Skate Sharpening Hollow Guide: Which ROH Is Right for You?

If you've ever asked "what hollow should I use?", you're not alone — it's the most common question after a first sharpening. The hollow (radius of hollow, or ROH) is the single most important sharpening variable, and getting it right makes a real difference in how your skates feel on the ice.

What Is a Hollow?

The hollow is the concave groove ground into the bottom of your blade between the two edges. When you look at the cross-section of a sharpened blade, you see a U-shaped channel. The "radius" refers to the curve of that channel: a smaller number (like 3/8") means a deeper, more aggressive hollow; a larger number (like 1") means a shallower, more glide-friendly hollow.

How Hollow Affects Performance

Deeper hollows (smaller numbers) give you more grip when pushing off and turning, but add more friction, slowing your glide. Shallower hollows (larger numbers) reduce friction for faster glide but require more effort to dig in on tight turns. The right balance depends on your body weight, skating style, and the ice conditions at your rink.

Hollow Guide by Player Type

• Youth players (under 100 lbs): 5/8" or 3/4" — lighter bodies need less edge depth
• Average recreational player (150–185 lbs): 1/2" — the universal starting point
• Heavier players (200+ lbs): 7/16" or 3/8" — body weight compresses edges more
• Speed-focused forwards: 5/8" or 3/4" — prioritize glide over bite
• Defensive/positional players: 1/2" — balance of control and speed
• Goalies: 5/8" to 1" — goalies rarely need aggressive edges and use butterfly slides

Common Hollow Sizes at a Glance

• 3/8" — Very deep, maximum grip. Rare outside heavy players or soft ice.
• 7/16" — Deep, good bite. Common for heavier recreational players.
• 1/2" — Standard. Balanced grip and glide for most adults.
• 9/16" — Slightly shallow. Popular with intermediate skaters who want a bit more speed.
• 5/8" — Shallow-medium. Good for lighter players and faster ice.
• 3/4" — Shallow. Prioritizes glide speed; common among advanced skaters on hard ice.
• 1" — Very shallow. Used by some figure skaters and players who prioritize top-end speed.

How Often Should You Sharpen?

Recreational players typically sharpen every 10–15 hours of ice time. Competitive players sharpen every 6–8 hours. Signs you need sharpening: your skates feel slippery on crossovers, you struggle to hold an edge on sharp turns, or you can feel a burr or nick when you run your fingernail along the edge.

Get Your Hollow Dialed In at The Ice Box

Visit us at 23770 S Western Ave, Harbor City. Our technicians use the Elite E-S4 sharpener and will help you dial in the exact hollow for your skates, weight, and rink. Walk-ins welcome.