Synthetic Ice Buying Guide: How to Choose xSynthetic Ice
xSynthetic Ice™ is a CNC-machined skating surface made from premium VHMWPe resin with glide enhancer infused throughout the tile, not sprayed on top. It is UV protected for outdoor use and cut to your area, so a garage, basement, backyard pad or commercial training space can all be tiled. This guide explains the difference between the four xGlide grades, how sizing works, and what to expect on shipping, so you can pick the right surface the first time.
The four xGlide grades at a glance
| Grade | Thickness | Tile size | Weight | Lock | Best for | Starting at (per tile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| xGlide8 | 8 mm (5/16 in) | 102 cm × 102 cm (40.15 in square) | 18 lbs | Interlocking tile | Home and light residential use: garages, basements, shooting pads | $169.95 |
| xGlide10 + Enhanced Lock | 10 mm | 102 cm × 102 cm | ~40 lbs | Enhanced Lock | Medium-heavy duty: serious home setups and light commercial use | $184.95 |
| xGlide15 + Enhanced Lock | 15 mm (3/5 in) | 102 cm × 102 cm | 40 lbs | Enhanced Lock | Heavy-duty commercial: training facilities, community rinks, goalie creases | $209.95 |
| xGlide18 + H-Lock | 18 mm (7/10 in) | 100 cm × 75 cm | 36 lbs | H-Lock | Heavy-duty commercial panel for large, high-traffic surfaces and severe climate or temperature swings | $185.00 |
All grades are made of VHMWPe, are glide infused and UV protected, and are precisely machined on computer-controlled (CNC) equipment so tiles seat flush against each other. The thicker the tile, the more directional weight, traffic and temperature change it absorbs, which is why facilities choose xGlide15 or xGlide18 while home users are well served by xGlide8 or xGlide10.
How sizing works
Measure the width and length of your area in feet. Tiles are roughly 40 inches square (xGlide18 panels are 100 cm × 75 cm), and we cut to your area, so you are not locked to exact tile multiples. There is an eight (8) tile minimum on a first order, and smaller quantities are allowed on subsequent orders, which makes it easy to extend a surface later.
Goal creases and crease systems
If you are training a goalie, a pre-configured crease saves you laying out tiles yourself:
- xGlide8 Goal Crease, made of 4 xGlide8 tiles.
- xGlide10 Goal Crease, made of 4 xGlide10 tiles.
- xGlide15 Goal Crease, made of 9 xGlide15 tiles.
- Crease 12 Systems, a crease plus 8 surrounding tiles in xGlide8 or xGlide10, and a Crease 15 System with 6 surrounding xGlide15 tiles, for a complete practice station in front of the net.
A crease can also be added to any area order, so a full pad can include a marked crease in the same grade.
Longevity
xSynthetic Ice is built to be the last surface you buy for the space. xGlide8, xGlide10 and xGlide15 carry a life expectancy of 40+ years. xGlide18 is rated at 20 to 25 years under the heavy commercial traffic it is designed for. The slick surface is consistent for the life of the product because the glide enhancer is infused through the tile rather than applied as a coating.
Shipping and delivery
Tiles ship on a pallet via freight carrier. During checkout of a quote we ask how you can receive freight, because it changes the cost:
- Home delivery with a liftgate, where available to your location, or hand unloading the truck yourself.
- Business delivery with a liftgate, a shipping dock, or a forklift on site. A dock or forklift keeps the cost down.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between xGlide15 and xGlide18?
Both are heavy-duty commercial panels. xGlide15 is a 15 mm square tile with the Enhanced Lock, versatile across small, medium and large installations, and it is the grade our 9-tile goalie crease is built from. xGlide18 is an 18 mm panel with the H-Lock profile, intended for large surface construction with high traffic, and it tolerates significant directional force and severe climate or temperature change.
Is there a minimum order?
Yes, eight tiles on a first order. Subsequent orders can be smaller, so topping up or extending a surface later is easy.
Can xSynthetic Ice be used outdoors?
Yes. Every grade is UV protected, and thicker grades handle temperature swings better, with xGlide18 designed specifically for severe climate change.
Do I skate on it with normal ice skates?
Yes, standard ice hockey skates work on xSynthetic Ice. Expect slightly more resistance than refrigerated ice, which many coaches consider a training benefit.
How much does a synthetic ice rink cost?
Tiles start at $169.95 for xGlide8, $184.95 for xGlide10, $209.95 for xGlide15 and $185.00 for xGlide18 panels. The delivered cost of a full area depends on your dimensions and freight, and every quote is prepared by hand, so request a quote from the product page for accurate pricing on your exact area within 48 hours.
Ready to start? Open the product page for xGlide8, xGlide10, xGlide15 or xGlide18 and use the Get an Official Quote button.
