If you are into ice hockey or like to ice skate it is likely that you have heard of synthetic ice. Some people have really good things to say about it, others may not. However, one thing that is true is that if you have high-quality synthetic ice flooring installed you can not only ice skate in all weather, but also save money and resources by not having to power an ice rink.

What is Synthetic Ice?

Of course, everybody should already know that real ice is actually water that has been frozen. I order to keep water frozen it has to be kept at a temperature that is lower than freezing. As soon as the temperature rises above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it begins to melt. When the weather outside is upwards of 60 degrees Fahrenheit, ice begins to melt very quickly.

Synthetic ice, on the other hand, is made out of a special polymer plastic that never needs to be frozen or refrigerated. Because it is designed from polymers, it has the capacity to be sculpted into a strong, slick surface that is resistant to breakdown by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The best part about it is that it does not need to be installed in a refrigerated enclosure. In fact, you can install it in your own home and be able to skate whenever you want.

Ice Skating on Synthetic Ice

When a skater slides across a conventional ice skating rink a little bit of science happens in order for the process to work. As the ice skate’s blades move across the surface of the ice the friction causes just enough heat to melt a thin layer of water just big enough for the blades of the skates to gently glide across the surface of the ice. The water acts as a lubricant and allows for a smooth experience as the skater skates around the rink.

Synthetic ice that has been crafted in a high-grade fashion will act much like real ice. As we discussed above, synthetic ice is made out of polymer plastics. Polymers are naturally occurring chains of large molecules that bond together in order to form certain types of matter. The human body is made out of a type of polymer known as DNA. When it comes to the polymers of synthetic ice, the devourers are able to bond lubricants as polymers into the structure of the flooring in order to create a solid mass that is equipped with self-lubricating properties at the cellular level.

What all of this means is that when ice skaters glide across synthetic ice, the blades of the skates will pull lubricant from the flooring a lot like what happens on real ice. 

When you play hockey on this kind of flooring you can skate much like you were skating on real ice. You can even pull some mean hockey deke moves once you get used to the way the flooring feels under your skates.

The Slight Drag

Although it is very similar to real ice, scientists have not completely figured out how to exactly replicate ice. As a result of this, there is a slight drag difference between when you skate on ice and on artificial ice. It is not a significant enough of a difference that makes it impossible to skate, but it is enough to notice. The one thing about the added resistance is that it can make a skater stronger, and increase stamina. It may take a moment to get used to, but the payoff is worth it in the end.

***Sniper’s Edge Hockey loves Canada! We proudly ship all of our products to Canada and offer the same return policies as we do for everybody else. We realize the exchange rates for the Canadian dollar are not the best right now, so we’re trying to help by giving you free shipping and no customs/duty.***

Ice Skate Year-Round Outdoor or Indoor 

Do you ever wish you could play hockey year-round at home, indoors or out? Perhaps you want to work on your moves to prepare for the season. You’ve tried inline roller skates on asphalt or cement but you just don’t get that glide that ice offers. Or maybe you just want to enjoy some recreational ice skating or figure skating. Synthetic ice offers the solution.

What is Synthetic Ice?

Synthetic ice is a strong and stable polymer made of polyethylene plastic formed into panels, sheets, or tiles. On natural ice, the glide is created by the friction of the skate blade on the ice which heats the microscopic top layers of ice which then melt to reduce drag. On synthetic ice, a liquid enhancement may exist on the surface, however, most synthetic ice types do not need a surface enhancement to provide liquid. 

Reduction of Drag

Drag may be eliminated or greatly reduced by using a sinter-pressed material which leaves little shavings or abrasions compared to an extruded-pressed material. This is because a sinter-pressed material uses a higher molecular weight which gives a far better abrasion resistance and has a lower coefficient of friction at only 10-15 percent greater than real ice. This reduction of drag makes it hard to distinguish real ice from synthetic ice but for the palpable difference in temperature. For the same reason, synthetic ice is also softer than real ice which makes for a less jarring fall which may be particularly welcome by beginners. This also gives more resistance for skaters who want a workout they can’t equal on the easier glide of real ice. 

Durability and Maintenance

The tiles and sheets of synthetic ice are more durable the thicker and denser they are. With daily use, the best tiles last about ten years. Skating on the material will leave shavings which can be swept away. The material can be effectively cleaned with a carpet cleaning machine filled with water and bleach or by broom and mop with a bit more effort. 

Eco-friendly

Synthetic ice also does not require water or electricity like created real ice which requires constant machine and compressor use to keep cold.

Global Use

Synthetic ice enables hockey and figure skating, as well as recreational skating to be used around the world no matter what the climate is. Synthetic ice rinks have been built from Connecticut to Singapore and from Hobart Australia to St George’s Bermuda to Azerbaijan Baku and the United Arab Emirates.

Training

Synthetic ice along with other products focused on training hockey players and improving their game are available from such companies as Sniper’s Edge which specializes in training devices such as hockey passers, slick surface ice, shooting pads, hockey stick weights, stick handling trainers, and shooting tarps. Using training aids like these can help develop and improve hockey skills. Hockey is a very competitive game with many talented players. These training aids can really make a difference in improving skills.

Costs 

The cost to install a synthetic rink or smaller practice area depends on the brand and size and supplemental pieces. There are all sorts and sizes of at home rinks that can be easily installed using tiles or panels. The costs vary from $300-$3600 for home setups and much higher for larger rinks. Professional rinks can cost hundreds of thousands but that is much less than the cost of and maintenance of a real ice rink.