Readers ask: What Is A Synthetic Ice Rink?

Are synthetic ice rinks any good?

Synthetic ice isn’t as smooth as real ice and therefore is more resistant against skate blades (friction). So this means that it takes a little more effort than skating on a real ice surface. The benefit is that it makes you work harder to skate and that will translate into an easier experience on real ice.

How does a synthetic ice rink work?

Most synthetic ice rinks use a puzzle or dovetail system in which ice panels are interlocked horizontally but not vertically. This system can cause a shift in the panels, which causes the ice to be uneven. This connection system creates a smooth, even surface, just like real ice.

Are synthetic ice rinks cold?

Synthetic ice does not require cold temperatures. So you could be skating anywhere from a traditional arena setting to a small in-home rink, to an expansive outdoor rink in the middle of summer.

What is an artificial ice rink made of?

A synthetic ice rink (also called an artificial or plastic ice rink) is created from solid interlocking blocks made from various polymers which create a smooth and even surface for use by conventional metal-bladed ice skates.

Is synthetic ice slippery?

How is it possible to skate on plastics? Well, on natural ice, the heat friction from the skate blade slightly melts the ice, creating a slippery surface. Synthetic ice is made with extremely durable, high density polyethylene plastic. It looks like real ice and provides a similar skating experience.

Can you walk on synthetic ice?

Low quality synthetic ice can cause friction, leading to an undesirable skating experience and dull skates. Even the slightest friction will disrupt a skaters’ flow. It makes gliding difficult and requires more effort.

What do you put under synthetic ice?

Simple Synthetic Ice Underlay This can require something as simple as using 3/4″ OSB tongue and groove plywood. The plywood is very flat, and will provide extra forgiveness in a flawed sub-floor. Rubber matting can also be used as an underlay for your synthetic ice panels in these type of scenarios.

How much does synthetic ice cost?

With these different options, you can purchase the materials for a Synthetic Ice rink for prices starting at $1,230 (CAD) for an 8′ x 20′ surface which is ⅜ of an inch thick to $6,675 (CAD) for a ½ inch thick, 20′ x 40′ surface.

Will synthetic ice ruin skates?

Low quality synthetic ice can cause friction, leading to an undesirable skating experience and dull skates. Even the slightest friction will disrupt a skaters’ flow. It makes gliding difficult and requires more effort.

Does synthetic ice ruin goalie pads?

Goalies can expect more resistance on synthetic ice compared to real ice. Pads are a wide large surface that have to move across the synthetic material. That being said goalies that work a lot on synthetic ice tend to develop very strong lateral pushes.

Is synthetic ice good for goalie training?

Goalies will love using our synthetic ice to train and simulate real on-ice situations. Goalies can train with our synthetic ice to improve their agility and reaction time on ice, without actually having to compete for ice time.

How long does artificial ice last?

How long does synthetic ice last? If you opt for the Swiss premium quality of Glice®, synthetic ice lasts up to 30 years, easily trumping conventional ice and other synthetic ice products.

How long do synthetic ice tiles last?

Take home ice advantage to a whole new level. Synthetic Ice Revolution Tiles now come in two thicknesses to offer you more longevity if needed! Regular Tiles are 7/16″ (11.1 mm) thick and last 3-5 years, while Premium Tiles are 1/2″ (12.6 mm) and last 5-7 years.

Can you ice skate on HDPE?

Regular metal-bladed ice skates can be used or either recreational use or training. The two standard forms of synthetic ice are HDPE or High Density Polyethylene and UHMWPE or Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. Both surfaces have abrasive-resistant characteristics and are available in many forms and sizes.