What Radius of Hollow Should You Choose for Figure Skates?

There is no single best radius of hollow for every figure skater. Start by finding out what is already on your blades, then discuss any change with a figure-skate sharpener based on how your edges feel, your blade model and the ice you skate on. If your current sharpening feels predictable, you do not need to copy someone else's number.

What does radius of hollow actually mean?

Look at a figure-skate blade from the end rather than along its length. The two narrow sides of the skating surface are its inside and outside edges. Between them, sharpening creates a curved groove called the hollow. The radius of hollow (ROH) describes the radius of the circle used to shape that groove, usually given as a fraction of an inch.

Here is the counterintuitive bit: a smaller ROH number means a deeper groove, while a larger number means a shallower one. The U.S. Figure Skating SKATING magazine explanation describes how that changes the angle at which the edges meet the ice.

The rocker is different: it is the front-to-back curve of the blade, not the side-to-side groove. A sharpener needs to preserve that profile as well as produce even edges.

What is the difference between a deep and shallow hollow?

A deeper hollow generally offers more bite: the edges can grip more firmly when you lean into a curve. The trade-off is that the blade may resist sliding or releasing from the ice. A shallower hollow generally offers easier glide, but you may need more precise edge control to feel secure. Both Jackson Ultima and Riedell describe this trade-off.

These are examples of measurements you might hear at a sharpening counter, not a ranking or a prescription:

The same number can feel different on different blades. Blade thickness affects the effective edge angle, as the SKATING magazine article explains.

What hollow should a beginner ask for?

If you are new to figure skating, ask what hollow is already on your blades before requesting a new one. A figure-skate specialist can check the current grind, blade model and whether the edges are even. Tell them which basic movements feel secure and which feel difficult.

Jackson Ultima's equipment guidance describes 1/2-inch to 5/8-inch hollows as common among freestyle skaters, with some choosing a deeper 7/16-inch hollow for more grip. Those are examples of preferences, not a beginner standard. Riedell also stresses that skater size, skating style and ice conditions affect the choice.

Rather than asking for the deepest cut, aim for a setup that lets you practise familiar glides, curves and stops with control. If you cannot yet tell what feels different, explain your level and ask the specialist for a starting point for your blades.

Does the right hollow change for dance, jumps or different blades?

It can. Jackson Ultima notes that some ice dancers choose deeper hollows, particularly with thinner blades, and that its tapered blade designs can produce a familiar feel at a shallower ROH than a parallel-sided blade.

That does not mean all dancers need one number or all freestyle skaters another. The U.S. Figure Skating technical discussion includes blade thickness, strength, level and personal preference among the factors.

If you change blade models, tell the sharpener what you used before and what you liked about it. Ask them to compare the new blade's construction rather than transferring the old number without checking.

How do ice conditions and body size affect the choice?

There is no reliable one-line formula for matching a hollow to your weight or rink temperature. Riedell explains that harder and softer ice can change how much a blade bites, while the SKATING magazine article also lists body weight, blade thickness, skill level and rink conditions.

Use those factors as questions for a technician, not a chart that guarantees a result:

• Different rink: Does the blade feel secure on your usual ice but grabby or slippery elsewhere?
• Different blade: Have you moved to a thinner, thicker or tapered design?
• Different skating: Have your training demands changed?
• Different sharpening: Did the feeling change immediately after a visit?

Keep track of which variable changed. That makes the next sharpening conversation more useful.

Why do my skates feel too grippy after sharpening?

Fresh edges can feel more pronounced if you had become used to skating on dull ones. That does not automatically mean the sharpener used the wrong hollow. The SKATING magazine article cautions that a long gap between sharpenings can make a normal fresh grind feel unusually deep.

Ask whether the shop kept your previous ROH. Assess the feel through safe, familiar skating rather than attempting difficult elements to test it. If stops catch abruptly, one foot behaves differently or you feel unsafe, have a figure-skate specialist inspect the edges and profile.

Do not scrape the blades against flooring or boards to dull them. That risks uneven or damaged edges and does not correct the grind in a controlled way.

What if the blades feel too slippery?

A hollow that is too shallow for your setup is one possibility, but worn or damaged edges, poor sharpening, unusual ice or technique can also affect grip. Compare how both feet behave and whether the problem appeared gradually or straight after sharpening.

Our guide to signs that figure skates need sharpening covers normal edge wear and reasons to seek an inspection. If the slip is sudden or unpredictable, have the blades checked rather than trying harder movements.

What should you say to a figure-skate sharpener?

You do not need to arrive with a perfect number. Bring useful observations:

1. Blade model: mention whether it is new or recently changed.
2. Current hollow: ask the shop to measure it if you do not know.
3. Usual skating: explain your level, elements and rink conditions.
4. What you feel: describe slipping, catching or unevenness between feet.
5. What worked: say if the previous setup felt good.

Ask the technician to check that both edges are level and the rocker is preserved. Record the chosen ROH and date. For wider maintenance advice, see the blade sharpening and care hub and blade sharpening tracker overview.

How should you compare two hollow settings?

If a specialist recommends a different ROH, change one thing at a time where possible. Keep your blade model and usual rink consistent, then note how familiar movements feel. This is a practical comparison method, not a scientific test.

Record:

• the old and new ROH, as measured or reported;
• the date, rink and approximate skating time;
• how basic glides, curves and stops feel;
• whether both skates behave similarly; and
• whether the difference persists after adjusting to fresh edges.

Keep those notes alongside a figure-skating practice log so you do not confuse blade changes with training changes. If the new setting feels worse, take the notes back to the specialist. Avoid repeated changes based on one unusual session.

Common mistakes when choosing a hollow

Copying a friend's number. Their body size, blade construction and ice may differ from yours.

Confusing a dull edge with a shallow hollow. A worn blade may slip even if its original ROH was suitable.

Changing the hollow to solve every skating problem. Fit, alignment, ice conditions and technique deserve attention too.

Choosing the deepest cut alone. More bite is not always better. The useful setting balances grip and glide.

Key takeaways

• A smaller ROH number means a deeper hollow and generally more bite; a larger number generally favours glide.
• There is no universal best hollow for beginners, jump skaters or dancers.
• Ask a figure-skate specialist to check your existing hollow, blade model and edge condition before changing it.
• Record your setting and how familiar movements feel, especially after changing blades or sharpening.