While natural ice will always be king, technological improvements have made synthetic ice a viable option for hockey players. The best synthetic ice surfaces mimic the feel of natural ice and allow players to work on stickhandling, shooting, and skating skills.
Synthetic ice comes in lightweight, compact panels that are easy to install at home. The manufacturer offers a limited warranty for all-weather rinks.
Improved Glide
A vital feature of the best synthetic ice surfaces is their ability to mimic how a puck and stick interact with natural ice. That makes it possible for players to do the same drills and training that they would on refrigerated ice and helps them to improve their overall game.
The surface of a quality hockey fake ice rink also has a low coefficient of friction, which means that skating on it feels very similar to skating on natural ice. It allows players to train faster and increase their speed, agility, and maneuverability.
The best artificial ice is manufactured using the sintering process, which ensures that lubricant pellets are distributed evenly throughout the polymer. This results in an incredibly smooth surface with an unrivaled glide and performance. It is the choice of top professional ice hockey teams worldwide.
Regardless of which product you choose for your hockey training, it is essential to use high-quality blades. Using blades unsuitable for synthetic ice can result in dulled blades and reduced performance. In addition, you should make sure to regularly sharpen your skates, just as you do with natural ice.
Most of our synthetic ice products are available in modular panels that are easy to transport and assemble, making it simple to set up a hockey training rink wherever you want. They can also withstand heavy-duty use and harsh conditions, allowing you to practice year-round without any weather-related limitations.
Enhanced Durability
Ice skating is a sport that requires special equipment and facilities. But now it’s possible to play hockey and practice your stickhandling, passing, and shooting year-round with the best synthetic ice surfaces. Synthetic ice can be installed indoors or on any flat surface, and it’s easy to install and move around if needed.
Unlike traditional ice rinks, synthetic ice requires no refrigeration, saving you thousands monthly. And the best synthetic ice is self-lubricating, meaning you don’t have to pay for services.
Most synthetic ice is sold in panels or tiles that connect like puzzle pieces. These connections are typically tongue and groove or dovetail, preventing the ice from shifting horizontally or vertically. It ensures the ice has a smooth, even surface and mimics a natural surface.
Some synthetic ice products also offer additional features to improve the user experience and performance of the product. For example, some ice surfaces have a foam backing to provide added cushioning and comfort. The foam can also help reduce the noise produced by skaters moving across the ice surface. Other products feature a layer of fiberglass to increase durability and realism. This layer aids in weight distribution and protects the surface from direct puck impact.
Easy to Clean
Whether you use synthetic ice in your home garage or set it up outdoors, you’ll want to keep the surface clean of dirt and debris. While many hockey players choose to buy a unique glide enhancer that helps keep the plastic smooth, a simple wipe-down is usually enough to remove any discoloration or dirt that may have accumulated. Use synthetic ice regularly for stickhandling drills, shooting practice, or skating sprints.
The best synthetic ice surfaces will not only provide improved glide but they will also be easier to maintain than traditional ice. It is excellent news for players looking to save money by avoiding the costs of a Zamboni and instead relying on their home training surface.
When selecting a synthetic ice surface, look for one that includes a proprietary lubricant to help improve the glide. It will be embedded into the product rather than a topical application like a standard skating surface. The lubricant will be released when your blades cut into the surface, which will improve over time as you use the product.
If you have a long stretch of synthetic ice at home, consider setting up an obstacle course to improve your skating speed and agility. You can use cones or anything else you have lying around to create a series of challenges that you can run through or step over.
Recyclable
The best synthetic ice surfaces are made from recycled materials and are highly durable to withstand heavy use. They also do not require additional lubrication or cleaning solutions to perform like natural ice, making them an environmentally friendly option. Look for a system that uses a seamless interlocking system to increase surface area and keep the playing field stable and safe for players of all ages.
Synthetic ice has slightly more friction than natural ice, which can help improve skating and shooting skills. It also helps players build speed and agility by requiring more effort to skate. The added resistance can be especially beneficial for goalies, who often need more specialized training to improve their strength and accuracy.
Synthetic ice is a versatile option for athletes, as it can be used indoors and outdoors in any climate. It is easy to set up and can be trimmed to the desired size for any space. The ice is designed to last a long time, and some manufacturers even offer dual-sided panels to double the life span of each piece. The durability of the ice makes it an affordable option for homeowners and organizations alike, especially since it does not need as much maintenance as genuine ice. A common concern is that doing a lot of hockey stops will tear up the plastic, but this happens less frequently than people think.
