Understanding Rockers: The Curve That Changes Everything

Ever swap out your figure skating blades and wonder, “Whoa, why does everything feel so different under my feet?” You’re not imagining things – one of the biggest factors influencing how a blade feels on the ice is its rocker. The rocker is essentially the curvature along the bottom of your blade that touches the ice. In simple terms, most figure skate blades have a subtle curve following part of a huge circle (commonly a 7-foot or 8-foot radius)skaterslanding.com. For example, if you drew a giant circle with an 8-foot radius and aligned your blade to that curve, the blade’s rocker would match that arcskaterslanding.com. This curvature determines how much of the blade contacts the ice at once and how you can shift your weight forward or backward. Because the rocker dictates which section of the blade is in contact as you move, it affects everything from your balance and edge control to how easily you can turn or spin. In fact, the positioning and length of that curved rocker section (especially the part under the ball of your foot) will determine how well you can find your center of balance for spins and how smoothly you glide on long edgesfigureskatingstore.com.

Note: Don’t confuse the rocker radius with the “radius of hollow” (ROH) – they’re completely different things. The rocker is the lengthwise curve of the blade (measured in feet), whereas the ROH refers to the depth of the groove between your blade’s edges (measured in inches, like 1/2″ or 7/16″)skaterslanding.com. The rocker impacts your front-to-back balance and agility, while the hollow affects how deep your edges bite into the ice.

What Is a Blade Rocker?

In a nutshell, the blade’s rocker is the curved profile along its bottom surface. If you look at a skate blade from the side, you’ll notice it isn’t flat – it’s subtly arched. That curvature is part of a large circle, traditionally either 7 feet or 8 feet in radius. A 7-foot rocker means the blade’s curve matches a segment of a 7ft circle, and an 8-foot rocker corresponds to part of an 8ft circleskaterslanding.com. The longer the radius, the flatter the curve will be. This curvature is crucial because it governs how the blade behaves on the ice. It controls how easily you can rock your weight from heels to toes, how large your “sweet spot” is for spinning, and how much of the blade is in contact with the ice at any given moment.

Illustration: Parts of a figure skate blade. The front section near the toe picks (more curved) is used for spins/jumps, while the middle section (flatter) is for gliding and stroking.

Because the rocker affects how the blade touches the ice, it influences a skater’s balance and maneuverability. A pronounced curve lets you tilt forward or backward more quickly (important for spins and quick turns), whereas a flatter curve gives you more blade on the ice for stability and glide. In practical terms, the rocker is why one blade can feel completely different from another even if they’re the same length and brand. It’s the reason you might step on a new blade and suddenly find your weight distribution or turning ease has changed. Mastering your blade’s rocker – knowing where that balance sweet spot is – can help you shift weight smoothly, control your edges, and execute turns or spins with confidencefigureskatingstore.com.

How does the rocker impact skating? Imagine standing on a very flat blade: you’d feel stable gliding straight because a long portion of the blade rests on the ice, but pivoting quickly or spinning might be difficult. Now imagine a very curved blade: only a small section touches the ice at once, so you could spin or turn on a dime, but balancing might require more precision. This trade-off between stability and agility is exactly what the rocker adjusts. In figure skating, the two most common rocker radii are 8′ (flatter) and 7′ (more curved), each offering a different blend of those qualities.

7-Foot vs. 8-Foot Rockers: Key Differences

Both 7-foot and 8-foot rockers are used in figure skating blades, but they give a noticeably different feel on the ice. Here’s a breakdown of how an 8′ rocker compares to a 7′ rocker:

8-Foot Rocker

• Flatter, more gradual curve (8′ radius) – a larger portion of the blade touches the ice at onceskaterslanding.com. This means more blade contact with the ice.

• More stability and glide – The increased contact area provides a stable, smooth ride. An 8′ rocker offers more friction and hence more control when gliding. Skaters often find it feels steadier during long pushes, and especially on jump take-offs and landings you get a “platform” of blade under you. This forgiving quality gives you more room and time to correct your balance on landingsskatesus.com.

• Great for jumps and speed – Because it’s flatter, you gain a bit of speed (less drag) and the blade is less likely to suddenly rock forward or backward on landingsskaterslanding.com. Many high-level freestyle blades use 8′ rockers to help absorb the impact of double, triple, even quadruple jumps. The flatter profile affords a larger sweet spot, which can make landing stability easierskatesus.com.

• Trade-off: Less nimble for quick turns – The downside of more blade on the ice is that it’s a bit harder to pivot quickly. An 8′ rocker has less “rocking chair” motion, so shifting your weight to the toe pick for a spin or snap turn requires a bit more effort and precisionskatesus.com. Skaters sometimes find that spins are harder to initiate on a very flat blade, since you must deliberately tip forward onto the spin rocker.

• Common usage – 8-foot rockers are common on advanced freestyle blades designed for jumping. Examples include the John Wilson Pattern 99, John Wilson Gold Seal, MK Phantom Revolution, and many Jackson Ultima freestyle models (e.g. the Ultima Legacy). These blades prioritize stability and tracking.

• Ideal for – Skaters focusing on jump technique, speed, and overall stability. If you’re working on big jumps or tend to struggle with feeling too “tippy” on your blades, an 8′ rocker can provide a confidence-inspiring base. Many coaches steer developing skaters toward 8′ rockers as they start attempting more difficult jumps, precisely for that added stability and landing toleranceskatesus.com.

7-Foot Rocker

• Deeper, tighter curve (7′ radius) – a more pronounced arc means a smaller section of blade contacts the ice at one timeskaterslanding.com. This equates to less blade contact overall.

• Greater maneuverability – With a shorter contact patch, you can pivot and change direction quickly. A 7′ rocker lets you rock from your heels to toes with minimal movement, which translates to quick turns, deep brackets and rockers (the footwork kind!), and fast transitions. Skaters often describe the feel as more “responsive” or nimble. For example, it’s easier to snap into a spin or twizzle because the blade can rotate under you with less resistanceskaterslanding.com.

• Deep edges and agility – The tighter curvature lets you roll onto extreme edge angles smoothly, aiding in deep outside and inside edges. This is one reason ice dancers (who do a lot of edge work and turns) use 7′ rocker blades. The blade can almost act like a pivot under the ball of the foot, enabling quick changes of edge and direction.

• Trade-off: Less forgiving balance – Because only a small portion of blade is on the ice, a 7′ rocker requires precise weight control. Lean a little too far forward or back, and you’ll quickly find the blade rocking onto the toe pick or tail. There’s less margin for error in fore-aft balance, which can be “less forgiving” if your technique is offadultsskatetoo.com. For example, on a very curved blade, a slight misplacement of your weight during landing can cause you to skid or tip. In other words, it magnifies balance mistakes.

• Common usage – 7-foot rockers are standard in ice dance and synchronized skating blades (such as the MK Dance and John Wilson Coronation Dance models) which demand quick, intricate footworkadultsskatetoo.com. They’re also found in some freestyle blades favored by skaters who want extra agility – for instance, the MK Gold Star and MK Phantom freestyle blades have 7′ rockers even though they’re made for jumps.

• Ideal for – Skaters who prioritize footwork, quick transitions, spins, and deep edge quality. If you’re an ice dancer or a skater practicing moves that require rapid changes of direction (like step sequences, rockers/counters, etc.), the 7′ rocker’s responsiveness is a big plus. It’s also often used by very advanced singles skaters who have excellent balance and want that extra agility. In general, a 7′ rocker can benefit those working on clean, tight turns and fast rotational elements – provided you have the control to handle it.

Bottom line: A 7-foot rocker = more nimble and responsive; an 8-foot rocker = more stable and forgiving. Neither is “better” across the board – it truly depends on your skating goals and personal comfort. Many skaters eventually develop a preference based on what feels right for their style. As with most equipment choices, personal preference and your coach’s guidance play a big rolefigureskatingstore.com in determining which rocker is right for you.

Rocker Profiles and Blade Technology

So far we’ve talked about the rocker mainly in terms of a single radius (7′ vs 8′). In reality, figure skating blades often have a blended profile – meaning the blade isn’t just one continuous curve, but may incorporate multiple curve radii at different sections. This overall shape is referred to as the blade’s profile. For example, some blade designs use a primary radius for most of the blade length and a secondary, smaller radius toward the toe. You may have heard of terms like a “dual rocker” or “triple rocker” blade: this indicates how many distinct curvature sections are engineered into the blade.

Multi-Radius Designs: Many high-end blades are intentionally made with two or three radii. For instance, the legendary John Wilson Pattern 99 blade is a three-radius designfigureskatingstore.com, whereas the John Wilson Gold Seal uses a two-radius designfigureskatingstore.com. In practice, this means the Pattern 99 has a more complex curve – it might have a slightly flatter middle section, plus a separate subtle curve toward the tail, and then a distinct highly curved section at the toe. The Gold Seal, by contrast, blends a main section with a pronounced toe curve. These radius variations are a big reason why blades like the Pattern 99 and Gold Seal (despite both having an 8′ main rocker) feel so different underfootfigureskatingstore.com. The multiple curves create different “sweet spots” and behavior when you shift your weight along the blade.

One critical part of the profile is the spin rocker. The spin rocker is the front section near the toe picks – usually the last few inches of the blade – where the curve becomes much tighter. This is the area you balance on for spins (hence the name). Blade manufacturers usually specify the spin rocker with a small radius in inches (e.g. 12″, 17″, 27″, etc.)skatesus.com. A smaller spin rocker radius means a sharper curve at the toe. For example, a 12″ spin rocker is very steep, letting you easily tip onto your toe pick and spin quickly. A larger spin rocker radius, like 27″, is relatively flatter in that toe area – making it more stable but requiring a bit more tilt to get into a spin. Most freestyle blades have a spin rocker somewhere around 12–17 inches, but there are notable differences:

• Pattern 99 & Coronation Ace: ~27″ spin rocker radius (quite flat). These blades have a very large, flat sweet spot for spinningskatesus.com. It’s easier to stay balanced in a spin (less risk of rocking too far forward or back), but you might need a bigger “nod” to initiate the spin because the blade doesn’t naturally rock onto the toe as quickly. The benefit is control – many skaters find these blades very stable for finding their center.

• Gold Seal, Gold Star, MK Professional: ~12″ spin rocker radius (very curved)skatesus.com. These have a smaller, more curved spin pocket. The sweet spot is a bit farther forward on the blade and more compact. This makes it easier to initiate spins – a slight forward pressure and you’re on the spin rocker – resulting in quick rotation. The trade-off is that it’s a smaller area to balance on, and placed closer to the toe pick (so if you’re off, you might tag your toe pick more easily). Skaters who are strong spinners often love this kind of setup because it lets them snap into spins fastskatesus.com.

• MK Phantom (Intermediate profile): ~17″ spin rocker radius. The Phantom (and similar blades) split the difference, providing a moderate spin rocker curvature – offering a blend of stability and agility in spinsskatesus.com.

The point where the main rocker transitions into the spin rocker is typically called the “sweet spot.” This sweet spot is usually positioned just slightly forward of the ball of your foot when the blade is mounted properlyskatesus.com. It’s essentially the pivot point where you’ll do three-turns, initiate spins, etc. Each blade model might place this sweet spot a bit differently (forward or back), which is why switching blade brands can affect how your spins feel. The placement of the spin rocker (sweet spot) is often more crucial than the exact curvature of itskatesus.com – if it’s in the right spot for your foot, you’ll be able to spin comfortably. If it’s too far forward or back for your body, you’ll struggle until you adjust.

To summarize the tech: a blade’s rocker profile can have multiple sections designed for different purposes – long glide zones, short spin zones, etc. When you see a blade advertised as having, say, a “dual profile” or “three-part profile,” it’s describing these multiple radius sections. Pattern 99 (with 3 radii) has a distinct flat portion plus a gentle curve and a spin curve, giving a very controlled ridefigureskatingstore.com. Gold Seal (with 2 radii) has a smoother blend of main rocker into spin rocker, making it a bit more agilefigureskatingstore.com. Neither is inherently better – they’re just engineered to emphasize different characteristics.

It’s interesting to note that most blade manufacturers use a few standard rocker profiles that have been proven over decades. The designs by John Wilson and MK (such as Pattern 99, Gold Seal, Phantom, Coronation Ace, etc.) have become benchmarks. Other companies often create equivalent models with the same rocker specs. For example, Paramount (a brand known for its lightweight blades) offers models that replicate the curvature profiles of those classic bladesfigureskatingstore.com. So you might get a carbon fiber blade, but its rocker feels just like a Pattern 99 or Gold Seal, depending on which model you choose. The rocker geometry itself isn’t proprietary – it can be measured and copied – which is why these classic profiles continue to dominatefigureskatingstore.com.

Finally, a quick note on other blade technologies: You’ll see terms like parabolic, side-honed, tapered, or lightweight choreo blades. These refer to blade shape (width/thickness) or materials, and they can influence things like drag and edge grip – but they do not change the rocker. For instance, a Gold Seal and a Gold Seal Parabolic have the same rocker profile; the difference is the Parabolic is thinner in the middle for supposedly better tracking. Similarly, Revolution blades (by John Wilson/MK) use a carbon fiber frame to lighten the blade, but again the rocker curve remains the same as the traditional modelfigureskatingstore.comfigureskatingstore.com. So, while these innovations can enhance performance in various ways (lighter weight, more consistent sharpening, etc.), the fundamental feel of how your blade balances and pivots – that’s still all about the rocker design.

Blade Comparison: Pattern 99 vs. Gold Seal

Pattern 99 (top) vs. Gold Seal (bottom) blade profiles – notice the differing rocker shapes and toe pick sizes. Both the John Wilson Pattern 99 and John Wilson Gold Seal are elite freestyle blades with an 8′ main rocker, yet they feel quite distinct due to differences in their secondary rocker profile and pick design. In the image above, the Pattern 99 blade (top) maintains its curvature over a longer portion of the blade (more of the blade is in contact with the ice at once), and it features larger bottom toe picks. The Gold Seal blade (bottom) has a shorter effective rocker span – the blade’s curvature tapers off closer to the toe – and it uses smaller toe picks. Below, we break down the specifics of each:

Pattern 99

• (Comparable to Ultima Elite)

• 8-foot rocker (primary radius). This blade is designed to use a long segment of that 8′ curve – roughly 27″ of the blade length follows the main rocker arcadultsskatetoo.com. In other words, a large portion of the blade can lie on the ice, giving exceptional stability.

• 27″ spin rocker radius (very large/flat spin section)skatesus.com. The front section of the Pattern 99 has a relatively subtle curvature for a spin rocker, which creates a big, flat sweet spot. This makes spins and landing pivots feel secure – you have a wide platform to stand on when centered over the blade. However, it also means you need to deliberately press forward to get onto that spin section (it won’t “rock” you into a spin without intent).

• Large bottom toe picks – The Pattern 99 has sizable straight-cut toe picks (especially the drag pick at the bottom is large and prominent)skatesus.com. These big picks provide excellent bite for jump take-offs – you can really dig into the ice for toe jumps like toe loops and flips. They also aid in toe-assisted spins (like a flying camel landing into spin) because they’ll grab without slipping. The flip side is they can feel “grabbier” if you accidentally brush your toe on the ice.

• Feels very stable and controlled – Thanks to the long rocker profile, many skaters find the Pattern 99 extremely stable on back crossovers, edge pulls, and especially on jump landings. There’s a reason this model (or its close equivalents) has been favored by generations of freestyle skaters working on doubles and triples – it’s often called a “jumper’s blade.” The combination of the big sweet spot and big toe pick gives confidence for jumping.

• Ideal for: Freestyle skaters focusing on double/triple jumps and fast, powerful skating. If you want a blade that helps with stability on landings and doesn’t react too twitchily to every weight shift, the Pattern 99 is a top choice. It’s forgiving when you’re a bit off-balance, and it holds a long edge nicely. Many describe it as having a smooth, steady feel underfoot.

Gold Seal

• (Comparable to Ultima Supreme)

• 8-foot rocker (primary radius). Like the Pattern 99, the Gold Seal’s overall rocker is based on an 8′ circle. However, the Gold Seal does not use as long a portion of that circle – its profile transitions to the toe pick curve sooner. In practical terms, less of the blade is flat on the ice at once (it’s designed with an aggressively tapered shape). Approximately the front 12″ of the blade is the main rockered section before the curve tightens significantlyadultsskatetoo.comskatesus.com. This yields quicker transitions because you’re pivoting over a shorter zone.

• 12″ spin rocker radius (very tight/curved spin section)skatesus.com. The Gold Seal’s spin rocker is dramatically curved. This small radius at the front means you can get to spinning position with only a slight forward motion – the blade almost wants to roll onto the toe. Spins initiate extremely easily and fast on Gold Seals; many skaters love how effortlessly they can find their center on this blade. The spin sweet spot is located further forward and is smaller, which rewards precision (it centers beautifully if you hit it right).

• Smaller bottom toe picks – Gold Seals come with a cross-cut toe pick design that is shorter in height than Pattern 99’s picksskatesus.com. The bottom (drag) pick is not as large. This means less drag in footwork and transitions – you’re less likely to snag the ice on quick moves. It also contributes to faster spin rotations since a big pick isn’t poking into the ice creating friction. On the flip side, the smaller picks require strong technique on toe jumps: you don’t get as much “help” from a giant pick digging in, so you must be precise in your toe placement and pressure.

• Feels lightning-quick and agile – Skaters often describe the Gold Seal blade as very responsive and even a bit “twitchy” until you get used to it. It excels at quick edge changes and the kind of intricate moves where you go up on your toes and down on your edge repeatedly. Because less blade is on the ice, you can turn and curve with minimal resistance. Many top-level skaters who value fast spins and agile footwork (including some world-class spinners) have gravitated to Gold Seals for that reason.

• Ideal for: Skaters who want to maximize their spinning ability, edge quality, and footwork speed. It’s a blade often recommended for those refining difficult spins (like flying spins, camels, donuts) and complex step sequences. If you’re an advanced skater who finds yourself fighting a flatter blade to get it to turn or spin quickly enough, the Gold Seal could be a game-changer. Do keep in mind it’s a bit less stable on deep landings – not that you can’t jump on it (many do), but it will force you to land with good precision over that sweet spot.

In summary, Pattern 99 vs. Gold Seal is a classic example of how two blades can share the same nominal rocker (8′) yet feel completely different. The Pattern 99 gives a smoother, more stable ride with a big margin for error on jumps, while the Gold Seal is sharper and more sensitive, ideal for those with excellent control who want that quick reaction. Neither is objectively better – it’s about what complements your skating. Some skaters even start on Pattern 99s to develop their jumps, then switch to Gold Seals as their technique solidifies and they want more agility for advanced moves.

How to Choose the Right Rocker for You

With all this information, you might be wondering: So which rocker profile should I be skating on? The answer depends on your skating level, discipline, and what feels best for you. Here are some guidelines and things to consider:

• If you’re working on big jumps: You might prefer the added stability of an 8-foot rocker. Skaters training doubles and triples often benefit from that flatter platform on take-offs and landings. In fact, when you start attempting triple/quad jumps, an 8′ rocker can become quite important – it gives you a larger landing zone and a split second more to glide out on one foot without tipping overskatesus.com. Many high-level freestyle blades (Pattern 99, Phantom, etc.) are 8′ for this reason. This doesn’t mean an 8′ rocker will magically fix your jumps, but it can complement solid technique by being more forgiving under pressure.

• If you’re focused on spins or quick footwork: A tighter rocker might help you maneuver more precisely. Skaters who live for spins, toe steps, and deep edge transitions often gravitate toward blades with a 7-foot rocker or a pronounced secondary rocker (like the Gold Seal’s). The quicker forward-back rocking motion lets you snap into spins faster and change edges on a dimeskatesus.com. For example, adult skaters who struggle to “get over the toe” for spinning on flatter blades sometimes find that a 7′ rocker blade or one with a curvier spin rocker suddenly makes spinning feel more natural. Just remember, it may feel less stable on straight glides, so there’s a trade-off.

• If you skate primarily ice dance or synchronized skating: You will likely be using a blade with a 7-foot rocker by design. Dance blades (and many synchro blades) are built with a 7′ rocker and often have a shorter tail, because these disciplines demand super nimble footwork and quick weight shifts. The 7′ rocker allows for those deep lean turns and close partner work. If you’re moving into dance from freestyle, be prepared for the blade to feel different – you’ll love the quickness on turns but might need to adjust your balance for skating backward on one foot, since the blade will feel “shorter” under you.

• If you’re a newer skater: Generally, a more forgiving blade is helpful. Many beginner and recreational blades come with an 8-foot rocker because it’s stable and easier to balance on. Starting out, you likely want a setup that helps you feel comfortable just moving around and learning basics. However – this is where coaching philosophy can differ – some coaches actually start their students on a 7′ rocker specifically to teach spins and edge control early. The idea is that the student learns to find their center on a more curved blade, then later might move to a flatter blade as jumps become biggerskatesus.com. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer; it depends on the skater. If you’re an adult beginner, you probably don’t need to overthink rocker too much – go with a quality beginner blade (which will likely be 8′) and focus on fundamentals. As you progress, you can reassess. In any case, consult with your coach or a knowledgeable skate technician if you have concerns. They can recommend what rocker suits your skill level and goals.

• Personal comfort matters: Some skaters simply feel “right” on one rocker versus the other. You might try a friend’s skates or demo blades and instantly notice a preference. Listen to that feedback from your body. If you’ve been skating a while and something always feels off (e.g., you constantly feel like you’re on your toes or conversely feel you can’t get up on your toes at all), it could be your rocker profile isn’t a good match. Experienced skaters often develop a strong intuition for this. Ultimately, the right rocker for you is the one that complements your skating style and gives you confidence. It’s perfectly okay to choose a blade because it “feels easier to skate in” – that feeling translates to better performance.

Finally, whenever you change blades or rocker profiles, give yourself time to adjust. Going from an 8′ to a 7′ (or vice versa) will make your skates feel different for a while. Do basic stroking, crossovers, spins, etc., to re-calibrate your balance. It’s amazing how our muscle memory adapts – after a few sessions, you’ll likely feel at home again on your new blades.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Blade Rockers

Q: Are figure skate blades only made with 7′ or 8′ rockers?
A: Yes – virtually all standard figure skating blades come in either a 7-foot or 8-foot rocker radius. Those are the two norms used in figure skating. A smaller radius (7′) makes the blade more curved for quick turning, while a larger radius (8′) is flatter for more speed and stabilityfigureskatingstore.com. You might see minor marketing variations (some intermediate blades might mention something like 7.5′ in rare cases), but in practice you will be choosing between a 7 and 8. Other ice sports use different rocker radii (for example, many hockey blades have a much larger radius like 9′ or 11′ for speed over the ice), but figure skaters stick to 7′ and 8′ as the tried-and-true options.

Q: Do only ice dancers use a 7-foot rocker?
A: Not at all. It’s true that 7′ rockers are universal in ice dance blades (and syncro blades) because of the agility they provide. However, plenty of singles skaters – including elite freestyle skaters – also choose 7′ rocker blades. For example, the MK Gold Star blade (a top freestyle blade used for double and triple jumps) has a 7′ rocker and is explicitly designed for freestyle jumpingskatesus.com. Similarly, the MK Phantom, a popular high-level freestyle blade, is a 7′ rocker. These are used by skaters landing triples in competition. The choice comes down to preference: some jump-oriented skaters prefer the feel of an 8′ rocker (many use Pattern 99 or Gold Seal, which are 8′), while others like the agility of a 7′ (using Gold Star or Phantom). Ice dancers must use 7′ rocker blades due to the nature of their sport, but 7′ is by no means limited to dance. It can work great for freestyle if the skater is comfortable with it. In short, 7-foot rocker ≠ “for dance only.” It’s an option for any discipline if it suits the skater.

Q: Does a bigger rocker (8′) make it easier to land jumps?
A: Generally, yes – that’s one of the reasons advanced freestyle blades tend to be 8′. A flatter rocker gives you more blade on the ice on landing, which can help you stabilize. An 8′ radius has a larger sweet spot and more glide, so when you land a jump slightly off-kilter, you have a bit more blade to save the landing and roll out clean. Skaters doing doubles and triples often appreciate this forgiveness. In fact, experts often recommend moving up to an 8′ rocker as you start doing triple jumps, precisely for that extra room to correct on the landingskatesus.com. However, it won’t automatically fix a bad landing – technique is still king. You still need to land over your blade with good alignment. What the rocker can do is give you a little more margin for error. Also note, the trade-off is that spins on an 8′ rocker may feel a bit harder to center (since it doesn’t rock onto the toe as easily). So while an 8′ rocker can aid jump consistency, you might need to put in a touch more effort on spins – it’s a balance.

Q: What exactly is the “spin rocker” on a blade?
A: The spin rocker is the front section of the blade (just behind the toe picks) with a distinct curvature where you spin. Think of your blade as having two main parts: the main rocker (the overall 7′ or 8′ curve that covers most of the blade) and the spin rocker (the much smaller radius curve right near the toe). The spin rocker is measured in inches – common values are 12″, 17″, 27″, etc., as we discussed aboveskatesus.com. When you hear coaches talk about “finding the sweet spot” for a spin, they mean getting onto that curved section of the blade just behind the toe pick. A blade with a sharper spin rocker (like 12″) will let you tip into a spin with very little effort – you’ll feel that you can almost stand near the toe and the blade will circle under you. A blade with a flatter spin rocker (like 27″) gives you a larger platform to balance on, which can feel more stable once you’re spinning, but you have to deliberately shift onto it. So, the spin rocker is basically the part of your blade designed for spinning (and also for things like rocker turns, three-turns, and loops). It’s separate from the main rocker radius, but the two blend together. When choosing blades, the spin rocker characteristics are what make one model “spin easier” or “spin differently” from another, even if both have the same main rocker. For example, Gold Seal vs Pattern 99 – both 8′ main rocker, but radically different spin rocker designs (which is why one might suit a spinner and the other a jumper). If you’re a skater who loves to spin, you’d pay attention to that spec in addition to the main rocker.

Q: Is the rocker the same thing as the radius of hollow (ROH)?
A: No – they’re completely different. The rocker is about the blade’s profile along its length (toe to heel curvature). The radius of hollow (ROH) refers to the depth of the groove ground between the two edges of your blade. ROH is measured in inches (like 1/2″, 5/8″, etc.) and it affects how sharp or deep your blade’s edges feel on the iceskaterslanding.com. A deeper hollow (lower fraction, e.g. 3/8″) gives you more bite (good for grip but can feel “sticky”), while a shallow hollow (e.g. 1″) gives more slide (less grip but faster glide). This is totally independent of the rocker. You could have a blade with a 7′ rocker and a 1/2″ hollow, and another blade with an 8′ rocker and the same 1/2″ hollow – they will feel different because of rocker, even though the edge sharpness is similar. Likewise, if you change your sharpening hollow, it won’t change your rocker curve. Both aspects (rocker and hollow) affect your skating, but in different ways. Think of it this way: rocker = front-back balance and turnability; hollow = side-to-side edge grip.

Q: Will sharpening my skates change the rocker?
A: A standard, routine sharpening done by a competent skate technician should maintain the designed rocker, not change it. Good sharpeners use templates and techniques to preserve the blade’s profile. However, improper sharpening or excessively grinding one part of the blade can alter the rocker over time. If a sharpener isn’t careful, they might flatten out the rocker (for instance, grinding too long in one spot can create a “flat” on the blade). Frequent sharpening without periodic profile checks can slowly shift the rocker shape as wellskaterslanding.com. Skaters who clock a lot of ice time sometimes get their blades re-profiled by experts to restore the rocker to factory spec if it’s been distorted by many sharpenings. As a general rule, be picky about who sharpens your skates – a knowledgeable sharpener will not only sharpen the edges but also ensure the rocker (and toe pick drag angle) stay correct. If you ever feel like your blades “don’t feel the same” after a sharpening (e.g. suddenly you’re pitching on your toes or heels), it could be that the rocker was unintentionally tweaked. There are services that can deliberately customize your rocker (common in hockey), but figure skaters rarely do this – it’s usually easier to just buy a blade with the rocker you prefer. In short: normal sharpening shouldn’t change your rocker significantly. If it does, something’s wrong. Take care of your blades and they’ll hold their profile for a long time; high-quality blades are engineered to withstand many sharpenings before any noticeable rocker change occursskaterslanding.com.

Q: If I switch from a 7′ rocker blade to an 8′ (or vice versa), will it feel weird?
A: Initially, yes – you will likely notice a difference right away. When you go from a 7′ to an 8′ rocker, the blade suddenly feels “flatter” under your foot. You may feel like you have to lean a little more to get onto the toe or heel. Spins might feel a tad sluggish until you adjust, because the blade isn’t rocking you into the spin as quickly. On the flip side, you might immediately enjoy the extra stability on stroking and landings. Going from 8′ to 7′ rocker tends to feel the opposite: suddenly you’re very aware of your toes and heels. The blade feels more curved (because it is!), so you might feel a bit wobbly on simple one-foot glides until you get used to it. The upside is turns and spins will feel incredibly quick – you’ll be like “whoa, I can spin forever on these!” but you’ll also catch an edge or pick more easily if you get lazy with balance. Give it a few practice sessions. Your body will adapt. A helpful exercise is to practice basic moves (edges, swizzles, one-foot glides, spins) slowly when you first switch – this re-trains your balance. Most skaters adjust within a week or two at most. Also, your boots might need minor blade position adjustments when changing rocker types (sometimes the sweet spot alignment can shift slightly relative to your boot sole). If something feels off even after a while, a skate technician can check the mounting and alignment. But overall, switching rockers is absolutely something you can adapt to – skaters do it all the time when moving up to new equipment.

More Gear Knowledge, Right This Way

By now, you can see how much the rocker (and blade design in general) affects your skating. If you’re hungry for more info, we’re continually building out a full Figure Skating Equipment Glossary on the Adults Skate Too (AST) website – it already has dozens of entries about blades, boots, profiles, and more, with new terms being added all the time. It’s a great resource for adult skaters to get clear, jargon-free definitions of all this tech stuff in one place. We also have plenty of skater-friendly guides on our site covering topics like choosing the right boots, blade maintenance, and equipment hacks to make your skating life easier. Our goal is to help you shop smarter and feel more confident about your gear, so you can focus on the joy of skating!

And remember, this is a community – you’re not alone in figuring this out. If you have a question or just want to hear what setups other skaters are using, feel free to reach out or join our discussions.

TL;DR – The Rocker Affects Everything

• Pick a blade that matches your skating style: The curvature (rocker) on your blade should support what you’re working on – be it jumps, spins, or dance moves. The right rocker choice can make your skating feel more natural and boost your confidence on the ice.

• Understand your rocker to adjust faster: Knowing whether your blade is more curved or flat helps you predict how it will behave. This knowledge will help you break in new blades faster and adapt when you switch equipment, since you’ll already have an idea of what’s “normal” to feel during the adjustment period.

• Avoid surprises when changing gear: If you ever swap to a different blade model, you’ll now know to expect differences (maybe your balance point shifts, or spins feel different). Anticipating these changes means you can practice a bit and avoid frustration, rather than being caught off guard.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about how a blade looks – it’s about how it feels under your feet and how well it supports your goals. The rocker is a huge part of that feeling. When you find the right match, your skating will feel more seamless and fun, which is what it’s all about! 💙

Have more questions or want to share your experience? Join the convo in our AST Facebook Group – our community of adult skaters is always here to help and geek out about this stuff together. Happy skating and may the curve be ever in your favor!figureskatingstore.com