Info & Tips

There are many ways athletes can maximize their workouts with the use of a slide board.

The average NHL hockey player skates up to 5 miles in one game, with most players exceeding that mark.

To add to that, they cover this distance carrying up to 15 pounds of gear, including skates and sticks......(quite a load!)

Figure skaters and speed skaters also cover extensive distances while training in the slightly crouched skating position, with some going up to 30/mph.

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Transform Your Skating And Enjoy Maximum Glide On Our Slip Slide Board  

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Performing these exceptional feats requires high-level training, even when you’re not on the rink. Hence......the Slide Board Workout!

This simple but effective training tool can quickly become your secret weapon to outperform the competition.

What is a slide board? 

A slide board is a rectangular, multi-use training product that provides users with a range of benefits through sliding.

Slide boards vary in size, with some as long as 10 feet.

On average, slide boards are between 18" to 24” wide.

The base is often a rigid board made of plywood, plastic or other durable material.

The top part of most standard slide boards is made of a slick PVC.

With PolyGlide’s "Slip" Slide Boards, we’ve leveraged our synthetic ice formulation for a slide that feels close to natural ice.

In addition, the slide board has foot stops on each side which are often adjustable to bring variety to your exercises and target specific muscle groups.

The adjustable bumpers can also accommodate taller users to get a smooth workout.  

Using your slide board 

You’ll first need to put on special shoes or booties to use your slide board.

The footwear allows you to “slide” along the board.

First, you will stand on one end of the board, next to the bumper.

Then you will perform a lateral slide, shifting your body weight from one end to the oth

Finally, push off with the foot closest to the opposite bumper and slide with the trailing leg. 

Perform the exercise in a slightly crouched stance that will mimic a skater's position.

Hockey players can also use the slide board with their hockey stick and gloves for a more natural stride feel.

If the sliding stance is not your speed, you can change it up and perform exercises that impact your upper body.

Slide boards are popular as they have a range of health and exercise benefits.

The Benefits of Slideboarding

1. Low-impact Exercise on Lower Extremities 

When you first begin moving on the slide board, you will notice the smooth, fluid motion.

This motion places minimal impact on your hips, knees, and ankles.

However, high-impact exercises like jogging, running, and riding can place strain on your joints.

These exercises are useful, but increased inflammation can limit movement and recovery over time.

A slide board workout is a fabulous change of pace, providing a low-impact workout that’s high quality.

You can get the same results for your hamstrings, glutes, and calves in some cases.  

2. Skip the Gym. Multiple exercises in One Device 

Strength and conditioning are an essential part of hockey, figure skating, and speed skating.

That means spending time in the gym to work on specific muscles that give you an edge on the rink.

However, if you have limited time, you can skip the gym and get a full-body workout on your slide board.

The panel helps with your core, glutes, hamstrings, and calves.

You can even incorporate pushups and mountain climbers to target the shoulders and arms.

The slide board can easily turn into a total exercise system. 

3. Increase Your Agility and Endurance 

Skating for extended periods and distances is essential in ice sports.

Hockey and other sports also demand agility, especially the ability to change direction quickly.

Performing repeated lateral movements on the slide board increases your cardiovascular health, as it is a great aerobic workout.

The exercise also requires balance and concentration, which will show in your lateral agility.  

4. Speed Things Up (thanks to balance) 

Athletes appreciate slide boarding as the training tool tests their balance.

As you go faster on the slide board, you must be aware of your body and use

your lower extremities to keep yourself set.

When you lace up your skates and hit the ice, the movement translates to your game.

You’ll see an immediate improvement in your speed since you could improve

your balance and strength without damaging your joints.

 

5. Strengthen Your Core 

Any hockey player will tell you that core strength is their secret weapon:

the stronger your core, the more powerful your shot.

The stronger your core, the easier it is for you to shrug off your opponent.

It even allows you to rotate, speed up, slow down and protect the puck.

When we think of core strength, we often think of our abs.

However, your core wraps around your entire lower trunk and includes your lower back and oblique muscles.

Training your core can be time-consuming, and it is easy to miss out on some of these essential muscle groups.

With a slide board, you get a full core workout that targets these muscles in a way that few other devices can 

6. An Excellent Physical Therapy Tool 

Slide boards are popular with physical therapists.

After a sports injury, athletes need several months in rehabilitation to strengthen the damaged area.

These exercises must be low impact to avoid reaggravating the injury.

Physical therapy often starts 1-2 months after a major lower-body injury like an ACL tear, hip tear, or a torn Achilles.

A slide board helps the athlete gradually return to functional movements.

The device will help with coordination, core strength, balance, and endurance.

More importantly, specific exercises can strengthen the muscles around the injury for better support.  

7. Helps in Several Other Sports

We have been mentioning hockey and skating a lot in this article.

Yet, slideboarding is not just for ice sports.

Athletes in all sports see fantastic results with slideboarding.

It adds some much-needed variety to their regimen while providing the same excellent results.

The tool is a great way to recover after training for hours.

And like hockey players, other athletes can strengthen their core and lower bodies with a slide board.

For instance, soccer players can improve their speed, agility, and endurance, vital for the sport.

Other sports that can benefit from a slide board include skiing, basketball, lacrosse, cross country running, and much more. 

8. Train anywhere and everywhere 

Sometimes we don’t have the time to hit the gym, but we still need to get a workout.

Your slide board only needs a few feet of space for you to get a complete workout.

Use it in your driveway, on the deck, or in your backyard.

Some slide boards are portable, allowing you to use them on business trips or get in a morning workout on vacation.

Wherever you can find a few feet of space, you can use your board! 

9. Durable and cost-effective tool. 

Since the pandemic, there has been a boom in at-home exercise equipment.

Bikes, treadmills, and mirrors on walls are now commonplace, all with built-in apps to help you stay motivated.

While these concepts work, most people are priced out of these expensive devices.

A slide board can provide much of the same benefits at a fraction of the cost.

The tool is also durable, lasting for several years with minimal maintenance, compared to other complicated exercise tools.

  

10. Improves skating technique and posture 

The original concept of the slide board was designed by speed skaters.

These athletes needed a way to practice posture and technique in the off-season.

The first slide boards were large planks of wood covered with wax.

Speed skaters would spend hours working on these boards just to tweak their technique.

That simple change meant a fraction of a second needed to beat their opponent at the line.

With your slide board, you can work on the minor details necessary to improve your skating speed and technique.

You can work with your coach or watch yourself in a mirror to correct the things impacting your skating. 

11. Burn more calories compared to cardio 

A 30-minute session on a slide board increases your heart rate, revving up your calorie-burning abilities.

When you include other exercises like pushups, mountain climbers, and lunges, you can also help build upper body strength.

Adjusting the bumpers can increase the intensity, giving you a full-body workout that can burn over 700 calories.

Compare this to jogging or other cardio exercises, which can average between 400 and 500 calories.  

What to consider before choosing a slide board 

With all these exceptional benefits, choosing a slide board as part of your training regimen is a no-brainer.

However, before you add the first one you find to your online shopping cart, there are some factors you must consider.

First, make sure you pick up the right length to your height.

Athletes over 6 feet should get a slide board of at least 8 feet to maximize results.

Shorter slide boards work great for low impact and high rep workouts..  

You should also consider the type of material used, as this will determine performance and durability.

Our special infused polymer boards can give you a controlled skate, like ice.

Since it is of similar construction to our synthetic ice tiles, you should have a training tool that lasts for years.

Other factors you should consider include design, stability, and price.   

What surfaces can you use on a slide board? 

Slide boards are flat, rectangular exercise tools that can work on almost any surface.

For indoor use, carpet, rugs, and tiles are best. These surfaces ensure the slide board stays in one place.

If you’re concerned about your hardwood floors, you can place the slide board on a yoga mat or exercise mat.

If you are still skeptical, try placing the slide board next to a wall to prevent excess movement.

Outdoor use is possible as long as you use a level surface.

Your yoga mat may come in handy on grassy areas to keep things level.

Driveways, decks, and porches are other great options.

If the bottom of the slide board or bumpers develop scratches over time, use the exercise mat for added protection.   

How do you take care of your slide board? 

Slide boards need minimal care and can last for years before a replacement is necessary.

If you use it often, you will notice an accumulation of dirt.

Clean the area with warm water and a cotton or microfiber cloth.

Use a dry cloth to remove the excess moisture.

Microfiber "Sock Mops" are also a fun way to keep your board clean and slick.

Some slide boards come with a slip surface conditioner.

This helps to restore that smooth glide you enjoyed when you got it the first time.

Add the conditioner to a spray bottle and apply a light mist, making sure to wipe off any excess.

Caring for your slide board and reapplying your slip agent ensures that it lasts for years.   

Can you use socks on a slide board? 

You need special booties or slip-on covers to perform slide board exercises.

Some providers provide these covers, but if they are not available, you will need to improvise.

Wool socks are an option and work just as well as the conventional slip-on covers. 

Conclusion

If you are looking for a simple, low-impact method to improve your skating, slideboarding can help.

Spending just 30 minutes on the board can improve your skating speed, agility, and balance.

You also get a fantastic workout that strengthens your core, glutes, and hamstring muscles.

A slide board will serve you well even when if you get injured, helping you to recover faster.  

Our slide boards contain our proprietary polymer that gives you an unbeatable slide.

More importantly, you can use it on any surface, so you are not bound by location.

Slide into this new way of training by clicking on the link or reaching out to our team.

At PolyGlide Synthetic Ice, we will ensure you receive a slide board that fits your fitness goals. 

 

Wintertime brings freezing temperatures and snow, but it does not mean an end to indoor and outdoor events. In fact, winter events are expected.

We all bundle up and head out to enjoy some of winter’s cherished activities, like Winterfest.

If you’re a Winterfest organizer, you look forward to the hundreds of thousands of people that pass through every year.

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Spice Up Your Community Winterfest With A  PolyGlide Synthetic Ice Rink

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And this year, like every other year, you’re probably thinking about a Winterfest Ice rink.

Ice rinks are often refrigerated or made naturally using lots of water and cold outdoor temperatures.

There’s also a third option; synthetic ice.

Going synthetic for your next Winterfest ice rink has some fantastic benefits and will make your decision to install an ice rink easier.

What is Winterfest?

Winterfest is a catch-all term for festivals, carnivals, and fairs held in the wintertime.

Winterfest is important for many fairs, parks, and carnivals as it allows them to operate and be profitable when attendance decreases significantly during winter.

Some Winterfests are open for a set period, while others open every weekend for the entire Holiday season.

Examples of Winterfests include:

• Winterfest At The Seattle Center
• Saint Paul Winter Carnival
• The Whitefish Winter Carnival
• Winterfest at various Cedar Fair Amusement Parks

There are often smaller carnivals and fairs held in cities, towns, and communities across the country.

Winterfest is not limited to the USA; you can find similar events in Canada, the UK, France, China, and Japan.

At a Winterfest, you can expect:

• Winter-appropriate rides and games
• Ice Sculpting
• Live Concerts and performances like The Nutcracker
• Community performances
• Food, games, and items on sale
• Child-friendly events
• Upholding town or state traditions

You can find out if there’s a Winterfest near you via social media or your local news.

 

Should you install a Winterfest Ice Rink?

Winterfest organizers juggle many different events and demands.

They have to decide what will stay and what will be left out.

One such decision is the installation of a Winterfest ice rink.

Ice skating is a sport or hobby enjoyed by millions.

People look forward to ice skating in the winter, but with limited rinks, thousands go through the Holidays without skating.

A Winterfest is an excellent opportunity to fill that gap, but a rink can take up a large chunk of the event’s budget in installation and maintenance.

Nevertheless, there are some great benefits for carnivals having an ice skating rink.

Benefits of a Winterfest Ice Rink

Winterfest events can go smoothly without an ice rink, so why install one?

• Additional revenue: Whenever someone goes to a Winterfest fair, they’re excited to try the rink, so it attracts new and experienced skaters alike. An ice rink is an additional income stream, as you can charge for skate rentals or rink use.

• Create an authentic winter experience: What’s winter without winter sports? Ice skating helps everyone have an immersive experience in the winter. It tops off an unforgettable Winterfest, encouraging participants to revisit. Ice skating adds to the Winterfest charm!

• Concerts and performances on the ice: Have you ever seen Disney on Ice? Ice skating opens other opportunities for on-ice concerts and performances that families will enjoy.

These reasons, and several more, are incentives for Winterfest organizers to install an ice rink.

In most cases, there is enough space to place a large rink for 30, 50, or more skaters to enjoy at any time.

 

What are your options?

The next dilemma is to choose the best rink for the event; refrigerated, natural, or synthetic:

Refrigerated rink

The standard type of ice skating rink you see in the NHL, Olympics, and recreational rinks worldwide.

This rink uses a refrigerated system consisting of pipes, water, and coolant to freeze a thin layer of ice.

The system is connected to a condenser that keeps a steady temperature of the ice and prevents it from melting.

The ice is then resurfaced manually or with machines called Zambonis.

Natural rink

Before refrigerated systems were widely available, ice rinks were created using just water and the elements.

First, a tarp or water-resistant mat is placed on the desired surface.

Rink walls, often made of wood, are then placed around the area.

You’ll then add water (several thousand gallons depending on the size) when natural temperatures are below freezing.

After a few days, it’s resurfaced with warm water for a skateable finish.

We do not recommend natural rinks for commercial use due to the unpredictability of the weather, but they are effective if the rink can maintain a consistent temperature.

Synthetic ice rink

Synthetic ice is growing in popularity as an option for both home and commercial use.

The rink consists of polyethylene panels that are infused with a special agent allowing ice skate blades to glide across them.

Each tile comes with an edge that can be connected with the other to make a large skating surface of your choosing.

Synthetic ice rinks do come with some friction compared to natural ice.

However, advanced materials, like our infused Polyethylene, reduce that friction to 10% or less.

A synthetic ice rink is an excellent choice for Winterfest events and the preferred option for many of today’s best organizers.

Below are some reasons why you should go synthetic for Winterfest. 

 

7 Reasons Why You Should go Synthetic

1.   It’s easy to install

Time is of the essence during the planning and setup of a Winterfest.

A refrigerated or natural rink can be time-consuming to set up, often requiring multiple experts to complete the task.

With a synthetic ice rink, you can do it within two hours, using two able-bodied persons.

The tiles or panels connect like puzzle pieces joined gently with a rubber mallet. After installing the tiles, you can install slide boards or rink walls to complete the rink.

The installation makes deciding on a Winterfest ice rink easier.

2.   Maintenance made easy

Refrigerated ice rinks need constant, expensive maintenance.

A technician is often on hand to deal with issues, incurring costs to the Winterfest team.

Synthetic ice rinks are easy to clean and maintain for maximum performance.

Synthetic ice rinks need a soft broom to remove the shavings that are natural with metal blades.

Once the shavings are gone, clean the rink with warm soapy water, then finish with a Slip Surface Conditioner.

This process can be handled by the event’s general maintenance team, saving time and money.

3.   An indoor or outdoor Winterfest Ice Rink?

Synthetic ice rinks are versatile in that they can be installed indoors or outdoors.

Natural rinks are only possible outdoors, while refrigerated ice rinks still need cool temperatures, limiting outdoor use.

You can place a synthetic ice rink in a large outdoor space or indoors for small children, concerts, or other indoor activities.

4.   More than one use

Ice rinks aren’t limited to ice skating, as carnivals tend to have multiple events on the ice.

Curling, sock skating for kids, and hockey are just some examples of ice activities.

You can designate an event or discipline each day of Winterfest, which will keep things fresh and increase the potential revenue of the rink. 

5.   An environmentally friendly option

Synthetic ice rinks are often made of recyclable materials and plastics.

However, it reduces the excess use of water and electricity, which is typical with refrigerated rinks.

Moreover, synthetic rinks last 5-10 years, making them an environmentally friendly option over time.

 

6.   Save commercial utility costs.

Winterfest organizers have to manage the day-to-day costs of the event so it can be profitable.

Utility costs are a common concern, as carnival rides and bright lights can be resource intensive.

And a refrigerated rink increases expenses significantly.

Synthetic ice requires no power or water, saving hundreds or even thousands in utilities each Winterfest.

7.   Store it for the next year!

Synthetic ice can be uninstalled as quickly as it was set up, making storage a breeze.

This convenience means that the ice only needs to be purchased once.

It can be stored and used for multiple events lasting several years.

You can even use the rink during the year for roller skating, sock skating, and other fun activities.

Conclusion

Winterfest planning starts several months in advance.

If you’re organizing the next Winterfest, there are several benefits to installing a skating rink.

In most cases, the benefits outweigh the costs and risks.

For instance, ice rinks can earn hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly.

Additionally, kids and adults cite ice skating as the thing they look forward to the most over the holidays.

A synthetic ice rink provides all these benefits while saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a refrigerated option.

Today it’s easier than ever to install synthetic ice.

You can rent or buy standard commercial rink sizes for your next Winterfest, or you can measure and create a custom synthetic ice rink based on your needs.

At Polyglide Ice, we produce at-home and commercial rinks of all sizes.

Let’s help you put on the best Winterfest possible with the power of synthetic ice!

 

 

The Holidays are a time everyone looks forward to. 

It’s filled with shopping, connecting with friends and family, great food, and the occasional hot chocolate. 

It’s also a great time for ice skating. 

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Celebrate The Holidays With Your Own Portable PolyGlide Synthetic Ice Rink

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People of all ages dust off their skates and hit the local rinks or rent out a pair to try out ice skating for the first time. 

Finding a rink can be challenging, so local malls, hotels, and other high-traffic places consider installing portable skating rinks. 

The Magic Of Holiday Ice Skating

Portable skating rinks are a great business opportunity to attract customers and even make extra cash.

If you’re thinking about installing a rink for the holidays, you’ll be surprised to find there are multiple options you can choose from. 

We will break down each of these rinks and let you know the best option for your establishment.

Why You Should Consider a Portable Skating Rink

Ice skating is a popular sport that attracts almost all ages and skill levels.

While there is a demand, it should not prompt businesses to install a permanent ice rink. 

Permanent ice rinks are large refrigerated ones requiring construction, installation, and maintenance. 

Portable skating rinks, however, give you a host of benefits:

• You can set it up anywhere: larger, permanent ice rinks need a specific space and location for installation. With a portable rink, you can install it almost anywhere inside a mall or establishment.
• Indoor or outdoor? Heck, yea!: Sometimes, there is no space inside a mall or other high-traffic space. Set up in a parking lot or other open area with portable skating rinks. That indoor and outdoor flexibility is ideal for multiple events or keeping the rink open in bad weather. 
• Easy storage and transportation: Portable rinks can be uninstalled and stored after the holidays. You can also transport them to multiple locations on certain days, so you get maximum use from one rink. 
• Reusable: During the year, you can roll out the rink for sock skating, curling, Christmas in July, and other ice-related events. 
• Scalable: Almost all portable skating rinks can be increased in size at a marginal cost compared to a permanent rink.  
• Additional income: Portable ice rinks attract skating enthusiasts who would otherwise not visit your business. Skaters can turn into customers, and you get additional income from ice skate rentals, memorabilia, and other special events.
• Media exposure: Local news stations love to cover exciting events around the Holidays. That free exposure of an ice rink and customer social media posts means you get some additional advertising!

Portable ice rinks are popular in malls, museums, and other businesses.

Some popular examples include the Long Island Children’s Museum, The Mariott Hotel at Miami Beach, and The American Museum of Natural History’s yearly ice rink.

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The Pro-Glide Panel Offers Optimal Glide And Performance By PolyGlide Synthetic Ice

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Before You Buy, Consider This...

If you’re reading this, you’re considering adding portable ice skating rinks to one or more of your businesses. 

Before you do, there are some steps you can take to ensure you get the best return on your investment.

How big is it? Measure the area you want to install the rink so you’ll know the best size. Consider customer traffic and ice skate rental booths, seating areas, and storage. An accurate measurement will save time and money. 

What material should I choose? Portable ice rinks consist of different materials. Choose the correct type of rink based on where it will be installed, estimated traffic, or type of skating. 

Assembly required: Will you need someone to install it? Do you need an expert? Who will set it up, and what will the setup cost?

What about safety and maintenance? Commercial spaces have to consider customer safety, risk, and maintenance. Choosing the right type of rink can minimize the risk of injury. 

Types of Portable Skating Rinks

There are several types of portable skating rinks available.

Some are strictly for ice skating, while others are great for other disciplines, like roller skating.

Here are some of the best for large spaces like malls, hotels, and other high-traffic businesses.

1. Refrigerated Ice Rinks

These rinks are a popular option for large commercial spaces.

The rink combines water, special pipes, and refrigeration principles to create a space of real ice you can skate on. 

Refrigerated rinks are sold and installed by professionals by placing a mat or plastic tarp, rink walls, then several pipes to keep the water at a specific temperature. 

A unique coolant is passed through the pipes, powered by a refrigeration system (think of your home refrigerator or air conditioning system).

The rink space is then covered with water that freezes thanks to the pipes. 

Pros

• Skating on natural ice
• You can use real ice skates
• It can last several months, both indoor and outdoor
• You can charge more for an ‘authentic’ skating experience

Cons

• Expensive to set up and maintain
• It uses water and is energy intensive
• Limited outdoor use in warmer months
• Commercial rinks require trained staff on-site
• Increased chance of injury by inexperienced skaters

Refrigerated rinks provide an authentic experience, indicated by popular rinks like The Rockefeller Center.

However, the cost to set up and maintain can be a deterrent.

2. Synthetic Ice Rinks

Synthetic ice rinks have been around for decades, perfecting the material to its current state.

These are tiles or panels made of a unique polyethylene panel that connects with the next, similar to a puzzle or laminate flooring.

The material is also infused with a liquid slip agent, so you can skate with ice skates.

Pros

• Scalable by simply increasing the tiles.
• You can use ice skate blades on the material
• Easy to install and store
• Panels are more durable for commercial use
• Synthetic ice saves energy and water (an eco-friendly option)
• Versatile. You can use roller skates, socks, and ice skates.

Cons

• Some skaters will notice the difference compared to natural ice.
• Multiple generic options are available. It’s easy to purchase an inferior product.
• Regular maintenance is needed to remove shavings and keep ice smooth.
• Some brands require additional slip surface agents that must be regularly applied. 
• Rental costs can be high. Purchasing rinks outright may be more cost-effective.

Synthetic ice is a versatile option for businesses, which lasts for years.

For instance, you can try our Metro Mall Rinks, specifically designed for commercial spaces, malls, hockey training centers, and large-scale events. 

Through a fast installation process, you’ll have a rink comparable to the most popular commercial rinks in the world.

While effective, some brands still have high friction and rink shavings, reducing the experience for skaters. 

Enhancing The Skating Experience

Choosing the best portable skating rinks for the holidays is not enough.

You’ll also have to complete the rest of the space to enhance the experience for skaters. Elevate the fun and excitement through these options:

1. Have skating gear available: The rink should have ice skate rentals, helmets, and pads to help keep skaters safe. 
2. Decorations and lighting: Get in the Holiday cheer with decorations, lighting, and other attractive props. Even with an artificial rink, skaters will come and enjoy the space, take pictures with friends, and enjoy the warmth and ambiance you’ve created.
3. Set the mood: Get the right music to make the space festive and fun. You don’t need to hire a DJ. Just play some of the best Holiday classics and contemporary music for skaters to enjoy. 
4. Add fun activities, events, and giveaways: Create an event calendar aligning with the Holidays to incentivize more skaters. 

Why Synthetic Ice Is The Best Option

So which one is the best?

We believe synthetic ice is ideal for installing and maintaining an ice rink in public spaces.

It’s an option that feels close to ice skating without the significant commitment and cost of a refrigerated rink. 

Synthetic ice can last up to 10 years and is usable annually for multiple purposes and in almost any space. 

You can also invest in high-quality panels with enough left over to decorate the space, attracting more business. 

With an easy installation that’s great both indoors and outdoors, synthetic is a no-brainer.

Consider options already infused with the slip agent for the best results. 

Conclusion

The Holidays are a great time to add something new to your business, so why not an ice rink?

The energy it brings can brighten any space with Holiday cheer. 

While refrigerated rinks are popular and give a natural ice feel, synthetic ice provides a better long-term solution.

With quick setup, easy storage, maintenance, and a reasonable cost, you can bring skating to the masses.

PolyGlide Synthetic Ice provides synthetic ice for homes and businesses, large or small.

Contact us for a quote and guidance on installing portable skating rinks for the Holidays

 

 

The WEAR Score provides basic information on all of the elements that affect the edge sharpness of an ice skater's blade.

It provides useful information when shopping for ice skates or trying to understand what may dull your blade so you can properly maintain your skates.

So what's your W.E.A.R. Score?

If I were to assume no one has ever asked you that question I would probably be right, correct?

Yet, in every skater's world, there is one consistent everlasting concern that always needs to be addressed and will never go away...

"Skate Blade A-Wear-Ness".

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Enjoy Check Your Score Now With The W.E.A.R. Score Generator Tool

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In the figure skating world, the most important piece of equipment that is cherished by every skater is undoubtedly... their skates.

And who can blame them?

Unlike hockey players who are "sticklers" (pun intended) about their sticks, gloves, helmets, shin guards, shoulder pads, and, oh yes.....their skates, figure skaters have only their one holy grail.... their ice skate blades.

At PolyGlide Ice we felt the time was overdue to address all the factors that contribute to ice skate blade wear (as we get asked this question quite often)..... so here we go!

Example Chart:

What is The W.E.A.R. Score?

To draft an overall WEAR Score we needed to include the main factors that contribute to ice skate blade wear and assign a score to help paint a clearer picture.

There are multiple variants of each of these factors but we wanted to keep it simple for the average skater and parent to understand.

So, here's a quick simple summary:

• W: WEIGHT - The Weight of the skater
• E: EDGE - Edge blade metal (type).
• A: ABRASION - Abrasion Surface (skating surface)
• R: RINK HRS. - Rink Hrs (per week)

We feel these four elements have the most direct impact on the wearing down or dulling of ice skate blades.

There's really only one of the four elements that are controllable outside of the skater's weight which is the composition of the skate blade.

By configuring the skater's WEAR Score any person can decide on the proper skate blade options that may work best for the skater.

How do I figure out my W.E.A.R. Score??

As mentioned above, there are five key elements that directly affect how long your ice skate blade may stay sharp while in use; weight, edge, abrasion, and rink hrs.

Each of the five key elements is given a score of 1 through 5 that directly affects the final W.E.A.R. Score with 5 being the best (blade health) as follows:

Weight:

• 0-50 lbs = 5
• 50-100 lbs = 4
• 100-150 lbs =3
• 150-200 lbs = 2
• 200 + lbs = 1

Edge:

• TITANIUM = 5
• STAINLESS STEEL = 4
• ALUMINUM = 3
• TEMPERED = 2
• CARBON = 1

(Note: Add .5 for chrome-plated blades)

Abrasion:

• FRESH CUT ICE = 5
• UNCUT OR POND ICE = 4
• INFUSED SYNTHETIC ICE = 3
• NON-INFUSED SYNTHETIC ICE = 2
• INJECTION-MODED SKATING TILES = 1

Rink Hrs. (weekly):

• 1-2 HRS., LEARN TO SKATE = 5
• 2-4 HRS., INTERMEDIATE = 4
• 5-7 HRS., JUNIOR = 3
• 7-10 HRS., COMPETITIVE = 2
• 10+ HRS., ELITE / SENIOR = 1

Take a minute to tabulate your overall W.E.A.R. Score using the 4 elements above to analyze blade exposure, sharpening frequency and what the proper blade requirements may be for any skater from beginner to advanced.

How is the W.E.A.R Score Useful?

We feel anyone looking to purchase ice skates or considering what type of blade makes sense for them may benefit from knowing their blade WEAR Score.

Especially now, given the high cost of skates, it's important for buyers to know what they can expect from their investment when it comes time to shop.

Here are a few simple examples of how the skate blade WEAR Score can be tabulated for active skaters and their families.

We highlighted 3 examples, all using a carbon blade for different skaters at different levels and sports:

Example 1 - Beginner (Recreational Skates):

If a parent of a young toddler (under 50lbs.) that's interested in learning how to ice skate at the local rink, wants to purchase them their first pair of ice skates they wouldn't have to run out and buy skates with a titanium blade.

A common carbon blade skate would serve that skater just fine and would still keep their W.E.A.R. Score above 3:

• WEIGHT (42 lbs) = 5
• EDGE (carbon) = 1
• ABRASION (cut/uncut) = 4.5
• RINK HRS (2) = 5
• OVERALL WEAR SCORE = 3.9

Note: Typical practice ice or "public session" ice can get cut up pretty quickly in which case you would use 4.5 as a more honest Abrasion Score. The same can be applied to any of the elements to attain a final score.

Example 2 - Travel Hockey Player (Hockey Skates):

An 89-pound male, Pee-wee travel hockey player asked Santa for a new pair of skates for Christmas and has his parents scrambling for the right ones.

At this age and skill level, the player already pretty much knows what they want, but a parent can get a good idea of how often they'll be heading to the Pro-Shop to get them sharpened if they go with the same carbon-type blade in Example 1.

Let's take a look:

• WEIGHT (89 lbs)= 4
• EDGE (carbon) = 1
• ABRASION = 4.5
• RINK HRS (6 )= 3
• OVERALL WEAR SCORE = 3.1

A skater at this level may want to consider going with a stainless steel runner (blade) which would bring their WEAR Score up to a 3.9 and would match that of the skater in Example 1.

Example 3 - Basic Novice Figure Skater (Figure Skates):

There's a good reason why figure skaters are very concerned about their skate blades, and if you look at how many hours they spend on the ice you'd know why.

While doing our research for this article we were amazed by how many hours figure skaters train at the higher levels and we totally understand the importance of skate blade wear.

For this example, we highlight a 14-year-old female, 105 lb, Basic Novice figure skater during the training season:

• WEIGHT (105 lbs) = 3
• EDGE (carbon) = 1
• ABRASION = 4.5
• RINK HRS (6 ) = 1
• OVERALL WEAR SCORE = 2.4

As you can, there's a reason why figure skaters have blade concerns given how many hours they practice and train each week on the ice.

A typical carbon blade is perfectly fine for a beginner, but will not hold up well with a more advanced skater throughout the training season and life of the ice skate.

You'll quickly find out that there are many options to consider when you start to search for figure skate blades.

What do I need to consider when buying ice skates?

With the overall high cost of today's hockey and figure skates, it would be helpful to know how many hours they will hold their edge between skate sharpenings.

We can guarantee you won't find that anywhere on the box.

While the original upfront expense may be less for a lower-cost skate with a carbon blade, you may also want to consider how often you will be paying for sharpenings.

If you prefer to spread out the cost throughout the season and have easy access to a skate pro or sharpener then that may be the ideal scenario for you.

Also, keep in mind if the skater has yet to hit their growth spurt, this may make the most sense as you will be shopping more frequently for ice skates, ice skate blades, and runners.

On the other hand, if you prefer to "bite the bullet" and invest in a higher quality skate due to limited access to the rink or a sharpener that may be the best bet for you.

What about the skate boot?

The design and composition of the skate boot weigh heavily on the overall price and strength of the skate.

Many figure skaters shop separately for their boots as there are so many different variations depending on the type of skater it applies to.

Hockey skate boots have also developed over the years, offering more lightweight, heat-molded materials and composites that can provide the lightest skate imaginable.

The truth is that there are ice skates available for any skater at any level but the old adage "you get what you pay for" rings true for hockey and figure skates as well.

Conclusion

Skaters need to be aware of all the elements that contribute to the dulling of their skate blades and what to expect from the gear they own.

We have this conversation frequently with skaters when they voice their concerns about skating on synthetic ice and how it affects their blades.

At this time we felt the moment was right for implementing a blade WEAR Score so our customers understand more about the health of their skate blade and what they can expect throughout the season.

I hope you found this article enlightening and please feel free to reach out to us directly at: info@polyglideice.com with any feedback you may have about your own "blade wear" experience!