A shallower hollow = smoother glide
Hollow Measurements
Measured in fractions of an inch.
3/8"
1/2"
3/4"
7/16"
5/8"
1"
The smaller the number, the deeper the cut.
How Hollows Affect Your Skating
Deeper Hollow
(e.g., 3/8", 7/16")
More bite into the ice
Better stopping power
Tighter, more responsive turns
Less glide
Can feel "too grabby"
Requires more effort to push
Best for:
-
Competitive players
-
Heavier skaters
-
Players who want maximum edge control
Mid-Range Hollow
(e.g., 1/2")
Balanced bite
Most versatile
Great for all-around skating
Best for:
-
Most hockey players
-
High school / adult league players
-
Anyone unsure what they need
Most popular hollow
Shallower Hollow
(e.g., 5/8" , 3/4" , 1")
More glide
Less leg fatigue
Smoother turns
Less aggressive bite
Requires good skating technique
Best for:
-
Beginners (stability)
-
Recreational skaters
-
Figure skaters
-
Goalies
-
Lighter players or kids
What is the Sparx FIRE Hollow?
FIRE hollows are a modern profiling option designed to give the glide of a shallower hollow with the bite of a deeper one.
FIRE Hollow Benefits
More glide
More speed
Excellent edge control
Great for modern-feeling blade
Compared to traditional hollows:
1/2" FIRE feels like 1/2" bite but with a 5/8" glide
"the best of both worlds"