Mountain Boy Sledworks Ultimate Flyer 52-Inch Sled
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List Price: Our Price: $100.79 You Save: $59.20 (37%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Category: Sports See more product details |
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Description of Mountain Boy Sledworks Ultimate Flyer 52-Inch Sled
Outside magazine called it a "steerable snow rocket." The New York Times dubbed it "an instant heirloom." Designed by a Colorado sledmaker, crafted entirely by hand, the Ultimate Flyer is an incredible sled. The whole front section pivots, so it turns far more sharply than a conventional flexible flyer. The bottom is molded plastic, not metal runners, so it floats through powder and bites through hard-packed snow or ice. The body and handle are kiln-dried birch, the handrails are willow, and the finish is marine-grade. Meets all USC and ASTM child-safety requirements. The Ultimate Flyer 52" Sled measures 52"L x 23"W x 4" H, 14 lbs. Holds up to 300 pounds.At 52 inches long, this sled is 5 inches longer and 4 pounds heavier than Mountain Boy Sledworks' Original Ultimate Flyer but otherwise identical. It's built to last for generations and features a pivoting front section that allows slalom turns, 180-degree turns, and hockey stops.
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The sled's custom-molded bottom of high-quality slippery black plastic glides along with ease, while its wide stance keeps it stable. The sturdy bottom has a wide, flat center to float on soft snow and raised rails on the edges to track precisely on hardpack. Screws are stainless steel for durability. Suitable for a child aged 3 years and up and sturdy enough to support 300 pounds, the sled measures 52 inches long x 24 inches wide x 4 inches high and weighs 16 pounds. It meets all USC and ASTM child-safety standards and carries a 1-year warranty against defects. Assembly (instructions included) is easy.
A 1-inch-thick pad with water-resistant nylon cover that fits the sled is sold separately.
Specifications:
- Body: birch
- Rails: hard-carved willow
- Finish: marine-grade; 3 coats
- Screws: stainless steel
- Bottom: high-quality slippery plastic
- Dimensions: 52" L x 24" W x 4" H
- Weight: 16 pounds
- Maximum load: 300 pounds
- Meets USC and ASTM child-safety standards
- Warranty: 1-year
Sports reviews of Mountain Boy Sledworks Ultimate Flyer 52-Inch Sled
Customer Review: Great sled for speed!
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
I purchased this sled back in early December, 2010, and have used it on 4 different days on a variety of snow conditions. It works best on hard pack, though it does well on fresh powder as well. The only condition when it did not do well was in slushy snow on warmer days. In that case the front of the sled tended to plow into the snow unless you sat up, kept your weight back, and pulled up on the rope.
The other observation I have is that the surface is extremely slick when new, so if you try to make any hard turns, your body is likely to slide off. I got better at shifting my weight into the turn to minimize this, and I also plan to try using a sled pad or possibly even some of that grip material used on the dashes of cars or as shelf liners to add some stickiness. This is less of a problem when laying on your stomach rather than sitting up, and that's how I would recommend using it anyway. Much more fun that way!
Those are my only critiques, and they are minor compared to the sled's overall performance and appearance. The sled is easy to assemble, very sturdy, and glides easily when pulling it back up the hill. My 7-year old sons had no problem pulling it up some fairly large hills. It steers very easily, especially once you get a little moisture between the two boards on your first run, and is very responsive. Just be prepared to hold on when making those sharp turns. Most importantly - this sled is FAST! And isn't that all that matters?
Customer Review: This Sled Flies
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
This sled is a rocket! I purchased three of these sleds over time - two 52" and one 47" - on ebay from $39, $42 and $64 and they have been well worth the expense. I am 5'9" and the 47" is fine but I do like having a few extra inches of sled to ride on. Assembly of all three was a nonevent. The holes in the handle were a bit off but this worked to my advantage. If you tighten each nut just slightly then continue tightening them a little at a time, they go in snug but snug means there are not likely to come lose. A little Rem Oil will help if the fit is too snug. I cleaned and waxed the bottom of the sleds with two coats of Collinite Fleet Wax - a super hard boat paste wax - and headed to our hill. As stated, this sled is a rocket and was easily the fastest sled on he hill and went the farthest - it flew - really fast. I could easily turn and navigate to find the fastest line down - the steering is great! I would like to get a Classic too but after riding the Ultimate, I can see the Classic being faster in icing conditions only. I highly recommend wearing goggles and a helmet. Shop around and get a good deal - I am glad I took my time and waited for three great deals.Customer Review: Fastest sled I have ever owned, Beautiful fit and finish
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
This is the Fastest sled made. I have tried several different runner, tube, plastic and toboggan style sleds and this sled is the fastest sled I have ever rode. The unique plastic bottom with runners I believe is responsible for this speed advantage. The sled has the speed advantage on both powder and hard pack. Pivoting steering mechanism also works very well and really gives you good control. The longer 52 in model can hold more adults/kids and I think is the right size without being too big. The wood finish is spectacular and really shows the handmade craftsmanship. This sled is very well built and Mountain Boy has a good reputation of standing behind their sleds. Overall, I think you get what you pay for and with this sled it really seems that they really thought about how to build a better sled from many different aspects. I did not see any short-cuts in their design or build.Customer Review: A durable work of art
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
I got sick of buying new $30 sleds every year that would crack or peal. The Mountain Boy Sledworks Ultimate Flyer is the most beautiful sled I've ever seen. We have it, along with the classic flyer, as decoration next to our Christmas tree when not in use, and zipping down the local hillsides whenever we get a chance. I'm over 200 pounds and I've punished these things brutally and they look as new as the day we got them. My daughter likes the control and I like the speed and the looks. Many other wooden sleds are flimsy and none are as beautiful as these pieces or art. The most enthusiastic 5 stars I've ever given and Amazon product!
As for the people complaining about these being made in China... you can get them made in Colorado from Mountain Boy Sledworks... basically the same sled for $500.
Customer Review: re-discovered sledding with this "real" sled
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
I've had one for these past 2 winters and just ordered another for my nephews. I think if I had one of these as a kid, I might never have gotten hooked on skiing. I'm finally able to maneuver around obstacles and go fast at the same time!
We visited Silverton, Colorado and tried one out at the little ski area there. We were actually able to run a slalom course (while laughing our heads off).
I was worried about the heaviness of this thing, but the black bottom slides so smoothly, I haven't had any trouble tugging it up the hills. We picked this one because it is long enough for adults too.
Mountain Boy Sledworks Ultimate Flyer 52-Inch Sled