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Sleds

"It's a snow day!" As a child, these are possibly the best words you could hear on a snowy winter morning. But what good is a school-free afternoon without the proper items needed to take advantage of the moment? A sled  is an essential piece of snow day equipment, not to mention, of course, a nice warm coat,  gloves,  hat,  and scarf  (we wouldn't want the kids to catch cold while having all that fun). Which is the best sled though? Here you can find out just how to pick the right sled for that special kid. Here are some favorites to start you off.
 

Cheap, Easy, Fun

Plastic Sled

Serious Adult Sledding

High Tech Snow Luge 

For the Daring

New Style Snow Scooter 

First Consider

Before discussing the types of sleds available, it is crucial to take into account the size, strength, and age of the child who will be using the sled. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

  1. Is the child big enough to play on their own?
  2. Can he or she carry a heavy or large sled?
  3. Does the child need adult assistance to ride the sled?
  4. Is the child old enough to be using a high tech sled or would it be best to get something simple?
  5. How fearless is the child and what types of hills will he/she be sledding on?

Sled Types

Foam Snow Sliders 

  • Board or saucer style.
  • Holds 1 or 2.
  • Some control.
  • Close to snow.

Snow Tubes 

  • Fast. Fun. Out of control.
  • Hard on the keister.
  • Holds 1 or 2.

Plastic Sleds 

  • Cheap.
  • Good steering.
  • Moderate control.
  • Holds 1 or 2.

Wood Sleds 

  • Old school.
  • Heavy and strong.
  • Good control.
  • Holds 1 or 2.
  • Comfy.

Toboggans 

  • No steering.
  • Fast and furious.
  • Holds 1 or 2.
  • Durable.

Important Sled Features

Weight and Size

  • Baby sleds  are made to be just small enough to fit the littlest of children, and these models usually include a cord or rope so that the parent or guardian can pull the child along.
  • A big kid, who is usually a bit stronger, can usually pull a heavier, larger sled, made of metal, wood, or heavy duty plastic. A small child though, may only be able to handle the lightest of sleds available that are more their own size.

Construction Materials

  • Plastic -- Lightweight, but less durable. These sleds can crack easily and they usually only last a season or two. They are best for small children, since heavy weight can cause them to break.
  • Heavy Duty Plastic -- Heavier, but much stronger. These are suitable for older kids, and will last many seasons. That is also why they tend to cost more.
  • Wood and Metal -- These are usually more old-fashioned looking. They tend to cost more than plastic sleds, and they are also bulky and sometimes heavy. The one plus is that these babies will last a lifetime.

Control

  • The sled needs a certain amount of control so that the child doesn't injure him or herself while sledding. Likewise, older kids who aren't scared as easily will want less control so that the ride is more thrilling.
  • Certain types of sleds are naturally more controllable than others simply by design.
  • Steering wheels come on some models, and this gives heightened control over the sled but also adds bulk.

Major Manufacturers

External Links

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