Best synthetic ice for figure skating (+ is it a good idea?)

Not enough time to get to the ice rink? Still want to practice and improve?
Synthetic ice could be an option. But is it a good idea?
Check out my answers to your frequently asked question and my list of the best synthetic ice for figure skating.

Note - if you are looking for the best synthetic ice for hockey, head to this other article.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (learn more).

Is synthetic ice good for figure skaters?

Great progress in the past years

First, you may have read a lot of negative comments on the Internet about synthetic ice.
Always read everything online with a critical eye (including this article LOL):

You will notice that most has been written a long time ago or recent form contents of people quoting coaches that have tried synthetic ice a long time ago.

But the fact is, that in the past decade, the synthetic ice products have evolved tremendously. They are now reaching 90% of the gliding quality of ice and do not damage the blades like they used to (you just have to sharpen them a little more often).

This "fake ice" is still not ice (it won't project anything when you stop...), but it is much better!

Cons - Why is synthetic ice not ideal for figure skaters?

Let's start by the negative. 

• Size -
  Synthetic ice is much more appreciated by hockey player because they don't need a lot of space to practice many of their skills.
  Whereas to practice many figure skating moves you need to be able to gather speed. 
  There is no limit to how many tiles you can assemble (you can create an Olympic size rink) but having such a flat space is not common.
  Therefore you are limited on what you can work on.
• Toe picks damages -
  Again the hockey skate is a little more adapted to synthetic ice.
  The toe picks of our figure skates are not ideal to keep the surface damage free.

Pros - So can synthetic ice still be good to practice figure skating?

• The mental boost -
  First, let's just say that when we have limited access to the rink, getting the feeling of gliding is always positive. For most figure skaters, it is necessary for their fulfilment. So being able to glide at home, even if not as well, is still a great mental boost. After all, figure skating has a lot of mental benefits! 
• The positive side of added friction -
  Yes, the extra friction of the plastic makes it less enjoyable than ice. But it does have a benefit. It forces your muscles to work a little more.
  Therefore, you are building strength and explosiveness that will benefit you when you are back on the ice.
• Another great benefit for beginners -
  And for beginners, the added friction has another benefit. It reduces the risk of falling.
• Balance -
  In any case, even with a small surface you can still practice balance and artistry, with specific exercises.
• It can be a wonderful gift for a figure skater!

FAQs

In the next section, I am listing the best synthetic ice products on the market.
But you can find more answers to your FAQs after those product introductions:

• Impact on the blades
• Durability of the ice
• How it works
• ...

The best synthetic ice for figure skating

There is no ice designed just for figure skaters

All the current top products use a similar process with plastic and a lubricant combination. The reaction to make you glide is internal.

None of the products currently available have been developed for figure skaters. They have been developed for ice-skating in general.
The rest is marketing:

• who you see on the videos
• who is promoting them
• and for one of the companies, they created a special shape for figure skaters - but the material itself is not different.

So, don't make your choice based on the marketing alone.

Main criteria to consider when choosing your synthetic ice

• Coefficient of friction / Glide-ability -
  This is the most important - sadly they are not sharing it and all reviews are personal opinions. They depend on the conditions, the state of the skates, the installation of the ice... so many factors could impact the experience
• The interlocking systems - 
  It must be tight and seamless (for continuity) and be strong so that panels don't get loose.
  All main systems can be good if they have a good fit.
  Puzzle and Dovetail systems: easier to set up and take apart. Thus, you need to regularly check that there has been no slip before skating.
  Tongue and groove system: more work to install and difficult to take it apart. Strong locking.

• Thickness -
  Some manufacturers make it an important criterion other don't. The most important is the quality and hardness of the material. With the same material, thicker products will have a longer lifespan.
• Warranty -
  Considering the investment, I recommend checking out the details of the warranty. Not only the length but also what is covered. Like for many products, often you can make it work...
• Storage / ease of assembly -
  Depending on what you want to do with them, check how easy they are to move or store when not in use.
• Single vs Double-sided
  Single-sided: can have a special set up on the bottom part that makes it more stable and less sensitive to small ground variation.
  Double-sided: can be skated on both sides (if the bottom side has been protected) which doubles the lifespan of your product.
• Price - depending on your budget
• Customer service

No true stand-out

The best one is of course the one with the lowest coefficient of friction. 
Many companies state they are the #1 or the leader, it is quite funny - the truth is that most of them are pretty much equivalent.
Some say this one glides better; others say this other one.
I saw one influencer say in 2 videos that different brands were the best synthetic ice they had ever tested; it depends on who was paying that week.
The truth is that it is extremely difficult to compare as it depends on the surface under it, the environment, the skates, the players, what is being done...

So, I am listing your options below and sharing available information to help you compare (However, for some brands, not much is shared...).
I try to find the info as correct as possible, but I cannot guarantee complete accuracy.
All have the technology with self-lubrication.

Pre-packed lower price range options

Skate Anytime

• Great reviews on Amazon - see customer reviews
• In my option, this is a great option for young figure skaters
• One-sided tiles
• Tile size - 15.25" x 30.75" (1,27ft x 2.56ft)
• Gliding - it has a slip agent inside the product, so no additional product is necessary (self-lubricating)
• Interlocking system - puzzle
• Indoor and outdoor
• Thickness - 3/8″
• Warranty - 5 years
• No marketing around figure skaters

See various size packages and their prices

Here is a video from the Skate Anytime YouTube channel:

Polyglide Synthetic Ice Home Kit

• Overall correct reviews on Amazon - Read reviews on Amazon
• Double-sided tiles
• Tile size - 46" X 92" (3.8ft x 7.7ft)
• Gliding - it has a slip agent inside the product, so no additional product is necessary (self-lubricating)
• Interlocking system - puzzle
• Indoor and outdoor
• Thickness - 1/2″ (or 1/4 for starter kit, but not recommended)
• Warranty - 8 years
• Strong marketing around figure skating - they have a package with a shape supposed to be better for spin practice
• If the name rings a bell, it is because they were on the TV show shark tank

Visit website

Sniper's Edge Synthetic Ice

• Overall good reviews on Amazon - Read reviews on Amazon
• Double-sided tiles
• Tile size - 2ft X 4ft (24" x 48")
• Gliding - it has a slip agent inside the product, so no additional product is necessary (self-lubricating)
• Interlocking system - puzzle
• Indoor and outdoor
• Thickness - 5/16”
• Warranty - I can't find any info
• No marketing around figure skating

Visit website

Medium range

On quote - higher price range options

In no particular order.

Can-Ice

• Endorsed by Hockey Canada and Elvis Stojko
• Reviews - Not many unfiltered reviews available online, but many people share their videos on the ice on their FB page which is a great sign
• Double-sided tiles
• Tile size - 4’x5’ or 4’x10’
• Gliding - it has a slip agent inside the product, so no additional product is necessary (self-lubricating)
• Interlocking system - puzzle
• Indoor and outdoor
• Thickness -
• Warranty - 
• Several colors of tiles to create lines and sections

Visit Website

Glice Rink

• Reviews - I have not found many unfiltered reviews online
• Double-sided tiles
• Tile size - 77.4" x 38" (1965x965 mm - 6.4 ft x 3.2 ft)
• Gliding - it has a slip agent inside the product, so no additional product is necessary (self-lubricating)
• Interlocking system - tongue-and-groove
• Indoor and outdoor
• Thickness - 3/4 or 1/2
• Warranty - 6 or 12 years depending on the product
• Some marketing around figure skating 

Visit website

Synthetic Ice FAQs

What is synthetic ice? What is it made of?

Synthetic "fake" ice is made of polymers.
It is now made mostly from high density / ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene plastic with a slip agent.
All brands have been developing and improving with new materials and slip agents to always improve the gliding capability.

This material is shaped into panels that interlock smoothly to create a large even surface.

How do you skate on synthetic ice compared to real ice?

How it works on the real ice:
When your blade applies pressure, the ice melts, creating a thin film of water. This water lubricates and allows the blade to glide.

How it works on synthetic ice:
The plastic imitates the hard part of the ice and the slip agent a.k.a. lubricant additive (chosen for its reaction with the polymer) plays the role of the water.

Reported feeling:
It is said that the plastic is able to imitate up to 90% the feeling of gliding on the ice.
Skaters report that they are able to do as on the ice, but that it adds resistance. 
However, I would not see that as a bad thing. The added friction can be a benefice to the skater’s power and endurance.

What figure skating moves can be performed on the ice?

In theory, almost every figure skating move can be performed on the synthetic ice:

• Jumps
• Spins
• Twizzles
• Arabesques
• Technical steps
• ...

But, because you will be lacking space and some glidability, you are limited.
Plus, I don't recommend planting your toe picks very hard on the tiles.

It is great to work at a slower place on your body positioning and artistry, especially if you set it up in a basement with a mirror.

How long do synthetic ice panels last?

In theory, under normal use (which means with good maintenance and not doing stupid things on it), the use can be indefinite.
The tiles are quite strong and difficult to destroy. The glide-ability can be brought back with lubricant.

Check out the warranties offered by manufacturers. They can be from a couple of years to 10 years for some.

And most tiles can be turned to use the other surface and make your rink last even longer!

What about maintenance?

Check out the manual of the product.
Overall, there is not much maintenance to be done. No Zamboni required.
It requires mostly cleaning.

The most important is to clear the shavings that have formed. You can use:

• a broom
• a vacuum cleaner
• a wet mop
• a microfiber towel 

Don't use cleaners, unless suggested by the company. 

How often?
It depends on the amount of dirt and shavings created by the product and the environment (leaves, dust...).
I think a quick vacuuming before any session is best, but it depends on how often you practice.
Once in a while you can also consider pressure washing.

Alternative off-ice training equipment

If synthetic ice is not an option for you, you have other tools that can help you improve your figure skating.
You won't have the pleasure of gliding, but you can still improve off-ice.
Below are some examples of pieces of equipment.
You can learn more in my dedicated articles:

• Figure skating off-ice training routine - what to work on
• Figure skating Off-ice training equipment - Top 10
• Best figure skating spinners for off-ice training
• Figure skating stretches

And to stretch or do some core exercises, check out my collection of yoga mats to personalize!

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