By John Rizzi
|
Bang! The gun has sounded and they're off. The race for the prototype after-market, in-line hockey frame is under way. Much like the Beta vs. VHS war of the early 1980's, the world of hockey frames has seen the number of manufacturers double in the last year. Many different designs, materials and processes are now being utilized in an attempt to find the perfect balance of strength, lightness and performance in an inline hockey frame.
The frame, or chassis of a skate, is the structure which holds the wheels in line. Each frame is secured to the heal of the boot, usually by copper rivets. Some frames use heel plates or slides to create the desired slant and profile (the distance between the boot sole and the surface). These accessories are usually included with the purchase of a frame, and many frame manufacturers also include bolt and axel assemblies with their product.
Previously, most skates were sold with plastic or nylon frames. As the technology advanced, however, new materials were introduced to the market and higher standards were set. Companies realized that the attributes of these new materials had advantages in stiffness and strength that could not be ignored. Hence, the after-market hockey frame.
Aluminum, the most common after-market frame material, comes in different degrees of quality. Most companies use aircraft-grade aluminum of either the 7000 series (the higher grade), the 6000 series or T6 aluminum, which has been through a rolling process that strengthens the metal. Companies are also currently exploring a titanium material which, though more expensive than aluminum, is so strong that the higher price may be worth the performance.
In addition to the different materials used, there are also many different methods of manipulating metals into shape.
The extrusion process shapes the metal by forcing a raw block of material through a small hole, so that it comes out the other side in the shape of the hole. CNC milling is another process which shapes the metal, with a sideways-mounted drill used to bore out the block of material, leaving behind the desired pieces for the later-assembled frames.
The dye-cast process is yet another way of shaping metal. This technique allows you to mold the pieces of the frame separately.
And finally, one of the earliest methods for making hockey frames uses a press to stamp the metal into shape. Even now, with all these newer techniques in full use, stamping may still be the most effective method. Or maybe not.
Right now, no one seems to know what the best process really is. So it is up to you, the consumer. You are the one who will settle the war of the frames, deciding for yourself whether you prefer spending the extra money for high-end, top-quality materials and designs, or whether you prefer less expensive models, even if it means settling for lower performance.
What follows are the frames now available or soon to be available on the market at presstime:
A.K.S.
In 1993 and 1994, the RHI world champs, the Anaheim Bullfrogs and Buffalo Stampede, respectively,
used A.K.S. frames on their skates.
Model: Power Edge (5 five-wheel frame).
Material: Aircraft aluminum
Sizes: Medium and large
Features: Supports maximum 64-millimeter wheels and is available multicolored or in silver.
Suggested Retail Price: $175
Model: Power Edge
Material: Aircraft aluminum
Sizes: Small, medium and large
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels, has rockerability, and is available
in silver, red, blue, black or gold.
SRP: $155
Model: A.K.S. Pro
Material: T61 aluminum
Sizes: Small, medium and large
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels, has rockerability, and is available in silver, red or black.
SRP: $95
CANSTAR
Developed with help from R.H.I. players,
these chassis come stock on Bauer skates.
Model: TUUK 7000
Material: Extruded 7000-series aluminum
Sizes: Boot sizes 6-12
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels, has rockerability and is available in silver or black.
SRP: $250
Model: TUUK 6000
Material: Extruded 6000-series aluminum
Sizes: Boot sizes 6-12
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels, has rockerability and comes in silver.
SRP: $180
CCM
The CCM and Sure-Grip designers and
engineers combined to design the H-300.
Model: Sure-Grip H400 prolite CCM
Material: Extruded 7000-series aluminum
Sizes: Small, medium and large
Features: Supports maximum 76.5mm wheel, has rockerability and is available in white, purple, polish, red, or black.
SRP: $195
Model: Sure-Grip H300 prolite CCM
Material: Extruded 7000-series aluminum
Sizes: Small, medium and large
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels, has "permanent front wheel rocker"
and comes in a polished finish.
SRP: $125
Model: Revolver Chassis
Material: Zytel nylon and fiberglass
Sizes: Small, medium and large
Features: Supports maximum 80mm wheels and comes in black.
SRP: $105
CHARGER
The first manufacturer of computer-milled
extruded aluminum hockey frames.
Model: Charger Pro Hockey
Material: Extruded 6061 T6 tempered aluminum
Sizes: Small, medium and large
Features: Supports maximum 77mm wheels and has a clear polished finish.
SRP: $200
CHUCK LANE CONSULTING
The unique suspension system allows wheels
to maintain constant contact with the surface.
Model: BMR Convertible
Material: CNC-milled 6000-series aluminum
Sizes: Boot sizes 7-12
Features: Supports maximum 82mm wheels, has a floating rocker system and is available in red or blue.
SRP: $278
EXCELSIOR
The new wave Hockey 4 extreme frame
has no plastic parts (but does have) quick-change axles.
Model: Excelsior Cross Truss
Material: Extruded 7000-series aluminum
Sizes: 12.8" and 13.4"
Features: Supports maximum 82mm wheels and is available in black or chrome.
SRP: $109
Model: Prixie (three-wheel chassis)
Material: Extruded 7000-series aluminum
Sizes: 9.2"
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels and is available in black or chrome.
SRP: $89
GOLDEN BEAR
All frames available in marble-anodized
black, blue, purple, gold, polish & chrome.
Model: Fastraxx 5-Wheel
Material: T6 Aircraft aluminum
Sizes: Medium and large
Features: Supports maximum 59mm wheels and has rockerability.
SRP: $150
Model: Fastraxx Senior
Material: T6 Aircraft aluminum
Sizes: Medium and large
Features: Supports maximum 80mm wheels and has rockerability.
SRP: $135
Model: Fastraxx Jr.
Material: T6 Aircraft aluminum
Sizes: Medium and large
Features: Supports maximum 80mm wheels.
SRP: $120
K2
The frame comes with Hyper 72mm
Power Edge Wheels and Twin Cam bearings.
Model: Rocket Frame
Material: Extruded aluminum
Sizes: Small, medium and large
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels and comes in a polish finish.
SRP: $239.95
Konki
Features T.I.G.-welded technology for
low-weight and high-strength frames.
Models: KSL-515/KSL-525
Material: Aircraft aluminum
Sizes: Jr. 3-wheel, short, medium and long.
Features: Supports maximum 76.5mm wheels, front wheel permanently rockered, available in 2-tone black/polish, black,
red, blue and purple.
SRP: $130-$205
Model: KSL-545 (4- or 5-wheel chassis)
Material: Aircraft aluminum
Sizes: Short, medium and long
Features: Supports maximum 59mm or 76.5mm wheels, and has same color options as KSL-515.
SRP: $180-$205
KUZAK
The Kuzak pro has front and back triangular
spacer systems for rockering.
Model: Kuzak Pro
Material: Double-voided 7000-series aluminum
Sizes: 3-wheel jr., short, medium and long.
Features: Supports maximum 76.5mm wheels, has rockerability and comes in black or polish.
Suggested retail: $239
Model: Kuzak Team
Material: Double-voided 7000-series aluminum
Sizes: 3-wheel jr., short, medium and long
Features: Supports maximum 76.5mm wheels, has a flush mount axle system and comes in polish.
Suggested retail: $189
Model: Kuzak Street
Material: Single-voided 7000-series aluminum
Sizes: 3-wheel jr., short-medium and medium-long
Features: Supports maximum 76.5mm wheels and comes in silver.
SRP: $119
LABEDA
The frames were designed by engineers and pro-
hockey players for faster turns and hockey stops.
Model: Predator (5-wheel chassis)
Material: Extruded 7000-series aluminum
Sizes: Medium and long.
Features: Supports maximum 59mm wheels and is available in 4-color graphics.
SRP: $250
Model: Pro Extreme Edge
Material: Extruded 7000-series aluminum
Sizes: 9.3", 9.9"or 10.75"
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels, hasrockerability and is available in polish, red or midnight blue.
SRP: $225
Model: Warlock Alloy
Material: 356-T6 heat-treated aluminum
Sizes: 9.3", 9.9"or 10.75"
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels and is available in a polish finish.
SRP: $99.95
MOTIV
The unique interchangeable chassis design
makes it adaptable and easy to rotate wheels.
Model: Line Change
Material: 6061 T6 aluminum
Sizes: Boot sizes 5-12.
Features: Supports maximum 80mm wheels and is available in green, black, purple, gold, red and polish.
SRP: $150
RIKE
Parts are CNC-milled, finished and anodized
in the same mill to ensure perfection of product.
Model: "Intimidator" (5-wheel chassis)
Material: Extruded and CNC-milled aluminum
Sizes: Small, medium and long.
Features: Supports maximum 64mm wheels, is rockerable and available in a polish finish.
SRP: $239
Model: KM1000P
Material: CNC-milled aircraft aluminum
Sizes: Youth, small, medium, long and custom
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels, is rockerable and available in polish, clear, black, red and blue.
SRP: $199
Model: Titanium 6AL-4V (side-plates (kit)
Material: CNC-milled titanium
Sizes: Medium, long and custom
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels, is rockerable and available in a polish finish.
SRP: $240-$300
SURE-GRIP
Uses custom engineered aluminum alloys
and is introducing a 5-wheel chassis soon.
Model: H-405
Material: Extruded 7000-series aluminum
Sizes: Small, medium and large.
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels, is rockerable and available in polish, black, white, green, purple, red and tourquois.
SRP: $225
Model: H-305
Material: Extruded 7000-series aluminum
Sizes: Small, medium and large
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels and is available in a polish finish.
SRP: $130
Model: H-100 (goalie, 3-or 4 wheel)
Material: Extruded 7000-series aluminum
Sizes: Small, medium, and large
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels and is available in white.
SRP: $66.50
STORM PRODUCTS
Single-sided, super-rigid construction with
quick, no-tool wheel-change design.
Model: TI-TECH T4
Material: Machined 7000-series T6 aluminum
Sizes: Boot sizes 6-13.
Features: Supports maximum 76.5mm wheels and is available in black, purple, red and blue.
SRP: $259.95
TEAM KARIM
A medium profile, durable alloy frame
equipt with high-performance axles.
Model: Force Hockey
Material: Extruded 6000-series aluminum
Sizes: Small, medium and large
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels, is rockerable and available in black or chrome.
SRP: $129
ULTRA WHEELS
Supported by the "Great One," the dye-cast
aluminum design gives the frame great strength.
Model: Gretzky MVP
Material: Dye-cast aluminum
Sizes: 9.9" and 10.8"
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels, is rockerable and available in gold or chrome.
SRP: $199
U.S. HOCKEY RESEARCH
Designed for strength, lightness, reliability
and for the proper toe to heel skate pitch.
Model: Mission M7 T.I.G.
Material: T.I.G.-welded 7000-series aluminum
Sizes: Jr. (3-wheel), small, medium and large.
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels, has rockerability and is available in
clear, polish and graphics.
SRP: $229
Model: Mission P7
Material: Double-void extruded 7000-series aluminum
Sizes: Jr.(3-wheel), small, medium and large.
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels, has rockerability and is available in clear, polish and graphics.
SRP: $199
Model: Mission E4
Material: Extruded 6000-series aluminum
Sizes: Jr.(3-wheel), small, medium and large.
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels, has a permanent rockered front wheel and is available in black.
SRP: $99
V-FORM
The unique V-line design gives stability in
turns and comes with a quick-release axle.
Model: VLC-1000
Material: 7000-series T6 aluminum
Sizes: Boot sizes 7-12
Features: Supports maximum 76mm wheels and is available in a polish finish.
SRP: $240
- End -
Rizzi is a freelance writer and avid player in Southern California.
|
Get your own Free Home Page