Global Synthetic Ice

We have led this industry since the 1990’s, if it did not work, we would not be recording record sales and growing year after year. Synthetic ice is designed as an alternative to real ice; it is not cold and does not need electricity.
Our ice is a specifically modified polymer that allows the skate blade to glide smoothly over its surface. All skating elements can be performed. Hockey stops, C-cuts, deep edge cuts, stick handling, spins, jumps, and anything done on ice can be done on SK8GSI.

Skaters on the surface definitely use their traditional hockey or figure skates.

First, we do not say we are the best, everyone who skates on Global Synthetic Ice does. Whether it be 6 time Stanley Cup Champions, Retired Referee’s with more games officiated than anyone in history, NHL hockey ops guys in charge of rinks, creative entertainment companies putting on hundred of ice shows annually or our satisfied customers which swithced to SK8GSI from competitive products. With over 20 years of science and technological advances in chemical glide ingredients, pure resins, and cutting-edge design we have created the best possible surface in the industry. GSI has earned the reputation as the best hockey and figure skating training product available today – check professionals’ testimonials.
SK8GSI is a high-tech plastic that you can skate on practically like on real ice. The synthetic ice skating surface is composed of a proprietary blend of polymers that permit a skate blade to glide as smoothly as on real ice. Correct density is very important, too hard and the blade slips out, too soft and the surface is very slow, SK8GSI is just right.

Skating on ice means gliding on a thin layer of water as the blade’s friction generates heat and melts the ice surface. Skating on synthetic ice causes the same friction and heat, which releases lubricants chemically engineered into our ice. This sets Global Synthetic Ice apart from all competitors. Older synthetic ice surfaces required silicone lubricants. When skate blades cut through the silicone and hit dry spots, skaters felt undesirable “chatter” that increased friction and made skating harder. Global Synthetic Ice’s unique formula eliminates “chatter” and allows the blade to glide smoothly.

Regular retail price of the non-commercial synthetic ice panel sized 4′ x 4′ is $199. 
We do understand how important price is, yet QUALITY and RELIABILITY are and should be priorities especially for training and commercial ice rinks. Shopping by price is a major cause of ice rink failures. 

Tests conducted at Canadian Super-Glide synthetic ice rinks skating 200 skaters per day and intensively practicing hockey and figure skating, gave a life expectancy from 10 to 15 years. Home rinks are now passed down through generations.

This could not be further from the truth! Most traditional rinks and skating coaches (employed by the rinks) are motivated to sell more “ice time”. Ice time only continues to increase in value based on the popularity of figure skating and hockey programs all over. 

Skating on synthetic ice does NOT mess up your skates! This is simply skate coaches and/or rinks misleading their customers. 

If on regular ice you traditionally sharpen your skates for every 8 hours of action – on synthetic you may wish to sharpen every 4 hours. 

Dirt and dull blades are the biggest contributors to having a poor experience on synthetic ice. 

An ordinary blower to blow off dirt and/or any shavings is typically recommended. Beyond that, if the surface is outdoors and picks up more dirt and debris then it is recommended to pressure wash the panels on occasion. 

While the surface is a self lubricating panel where the more its skated on the better it performs … We also offer a synthetic glide solution enhancer to add to the surface occasionally. 

In short – NO!

We have figure skating shows performing hundreds of shows a year doing double / triple axels, spins, flips and more. 

We have hockey training centers averaging 200 kids a day doing full hockey training clinics. Everything from skating to shooting and everything in between. 

Yes!

On regular ice, kids learning to skate (and play) can get away with cheating. Meaning, not having a proper skating or hockey stance with their legs bent. 

On the synthetic ice, there is a greater resistance than traditional ice. It forces the user to have proper technique, engage their core, get set in the right skating / stride stance. When these players finish training on synthetic and transition back to regular ice for their games its been described as: 
* the game just slowed down for me
* I was just skating by everyone
* I skated and played much better than beforehand 

1. Yes – Demo Rink.
   Anyone in FL or planning to be in FL may schedule a private demo at our Tampa Florida headquarters. 
2. Yes – Training Centers.
   We have multiple customers (training centers) throughout the US which exclusively use Global Synthetic Ice for their clinics and coaching. Reach out to us and we can coordinate an introduction. 
3. Other options. 
   Anyone not in a geographic region where a training center may exist or not traveling to FL – reach out to us and we may have a cooperating featured customer which may make their backyard / garage rink available for demo. Contact us for any interest.