Your blades are the single most important part of your short track setup. They are the only contact point between you and the ice, and they decide how you carry speed, how you hold a line through a corner, and how confident you feel when you commit to an apex. A blade that suits your style feels like an extension of your body. A blade that does not will fight you on every lap. This guide walks through everything that matters when you choose a short track speed skating blade, so you can buy once and buy well.
Why the blade matters more than almost anything else
Boots, bearings and suits all play a part, but the blade is where power becomes motion. A good blade transfers your push cleanly into forward speed, keeps a stable edge when you load it in the corner, and releases smoothly as you move from one stride to the next. Because short track is raced on tight radius corners at high speed, small differences in flex, bend and steel quality produce large differences in how the skate behaves under pressure.
Understanding flex
Flex describes how much the blade bends along its length when you load it. It is the characteristic most skaters notice first. A more flexible blade moves with your push. It absorbs small imperfections in technique, feels forgiving, and lets the skate flow through a corner with a natural rhythm. Many technical skaters and creative racers prefer this feel because it rewards touch and finesse. A stiffer blade returns energy more directly. It feels sharp and aggressive, holds a very firm line, and gives immediate response when you drive hard. Neither is better in absolute terms. The right amount of flex depends on your weight, your power, and how you like a corner to feel. As a general rule, lighter and more technical skaters enjoy more flex, while heavier and more powerful skaters tend to want a firmer platform.
Blade length and sizing
Blade length is chosen to match your boot size, your height, and your racing style. Shorter blades change direction quickly and feel lively, which suits tight, reactive skating. Longer blades track straighter and carry more speed on the straights, which suits smooth, powerful skaters who like stability. Most skaters settle within a narrow window that fits their boot, then fine tune from there. StayBent blades are offered across a spread of lengths, for example the XC Flex Weapon runs from 16.5 to 18.0, so you can match the platform to your feet and your style rather than compromising.
Steel: bimetal and full PM
The runner is the part that touches the ice, and the steel it is made from decides how long your edge lasts and how it feels. Bimetal runners, around 62 HRC, offer an excellent balance of performance, durability and value, and are a smart choice for most skaters. Full PM steel, around 64 HRC, is harder, so it holds a sharp edge longer between sharpenings. If you train in high volume and hate losing your edge mid session, the harder steel pays for itself in fewer sharpenings and more consistent feel.
Bend and the shape of speed
Short track blades are bent to a radius so the skate can carve a tight corner. The accuracy and smoothness of that bend matter enormously. A precisely bent blade gives a predictable, repeatable arc, which builds confidence because the skate does the same thing every time you load it. StayBent builds its blades with a proprietary bending process designed for highly accurate and smooth bend radiuses, which is exactly what you want when you are leaning at full commitment.
Cups, height and mounting
Cups connect the blade to your boot. Lighter, higher strength aluminium cups add stiffness and reduce weight, and are available in different heights so you can tune how far you can lean before the boot touches the ice. A clean, straight mount is essential. If the blade is even slightly off, your edges will feel unpredictable, so take your time with alignment or ask an experienced skater to help.
The LiveLica short track blade range
We keep the range focused so you are choosing between genuinely different characters rather than a wall of similar options.
StayBent JaeBee
The StayBent JaeBee is our most flexible blade. It is built for skaters who want maximum feel, freedom of movement and a natural glide. The tube tapers toward the ends to create a progressive flex pattern, so the tips give more and the skate feels smooth and intuitive, especially in technical corners and creative race moments.
StayBent QCS
The StayBent QCS sits stiffer than the JaeBee. It suits skaters who want more hold and a firmer, more direct response while still keeping a clean glide.
StayBent XC Flex Weapon
The XC Flex Weapon is one of the StayBent flagship models. It offers additional hold in the corners while keeping excellent gliding and turning characteristics, and it is built from premium aluminium with hand selected steel runners. It is the choice for skaters chasing the ultimate in speed and control.
Matching a blade to your level
If you are newer to short track, prioritise a forgiving, flexible blade and a length that fits your boot, because a friendly platform helps you build good technique. Intermediate skaters can begin to choose flex based on the feel they prefer, leaning flexible for flow or firmer for hold. Elite racers usually know exactly what they want and will pick steel and cup height to match their setup and event.
Set up and maintenance
A great blade still needs a good setup and regular care. Keep your edges consistent with the EHS sharpening jig, which clamps the blades straight so you can sharpen with confidence. Protect your hands when you work on the ice with cut resistant gloves, and reduce friction in the corners with quick tips. Small habits, like drying your blades after every session and checking your mounts, add up to a setup that stays fast and safe.
Common mistakes to avoid
Skaters often chase the blade a champion uses rather than the blade that suits them. They pick a length by guesswork instead of matching it to their boot. They ignore steel quality and then wonder why their edge fades. And they neglect maintenance, which quietly erodes performance. Avoid these and you will get far more out of whatever blade you choose.
Frequently asked questions
How flexible should my first short track blade be?
Most newer skaters benefit from a flexible, forgiving blade because it is friendly to learn on and rewards clean technique. The JaeBee is a good example of this feel.
Is full PM steel worth it over bimetal?
If you train frequently and want your edge to last longer between sharpenings, the harder full PM steel is worth it. If you want a strong balance of performance and value, bimetal is an excellent choice.
How do I keep my blades fast?
Sharpen consistently using a proper jig, dry your blades after every session, and check your mounts regularly so your edges stay predictable.
Ready to choose? Explore the full short track range at LiveLica, and message our skater run team any time for help with flex, length and setup.