Best Ice Hockey Slide Boards
Building strength to skate with speed and power takes dedication, but ice rinks aren't always open or easily accessible. Luckily, slide boards make practice possible at home. With a slippery surface and accompanying footwear, slide boards simulate skating on ice so that hockey players can perfect their stride without the hassle.
What are ice hockey slide boards used for?
Slide boards are slippery surfaces that allow an athlete to simulate skating on ice. They’re used for endurance training and practicing a wide sideways stride to build speed, engaging the muscles used for skating in the legs and core. To use them, an athlete places the board on a hard floor and wears stretchy-fabric booties that go over the sneakers to let feet glide over the surface as if they were skating. Plastic stoppers called bumpers are placed around the borders to keep the user in bounds. They’re also portable and can be conveniently rolled up or taken apart.
Slide boards were first used by speed skaters looking to practice their acceleration, but they were soon picked up by hockey players who use many of the same skills. Learning to skate low to the ground and build speed with a strong lateral stride are key to keeping up in the rink and getting to the puck first.
Things To Consider
When looking for a slide board, you'll want to consider the following:
- Do you want an adjustable slide board?
- How much do you want to spend on a slide board?
- What size slide board are you looking for?
- Do you want your slide board to be portable?
Types
Slide boards can come in different shapes and methods of configuration to best suit a player’s needs.
Slide Tiles
Slide boards made of tiles come with interlockable pieces that fit together to create the board. Unlike single-piece boards, they can be configured to create different shapes. While a long rectangle is the standard model to practice lateral strides for building speed, blockier square shapes allow you to practice turns or different maneuvers for handling the puck.
One-Piece Slide Boards
Most slide boards come in one continuous piece, most commonly in a long rectangular form that allows the athlete to push from side to side to practice a lateral stride that builds speed. Some one-piece slide boards come in a square or circle, which are more beneficial shapes for practicing turns or ways to handle and shoot the puck.
Considerations
An athlete’s desired exercises and frequency of use should be taken into consideration when purchasing a slide board.
Durability
Slide boards endure a good amount of force as an athlete slides on them with their full bodyweight. The least expensive boards, which are often made of material that is not as thick, might have curling plastic within a year or worn down the bumpers that don’t stay in place. However, a quality slide board can last years without a problem.
Cost
A slide board’s price varies depending on size (a kit of tiles can be especially large and therefore cost much more). The most inexpensive slide boards cost as little as $45, while most average prices are from $150 to $250. Higher quality boards tend to have a thicker layer of slippery plastic which doesn’t curl after excessive use.
Sizes
A standard rectangular slide board for teens to adults is nearly 2 feet wide and 8 to 10 feet long. Both tile slide boards and one-piece boards can be adjusted to suit smaller strides by either using fewer tiles or sliding the bumpers of the single-piece board inward to cut off some of the length.
What are the best hockey slide boards?
- Hockey Revolution Adjustable Length Training Tiles Sliding Board
- BRRRN Slide Board
- 3G Ultimate Slide Board
- American Lifetime Slide Board
- POWRX Slide Board
- ProsourceFit Slide Board
- Balance 1 Slide Board
- Better Hockey Extreme Slide Board
- Pro Guard Hockey Slide Board
- SPRI Slide Board
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Hockey Revolution Adjustable Length Training Tiles Sliding Board |
| See on Amazon |
 | BRRRN Slide Board |
| See on Amazon |
 | 3G Ultimate Slide Board |
| See on Amazon |
 | American Lifetime Slide Board |
| See on Amazon |
 | POWRX Slide Board |
| See on Amazon |
 | ProsourceFit Slide Board |
| See on Amazon |
 | Balance 1 Slide Board |
| See on Amazon |
 | Better Hockey Extreme Slide Board |
| See on Amazon |
 | Pro Guard Hockey Slide Board |
| See on Amazon |
 | SPRI Slide Board |
| See on Amazon |
1. Hockey Revolution Adjustable Length Training Tiles Sliding Board
Specifications:
- Price: $179.99
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Brand: Hockey Revolution
One of the highest-rated and most versatile slide boards available, the Hockey Revolution Adjustable Length Training Tiles Sliding Board has a unique tile construction, allowing you to adjust the length. This makes it a great option for athletes who do a wide variety of exercises and those who want to share a single slide board among several players of different heights.
Although the Hockey Revolution falls on the more expensive end of the spectrum, costing between $170 and $190, it is worth the money because of its durability and versatility. The Hockey Revolution Adjustable Length Training Tiles Sliding Board arrives with 12 interlocking orange tiles, each measuring 13 square inches, two stoppers, a set of booties, and an anti-slip rubber mat. Once assembled, the mat measures 78-inches long by 26-inches wide. You can customize the length by subtracting tiles, adding additional tiles sold separately, or upgrading to the Slide Board Pro, which comes with 20 tiles and four stoppers. If you plan to use the Hockey Revolution slide board on carpet, make sure to use the included anti-slip mat. Otherwise, the flexibility of the carpet can cause uneven seams between the tiles.
2. BRRRN Slide Board
Specifications:
- Price: $299.99
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Brand: BRRRN
Selling for between $300 and $350, the Brrrn Slide Board is the most expensive slide board on this list. But it is well worth the price, as the Brrrn Slide Board provides a truly upscale experience worthy of use by professional athletes. The official slide board of Brrrn’s New York City training studio is made of extra-heavy-duty polymer and features attractive repurposed wood stoppers. Available in 60-inch or 72-inch lengths with adjustable stoppers, the Brrrn Slide board arrives with a set of booties, as well as a set of mitts for your hands, cleaning wipes, and a bottle of lubricating liquid to keep the surface slick.
Fittingly for a premium piece of modern exercise equipment, the Brrrn Slide Board is available with an interactive smartphone app to stream workout classes. The app costs $150 for a year of all-access subscription.
3. 3G Ultimate Slide Board
Specifications:
- Price: $169.00
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Brand: 3G Black
The 3G Ultimate Slide Board is both beautiful and portable. This means it will look great in the corner of your home but can easily be rolled up and taken to the gym. The 3G Ultimate Slide Board features bright natural pine bumpers, accenting your choice of a white or black base. At around $160 in price, the 3G provides the same quality performance as slide boards priced $100 higher. The official slide board of Olympic training programs, 3G is the best choice for advanced athletes who want an attractive, quality product at a reasonable price.
Designed and manufactured in the USA, the base is made from two layers of polyethylene bonded in a proprietary process, giving the 3G superior thickness and rigidity compared to other compact slide boards. Another major plus is that the 3G works great on carpet or hard floors without the need for an additional non-slip mat. Measuring 24-inches wide, in 72-inch, 84-inch, and 96-inch lengths, the 3G Ultimate Slide Board is ample in size for all athletes and workouts.
4. American Lifetime Slide Board
Specifications:
- Price: $59.00-$139.19
- Rating: 4.1/5
- Brand: American Lifetime
The American Lifetime Slide Board is one of the more affordable options, and it comes with a 30-day risk-free trial period, so you can buy with confidence! Extremely lightweight and portable, the American Lifetime is great for travel. Amazingly, for a lightweight slide board in this price range, the American Lifetime is available in three different lengths: 72-inches, 90-inches, and 96-inches. This makes the American Lifetime Slide Board a perfect choice for taller or more advanced skaters who want a compact, storable slide board that they can travel with.
Black in color with painted wood stoppers, the slide board arrives with a pair of booties and a carrying case. It costs between $60 and $140, depending on the length you select. One of the best performers at this price point, the American Lifetime Slide Board is extremely durable, especially considering its lightweight construction. It also keeps a slippery surface much longer than other budget slide boards. Overall, the American Lifetime is a great buy for anyone on a budget or looking for a travel-friendly slide board.
5. POWRX Slide Board
Specifications:
- Price: $66.99
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Brand: POWRX
Like most slide boards, the Powrx Slide Board provides an excellent lower-body workout. But the Powrx truly excels above the rest at helping skaters build bigger, stronger leg muscles. Based in Germany and one of the biggest training equipment brands in Europe, Powrx is known for its quality and ergonomic designs. Powrx’s focus on ergonomics shows in the design of their slide board, which is especially gentle on joints. If you are rehabilitating an injury or working to strengthen weak ankles or knees, then the Powrx is one of the best options.
Black in color and measuring 72-inches long by 20-inches wide, the Powrx is adequate in size and rolls up easily for travel. It works equally well on hard floors or carpets without needing an additional non-slip mat. The ergonomic stoppers are made of plastic, and the slide board arrives with a set of booties and a carrying bag. Costing between $65 and $130, the Powrx Slide Board represents an excellent value.
6. ProsourceFit Slide Board
Specifications:
- Price: $54.99
- Rating: 4.2/5
- Brand: ProsourceFit
One of the best-selling slide boards, ProsourceFit Slide Board, is also the least expensive on this list, making it a great choice for someone who is cost-conscious or just getting started working out with a slide board. Selling for between $37 and $55, the ProsourceFit will fit into any budget and should be easy to find.
Available in red or black, the ProsourceFit features padded foam bumpers and measures 72-inches long by 24-inches wide, making it large enough for any workout. The slide board arrives with a pair of booties and a carrying bag. Although the ProsourceFit is very portable, it is also lightweight and lacks rigidity. This won’t be a problem for smaller athletes, but larger skaters who plan to use it every day may want to seek out a more durable slide board.
7. Balance 1 Slide Board
Specifications:
- Price: $135.55
- Rating: 4.2/5
- Brand: Balance 1
The Balance 1 Slide Board is a high-quality product at an extremely reasonable price. Costing between $100 and $135, the Balance 1 easily competes in design and durability with slide boards that are two to three times the price. Consistently one of the highest-rated slide boards, it is black in color and easily rolled for travel. The Balance 1 is available in 72-inch and 90-inch lengths, making it big enough for the tallest skaters and the most intense workouts. However, it is the narrowest slide board on this list at only 19.5 inches in width.
Although it is a great choice for travel, the Balance 1 is so durable that you might make it your full-time slide board! A pair of booties and a mesh carrying bag complete the package. Unlike more expensive slide boards, the plastic stoppers are not adjustable. The Balance 1 Slide Board works great on hard floors and short carpets; an additional non-slip mat is recommended if you are using it on high, fluffy carpets.
8. Better Hockey Extreme Slide Board
Specifications:
- Price: $249.95
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Brand: Better Hockey
The Better Hockey Extreme Slide Board is one of the most expensive options, costing between $200 and $250. However, it is worth the price, as the Better Hockey Slide board is supremely durable and portable. At 96 inches long and 24 inches wide, it is large enough for all workouts and can be rolled up and transported in the included storage bag. The board is made of black plastic, and booties are included. The best features of the Better Hockey Extreme Slide Board are the massive, angled rubber stoppers, which can be fully adjusted to any width you like.
One concern when considering the Better Hockey slide board is that it does not work well on either carpet or hard floors without additional equipment. It has a rubber bottom, but the slide board does not stay anchored on either surface during a workout unless you use a non-slip rubber pad, which is not included. Though not a deal-breaker, add that additional cost into the price of this slide board.
9. Pro Guard Hockey Slide Board
Specifications:
- Price: $79.99
- Rating: 3.6/5
- Brand: Pro Guard
Making value-oriented hockey gear since 1977, Minnesota-based Pro Guard is the oldest hockey accessories company in America. Their slide board is one of the more affordable choices, only costing between $70 and $80. The Pro Guard Hockey Slide Board is one of the most compact options as well, making it great for travel.
However, the compact size may be too small for some, as the assembled slide board only measures 72 inches long by 20 inches wide. Once you have attached the rubber stoppers, the sliding surface ends up being only 66 inches long, so taller skaters may want to try other models. The board is made of white plastic and includes a pair of booties and a carrying case. The Pro Guard Hockey Slide Board is a cost-effective option but may lack durability compared to more expensive slide boards on the market.
10. SPRI Slide Board
Specifications:
- Price: $43.84
- Rating: 4.3/5
- Brand: SPRI
One of the most popular choices for beginners, casual exercisers, and rehabilitation, the SPRI Slide Board is easily the best performer in the budget category. An exceptional value at a little over $40, the SPRI is big enough for most athletes and workouts, measuring 71-inches long and 20-inches wide. In addition to its great price, the SPRI has been rated the best slide board for building abdominal strength. So if you are on a budget and really want to work your abs during your workout, the SPRI is the slide board for you!
The SPRI Slide Board is a classic, no-frills design in black with plastic stoppers that are not adjustable. It rolls up easily for travel and arrives with a pair of booties and a storage bag. One downside is that the SPRI works great on hard floors but needs a non-slip mat to function on carpet, which must be purchased separately. Even factoring in that extra cost, the SPRI represents one of the best bargains in slide boards.
FAQ
How much does a slide board cost?
Slide boards can cost as little $45 as or as much as $700 depending on the player’s needs, but a traditionally sized rectangular board will cost around $200. A $45 lateral board is an affordable way to try a slide board, though often less durable because of its typically slimmer layer of plastic. The most expensive options are slide tiles which can be built to cover over a hundred square feet of ground, offering more leverage of movement.
What muscle groups does a slide board exercise?
Slide boards are most commonly used to train the legs and core for muscle memory and endurance. They engage all of the muscles it takes to skate, stay balanced, and build speed. Standard lunge exercises particularly target the exterior muscles (the quads) as you push from side to side of the board, also working the hips and lower abdomen. The boards can also be used for upper body exercises with modified push ups.
What size slide board should you get?
Teens to adults should get a rectangular slide board 8 to 10 feet long, though the length to suit personal strides can be adjusted by the placement of the bumpers on a single-piece board or the number of tiles used on a tile-based board. Tile slide boards can come in packs of 10-50 (about 23 to 95 square feet, respectively) to create as large of an at-home rink as desired, and the sliding area can also be modified with placement of bumpers.