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SKATE SHARPENER
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SKATE SHARPENER
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How long does it take to sharpen a pair of skates?
Average rental/retail sharpening is 3-5 cycles equaling 2-3 minutes per skate or 4-6 minutes per pair. With two heads found on the Sparx Sharpener Commercial Dual (PS200 Dual) you can sharpen twice as fast and sharpen a pair of skates in 2-3 minutes. -
Can the sharpener handle high volume usage?
Yes, the Sparx Sharpener Commercial (PS200) and Sparx Sharpener Commercial Dual (PS200 Dual) are both designed to handle high volume usage. -
Does the Sparx Sharpener profile skates?
The Sparx Sharpener will not contour the profile of the blade. But, unlike traditional manual sharpening which alters the profile after each sharpening, the Sparx Sharpener will hold the skate profile throughout the life of the steel thanks to the consistent RPM, Speed, and Pressure applied by our Grinding Rings. -
When I'm sharpening, should I have the toe pointing left or right?
Both ways will work. However, some people prefer to have a higher contact point on the toe of their skate, so we recommend facing the skate toe to the right to ensure the contact point is getting high enough on the toe. Either way, the finish will be smooth and this won't affect performance. -
How many passes should I choose when sharpening?
Most maintained blades needing a routine sharpening (5 - 10 hours of ice time) only need four cycles. If there is slight damage (small nicks or ½” rolled edge) you will need 5-6 cycles. If the blades are new, heavily damaged, or rusty, it will depend on the machine you purchase. You will need about 10 passes on the Sparx Sharpener and Sparx SharpenerPro. If you are using the Sparx Sharpener Commercial, you will need three Cross Grind cycles and then three cycles on the Radius or FIRE Rings. Always check your blades to make sure you have even and sharp edges on the full length of the blade. -
Can I use the Sparx Sharpener in cold weather?
We recommend the sharpener be used in temperatures above 40 degrees F for optimal performance. -
Can I travel with my Sparx Sharpener?
Yes. Portability is one of the best features of the new Sparx Sharpener. However, the Sparx Sharpener Commercial versions - with the external vacuum are less portable. -
Can you sharpen goalie skates?
Yes. If your goalie skate has a cowling, you would use the goalie risers that are included with the purchase of your sharpener. If you have a cowling-less goalie skate, you would sharpen your goal skates like any other pair of skates. Also, see our goalie skate sharpening page. -
Can you sharpen figure skates?
Yes, with the available Figure Skate Adapter. With the figure skate adapter in place, Sparx can sharpen most traditional, flat-sided blades. Sparx is not compatible with the multiple-piece blades often used in competitive skating.
GRINDING RINGS
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How long do the Grinding Rings last?
Grinding Ring life is 320 Cycles. Average retail/rental skate sharpening is 3-6 cycles equaling 30-50 pairs per Grinding Ring. -
How does the Grinding Ring know when it's out of sharpenings?
This information is stored on a microchip inside the Grinding Ring and is relayed to the Ring Life Status Bar on the Menu Pad. -
Do you offer a Flat Bottom sharpening?
Yes! Our patented FIRE (Flat Inside Radius Edges) Ring produces a flat bottom hollow. -
How do I know which Grinding Ring to choose?
While there are many options available, the most common grinding rings are the 1/2" and the 5/8" Radius Ring™. Through our testing, we have determined that a 1/2" Radius Ring is a great starting point for smaller, younger players. Many adult players skate on a 1/2" radius as well. We have, however, found that larger, heavier players actually do quite well on the 5/8" radius. A flatter radius, the 5/8" allows heavier players to sufficiently grab an edge for turning and stopping but provides great glide as more of the blade remains above the ice surface. -
What is the difference between a Radius Ring™ and a FIRE Ring™?
The easiest answer is that the Radius Ring™ produces a traditional "radius of hollow" (ROH) sharpening. Unless you know you skate on a flat-bottom profile, you will likely want to choose the Radius Ring at checkout. The Radius Rings work for both player skates and goalie skates. The FIRE Ring™ produces a flat-bottom cut with radius edges. You can find more information on the Grinding Rings page or in this blog post. -
Why doesn't the Grinding Ring produce sparks?
The most significant factor is the grinding ring used by Sparx. Our grinding ring is made with a completely different material than a traditional grinding wheel. We're using a synthetic diamond abrasive. This different abrasive material results in a cooler sharpening process and also a cooler swarf. What's a swarf you say (besides a fantastic scrabble word)? Swarf is the technical term for the fine metal dust that is thrown off the skate blade as it is sharpened. Since the swarf is not as hot in the Sparx process, it is not as visibly bright as it would be in a traditional sharpening. Skate blade material also plays a part in this equation. Some skate steel that contains a greater percentage of carbon (skates from 10+ years ago)and even newer nitinol blades (a nickel-titanium alloy) will show a hot/bright swarf (nitinol swarf is hot white - which is very cool).
RETURNS
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What is the return policy?
If you purchased a Sparx Hockey Skate Sharpener or other product directly from www.sparxhockey.com and are not completely satisfied with your product, you may return it within thirty (30) days of the ship date. To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. In order to return your Sparx Hockey Skate Sharpener or any other Sparx Hockey product, please contact Customer Service at help@sparxhockey.com to receive a return merchandise authorization (RMA) number and shipping instructions.
UNAUTHORIZED RETURNS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If you are approved, we will reimburse you (excluding all shipping costs and a 20% restocking fee) for the purchase price of the returned Sparx Hockey Skate Sharpener no later than thirty (30) days from the date of our receipt of such returned products accompanied by the applicable RMA.
Please note: Used Sparx Hockey Grinding Rings (Radius or FIRE Rings) are non-returnable and will not be refunded.
Our policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase shipped, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange. -
What is your exchange policy?
In order to exchange any UNUSED product from Sparx Hockey, please contact Customer Service at help@sparxhockey.com to receive a return merchandise authorization (RMA) number and shipping instructions. To be eligible for an exchange, your item must UNUSED and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.
SKATE COMPATIBILITY
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What size hockey skates does the Sparx Sharpener fit?
Most player skates sized Youth 9 to Adult 13 and goalie skates between the sizes of Youth 9 to Adult 10.5 will fit in the Sparx Sharpener. -
Does the Sparx Sharpener sharpen goalie skates?
Yes, the Sparx Sharpener will sharpen goalie skates by using the included Goalie Skate Risers.
SHIPPING
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Do you ship outside North America?
Yes. We currently ship outside of North America for commercial sales. Please contact sales@sparxhockey.com for more information.
