Question Hi, can you tell me anything about how the K-picks are supposed to work? the science behind them? I've read that they help improve jumps by improving grip on the takeoff, but how do they do that when the extra bits of the pick don't appear to reach the ice and why are the two sides different sizes?
Any other information you can give me on the science of Ice Skating, particulrly the forces involved in spins and jumps would also be much appreciated.
Thanks.
Answer I have not heard of K-picks until your question, Alison, which is surprising, because I notice they were developed in 1999. They are thus not that new. I have done a little research on the internet, and have read a few reviews on them, but I generally don't trust such gimmicks unless I understand the science behind them. I can't find any specs on them, so I can't claim to be an authority, but from what I can tell, it is the middle picks that are wider to allow for better grip on toe jumps. Even if those middle toe picks don't appear to reach the ice because they are sunken in, realize that on toe pick jumps the picks dig into the ice, so that all of the picks will touch the ice except for on the softest of take-offs. We learn in physics class of course that friction is not a function of surface area, so that larger picks don't offer more grab and are thus a gimmick; however, if these picks are sharper than regular ones, they will grab better on toe loops, flips, lutzes, split jumps, mazurkas, etc. Good grab is definitely an asset because any slipping will affect the height of the jump. As for the two sides being different sizes, I don't know what you mean by that, and I can't find a detailed enough picture of them on the internet. If you can give me more details, I would be happy to address this question in more detail.
The second part of your question is too general for me to tackle here. Please narrow it down or see GARY BEACOM'S VADE MECUM, which addresses such questions in detail as they apply to jumps and spins. Visit my web site to order the book.
Thank you for your question, and I am sorry I couldn't be more definitive in my answer.
