Cushions – The Key To Performance

Snyder recognizes that no two skaters are exactly alike. Differences in height, weight, strength, reflexes and age all affect a skater’s performance capabilities. That’s why a skater’s overall skating requirements can be matched to the performance characteristics of the specific design of their Snyder Skates action using Snyder’s exclusive cushion systems. For the adult skate, we make cushions available in five degrees of hardness: extra flexable, flexable, medium, hard and extra hard. Of course, we have no way of knowing the size and weight of a skater, so we use the flexible cushions for smaller-size plates, and as the plate size increases, so does the hardness of the cushions. However, a small, light skater with large feet should be on a large skate with flexable cushions, while a large, heavy skater with small feet should be on a small skate with hard cushions. Snyder’s standard live rubber cushion systems have a very good “memory.” Is a term describing rubber’s tendency to return to its original shape. Live rubber also “Takes a set.” This phrase “Takes a set,” means that live rubber cushions can be compressed into a different shape (“the edge” of the skate) and then can be expected to keep that shape with little resistance. Standard live rubber cushions permit graceful and easy edge changes needed for Dance Skating. Snyder’s live rubber conical cushions offer less resistance than any other cushion to a small lightweight skater, and they also offer much needed control needed in Figure skating. The clear advantage in a live rubber cushions is its willingness to hold an edge. When using live rubber cushions in time, live rubber’s “memory” loses its strength and the live rubber cushions should be replaced every three to six months to insure your skates are kept “top-performance” condition. One of the latest performance enhancement options affecting all models of Snyder Skates blends design and materials to achieve a totally new cushions system, which is quick and responsive. The premier cushion system is made possible by using Snyder’s own high quality formulated urethanes. Urethane has a strong “memory” and by correctly selecting the cushion system that fits your needs, a skater can obtain near perfect edge quality and control. Though urethane has a strong “memory” it does not easily “take a set,” depending on the skater, urethane cushions may require more ankle and leg strength to hold an edge than cushions of the same size and shape made from Live Rubber. A urethane cushion system utilizing conical bottom cushions can make a remarkable difference in a skater’s abilities on loop circles. Also, standard cut urethane cushions completely change the response of a Snyder for a freestyle skater. The advantage of a urethane cushion is how quickly it can respond to a change of edge. By selecting the cushion system designed to the precise weight, height, and strength of a skater, you are enabled to “fine tune” a skater’s action to the requirements of the discipline being skated. No other skate offers this remarkable ability to “fine tune” a skater’s action to the needs of the skater.