Innovative, adaptable, thrilling, versatile, unique
As I stood there, examining the Slede snowskate, I couldn't help but admire the ingenuity of this unique Finnish design. It's not every day that you come across something that flips conventional wisdom on its head, and the Slede does precisely that.
In essence, the Slede combines the best of two worlds – the thrill of snowboarding and the agility of skateboarding. With a 7-ply Canadian maple deck topped with grippy foam rubber and mini-snowboard-like skis in place of wheels, the concept behind the Slede is intriguing.
The rubber spring mechanism on the skateboard-style trucks is particularly fascinating. It offers riders a smooth experience on uneven snow, ensuring the skis pivot relative to the truck when carving corners, which is a testament to the thought put into the design.
One aspect that piqued my curiosity was the inclusion of skate-like stainless steel blades on either side of each ski. The ability to switch between shorter and deeper blades for different snow conditions is a clever touch, allowing riders to tailor their experience to the environment.
Of course, proper maintenance is essential, and the designers have made sure to emphasize the importance of sandpapering and waxing the skis to keep them in prime condition. The fact that all components are user-replaceable is another win for longevity and sustainability.
At a $320 pledge for one Slede with two full sets of blades, the price seems reasonable for an innovative piece of equipment that combines snowboarding and skateboarding in a way that's never been seen before. It's always refreshing to witness creativity and out-of-the-box thinking in action, and the Slede snowskate is a prime example of that.
In conclusion, I find the Slede to be an intriguing and inventive piece of equipment. It's well-designed, adaptable to various snow conditions, and offers a unique experience that will undoubtedly catch the attention of thrill-seekers and snow sports enthusiasts alike.
Pros of the Slede snowskate:
- Innovation: The Slede snowskate offers a unique and inventive combination of snowboarding and skateboarding, providing an entirely new experience for riders.
- Adaptability: With interchangeable stainless steel blades, riders can switch between shorter and deeper blades to suit different snow conditions, enhancing the versatility of the Slede.
- Maintenance: The Slede is designed with user-replaceable components, making it easier to maintain and repair, potentially extending its lifespan and reducing waste.
- All-terrain capability: The rubber spring mechanism on the trucks allows the skis to pivot relative to the truck when carving corners and traversing uneven snow, providing a smoother ride across varying terrains.
- Quality materials: The 7-ply Canadian maple deck and snowboard-like skis ensure durability and good performance.
Cons of the Slede snowskate:
- Limited availability: As the Slede is currently the subject of an Indiegogo campaign, there may be a risk of limited availability and delays in production and delivery.
- Learning curve: The Slede's unique design might require users to develop new skills to ride proficiently, especially for those who have never tried skateboarding or snowboarding before.
- Maintenance requirements: Regular sandpapering and waxing of the skis are necessary to keep the Slede in good condition, which may be seen as a con for those who prefer low-maintenance sports equipment.
- Price: While the pledge price of $320 is reasonable for an innovative product, it might still be considered expensive for some potential users, especially when compared to more traditional snow sports equipment.
- Limited appeal: The Slede might not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer traditional snowboarding or skateboarding experiences or those who live in areas with limited snowfall.
