SYNTHETIC ICE PANELS

• Dimensions: 2x1m (1,966 × 0,966m once installed) (6’3” x 3’3”)
• Thickness: 20mm (3/4”)
• Warranty: 12 years
• Valid for both portable and fixed rinks
• Self-lubricated
• Can be used on both sides (estimated life span in total: 20 years)
• Possibility of inserting logos or hockey / curling markings in them
• Can be installed even on uneven surface

• Dimensions: 2x1m (1,966 × 0,966m once installed) (6’3”x3’3”)
• Thickness: 12,7mm (1/2”)
• Warranty: 6 years
• Recommended for permanent rinks
• Self-lubricated
• Can be used on both sides (estimated life span in total: 10 years)
• Possibility of inserting logos or hockey / curling markings in them
• Can be installed even on uneven surface

Both types of synthetic ice panels can be installed quickly and easily. Only a hammer is required to fit the plugs that will secure the panels together. To remove them, it is sufficient to lift each panel with a wooden strip and to strike the plugs down with a punch. Later on you can reuse both the panels and the plugs on countless occasions.

The tongue and groove connections of the Unreal Ice Rinks® synthetic ice panels prevent the appearance of dangerous steps between panels when the floor is not 100% even (unlike the puzzle shaped connection system) and provide an optimal glide over the joints between panels which make it unnoticeable when skating.

Synthetic Ice Panels: FAQs

What is the difference between “Puzzle” style tiles and Unreal Ice panels?

Most home-use synthetic ice comes in small “puzzle” style tiles that interlock loosely. While cheap, they often shift vertically, creating dangerous tripping hazards. Unreal Ice panels use a professional tongue and groove connection system secured with dowels. This prevents any vertical shifting or “popping,” ensuring a perfectly seamless skating surface that mimics the continuity of real ice, even on slightly uneven floors.

How does the glide compare to real ice? Is it “sticky”?

Our panels are manufactured from high-density self-lubricating polymers (UHMWPE) that do not require messy external sprays or wax. While no synthetic product is 100% identical to frozen water, Unreal Ice offers a gliding coefficient of approximately 90-95% compared to natural ice. This provides a realistic grip-to-glide ratio, making it ideal for hockey edge work and figure skating jumps without the “sticky” drag found in lower-quality PVC tiles.

Will synthetic ice dull my skate blades quickly?

All synthetic surfaces create more friction than natural ice, which increases the heat on the blade. However, our pro-grade panels are engineered to minimize this abrasion. While you may need to sharpen your skates slightly more frequently than on refrigerated ice, our advanced compound significantly reduces blade wear compared to standard dry-slope surfaces. We recommend a standard hollow grind for the best balance of speed and control.

Can these panels be left outdoors in extreme weather?

Yes. Unreal Ice panels are UV-stabilized and chemically inert. They withstand extreme temperatures (from -100°F to +170°F) without cracking, warping, or losing their gliding properties. The tongue and groove system also allows for natural thermal expansion and contraction, preventing the surface from buckling under direct sunlight or freezing conditions.

What is the expected lifespan of the panels?

Our panels are fully reversible, effectively doubling their usable life. The PRO model (20mm thickness) has a lifespan of up to 20 years with proper maintenance, while the LITE model (12mm) lasts approximately 10 years. This longevity makes them a highly profitable investment for commercial rinks compared to the high energy costs of maintaining refrigerated ice.