Synthetic ice tiles are becoming a lot more popular these days because many people are stuck at home and not able to mingle the way that they could a year ago. With synthetic ice, players can create their own hockey training areas at home and enjoy all of the benefits of a real ice rink whenever they want. But can you skate on synthetic ice? The answer is yes, and no. It depends on the kind of skates you are referring to.
Rollerblades On Synthetic Ice
The sad truth is if you try to skate with rollerblades on synthetic ice, you will have nothing but problems. It may work OK for a while, but synthetic ice is not made for rollerblading. Synthetic ice is constructed specifically for ice skates. Synthetic ice is made from a special polymer that is not only durable but supplies its own lubricant. Lubricants and rollerblades do not go well together.
Ice Skates On Synthetic Ice
Since synthetic ice was made for ice skates, it is safe to assume that you can absolutely skate on the surface with ice skates. As mentioned above, the Sniper’s Edge synthetic ice panels are made with a self-lubricating agent that allows players to skate on it without having to ever add any special lubricants or additives. The feel of the synthetic ice on ice skates is a lot like real ice, but there is a difference in the resistance for the skater. It takes a little more effort to glide across the flooring than it would be on the ice. This is actually an advantage because it builds the muscles needed to ice skate. When the player goes back out on real ice, it will be even easier to skate on than before.
Dryland Hockey Tiles
Another type of flooring is dryland hockey flooring tiles or only slick tiles. Dryland flooring is the type of hockey flooring that you can use rollerblades on but can’t skate with ice skates. These tiles are made mostly for stickhandling and shooting practices; however, you can train with rollerblades on them as well. A lot of times, people confuse slick tiles with synthetic ice tiles. Al; though they are similar, there is a huge difference. The slick tiles are made just as tough and just as well, but with a different type of polymer that isn’t the same as synthetic ice. If you try to skate on dryland flooring with ice skates, you will fall on your face and probably damage the tiles. However, both surfaces, when it comes to how the puck slides across them, are very similar to ice and work miracles when a player trains on them.
Conclusion
Whichever type of flooring that you use in your hockey training is up to you and y our specific needs. Although slick tiles can be used in smaller areas, the synthetic ice can be used to practice ice skating. What makes the difference is that you continue to practice and stay on top of your game no matter what. Staying consistent is how champions are made.