FAQs
Flare Blades WILL increase your performance
Are Flare Skate Blades approved for use in the NHL and international competition?
Yes.
Based on the NHL’s review of such product, the Flare Skate Blade is not only cleared for use by NHL players, but currently used by an increasing number of the leagues' athletes. The IIHF confirms that "there are at the moment no rules in place that would prevent players to use such blades".
Are Flare Skate Blades available for goalies?
Not yet.
Our patented technology works just as well on a goalie blades, and has been tested at the professional level. Flare Skate Blades for goalie application are currently in development and we will offer them on our website as well as in our retail locations as soon as they are available.
How long does it take to get used to Flare Skate Blades?
It depends on you, the skater.
For best results, we suggest giving yourself 3 hard skates, or the equivalent of 3 game-play ice times. Have a look at our Hollow Conversion Chart to determine the angle appropriate for you and the way you skate to ensure a smooth transition and you'll be well on your way to improved performance.
How do Flare Skate Blades wear?
Better than traditional steel runners, say our skaters.
We use only the best steel, Sandvik™, imported from Sweden, and hardness-test each and every one of our blades before they are packaged. Though wear will vary from player to player, the general consensus is that Flare Blades wear extraordinarily well.
How do I sharpen my Flare Skate Blades?
The exact same way you sharpen your traditional skate blades.
Flare Skate Blades can be sharpened using the same machine, equipment, and stone as with traditional runners; no special equipment is required. However, athletes are required to adjust their hollow, to adjust for the flare.
Click here to view our Hollow Conversion Chart.
As with traditional blades, we recommend your Flare Blades be sharpened by an experienced skate sharpening technician in order to maintain optimal performance.
Click here for more detailed info on sharpening your Flare Skate Blades.
Do Flare Skate Blades need to be sharpened more often than traditional blades?
No.
Just as our skaters say their Flares wear better than traditional steel runners, players who have switched over to Flare Skate Blades have reported their blades actually require less sharpening than their previous, traditional blades. As with traditional blades, the amount of sharpening will depend on the intensity and frequency of use, and will ultimately be a matter of personal preference.
We recommend checking your Flare Skate Blades for any nicks or stripped / rolled edges after each use to determine if sharpening is required.
Can I use a honing stone on Flare Skate Blades?
Yes.
Be sure to hold the honing stone parallel (flat) to the flared (angled) part of the blade only. Running it flush across the whole blade will dull your edges.
Do Flare Skate Blades fit all hockey skate blade holders?
Most.
Flare Skate Blades fit a number of skate blade holders from the most popular hockey skates on the market:
Bauer Tuuk LSE™
Bauer Tuuk LS2™
CCM SpeedBlade XS™ - COMING SOON
CCM SpeedBlade +4.0™
CCM E-Blade Pro™
Graf Cobra NT3000™
Graf Cobra UL5000™
QuikBlade™
View and shop all Flare Skate Blades here
What are Flare Skate Blades made of?
Sword-quality Swedish steel.
Flare Skate Blades are made from high-quality, precisely engineered Sandvik™ stainless steel, and crafted in Canada. We hardness-test each and every blade before it is packaged.
Are Flare Skate Blades wider than traditional skate blades?
Yes, but only where the blade meets the ice.
Flare Skate Blades are the same width as traditional skate blades where the steel inserts into the holder, down to the starting point of the flare. From the flare down, the blades are up to 50% wider than traditional blades. That sounds like a lot, but we’re talking about millimeters here. A traditional steel runner has a 3 mm base; Flare steel has a 4.5 mm base, giving you the power to perform exceptionally.
Are Flare Skate Blades heavier than traditional skate blades?
Barely.
The difference in weight is non-existent to negligible, depending on your steel size. Flare Skate Blades can be up to 18 grams / 0.63 ounces heavier than traditional skate blades, which is less than the weight of a toonie.
Do Flare Skate Blades require any special care?
No.
As with traditional blades, we recommend wiping your Flare Skate Blades clean after each use and checking them for nicks or stripped / rolled edges to determine if sharpening is required.
Ideally, they should be taken out of your bag to air dry with the skate covers removed.