There are alot of terms and phrases that are unique to hockey equipment. We have attempted to compile a list of some of them here.
** If you do not see a term or phrase you would like included on this list, please email us at info@sk8.co.nz That way our list will continue to grow!!
ABEC- Stands for Annular Bearing Engineers' Committee.
This committee works to determine standards for bearings for the
Anti-Friction Bearing Manufacturers Association. The ABEC scale
classifies different accuracy & tolerance ranges into
classification of 1, 3, 5, 7 & 9. Classified by rotating
accuracy and other measurements.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)- Basically, it is
plastic. It strengthens the hockey blade and reinforces against
wear. ABS is mainly used for outdoor sticks.
Chassis / Frame- This refers to the skate frame where the
wheels reside. They come in various measurements and materials
(aluminum, carbon, magnesium).
Durometer- This term deals with the hardness of inline
skate wheels. Wheels mostly come with two numbers on them (i.e.-
72mm 80A). The first number refers to the size, while the second
refers to the hardness. Higher the number, the harder the wheel. If
skating outdoors or on rougher surfaces, a harder wheel is best. For
smoother or indoor surfaces, a softer wheel is best. Soft gives more
grip, while hardness gives more speed.
Hard/Soft/Hybrid Boot- The hard boot skate is a plastic
shell that wraps around a removable liner, such as the Salomon ST80.
A soft boot skate uses materials to make the boot supportive while
maintaining a softer exterior shell. All of which resting around a
fixed liner. They hybrid boot takes a little from both. It's all a
matter of personal preference and comfort level may vary from person
to person.
Hi-Lo- This refers to the wheel setup on skates. More
commonly used on hockey skates, but some fitness skates are set up
this way as well. Refers to having two different wheel sizes on your
skates. 72mm in the front and 80mm in the back for example. The
theory is that it enables better maneuvering on corners while still
giving the speed of the bigger wheels when going straight.
Heel-Curve- Refers to the curve in a hockey blade where
the curve starts early close to the heel of the blade (near the
shaft).
Micro (688) Bearing- Otherwise known as a 688 bearing.
Lighter than the standard bearing and said to have a faster race. If
using micro bearings, you must use micro hub wheels and vice versa.
May or may not come ABEC rated.
Mid-Curve- Refers to the curve on a hockey blade where the
main curve takes place in the middle of the blade.
Rockerable- Most commonly a fitness term that refers to
the adjustment of the wheels to lay at different depths on the
frame. Some skates are rockerable while others aren't. If offered on
a skate, it would most often be noted in the skate description.
Spacers- There are bearing spacers and frame spacers.
Frame spacers are used mostly on older models and some street
skates. They are sometimes plastic and fit between the frame and the
wheel. Bearing spacers fit between the bearings as they fit in your
wheels. Some skate will use a "floating bearing" spacer. Both are
pictured on the site.
Standard (608) Bearing- Otherwise known as a 608 bearing,
these are the most common bearing. Standard bearings require
standard hub wheels.
Toe-Curve- Refers to the curve of a hockey blade where the
curve starts more toward the end of the blade.
