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3/29/08 Coolsports launches a new web site.

We want to keep our customers constantly updated, so we have redesigned our site with YOU in mind. Please read our: Note from the President.

Click Here
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3/29/08 We now Offer a Stick Care Package!

After the success of our Skate Package, we have introduced the CoolCare Stick Package.
Think of it as an extended warranty for your composite stick. For the details...

Click Here
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3/27/08 Time to Buy New Skates?

How do you know when it's time to to buy skates? Have you been properly sized. Let Coolsports help you. Read the article...

Click Here
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3/27/08 Will a Custom Radius Really Help your Skating?

The answer is...it probably will. To read our article on Custom Skate Radius...

Click Here

A Note on Buying New Skates

In the old days, hockey players simply did not have the technology that we have today. A skate was a skate, that's it. Now, hockey players can choose from many different brands, sizes, widths, and performance levels. Some hockey skates are heat-moldable, some are not. Some are made almost entirely from composite materials, while others have incorporated the latest blade and holder technology. Either way, hockey skates have come a long way from your grandfather's first pair of skates.

Hockey skates are perhaps the most important piece of equipment that a player uses, but they are sometimes the most neglected. It is important to remember that each major skate manufacturer makes different styles of skates. Different styles or performance levels of a skate does not fit every skater. You need to match your style with your skating ability.

Fit, Fit, Fit

In order for a hockey player to perform at his/her highest level, THE SKATE NEEDS TO FIT! If the skate is too big, the skater may develop blisters, poor stride technique, the inability to accelerate and turn, and overall misery. If the skate is too small, the skater will likely be in pain and will not be able to enjoy the greatest game on earth!

DID YOU KNOW?

Both of your feet are probably different sizes. One may be a tad longer or wider than the other one. Actually, some of you may have one foot a full size longer than the other one!

As a general rule, skate manufacturers build skates 1 ½ to 2 sizes bigger than shoes.

You may be thinking…

But, I don't want to buy a pair of skates and have my son or daughter to grow out of them in a couple of months.

Relax…It is okay to buy them a LITTLE BIT big. We suggest that growing feet should never be in skates that are more than one full size too big. Remember, since feet are sometimes different sizes, you may need to compromise a bit in order to find the proper fit.

CAUTION: YOU SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE YOUR FEET MESURED WITH A SKATE MESURING TOOL BEFORE BUYING NEW SKATES!

So, when do you need new skates anyway?

This answer can be fairly straight forward…when you out grow them or when they fall apart. Of course, it can be a little more difficult than that.

Consider these signs of aging skates:

Worn out, sole separating from the boot; Rivets and eyelets are falling out; Foot pain, knee pain, hip/groin pain; Recent sluggish or hindered skating ability; Smelly; New blisters/calluses on your feet; Loose blades/holders

If you experience any or all of these signs, it may be time to consider buying new skates.

PLEASE REMEMBER: You may not always need to buy new skates, they may be able to be repaired for a fraction of the cost.

For more information, please contact the expert staff at COOLSPORTS. We are here to help you and can answer all of your questions about your old or new skates.

Happy Skating!