The Best Plastic Sleds

Sledding in the winter is an easy and favorite activity.

Sledding for kids is the peak of fun in the wintertime. When it's snowing out and school is canceled, all they need is at least one good sled. For parents looking for sleds to buy a sled, they should have some idea what constitutes a good sled. Ultimately it depends on the skill level and the adventurous nature of the child for whom the sled is being chosen. Some sleds are faster and seem to be more extreme, while others tend to have more drag and are slower.

Weight and Shape

The best sleds are fairly lightweight. The lighter sleds, however, are better for using on a run that's already been carved out. If it's too lightweight, it may not have the carving capacity that a heavier grooved sled will provide. A light sled on a hill that hasn't yet had a path carved into it will stutter and stammer on soft snow, forcing the rider to lurch forward with his own momentum. Saucer shapes are great for kids. They can jump into them easily and they can spin around wildly. Again, the child must have an adventurous spirit in order to enjoy this type of sledding experience.

Slippery

The most slippery sleds make for fast runs and an easy glide down a hill. Sleds that are not grooved are the fastest. Sleds with grooves slow the run down and are ideal for a child who isn't looking for a thrill, but just wants a fun little ride down the hill. Most sleds these days are made from molded plastic. The best, most slippery ones, however, are a thick and pliable foam coated with what appears to be plastic laminate. The downside to these sleds is that because of their pliability they may crease and crack after several runs. Given the reasonably low cost of the sled, however, this is an item that could be thrown out at the end of the season and purchased again the following year. The cost is typically less than $10, as are the most common sleds.

Space Considerations

If you have an adventurous and independent child, a sled that will only fit one person at a time is ideal. If, however, there are younger siblings that may want to ride with another child, consider purchasing a sled that has room for two to fit comfortably. The kids should sit front to back, with the rear rider's legs around the front rider.

Handles

There should be a place on the sides of a sled for a rider to grasp the sled comfortably while wearing gloves or mittens. If it's a two-person sled, there should be somewhere for both riders to grasp. Also, handles on the front of the rear of the sled are handy. When the rider is hauling the sled back up the hill, front or rear handles make carrying easier. If there's a place to tie a rope or heavy string onto the sled, it's even better. The rider (or parent) doesn't have to reach far down to hoist the sled. It also makes it possible if the riders are light enough for the parent to pull the sled with the children on it if the snow is suitable.

In a Pinch

If all the toy stores and big box retailers are out of sleds for sale, there are options. Use the lid from a storage container and flip it upside down. It's not the most fashionable, nor is it the fastest sled, but in a pinch it can suffice. The parent can simply mention that the stores were all sold out of sleds. There may be someone in the crowd who has an extra or who is willing to share. Whatever it takes, the child can still have fun in the snow with an improvised sled.