If you are looking for a way to get a jump on the competition, Mike D'Orazio says he has the solution.

D'Orazio's product, the SK8 W8, is a resistance-training weight device that clamps onto the bottom of your skate to help improve skating speed, explosiveness, leg strength and endurance.

"It's no different than putting a doughnut on the end of a baseball bat and swinging it for a bit," D'Orazio said. "When you go to the plate, your bat feels lighter, you feel stronger, and you're quicker."

Made of durable, high-impact nylon and requiring no additional tools for installation, its adjustable three-weight system allows for players to choose their level of resistance.

The three-weight system was designed to slowly affect a player over the course of a practice to reduce the chances of injury and to not be stuck with a "one size fits all" problem.

A player that might be 6-foot-2 and strong might be able to handle all three weights, while a player who is 5-foot-2 might have to remove one or two weights, D'Orazio said.

The junior SK8 W8, which will be made to fit all junior skate sizes, will be available in spring 2007, and D'Orazio expected it will be a big hit.

"I've been inundated with calls from parents wanting to get this thing," D'Orazio said. "I've even had people say, 'As soon as you get your first prototypes, send me those.' They feel that it's going to make a huge difference for their kid's skating."

With skating becoming such an important part of the game, it's easy to see why D'Orazio said getting his product is a "no-brainer."

The junior model will cost $44.95 per pair when released, while the regular and pro models cost $49.95 and $54.95, respectively.    

For more information about the SK8 W8, visit www.sk8w8.com.