Testing a new Easy Backyard Rink Kit

I’ve built a few backyard rinks in my time. One thing remains the same, when it’s time to build you need tools, you need a friend and you need at least a full afternoon to get everything laid out. The build typically involves planning, measuring, getting all your supplies in order and then carefully following steps to ensure you have a successful build. All that went out the window when I tried out the EZ ICE rink kit.

Full disclosure, they sent me the kit for free to test, and sponsored the video I created below. No matter what I always share any positive or negative feelings towards a product. So lets watch the video and below I’ll give you the run-down on why I was impressed with this system.

Why it’s different from other Backyard Rink Kits

The key to a good rink, is keeping water in and the boards up. This means you need brackets or supports, you can use stakes, rebar, or brackets. All of these options require you to drive them into the ground to anchor them. Driving them into the ground means you need to measure and plot your rink ahead of time, and also hammer each stake in. All of this takes time. Here’s where the EZ ICE system shines.

The EZ ICE system uses brackets, but instead of being hammered into the ground, they are connected with a strap to a bracket on the other side of the rink. By connecting them this way it becomes a self supporting rink. This brings three major advantages, first you can set up this rink by yourself in less than an hour, 2nd you can put it on hard surfaces, and third (unlike other rinks) you can install it after the ground freezes.

“It’s by far the easiest rink to set up”

Honestly, I don’t know how it could get any faster. In this video it took me just over an hour of actual thinking and building (45 minutes one day, 20 minutes the next), but this was my first time setting it up and I was also taking breaks to record video. I would bet that now that I’m familiar with the process, I could do it by myself in less than 30 minutes.

No planning, No Tools

With every other rink I had to do measurements, use a string line, square the plot, etc. With this one I just put it up, and pushed it around until all the pieces fit together. There was a tree in the way so I moved the rink a little this way, and after getting it up I noticed a bit too much of a slope (and my septic tanks) so I adjusted it. It’s definitely my type of rink, because I like to just figure things out as I go.

Does it Hold Water?

Well I know it’s the easiest rink to set up, but the most important question is this. If I fill this thing up, and it collapses, then we’re in trouble. But this is the 2nd winter for the EZ ICE system, and I can see a number of glowing testimonials, so I’m pretty certain I won’t run into any issues.

My final thoughts

I can’t give a 100% recommendation just yet as I’ve only set it up. I’ll update this after I have it filled and frozen (probably January), but so far I can say it’s the most convenient rink kit to own.

The Price

This 20 x 40 kit will set you back $1900 for the boards, brackets and liner and shipping is free! 20 x 40 is enough ice for kids, but if you want to have a game of 5 on 5 you’ll want a bigger size. I can help you out with my coupon code that will knock 10% off your order. Just enter HOWTOHOCKEY at checkout where it asks for the EZ ICE promo code. If you’re still tight on cash you can always try building your own backyard rink. It’s possible, but more difficult. I recommend experiencing a backyard rink however possible, you could even start with a mini rink, who knows, you might fall in love and start saving for a backyard rink kit like this!

EZ ICE Rink

This is by far the easiest backyard rink to build. There are a number of packages to choose from depending on your budget or size of your yard. Make sure you check the slope of your yard before ordering

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Hi my name is Jeremy Rupke. My goal is to break every hockey skill down into easy to understand articles and videos. I explain everything step-by-step to help others improve. I'm active on Instagram, Facebook and more, you can follow through the links above.
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Certainly looks like it lives up to it’s name. Much better for sports courts where staking isn’t an option. No need for sandbags or screwing in 2×4 bracing. I’m a perfectionist so I’d measure it out, but the fact that you don’t have to and may just freely adjust it without having to pull up stakes is a great feature.

Bit pricey compared to the competitor though, considering they give you kickplate boards to protect your expensive liner (pucks, sticks, skates…dogs?) and the pool noodles, plus you can build corners. Not to mention all of that makes it look much more professional. Stake holes in the brackets would be nice for some extra security for those who may want/need it, or if you want to set the boards up on a pond.

All these features would be easy DIY, and could be easily engineered, but again price. It should be lower because it has less features. Price is up $300 to $2,200, less than three months after your review, and it doesn’t appear to have any new features.