If you’re shopping for synthetic ice, one of the first questions you’ll face is who to buy from, because not all synthetic ice is made the same. At Glice, we’ve built our reputation on quality, durability, and a skating experience that feels as close to real ice as possible.

Every manufacturer claims to offer the best synthetic ice, and many have their strengths. Still, there are recurring issues across much of the market that buyers should be aware of.

That’s why we believe it’s important to explain what truly defines high-quality synthetic ice and what Glice does differently to deliver it. This article will help you understand how Glice compares to other brands and why it stands out as the best synthetic ice available today.

It All Begins With Sourcing

When it comes to synthetic ice, the origin of the material matters more than most people realize. Some low-cost options come from unverified vendors, leaving buyers uncertain about the composition, consistency, and long-term quality of what they’re getting.

Glice takes a different approach. Our panels are produced using first-grade raw materials from a single, trusted supplier, ensuring consistency, reliability, and top-tier performance with every sheet.

You also won’t need to worry about discoloration. Glice panels are fully UV-stabilized, preventing yellowing or fading over time, which is something many competing products can’t guarantee.

In fact, many customers turn to Glice to replace underperforming rinks from other brands that failed to meet their quality or durability expectations.

Our Commitment to Quality Raw Materials

You may find synthetic ice tiles that cost less than Glice, but the difference in price often reflects a difference in quality. Many lower-cost options are made from cheap or inconsistent raw materials, which can affect glide, durability, and even the length of the warranty.

At Glice, we never cut corners. We use only premium, high-density polyethylene that meets the highest international standards for molecular weight and impact resistance. Each panel is engineered with additives blended according to the scientifically developed Glice® formula for optimal performance.

Some competitors use minimal or low-grade additives, or rely on polyethylene from unidentified or mixed molecular structures. These shortcuts can lead to uneven glide, faster wear, and overall poor skating performance.

Our materials are selected and processed for consistency, strength, and longevity. This approach allows us to offer comprehensive warranty coverage and ensures that every Glice rink performs at its best for years to come.

The result is a surface that feels remarkably close to natural ice, making it ideal for figure skaters, hockey players, and anyone looking for a top-quality synthetic ice experience.

Manufacturing: Sinter-Pressed to Perfection

Not all synthetic ice is made the same. The three main manufacturing methods are extrusion, injection molding, and sinter pressing (which is what we do).

Extruded synthetic ice is made by pushing molten polymer through a die to form sheets. It’s a cost-effective method, but it often results in inconsistent surfaces that wear unevenly over time. While fine for basic stickhandling, it rarely delivers the durability needed for serious skating.

Injection molding offers a step up in precision and consistency. It creates smoother panels than extrusion but still falls short of the performance, density, and lifespan achieved through sinter pressing.

Sinter pressing is a more advanced and tightly controlled process. The polymer is compressed at precise temperatures, pressures, and durations to achieve the ideal density and hardness. The result is a surface that glides smoothly, holds edges exceptionally well, and performs consistently year after year.

Every panel of ours is produced in our state-of-the-art facility in Germany, where environmental conditions are carefully managed to maintain exact quality standards.

Backed by over a decade of research and development, our sinter-pressed panels are engineered to replicate the feel of real ice, making Glice the clear choice for long-term use, high-performance training, and professional skating.

Key Features

Before we dive into what sets Glice apart, it’s important to understand that not all synthetic ice performs the same way. The true test of quality lies in how the product feels under your skates, its glide, grip, durability, and ease of maintenance.

The following features highlight how Glice has refined every detail to deliver the best possible skating experience.

The Perfect Balance of Grip and Glideability

When it comes to synthetic ice, nothing matters more than how it feels under your skates. Too much friction can make the surface feel sticky and slow, while too little grip can make it slippery and unpredictable.

Many competing products struggle to find this middle ground, resulting in an unnatural skating experience that limits performance. At Glice, we’ve invested years of research into perfecting our proprietary Glice® formula to achieve the optimal balance between grip and glide.

The result is a surface that allows skaters to push off confidently, maintain smooth momentum, and perform precise turns and stops, all with a glide that closely mirrors real ice. Whether you’re a professional athlete, coach, or recreational skater, this balance ensures a realistic and enjoyable experience every time you step on the rink.

No More Prematurely Dull Blades

One of the most common complaints about synthetic ice is how quickly it can dull skate blades. Excess friction from lower-quality panels often forces skaters to sharpen their blades far more frequently than they would on natural ice, increasing both maintenance costs and downtime.

Glice solves this problem through a precisely engineered surface composition that minimizes resistance without sacrificing control.

Our advanced polymer blend and self-lubricating additives work together to reduce metal abrasion, allowing blades to stay sharper for longer periods. Skaters can enjoy smoother glides, more consistent performance, and extended training sessions without constantly worrying about edge wear.

Fewer Shavings, Minimal Maintenance

Excessive shavings are one of the biggest frustrations for synthetic ice users, as they can affect glide quality, create mess, and increase maintenance time. At Glice, we’ve engineered our tiles to produce significantly fewer shavings than most competing products.

Each panel is made from high-density polyethylene optimized for smooth performance and reduced abrasion, so less material is removed with every stride.

When small amounts of shavings do appear, our system is designed to manage them efficiently. The shavings remain on the surface rather than scattering around the rink, making cleanup quick and simple.

With proper maintenance, they can be easily collected and filtered to restore a flawless skating surface. This means more time skating and less time cleaning—proof that Glice delivers both performance and practicality.

Seamlessly Connected Panels

A well-designed connection system is essential for a smooth and consistent skating experience. Many synthetic ice tiles use wide or uneven joints that can be felt underfoot, disrupting movement and trapping dirt.

The tongue-and-groove system used here creates a tightly fitted, uniform surface that feels clean and continuous. Skaters can move naturally, without bumps or gaps interfering with their stride or turns.

Unlike the puzzle-piece designs used by brands such as Polyglide and Can-Ice, this connection method locks panels securely in place, preventing vertical movement caused by thermal expansion.

Puzzle-style joints often lift or separate under heat, creating raised edges that pose both a tripping risk and a maintenance challenge. The tongue-and-groove approach eliminates these issues, resulting in a safer, smoother, and more reliable rink surface.

Feels Like Real Ice

A key measure of quality in synthetic ice is how closely it mimics the feel of natural ice underfoot. While there is an initial difference in sensation, extended use reveals a smooth, consistent glide that feels remarkably real.

This performance comes from a self-lubricating surface that releases small amounts of lubricant with each skate cut. The effect is a seamless glide that reduces friction without sacrificing control, allowing skaters to turn, stop, and maneuver naturally.

Beyond glide, the panels are engineered to provide the right balance of friction. This ensures edges hold properly for precise stops and tight turns, making the surface suitable for hockey drills, figure skating, or recreational use while closely replicating the dynamics of real ice.

Why Choose Us?

We have been at the forefront of the synthetic ice industry, continually refining materials, manufacturing, and design to set higher standards. A key distinction lies in our focus on sustainability, creating surfaces that are durable, eco-conscious, and engineered for long-term performance.

Our panels are developed with precision Swiss engineering, offering a skating experience that closely mirrors natural ice. Combined with rigorous quality control and ongoing support, this approach ensures a reliable, high-performance surface while promoting environmental responsibility.

Globally Stationed Team

We maintain a presence in every major market, providing local expertise and insights tailored to each region. This ensures that customers receive knowledgeable guidance and responsive support throughout the purchasing process and beyond.

Our global network extends through the Rink Manager Forum, a platform where rink managers can connect, share experiences, and access advice from experts and peers worldwide. This community fosters collaboration, problem-solving, and ongoing learning for anyone managing a synthetic ice rink.

Comprehensive Learning Platform

To help you get the most out of your synthetic ice rink, we developed Glice Academy, a dedicated learning platform that provides step-by-step training for installation and maintenance.

Glice Academy gives you the knowledge to ensure your rink performs at its best and lasts for years. Detailed instructional videos guide you through every stage of installation, making the process straightforward whether you’re setting up a backyard recreational rink or a professional sports facility.

Proper maintenance is equally important, and the platform covers that too. From daily cleaning routines to seasonal care, Glice Academy provides practical guidance to keep your rink safe, smooth, and ready for skating at any time.  

Eco Consciousness

Progress shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet. With sustainability at the core of our approach, we aim to reduce our environmental footprint while delivering high-quality synthetic ice solutions.

Through our initiative, Skate for the Planet, we put this commitment into action by focusing on key areas:

• Planting Trees for Every Panel Produced: For each synthetic ice panel manufactured, we plant a tree. These trees capture CO2 and support reforestation, helping to restore ecosystems and promote a healthier environment.
• Rethinking Waste: Old or defective panels are repurposed instead of sent to landfills. By transforming these materials into housing solutions, we contribute to a circular economy and reduce waste on a global scale.
• Empowering Positive Change: Skate for the Planet aims to inspire the broader synthetic ice industry. By demonstrating that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand, we encourage other companies to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Through these efforts, we are creating a future where high performance, innovation, and environmental responsibility coexist, setting a new standard for the industry.

Full-Package Solutions for Your Rink

To make the rink experience seamless, we offer complete packages that include everything needed to set up, maintain, and enjoy your synthetic ice. From installation to ongoing upkeep, our solutions are designed to remove any guesswork and let you focus on skating.

Our equipment lineup includes dasher boards, cleaning machines, ice skates, and a specialized cleaning solution that keeps panels performing optimally for years. For a full overview, our catalog provides detailed information on all available products.

Premium Dasher Boards

The dasher boards are fully adjustable to any surface, giving flexibility in rink placement without compromising stability. Attention to detail ensures a premium finish, combining durability with a professional, polished look.

Designed with modularity in mind, the boards are easy to assemble, disassemble, and reconfigure, allowing rinks to be adapted to different sizes and layouts. This versatility makes it simple to create a rink that suits both recreational and professional skating needs.

Best Cleaning Equipment

Maintaining a pristine synthetic ice surface requires the right tools and solutions, which is why we partner with leading manufacturers to ensure top-quality results. Our recommended cleaning machine, made by Kärcher, is widely recognized as the most reliable option for synthetic ice, delivering consistent performance without damaging the panels.

Paired with our specially formulated Glice Care solution, this equipment removes dirt, debris, and minor scuffs while preserving the surface’s smoothness and bright appearance. Regular use keeps the panels looking and performing like new, extending their lifespan and ensuring an optimal skating experience year after year.

High-Quality Ice Skates

Our skates are designed specifically for synthetic ice, offering an excellent balance of performance, durability, and value. The blades hold their edge longer than standard skates, reducing the need for frequent sharpening, while still performing reliably on ice tiles, synthetic rinks, or traditional ice surfaces.

Ideal for rental rinks, they feature a simple one-buckle closure for quick and easy fitting. The removable inner boot can be washed effortlessly, ensuring hygiene and comfort for every skater, whether at home, in training, or in a public rink setting.

Get More From Your Rink

Our synthetic ice panels are engineered for exceptional durability, offering a longer lifespan than most alternatives on the market. Built with premium materials and precise manufacturing, they can withstand heavy foot traffic and intense skating sessions without compromising performance or glide.

This long-lasting quality means buyers can expect a higher return on investment. Fewer replacements and lower maintenance requirements translate into substantial savings over time, making the panels a cost-effective choice for commercial rinks, recreational facilities, or backyard installations.

Beyond financial benefits, the durable construction ensures a consistently smooth and reliable skating experience. Skaters enjoy optimal performance year after year, while buyers gain confidence in the resilience and longevity of their investment.

Testimonials

We take customer feedback seriously and actively seek honest opinions after every ice rink installation. Below is a selection of testimonials from people who have experienced our rinks firsthand, sharing their insights on performance, durability, and the overall skating experience.

Experience the Glice Difference

Selecting the right ice skating rink can feel overwhelming, with so many options on the market. Amidst this variety, our premium synthetic ice tiles stand out for their quality, performance, and consistency.

Designed with input from athletes, the panels deliver a smooth, reliable skating experience in any season. Whether under the summer sun or in colder winter conditions, the surface remains resilient, offering glide and control that closely mimics real ice.

Durable and long-lasting, our synthetic ice reduces maintenance and provides years of dependable use. From recreational skating to high-performance training, it consistently delivers a seamless, enjoyable experience that sets the standard for synthetic ice.

Try it yourself and see why it’s considered a benchmark in quality, performance, and overall skating enjoyment.