Info & Tips

There are hundreds of Children's Museums across the country.

And for a good reason.

According to The Institute of Museum and Library Services, children who visit museums achieve higher grades in Reading, Math, and Science.

In addition, children's museums help kids connect with the past while nurturing their futures. 

Museums are also an excellent space for kids to learn and move in different ways, and we are seeing this with the rise of sock rinks.

What are sock rinks, and what is the best sock rink for a children's museum in 2022?

---

 

Try Our Pro-Glide Synthetic Ice For Your Next Sock Rink Project For The Ultimate Glide!

 

---

 If you have some extra space in the museum, or you want to learn more about socks rinks before trying them out, you've come to the right place. 

What is a sock rink?

Sock rinks are spaces designed to look and feel like an ice skating rink. 

But instead of metal blades and hard boots, you can use your socks to slip and slide on the surface. 

Sock rinks are made of a surface that's easy to slip around while soft enough to avoid injury.

As a result, they've become increasingly popular with young children, and more spaces – like museums – are incorporating them into their offerings. 

All you do is slip off your shoes and slip on some socks.

Then use your momentum to slide around like you would on ice skates. 

Benefits of a sock skating rink for a Children's Museum

So what's all the hype about? 

Prominent children's museums in different states have sock skating rinks, especially around the holidays, and many more are considering installing them. 

Sock skating rinks have some fantastic benefits to the museum, kids, and parents.

Let's break them down:

• A much-needed rest for parents

Moving through a museum with your toddler can be exhausting.

They want to see everything and go everywhere as quickly as possible.

When they reach the skating rink, however, it's a space they can stay and have fun while you take a breather.

Sit nearby and watch your young ones slip and slide on the rink.

• Safe for young kids

Sock skating rinks are safe for kids of all ages.

Parents won't have to worry about serious collisions or hard falls using ice skates. 

Sock skating rink surfaces are hard enough to enjoy sliding but soft enough for a safe landing.

If your kids are accustomed to skating, you know how nicks, cuts, and injuries are always a concern.

The chances of this are near zero.

• Low barrier to entry

You don't need to know how to skate to get on the ice and have fun.

Anyone with a pair of socks can go on the rink and experiment, knowing that there's no right or wrong way of doing it.

If anything, a sock skating rink teaches kids the mechanics of ice skating, so if they decide to pick up hockey or figure skating as a hobby, they have a point of reference. 

• Teach the origins of ice skating

Why not turn your sock skating rink into an exhibit?

Rinks are an excellent opportunity to teach kids about the origins of skating.

Children will be surprised to find out that the first ice skates were made of bone and were a means of transportation.

Go through the history of hockey or the actual science of ice skating, then let them experience it for themselves on the sock skating rink.

• Get kids prepared for cold weather.

Sock skating rinks are a great way to build anticipation for winter.

Your kids can learn the basics of the sock rink first.

Some may already know how to skate but can't wait to lace up their blades and hit the backyard rink.

Sock skating rinks are also a great opportunity for kids to get accustomed to moving on synthetic ice, something we will touch on later. 

• Increase revenue for the museum

Children's museums depend on grants, government funding, and ticket sales for money.

There aren't many revenue-generating avenues after that.

However, a sock skating rink can be a great way to add income to the museum.

Charge a small fee to use the rink and sell socks for those who forget to bring their own.

• Sock skating year-round

The weather controls how long most outdoor rinks last.

With sock skating rinks, you can have them in the rink year-round.

Move from a Winter Wonderland to Easter, Thanksgiving, and everything in between.

Kids will enjoy it any time of year!

• Grown-ups can get involved too!

Did we mention that sock skating rinks are for all ages?

If you don't want to sit on the sidelines, be a kid again and join in the fun.

Skate with your kids and relive those moments you had skating or playing hockey. 

What Is The Best Sock Skating Rink for Children's Museums?

Children's museums have different spaces and rooms that go unused.

So why not invest in a sock skating rink?

The rink demand will only rise, so the next question is determining the best sock skating rink for the museum. 

Remember, this is not a rink made of ice, so you won't have to flood your roof with water or spend tens of thousands on a refrigerated rink.

The surface must be smooth and slick enough to slide.

That's it. 

Even with this simple requirement, some surfaces work better than others.

Here are four surfaces that museum owners or curators can consider:

1. Synthetic ice sock skating rink

Synthetic ice has been a part of rinks large and small for decades.

These are heavy-duty, white polyethylene tiles with dovetail or puzzle piece edge that connect to form a large skating surface. 

And yes, you use your actual metal skates!

PolyGlide Synthetic ice comes infused with a slip surface agent that allows metal blades to glide smoothly over them.

We offer 2-sizes for Sock Skating rinks:

• Pro-Glide Infused - Full Panel (1/2" X 46" X 96", 80 lbs. per)
• Pro-Glide Infused - Half Panel (1/2" X 46" X 46", 40 lbs. per)

You can also add an additional slip agent to the surface for some extra glide if you want.

What sets them apart is that they are made for skating, so they look and feel like an actual rink.

The surface is slippery, so you feel like you're gliding on air when you use socks!

Synthetic ice is durable, lasting 5-10 years with ice skate use.

These should last much longer as a sock skating rink.

Synthetic ice rinks double as an ice skating rink in the winter and a sock skating rink the rest of the year, just use the other side!

2. Hardwood Or Laminate flooring

These wood planks are installed and sealed, just like you would in a room in your home.

Hardwood or laminate floors are great surfaces for roller skates and can be used for sock skating skating.

They are hard, smooth, and easy to maintain.

However, hardwood floors are expensive and may need to be painted to give the feel of an ice rink. 

4. Concrete floor with Sealing Wax

Do you have a concrete area that will be great for the rink?

Like hardwood floors, smooth, flat concrete is great for roller skating.

Sealing the floors with wax can make them smooth enough to skate with socks. Like hardwood floors, there needs to be the look and feel of ice.

These floors may be smoother than hardwood but may hurt a bit more if a child takes a fall. 

5. Plastic Floor Tiles

Plastic tiles, sometimes called Hockey Flooring, are popular on Amazon.

These square tiles connect to form a smooth, white surface for skating activities.

Parents and kids use these surfaces for hockey drills and basic figure skating practice.

Plastic tiles are the cheapest option and will look like ice.

However, this surface provides the worst skating experience and may need some added surface conditioner.

These tiles also won't last long, even with socks, and won't be worth it in the end.

How do you set up your own? 

Here are 6 Tips:

Undoubtedly, synthetic ice will be the best sock skating rink for children's museums in 2022.

The panels have all the qualities of an ice rink so that kids will experience the look and feel of skating.

In just a few hours, you can build a rink to the size of your choice. 

1. Choose your location

Where are you going to install the rink?

On the roof? 

In a particular room? 

On the main floor? 

Location matters.

You'll need to consider safety, foot traffic, rink size, coverings (for outdoor), and other factors.

2. Measure your dimensions

Once you've agreed on a location, you must decide on a size.

Rinks come in different sizes, and the size will be relative to your space.

You want a rink big enough that everyone can enjoy it safely. 

3. Buy your synthetic ice sock skating rink.

Once you've measured your rink space, it's time to get your synthetic ice. Synthetic ice comes in tiles or larger, heavier panels.

Panels are also infused with a slip agent, reducing the need for constantly reapplying conditioners. 

These need time to be freight shipped, so keep this timeframe in mind.

Get help from your provider to choose the right square feet based on your measurements. 

If possible, they can help with the installation of the rink too.

4. Add rink boards (walls) for safety.

Rink walls are boards that surround the rink, with a door for entry and exit. These walls make sure skaters can hold on if needed.

They have walls for support if they do fall, preventing skaters from falling onto harder surfaces. 

Some rink boards are sold separately from your floor provider. 

5. Invest in (a lot) of socks

Even if you spend thousands of dollars advertising the rink, people will show up without socks.

No worries, you can sell them a pair!

This is an opportunity to maximize the return on investment. 

A pro tip; get fluffy socks.

Regular cotton socks or tube socks are fine, but they won't slide as soft socks would. 

Of course, the socks are one-time use, so get enough to last for the month.

And as a bonus, encourage participants to recycle or donate the socks when done.

The museum can then give the sock to a shelter, as socks are the item in highest demand.

6. Assign a staff member or volunteer.

It would help if you had someone always manning the rink.

Although the surfaces won't cause severe injury, you still need someone to manage the kids on the rink, sell socks, and deal with emergencies.

Let these rinks knock your socks off!

Children's museums are a great space to learn in different learning styles.

Even when kids are moving, they learn, making great connections in their growing brains.

Sock skating rinks are growing in popularity, so choosing the best surface will ensure that kids return.

Synthetic ice rinks give the best look and feel of ice and a fantastic sliding experience.

If you need help choosing synthetic ice or building or designing a rink for a museum, reach out to us today.

 

 

 

If you're looking for the ultimate gift for someone in your life who loves ice skating and haves everything, we have just the thing for you.

It's been a crazy few years and what way to better celebrate the holidays than with something that will put a smile on that special someones face.

If you know what to get someone, gift-giving is a breeze but when you have someone a bit picky, finding the perfect gift can be a bit of a hassle.

Luckily, if you have an ice skater in your life, we have the perfect gift in mind.

Millions around the country enjoy ice skating each year but getting access to ice time is not always the easiest, which doesn't make it a very spontaneous activity.

So why not give them the gift of ice skating with PolyGlide Synthetic Ice?

The Perfect Ice Skating Gift

For the ice skater in your life, nothing feels better than gliding across the ice. That’s why we created PolyGlide Ice.

Our proprietary product allows you to create your own ice rink by using specially designed panels.

The panels connect like puzzle pieces and lay on a flat surface to skate with your actual metal blades.

The tiles are self-lubricating, meaning they can perform without any enhancers. 

Benefits of PolyGlide Synthetic Ice Panels:

Ice skaters may be taken aback if they get these panels in a bow.

But when they set it up and start skating, they will be pleasantly surprised at how fun skating on these tiles feel! Most customers and clients compare it to skating on natural ice.

While there is a little friction compared to natural ice, our panels actually improve performance with continued use.

There are even more benefits to gifting synthetic ice tiles:

• Ice skating all year round: Hot or cold, your panels will be available in the space of your choice. Your friend or loved one will cherish a Christmas gift that lasts all through the year. 
• It prepares you for the real ice: Ice skating and its activities like hockey or figure skating takes practice. With your personal space to skate, you’ll be that much more prepared when it’s time to hit natural ice.
• Set up almost anywhere at home: Set up in a spare room, driveway, backyard, or deck. Since the pieces come together like a puzzle, you can install them almost anywhere. You can even follow Coach Michelle Hong and set up in your kitchen!
• Low maintenance: After skating, the synthetic panels will produce shavings, which can be easily cleaned. You only need a few minutes to clean your synthetic ice with a damp cloth. This also makes it cost-effective when compared to setting up an actual rink in your backyard or home.
• Durability: PolyGlide Ice panels last for at least ten years. That’s the gift that keeps on giving!

These reasons make PolyGlide Ice panels an excellent gift this season.

That’s not all.

Whether your lucky recipient is a seasoned skater or new to the practice, there are some added benefits they will enjoy.

Benefits Of Ice Skating

With more than 10 million ice skating participants in the country, it’s a practice that’s showing no signs of slowing.

Besides the fun and joy from skating, there are six great benefits to gain:

 1. A great way to stay active

Jogging, walking, or biking can get boring after a while. Ice skating is a great way to get your heart pumping while pulling off some great moves.

Whether you’re playing hockey or figure skating, it’s a great way to stay active. 

2. Get the kids involved in a new sport.

Why not gift the kids synthetic ice panels for Christmas?

They can pick up an exciting new sport! Hockey and figure skating have great programs for all levels.

They can get started at home (and safely during the pandemic) and take it up as a hobby or competitively with time.

Even if kids got started with skating before, they could resume training in the comfort of home.

3. Improve your balance

Ice skating is a great way to get fast and light on your feet.

You can improve your balance with practice on the ice or synthetic panels.

That improved balance can translate into other sports or active parts of your life.

4. Build leg muscles, cardio, and endurance.

Ice skating does not only take balance but strength. It’s a great way to work out those legs and strengthen your calves and hamstrings.

You can also build your endurance and improve your cardiovascular health with extended, active periods of skating.

 5. Relieve your stress and show your creativity.

After a long day at work, we love to put on our skates and be free on the ice. With synthetic ice panels in the home, anyone can do it at any time.

Ice skating is a great way to relieve stress and be creative as you perform moves at any skill level.

 6. Be part of a community.

Best of all, getting the gift of ice panels introduces that person to the skating community.

There is an ice skating community in every state.

You can join a sport or recreational program and learn from the best with coaching.

PolyGlide Ice Gift Recommendations

Convinced that getting synthetic ice is a great Holiday gift?

Then you can try one of our premium products.

For instance, we created our Spin Station specifically for figure skating.

The panels have a triangular design, which gives the user flexibility in setup while having a large surface area for spirals, crossovers, hops, and lunges.

It’s self-lubricating, useable on both sides, and has no weight limit.

We’ve even tested hockey on our Spin Station with great results!

Our Home Start-Up Kit also works great for ice skating or hockey.

With four panels in each kit, you can have a great space to practice simple drills.

The panels are durable, non-infused (meaning no spraying or slip lubrication required), and are UV protected for the outdoors.

The startup rink can also set up and break down in a few minutes.

So if your loved one is pressed for space, they can easily convert the living area or garage for some fun. 

Ice Skating Stocking Stuffers

If Santa’s coming early, he’d want to add some items to make the gift of ice skating even better.

These gifts are practical for the avid skater and will last for years. 

1. Get Some Skates

Of course, what’s skating on synthetic ice panels without skates! Your friend or loved one may have their own pair.

Or they may have their eyes on a new set.

Pick up a pair of Jackson, Riddell, or Botas.

Buying figure skates is as much an art as it is a science.

You have to consider comfort, stiffness, and skating level.

Buying the wrong skates can damage feet and create a poor experience.

Find out as much as you can about their fit and preference (without letting the cat out of the bag).

And keep the receipt!

 2. Some fresh blades

Your loved one may already have some skates that they cherish so that you can get them some blades instead.

Like a kitchen knife, blades can eventually go dull, which no amount of sharpening can restore.

Having a backup pair won’t hurt, so feel free to make them a great stocking stuffer.

 3. Tape for your synthetic panels

It may sound weird to buy some tape, but it’s quite practical.

Synthetic panels tend to slip or vibrate on slightly uneven surfaces.

Some super-adhesive, double-sided tape can keep the panels secure.

Our double-sided seam tape does just the trick, holding your rink in place on hardwood floors, concrete, or plastic. 

 4. Skate Guards and Soakers

Walking on surfaces that aren’t made of ice is a death sentence for your blades.

Unlike a local ice rink, you have the option of lacing up right next to your synthetic ice panels.

But that does not mean they should not be protected—a pair of skate guards to keep blades from nicks and scratches.

Soakers are also a great ice skating gift. These cover the blades and removes excess moisture after drying the skates.

While they may not be necessary for home, they will come in handy when your loved one finally decides to head back to the local rink again.

5. Figure Skating Training

Here’s one that’s a little left field. How about getting some training lessons?

There are coaches and trainers that have beginner to advanced classes.

And with Covid-19 protocols affecting coaches, many have taken to online training, making the best more accessible. 

Conclusion

From Thanksgiving, all the way to the New Year, give the gift of ice skating!

Our synthetic ice panels are ideal for skating at home and will last for years.

You can even add some of our stocking stuffer recommendations.

If you’re unsure of the type and size of panels, reach out to us for guidance based on your needs. 

There are many things to consider when purchasing a synthetic ice rink including whether to go with an "infused" or "non-infused" surface. Infused or "self lubricating" synthetic ice panels are manufactured with a slip agent additive... 

Read more

The average athlete spends 1-3 hours training 5-6 days per week.

This number rises significantly for full-time professional athletes.

Besides practicing the fundamentals of their sport, athletes must also work on strengthening their bodies and improving their speed, conditioning, coordination, and agility.

The need to gain a competitive edge has brought about a rise in different forms of training.

Slide board exercises, which were once only for speed skating and figure skating, are now becoming a useful tool for all sports.

---

Slide Board Training for All Sports With The Slip Board By PolyGlide Ice

---

A slide board is a long, rectangular tool used to train specific figure and speed skating skills.

These boards are usually smooth, slippery plastic or wood with a footrest on each end.

Some are now made with polymer plastic for more durability and off-ice training.

The user would wear socks or booties on both feet, then slide from one end to the other. 

If you’re a budding athlete or a seasoned professional, you may wonder if adding slide board exercises to your routine makes sense.

Spoiler alert: it does!

Let’s look at some benefits and how you can integrate a slide board to improve your performance based on your sport. 

What are the health benefits for athletes that train using a slide board?

When you place your slide board on the floor and use it for the first time, it can feel strange and even a little silly, especially if you’ve never skated.

But as you continue using it, you’ll notice some fantastic benefits, such as:

• Improved cardiovascular health: Athletes must have excellent lung capacity, endurance, and energy stores to compete at a high level. Some more than others. For instance, basketball players can run 4-6 miles per game, while soccer players can run up to 8.5 miles. Slide board exercises help increase and maintain heart rate, improving endurance.
• Improved balance: Figure skaters performing triple Loops or Axels need great balance between takeoff and landing. The same goes for many of the popular high-contact sports today. Slide board exercises activate many stabilizing muscles, such as the core, glutes, quadriceps, calf, and ankle muscles.
• Build your speed: The faster you go on a slide board, the more control you’ll achieve with your overall movement and change of direction. That can translate to more speed and control in your movements.
• A low-impact alternative: Athletes exert ridiculous force on their joints when running, jumping, or colliding with others. Constant joint injuries can shorten or limit the career of even the best athletes. The athletes that stick around the longest (think Tom Brady and LeBron James) focus on flexibility and pliability. Slide board exercises are a low-impact option for strength and conditioning, which can translate to fewer injuries. It’s excellent for lower and upper body exercises. A slide board is also great for recovery from injury. A low-impact option helps athletes to strengthen the surrounding muscles while reducing the shock around the injured joint or muscle.
• It’s just fun!: Even for the seasoned athlete, exercise can be boring. Using a slide board is a great way to add some variety and fun to your training.

What muscles do slide board exercises work?

When looking at how you use a slide board, it’s easy to assume that it’s only for lower body exercises.

However, slide boards are excellent for the entire body.

You must engage your core muscles in any routine to maintain balance.

The constant movement is also a great calorie burner. 

A slide board is also versatile as it can also target parts of the upper body.

By assuming pushup or plank positions with your hands or forearms on the board, you can perform a variety of strength-building exercises. 

Lower body:

You can perform sliding exercises on the board facing any direction.

Slide boards are known for strengthening the lower body and can target specific exercises.

They are helpful for the glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, and ankles.

It also supports the hips and stabilizes the knees, protecting the knee’s meniscus and ligaments. 

Upper body:

Moving the arms during slide drills is sure to give them a workout.

Yet, slide boards are versatile enough to target specific muscles in the upper body.

You can target the chest, biceps, triceps, and shoulders with pushups, reaches, reverse flies, and planks. 

If you play a specific sport, you may be eager to know which slide board exercises are best.

Some exercises help all sports with balance, core strength, and endurance.

However, your discipline may benefit from slide board routines targeting specific body parts.

Here are some of the more popular sports and the respective exercises to enhance performance. 

What are the best slide board exercises for skaters?

Figure skaters and speed skaters need a strong core, glute, and leg muscles for balance and speed.

For figure skaters, these muscles also help the skater perform turns, spins, and difficult jumps.

Skaters must also stay light and lean to perform double and triple jumps with ease.

Additionally, strong hips help generate power, enhance agility, and improve flexibility.

Here are 5 slide board exercises to become a faster, stronger skater.

1. Skating drills: Use the slide board for its intended purpose, skating side to side. Increase the speed and duration of skating as needed.
2. Slide board lunge: Put on your slideboard socks or booties and practice a deep lunge from one side to the other.
3. Reverse Planks: Follow this guide. You’re going to sit on the floor, press your arms behind you at shoulder width, then extend your hips and torso to the ceiling. With the board, you can slide your feet around in different directions to increase the intensity.
4. Leg lifts: Lie on your back flat on the board. Raise one foot at a time (or both) to stabilize and strengthen the core.
5. Slide board squats: Use the board to slide your feet out while you squat. You can also try split squats, alternating feet using the board’s sliding effect, or the curtsy squat, an excellent exercise for skaters.

Along with these strengthening exercises, the slide board is also a great tool to practice the mechanics of a figure skater’s jump, helping coaches to correct any technical flaws.  

What are the best slide board exercises for hockey players and goalies?

Hockey players, especially goalies, have the added burden of nearly 15 pounds of gear while on the ice.

Endurance and speed are vital for hockey players who must establish a low center of gravity when racing for the puck.

They also need strong arms and shoulders for holding the stick and receiving (or giving) the occasional body check.

Some useful slide board exercises include:

1. Lateral slides: Stand in the center of the board with a tall body, strong core, and hands on hips. Slide one foot away from the body as far as possible (without bending the knee) while maintaining your rigid body position. You can change things up by bending the knee of the standing leg when performing your slide. 
2. Standing Lunges: Stand tall and extend one leg back and away from the body as far as possible while bending the knee of the standing leg.
3. Skating drills (with or without your stick): Use the board to slide from one end to the other. Grab your stick to establish the same motion and mechanics, keeping your knees always bent and a low center of gravity.
4. Explosive skating drills from a kneeling position: For our goalies out there, you’ll constantly find yourself on your knees, protecting your goal as much as possible. A great slideboard drill is to start on one end from a kneeling position, then explode up to your feet, sliding to the other end. Repeat to get back to your starting position. Do this with your stick in hand for an effective full-body workout.
5. Slideboard pushups: If you’re recovering from an arm or shoulder injury, try low-impact pushups. Get into a pushup position with your arms on the slide board. Stretch one arm away from your body as you lower yourself into a pushup, then return the arm when you come back up.

Repeat these exercises as many times as recommended by your trainer or doctor (if you’re recovering from injury). 

What are the best slide board exercises for baseball players?

Baseball players need strong, explosive arms and shoulders for pitching and hitting.

That means strong wrists, forearms, biceps, triceps, and shoulders.

Pitchers can throw hundreds of times per week in practice and games.

The same goes for those practicing their hitting, swinging over 100 times a day.

Combining a slide board with dumbbells, resistance bands, or kettlebells can take your performance to the next level.

Here are some slideboard exercises:

1. Sliding Lunges: Baseball players may pitch and hit, but they depend on their lower bodies to generate power. Lunges can strengthen the hips, quadriceps, and glutes, improving performance.
2. Side-to-side slideboard drills: Just because you’re not a figure skater does not mean you can’t skate. Build your endurance with side-to-side slide board exercises.
3. Plyometric pushups: Gain explosiveness in your arms and shoulders with these plyometric pushups. Explode up from the slide board with every rep.
4. Slide board shoulder extensions: Place your arms on the slideboard in a plank or modified plank position. Extend one arm as far in front of you as possible, lowering your body to get the best range of motion. Return to the starting position, then extend the opposite arm.
5. Arm circles: Adopt a plank position with your arms on the slideboard covered with socks or booties. Form circles one at a time with each arm.

Slide boards are great low-impact tools on days you need light exercise or as a part of physical therapy after an injury. 

What are the best slide board exercises for basketball, football, and soccer players?

Basketball, football, and soccer players all depend on full-body power and endurance.

These disciplines require a strong core and lower body.

Basketball and football players also benefit from strong shoulders.

Some of the best exercises include:

• Dumbbell lateral lunges
• Mountain climbers
• Romanian deadlifts
• Single-leg squats (pistol squats)
• Planks
• Push-ups
• Shuffle exercises

These can all be modified by adding weights, resistance bands, or kettlebells.

How can someone improve their athletic performance using a slide board?

Whether for strengthening your body or improving your performance, slide boards are excellent for all sports.

They are also invaluable for ramping up recovery.

Slide boards are a low-impact tool for increasing strength around the injured muscle and joint.

Along with improving your cardiovascular performance, agility, and mobility, slide boards are a fun way to exercise and remain motivated through a grueling season.

Remember to stay consistent, follow the instructions of a coach or trainer, and be consistent to enjoy the benefits of a slide board.

Check out our glide-infused Slip Board that offers the ultimate slide board workout!

 

 

So you're finally ready to take your ice skating to the next level and have decided on purchasing synthetic ice tiles.....or so you thought.

While doing your research you find yourself asking yourself;

"Do I want synthetic ice tiles or panels?"

Well, There are many reasons why people purchase synthetic ice.

Maybe your kids are eager to get in more reps to prepare for the new hockey season.

Perhaps you've got a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit, and you're going to make some money with a huge rink.

Whatever the reason, you're probably thinking about synthetic ice.

Synthetic ice is a great way to enjoy skating without natural ice.

A common question we're asked is the difference between our synthetic ice tiles and pro-glide panels.

Each product has its pros and cons.

To get the most out of your purchase, we're going to outline the key differences, uses, and important facts you need to know.

 

 

Understanding Synthetic Ice

Before we go further, let's touch a bit on the concept of synthetic ice.

Synthetic ice is made of a durable polyethylene material that's specially designed for skating.

That means you can use your metal figure skates or hockey skates on the tiles or panels.

In the past, it was crazy to think about skating on something that was not real ice.

Today, technology has allowed us to create these interlocking tiles or panels that feel close to the real thing.

Synthetic ice is durable and makes skating accessible to thousands of people.

If you want to learn more about synthetic ice and its uses, read our Expectations vs. Reality blog for a deep dive into the world of synthetics. 

Option 1: Tiles

When you head over to our site, you'll have the option of Home Ice Tiles or Pro-Glide Panels.

Home Ice Tiles are our popular product and got a bit of notoriety thanks to our appearance on Shark Tank.

When you order a kit, you receive four equally sized tiles in a convenient box.

The tiles are about 1/4 inch thick and cover 32 square feet when assembled.

This is our lightweight entry product (each weighs about 10 lbs) and can easily be shipped almost anywhere in the world.

Keep in mind that there are several lightweight tile products on the market that have a hollow back and can be only skated on one side.

When reaching out to manufacturers be sure to ask, "Can your synthetic ice tiles be skated on both sides?"

People who opt for our home ice tiles love them for several reasons:

Tiles Are Great For Skills And Drills.

With 32 square feet of tiles per box, you basically get a mini rink with each order.

That's fine because home ice tiles are perfect for skills and drills.

For example, you can set up a space for hockey players to practice slap shots or stickhandling techniques.

If you're a figure skater, you can practice beginner to advanced spins on your tiles.

If you want a space where you can put in countless hours practicing specific skills, this is for you.

They're Portable

With a mallet and just a few minutes, you can have your home ice tiles in a designated space of choice.

With the same speed you put them together, you can take them apart.

Choose this product if you're setting up in a multi-use indoor space like a garage, basement or living room.

We've even seen mini-rinks set up in kitchens!

When you're done, you can store them away until it's time to skate the next day.

 

 

You Can Customize Them For Almost Any Space

Do you just have a long corridor to work with?

Are you setting up your rink in a playroom or den?

You can place your panels in a straight line, square or rectanglar shape.

If you purchase multiple boxes of synthetic ice tiles, you have even more flexibility that will allow you to get the most out of almost any space.

They're Easy To Maintain

Large, natural ice rinks require a lot of maintenance.

You'll have to clean and resurface the ice, protect it from rain (if it's outdoors), and buy several different maintenance products.

If you're looking for a hassle-free way to skate, you can go for these tiles.

Even large at-home rinks need minimal maintenance compared to natural ice rinks.

You'll only need mild PH neutral soap mixed with water to clean your panels (with a cloth or dedicated mop).

We also formulated our slip surface conditioner to help maintain a slick surface.

They're Durable Yet Scalable

With just a few clicks, you can add multiple boxes to your order.

As the number increases, you double your square footage.

That makes tiles scalable at an affordable cost.

Remember, these are lightweight, interlocking tiles that are easily movable, customizable, and long-lasting.

On average, our synthetic ice tiles last eight years or more.

If you're planning a larger rink project to install in a dedicated space, your next option is pro-glide panel.

 

 

Option 2: Pro-Glide Panels

For the serious ice skater, home ice tiles may not be enough.

And for a space to accommodate lots of skaters, you'll need something much more durable over time.

In this case, our pro-glide panels are the preferred option.

Pro-glide panels are twice as thick as our synthetic ice tiles, and each panel is almost twice as large, meaning fewer interlocking seams.

One panel can weigh between 40 and 80 lbs and must be freight shipped to your location. Keep this in mind when ordering your panels.

PolyGlide synthetic ice tiles and Pro-glide panels come infused with a special lubricant that helps it sustain its performance.

However, you can grab an additional surface conditioner for maintenance purposes.

As you can tell, the clear difference lies in the size, weight, and shipping options.

So why choose pro-glide panels?

You're Looking For A Durable Rink For Hardcore Use.

Some customers want tiles for recreational use or for their kids to practice on the weekends.

Others are hardcore, professional skaters that need the space and durability for training and practice sessions.

These pros need the performance of a professional-grade rink without the hassle of maintaining natural ice.

Furthermore, if you plan to have large groups skating at your home rink (for instance, teammates coming over to practice), you should invest in a more durable option.

You Have Lots Of Space To Play With

Professional grade panels are best if you have a large backyard or space, deck, garage, or barn that you'll be turning into a rink.

The large panels mean fewer interlocking tiles and more seamless surface.

It also means you spend less time installing your rink.

The only caveat is that you'll need more help to construct your rink due to the weight and size of the panels.

 

 

Your Budget Is A Bit More Flexible

If you have the space and a larger budget, professional-grade panels are a better choice.

Compared to home ice tiles, you'll get a greater return on your investment over time.

For heavy use, pro panels have the least amount of surface wear and do less damage to your blades.

The larger rink could even start paying you back if you're a coach or influencer.

It's Great For Commercial Spaces

As it starts to get colder, the thoughts of ice skating heat up.

Every year, businesses wishing to capitalize on that interest install large refrigerated rinks leaving small to medium-sized companies behind. 

With professional-grade panels, you too can add some value to your business with a large rink.

These panels are great for heavy traffic during the holidays or any special event throughout the year.

Also, unlike outsourcing a company to install and maintain your rink every year, the panels are yours.

That means you can properly care for them and store them, then whip them out every winter.

 

 

Plan Your Purchase With These Questions

One thing's for sure; you know you wanted a durable, natural ice replacement for your home or business.

Now you also see the difference between tiles and panels.

With this info, now ask yourself these questions to make an easier decision:

1. What am I going to use the rink for?
2. How many people need access to the rink?
3. Do I have enough space?
4. How often would I/they be skating?
5. What's my budget?
6. Is it going to be a long-term rink or a temporary setup? Where will I store it when it's not in use?

Our  product has made leaps and bounds over the years and can now support skaters in different scenarios.

It would be unfortunate if you purchased the wrong type of tile/panel for your space and needs.

Take your time and make the choice that's right for you.

Conclusion

It's a common misconception to hear the term 'synthetic ice' and think they're all created equal.

Remember, when we talk about synthetic ice tiles, think about a lighter, more customizable product that's easy to get to you.

When we use the term 'panel,' we're thinking heavy-duty, large panels that must be freighted to you. 

Even with a clear understanding of the difference and what you want, you may still need some help in terms of measurement, accessories, and so on.

If that's the case, feel free to reach out to us, and we'll be happy to help.

What are you going to do with your synthetic ice tiles or panels?....Let us know!

Take a look at some of our most popular rink packages!

PolyGlide Ice - Home Ice Tiles

PolyGlide Ice - Pro-Glide Panels

 

Keep on Skating! 

Jim Loughran, PolyGlide Ice
www.polyglideice.com