what is the best ski for a smitty sled?

[74redone]

I want to build a Smitty sled for the voyager I'm buying. What is the best type of ski to get? I don't know much about skis as I'm sure it shows but are downhill skis better or is a cross country ski better?
Thanks for the help
Matt

[Dan J]

Yep

[Neebles]

From what I have read here, it is my understanding that downhill skis are better...

[Fishmon]

Downhill skis are much tougher than X country skis.  You should be able to get an old pair from a ski shop or ski area.  They can't sell them so they should offer you a freebee. Try to get a shorter or kids ski about 5 feet long that will fit in your vehicle.  They are wider than the X country skis and "float" in deeper snow better.  I built a Smitty sled two years ago and it works great.

[74redone]

Cool thanks guys I will start my search tonight.
Matt

[blasterfan]

I found that the local thrift stores had skis, got myself a set of downhill skis for 5 bucks, than cut them down about 8 inchs so they would fit into my jeep.

[Cranked]

Definitely thrift and second hand stores like Goodwill. Found a pair last year for $3.

[74redone]

Sweet I will go there after work tomorrow.
Thanks
Matt

[jumbo chaser]

Send me some pics to my cell on your mods 74 redone  Thanks Ron

[just_a_beer_man]

Whatever is free!!  Cross country skis have a bow to them as down hill skis do not.  What'd being put on the sled would need a fair amount of wait to flex the skis flat. I would think that straight down hills skis would be better than parabolic skis which have the hourglass shape for easier turning.  Don't have to make hard fast turns with a sled. Ski shops get rid of worn out rentals all the time since they can't sell them.  That's a good place to start.

[Lobes]

We have two Smitty sleds in this household. We made ours with downhill skiis. Both carry a lot of weight and pull very easy. Also, set up and teardown for transport is very fast and easy.

                                                           
NBG

[74redone]

Hey do u guys have any pics? I have an idea of what I think I'm going to build. I was thinking a aluminum frame that can break down for hauling. How tall do u guys make the mount over the skis?
Thanks
Matt

[bee]

I picked up some kids skis. They are nice and short.

[killa1]

go to the top of the "equipment" page. look under my homemade 15$ sled. more ideas than you will need

[74redone]

Thanks I will look there.

[Hoosier]

on height, you really have to consider how much snow you will be pulling threw. To low and now you have a plow

[74redone]

Yep that's why I asked. I could get two sets and have one set I add if we get a bunch of snow.att

on height, you really have to consider how much snow you will be pulling threw. To low and now you have a plow

[jrjach75]

I just built a sled myself and found some youth skis that worked perfect, I didn't have to cut any length off of the end. If you are in the Quad City area I can tell you where I found mine. I found the thrift stores wanted anywhere from $5 to $25 for a pair of skis.

[Tim B]

the best skis I've found were an old pair of water skis. they ride up on the snow better than snow skis

[frogmaster]

I just built a sled myself and found some youth skis that worked perfect, I didn't have to cut any length off of the end. If you are in the Quad City area I can tell you where I found mine. I found the thrift stores wanted anywhere from $5 to $25 for a pair of skis.

YES!  Make sure to measure your Vehicle as well as the Shanty-Tub.  Best to get the right length without having to cut them thus causing possible delmaination later.  Also you can search "Waxing Ski" for some techniques and tips.  Bless