Skate Hollow Guide for Home Users: Everything You Need to Know About Choosing the Right Hollow
If you sharpen skates at home (or take your skates to a pro shop), one of the most important things to understand is your hollow. It has a major impact on how skates feel on the ice—sometimes even more than how sharp they are.
Many players blame their skates, steel, or sharpening quality when the real issue is simply the wrong hollow.
This guide answers the most common questions hockey parents, home sharpeners, and recreational players ask about skate hollows.
Please note this is just a general guideline.
What Is a Skate Hollow?
A skate hollow—also called Radius of Hollow (RoH)—is the groove ground into the bottom of the blade between the two outside edges.
That groove creates two sharp edges that contact the ice. The size of the hollow changes how much grip and glide you get while skating.
Think of it this way:
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Deeper hollow = more edge bite and grip
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Shallower hollow = more glide and speed
What Hollow Should I Start With?
This is the most common question from home users.
A good starting point for many players:
Popular Starting Hollows
| Hollow | Feel |
|---|---|
| 3/8" | Strong bite / aggressive grip |
| 1/2" | Balanced / common starting point |
| 5/8" | More glide / smoother feel |
| 3/4" | Maximum glide / less bite |
If you're unsure:
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Younger players / beginners: often start around 1/2" or 3/8"
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Adult rec players: often start around 1/2" or 5/8"
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Stronger skaters: often prefer 5/8" or shallower
The best starting point is simply where testing begins.
What’s the Difference Between 3/8", 1/2", and 5/8"?
The lower the number, the deeper the hollow.
3/8"
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More grip in turns
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Strong stopping power
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Quick edge response
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Can feel grabby if too deep
1/2"
-
Balanced bite and glide
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Traditional all-around option
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Popular for many hockey players
5/8"
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Better glide
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Less drag
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Smoother stride
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Popular with stronger skaters
How Do I Know If My Hollow Is Wrong?
Signs You Need More Bite (Deeper Hollow)
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Slipping in turns
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Losing grip during stops
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Unstable crossovers
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Lack of confidence leaning on edges
Signs You Need More Glide (Shallower Hollow)
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Skates feel grabby
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Legs tire quickly
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Hard to maintain speed
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Feels like too much drag
The correct hollow should feel natural, controlled, and predictable.
Does Player Weight Matter?
Yes. Weight often affects hollow preference.
Lighter Players
May prefer slightly deeper hollows because they put less force into the ice.
Heavier Players
Often prefer shallower hollows because their body weight naturally creates grip.
This is why one player may love 3/8" while another prefers 5/8".
Does Skill Level Matter?
Absolutely.
Beginners
Often need confidence and control. Many start with more bite.
Intermediate Players
Usually begin experimenting between bite and glide.
Advanced Players
Often move shallower for efficiency, speed, and smoother movement.
What Hollow Do NHL or Elite Players Use?
There is no single pro hollow.
Many elite players use:
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1/2"
-
5/8"
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3/4"
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Custom options depending on style, weight, and preference
The takeaway: even top players customize based on feel.
Should Goalies Use Different Hollows?
Yes. Goalies commonly use shallower hollows for slide and movement.
Many goalie hollows range from:
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1/2"
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5/8"
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3/4"
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1" or more depending on preference
How Often Should I Change Hollow?
You don’t need to change often—but you should test when:
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You changed skates or steel
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You gained size or strength
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Your skating style improved
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Ice conditions changed
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Your current hollow feels wrong
Even moving one step (1/2" to 5/8") can be noticeable.
Can Sharp Skates Still Feel Wrong?
Yes.
Sharpness and hollow are different things.
A perfectly sharpened skate with the wrong hollow can still feel terrible.
That’s why home sharpeners who learn hollow selection gain a huge advantage.
Best Advice for Home Sharpeners
Start with a common hollow, skate on it, then adjust one step at a time.
Keep notes:
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Hollow used
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How turns felt
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Glide quality
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Stops
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Fatigue level
Within a few sharpenings, most players find their sweet spot.
Final Thoughts
The best hollow is not what your teammate uses. It’s not what a pro uses. It’s not what everyone online says.
The best hollow is the one that gives you confidence, control, and performance on the ice.
For home users, learning hollows is one of the fastest ways to sharpen smarter and skate better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1/2" the best hollow?
Not always. It’s a common starting point, but not best for everyone.
Is deeper always sharper?
No. Deeper means more bite—not necessarily better.
Should kids use 3/8"?
Sometimes, but it depends on weight and skill.
Can I use the same hollow forever?
You can—but many skaters benefit from adjustments over time.
What if I don’t know where to start?
Try a balanced option like 1/2", then adjust based on feel.
