Hockey floor tiles are a great way to practice at home. There are a couple of different types of floor solutions that are excellent, but it is important to know the differences between them so you can practice in a manner that suits you best. Slick tiles, or dryland hockey tiles, are very popular these days because they make a great instant hockey floor. However, synthetic ice panels are pretty amazing too. Depending on your needs will determine that kind that is of the most beneficial to you.
Slick Tiles - Dryland Hockey Flooring
Sniper’s Edge Hockey slick tiles are a great way to practice at home, or anywhere. They come in a box of twenty and are 1X1 feet apiece. This means that you can have 20 square feet of hockey flooring. You can link the tiles together and place them on any solid surface in order to turn it into an ice-like training area. They do not work with ice skates. You can use roller blades or sneakers on them to practice. If you only have 20 square feet to work with, it is ok. Practice shooting shots in your shoes. The slick surface of the tiles is a lot like ice so when you slide a puck across them it will closely resemble playing on a rink. They are rugged and tough so they can withstand a lot of practice time.
Synthetic Ice Panels
Sniper’s Edge Hockey synthetic ice panels are built for the ultimate hockey playing experience. If you are in the market to build a large practice area these are the way to go. The main difference between the slick tiles and the synthetic ice is that you can use ice shakes on synthetic ice. The durable, high-quality plastic that the panels are made out of can withstand ice skates. The puck will glide precisely as it does on real ice. Although it is very similar to real ice, there may be a bit of a drag when you skate. This will actually strengthen your skating skills and improve your stamina.
Which is Best?
If you are wondering which flooring would be better for you, it all depends on what you are looking for. While the slick tiles are made to use without skates and in smaller areas, the synthetic ice tiles can be used in larger areas. Both options are ways to practice hockey skills from right at home. The synthetic ice would need at least half of the garage or some other big area to be effective, while the slick tiles could work in a much smaller space. Both are excellent options that will enhance your hockey skills, so either way, it would be a win-win.