Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are Thermablades?
A: Thermablades are a unique new hockey skate blade that is electronically heated and which has been proven to improve skating performance by reducing friction between the blade and ice surface. Developed by Therma Blade Inc. of Quebec, the blades are a thrilling breakthrough in skating technology and one that is sure to have a remarkable impact on the game of hockey.
Q: How do Thermablades work?
A: Thermablades maintain a temperature of approximately 5 degrees Celsius, using a small battery and microprocessor stored within the skate blade holder. The warm blade acts to increase the thickness of the water layer between the blade and ice surface, reducing starting friction by 65%-75%, sliding friction by 50%-55% and vibration by approximately 50%. The reduced friction translates into an overall reduction in effort for the skater of approximately 10%. Thermablades allow skaters to skate faster and harder using relatively less energy.
Q: What role does Wayne Gretzky play in the development of this product?
A: Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky is a shareholder in this new company and has spoken publicly about the fact that he expects Therma Blades to eventually be in use in the NHL.
Q: When I’m standing still will my blades sink into the ice?
A: No. The blade is kept at a maximum temperature of 5 degrees Celsius. A good analogy would be to compare placing your hand (which is 32 degrees Celsius) flat on the ice surface for an extended period of time. Your hand does not melt through or into the ice - it simply becomes colder. This is because your hand is not heating up the ice - the ice is drawing heat from your hand.
Q: Do Thermablades damage the ice surface or have a impact on the ice that cold blades do not?
Thermablades have absolutely no negative impact on the skating surface at all.
Q: How durable are the electronics?
A: Extensive tests, both on the ice and in the lab, have been completed to ensure our design can withstand the rigours of the game of hockey.
Q: What happens if my blades get excessively wet?
A: Therma Blade has developed a design that completely waterproofs the critical electronic components within sealed overmoulded materials.
Q: Can I sharpen my Thermablade skate blades?
A: Absolutely. Thermablades are sharpened in exactly the same manner as a regular stainless steel skate blade.
Q: How many times can I sharpen my Thermablade skate blades?
A: Thermablade skate blades are designed to provide as many sharpenings as other standard premium blades. Results will vary depending on the skate technician that is sharpening your skates.
Q: What happens if one of my blades stop working during play?
A: If your battery becomes fully discharged during play, the worst that will happen is you will be skating on a normal pair of skate blades.
Q: Are Thermablade skate blades heavier?
A: When installed on hockey boots, our design, including battery and electronics, results in an increase of less than 10% when compared to the lightest skates on the market. Our tests have shown that this small increase in weight is negligible compared to the significant performance improvements.
Q: Will the battery be destroyed if it is overcharged or left plugged in too long?
A: No. The charger unit will shut off automatically when the blades are fully charged.
Q: How long will batteries last when they’re charged?
A: The blade is intelligent and knows when you’re on the ice and it cycles off when you are on the bench. With a minimum of 70 minutes of power, each player will get sufficient battery power through a full practice and well into multiple overtime periods of a game situation. If you start to see a dramatic reduction in battery life, it might be time to replace the batteries.
Q: How can the Thermablade battery last so long?
A: The skate blades are “smart” and know when you are on and off the ice. The blades maintain a constant temperature, turning the blades on when you step on the ice and putting the blades in stand by mode when you are on the bench.
Q: Where do I dispose of the skate's old battery?
A: Simply go to any authorized Thermablade dealer and they’ll take care of disposing of the battery according to the guidelines of the RBRC (Rechargable Recycling Battery Corporation).
Q: How will Therma Blade be made available to the consumer market? Will it be part of a skate or an aftermarket product?
A: Thermablades are an aftermarket product that users can obtain to replace the existing blades on their hockey skates by visiting an authorized Therma Blade retailer. Details on our growing retailer network can be found on the Therma Blade Web site
www.thermablade.com.
Q: How much do Thermablades cost?
A: A pair of Thermablades will retail for $399 in Canada and in the U.S.
Q: Are Thermablades a homegrown, all-Canadian product?
A: Thermablades were been invented, designed and engineered by Canadians who love the game of hockey and the product will be manufactured in Canada.
Q: In what countries are Thermablades available?
A: Thermablades will be available Canada and in the U.S. starting in the Fall of 2007.
"Therma-Blade" skates getting test by NHL/NHLPA 
mudfisher
