Drying out your blades after hockey practice is essential to avoid rusting and damage. But, who says it has to be done with a boring cloth? Below are my suggestions for the best hockey skate towels. Check out the personalization option!
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Best hockey skate towels
Are you bored or frustrated by the towels you use to dry out your blades?
Recently I have been creating a collection of personalizable ice hockey gifts on Zazzle and I have found their kitchen towels.
I decided to order one to try it on my blades after practice.
And I loved it! Because:
- First, it is very absorbent - I don't have to swipe my blades back and forth like crazy.
- Second, the tissue is very soft, a nice touch in your hands
- Third, the towel is big enough to dry both blades without being soaked by the end of the first one (16" x 24")
- Fourth, the towel can be personalized, which I love. I used to have boring cloths. But these make the task more enjoyable.
This is why I have created series of ice skate blade towels for you to personalize with the name of the hockey player, goalie or hockey coach!
Check them out! Some of those designs are available in many colors.
Neutral
Classic colors with sayings
"Girly" colors
Coach
They are great gifts for hockey players or hockey coaches!
Types of materials and other criteria
Want more info to take your decision? Below are the main criteria to consider when choosing your blade towel:
The material must absorbent - of course!
I know it is obvious. But I still have to list it. It is the most important.
You want a material
- that absorbs the liquid efficiently
- that absorbs it well on metal
- that is nice to hold
- that will not lose any fibers as you use it.
The classic materials you find in shops are:
- Chamois cloth - classic for cleaning cars
- Microfiber - classic for watersports
- Terry cloth - classic as bathroom towels
However, new materials have been developed.
The one in the towels I have selected above is a poly-blend. It was so soft when I received it, that I first doubted it would absorb anything. I was WRONG! It is the best towel I have ever used on my blades.
The cloth must be large enough
Don't get a very small towel.
I know you want space in your hockey bag, but if it is too small it will get wet from the first blade and then you won't be able to properly dry out the second one.
The towel should have a nice design - optional
And finally, there is the design.
You may want something simple and plain, but I think something colorful with a nice design is more enjoyable. It improves the experience of drying out the blades, especially as you should take the time and be thorough when doing it.
Plus if it has your name, it makes it even more special.
Other classic ice hockey blade towels
If you still prefer the more "classic" options for blade towels, below are some suggestions:
Microfiber towels
Nowadays, Microfiber towels are very popular. And big brands are using it for supposedly special hockey skate towels (just the branding).
- The fabric is soft on the skin
- It dries out quickly
- The towel can be very compact
- They exist in different sizes and colors
- Beware! They should not be washed with cotton materials to keep their integrity.
Terry cloth
But you can also use a simple bathroom towel
- Easy to find anywhere
- However, they are not the most absorbent on metal (in my opinion) and they can be bulkier
Chamois cloth
Finally, there is the chamois cloth, often used on cars. It comes and goes as a trend to dry out blades.
- Very absorbent
- Safe for all surfaces - won't damage your blades
- Personally, I don't like how the fabric evolves over time - it is rough when dry
Tips to take care of your blades
Soakers
Once the blades are dry, do NOT put the plastic guard back on them. They will trap any residual moisture inside.
However, you still need to protect your blades inside the bag. So, you should be using soakers. They are made of fabric and will take care of any moisture left.
You can make them yourself with terry cloth, or you can find some online:
Once at home dry out your skates and towel outside the bag
After practice, everything is a little wet in your bag (especially the inside of your boot with sweat). The first thing to do back at home should be to take everything out of the bag.
Open your skates to dry - but not near a heater.
And make sure to dry your towel too to have it perfect for next practice.
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