5 Tips before you buy synthetic ice

Ok so everyone says they are the best, the fastest, the cheapest, the most durable, the longest warranty, etc, etc. As a potential consumer how can you ever begin to separate the fact from the fiction? Admitedly it can be difficult, but read on and we will do our best to help you sort it all out.

Before I went into this business I found I was in the same place as you. Trying to figure out what was the best product to spend my hard earned money on. So I’m going to share with you what I learned.

First not all synthetic ice products are created equal. In a broad sense they can be classified into extruded material and sinter pressed (often called compression molded as well). North American made products for the most part tend to be extruded. Products out of Europe tend to be sinter pressed. Now within those methods of production are also many grades or material ranging from LDPe (low density polyethylene) to UHMWPe (ultra high density polyethylene).

Tip #1 – ask suppliers what their material actually is. Most won’t tell you and will claim its a deep dark proprietary secret or they just legitimately don’t have a clue. Ok so if you get those types of responses then you probably should avoid buying from them!

Up to a point the higher the molecular weight of Pe (polyethylene) the better the durability, abrasion resistance, and glide properties of the material.

Tip #2 – if a supplier admits that their product is extruded then that is a telltale indicator that the highest the molecular weight their product can be is 500,000 g/mol (grams per mol). That may be referred to as a class of material known as HDPe or HMWPe. This can be skated on and depending on what additives may be in the mix it can be a pretty decent skate.

Tip #3 – if a supplier actually knows the molecular weight and they tell you a number below 500,000 g/mol then best to avoid those products. To be really safe you should simply ask to see their material specification sheet. If they either don’t have one or they tell you it’s proprietary information then avoid doing business with them. Simple.

Tip #4 – ask if they offer a FREE TRIAL period. The best companies do because they are confident in their products.

Tip #5 – ask if they offer a 30 day money back guarantee where if after 30 days you are not completely satisfied then you may return your product for a refund.

Follow this advice, talk to multiple companies (actually talk to them), and you will end up a satisfied synthetic ice customer.