Global Synthetic Ice has been manufacturing synthetic ice rinks since the 1990s, but unlike other manufacturers, we also operate our own Super-Glide rinks, and choosing the right rental skates can determine whether the rink is successful or not.
When choosing rental ice skates for your ice rink business, there are several factors you should consider:
- Size: It’s important to have a range of sizes available to accommodate skaters of all ages and foot sizes. Consider purchasing skates in full and half sizes to provide a better fit for customers.
- Quality: Look for durable, high-quality skates that can withstand heavy use. Cheaper skates may save you money upfront, but they’ll wear out quickly and need to be replaced more often.
- Comfort: Skates should be comfortable and provide good support to help prevent injuries. Look for skates with padded liners and good ankle support.
- Style: Choose a style of skate that appeals to a wide range of customers. Classic white figure skates are popular for women and girls, while black hockey skates are a good choice for men and boys.
- Maintenance: Consider how easy the skates are to maintain and keep clean. Skates should be easy to sharpen and disinfect between uses.
- Budget: Consider your budget when purchasing rental skates. While it’s important to invest in quality skates, you’ll also want to make sure you’re getting a good return on your investment.
- Type of rental ice skates – regular with laces or no-lace ones.
When it comes to choosing between rental skates with laces or no-lace skates for your ice rink business, both options have their pros and cons. Here are some factors to consider:
- Lace-Up Skates typically provide a more secure and customizable fit, which can be important for customers with different foot sizes and shapes. They are also more traditional and familiar to many skaters. But laces can be time-consuming to tie and may come undone during use, which can be frustrating for customers and require staff intervention.
- No-Lace Skates, also known as “comfort skates,” are easy to put on and take off, which can save time and reduce staff workload. They are also typically more comfortable and forgiving on the feet. But no-lace skates may not provide as snug or customizable of a fit as lace-up skates, which can be a problem for more advanced skaters.
Choosing between lace-up and no-lace rental ice skates let’s see how the latter can be more beneficial for the operation of the ice rink.
No-lace ice skates or laceless skates can improve the operation of ice rinks in a few ways.
Firstly, no-lace ice skates can make the process of renting skates more efficient. Since no-lace skates can be quick and easy to put on and take off, customers can spend less time adjusting their skates and more time on the ice. This can help to increase the turnover of skaters and reduce waiting times for other customers who are renting skates.
Secondly, laceless skates can be more durable than traditional lace-up skates. Since they don’t have laces that can break or become worn over time, they can require less maintenance and replacement. This can help to reduce the costs associated with maintaining a rental fleet of skates.
Thirdly, no-lace ice skates can be a more accessible option for some skaters. For example, younger children or those with limited mobility may find it easier to use strap-on skates than traditional lace-up skates. This can help to increase the range of customers that an ice rink can accommodate.
Finally, since no-lace ice skates can be more comfortable and customizable than traditional lace-up skates, they can help to enhance the overall customer experience. This can lead to higher customer satisfaction and increased customer loyalty, which can help to improve the long-term profitability and success of the ice rink.
We, at Global Synthetic Ice, wish all our customers to be successful and always share our two+ decade expertise with them how to choose the right size and shape of the rink, recommend the best installation technique and advise how to properly operate and maintain the rink and attract and retain skaters.