Sled & Sledding Tips From The Pros
How to Lay on
Unlike a Flexible Flyer, the Hammerhead is designed for your legs to extend to the sides of the sled and not straight out the back end. This "V" position allows you to control speed by dragging feet and the rear tube does not contact your legs. Also you may angle your legs up at the knees for more comfort.
Steering
This sled will steer sharper than you can stay on the sled so experiment at slower speeds and lean into turns well before the turn.
Steering (sitting)
For better steer control move your weight slightly forward when sitting to give more weight to the front (steering) skis. They do steer well with little weight as the concave design bites in to any snow they contact, but with the weight way aft, the front skis can skip off the snow in rougher conditions.
Sitting creates a higher center of gravity than lying down. To make a successful sharp turn while sitting, lean into the turn (lean left to turn left) well in advance of the turn.
Steering (Lay down position)
Lay down offers better control in turning and maneuverability as your arms have much better input/output sensitivity. In addition, the lower center of gravity keeps you attached better to the sled. BUT, it’s harder to see over crests when lying down, so be aware. This sled will generally turn sharper than you can stay on the sled, so experiment at slower speeds to get the feel. Lean into turns before the turn.
CONTROL YOUR SPEED AS YOU LEARN!
Braking
Braking
There is no such thing as a sled "brake"! Sled in control at all times.
The best "slowing" is accomplished by dragging feet to control speed. The sled was designed so that you can do this comfortably.
You can also slow down using gentle slalom turns. Carving bleeds speed as the skis dig in and cause drag.
You can stop by turning up hill. You must have a wide enough enough space to do this and if you're going too fast it's not possible.
Hockey stops work well with the powder skis as they have less bite than the general purpose ski. That allows the sled to skid out the rear (over steer). Practice this by simply turning sharp up the hill (away from obstacles). You will have better success if you turn slightly in the opposite direction first to get the tail to “waggle” into the next turn. Be aware you need a wide area to turn up hill.
Finally make sure there is adequate run out area where the terrain is flat or sloping back up-hill before any sledding!
Oversteer
Rear end of the sled can spin out for tricks and maneuvers. The powder skis tend to float higher and provide less tracking. Just like in a rally car, turn towards the skid to bring the tail back in line.
Skis
Rear Ski On/ Off
The rear skis are meant to snap on and off quickly and easily to change ski types (i.e. powder skis). Be sure to snap on the skis centered front to back. Make sure there is minimal gap in the front or rear between the ski and the tube. If one end is loose, remove and re-install. A 1/4 inch or less gap on either end is ok. If the ski is mounted too far fore or aft, the ski may come off during a sharp turn. The thin General Purpose skis are not meant to spin out and will come off during a sharp turning maneuver. For extreme riding, use optional Performance Ski Clips to lock on the front and back of the rear skis. The sled will simply go slower without the rear rails on.
Front Ski Pivot Tabs
The front skis are designed to pivot a certain amount up and down. In an extreme pivot extension situation, there are tabs designed to absorb and deflect the shock to help prevent ski or steer-tube breakage. Bending of these tabs is OK, but if they become broken, you can replace the ski(s) to re-gain factory performance.
Front Ski Replacement
No need to send a sled back for most simple repairs! First you will need a replacement ski. Contact us if you do not have one. You will also need a 5 millimeter allen wrench (sometimes called hex key).
1. Remove the boot (this is the plastic that covers the attachment of the ski to the front frame) by pushing it up to expose the ‘joint’.
2. Use the allen wrench to remove the bolt (6mm x 35mm hex bolt) attaching the ski. The nut (6mm locking nut) should fall out of the other side when the ski is removed.
3. Slip the replacement ski in to place and fit it with the bolt and nut. Tighten it for a snug fit but not too tight that the ski connection bends. There should be 2 or so threads showing beyond the nut.
Front Ski Nut
Whenever replacing any lock nuts, you must use a new nylon lock nut as they lose effectiveness. Check periodically for loose skis. Do not use Locktite with Polycarbonate skis.
Seat
Seat Fabric
Earlier sled seat fabric edges are unfinished. This is normal with the type of high-tech fabric used. This Thermoplastic Elastomeric fabric is “welded” with a heat bonded process to hold in the monofilament and fill yarn. Keep sharp objects away from it to be safe. This is another example of using technology to maintain lightness, strength and comfort. It is UV protected, but make it last longer and keep it out of summer sun. The seat is stretched on the sled and cannot be replaced by the owner. The pull gives it the load bearing capabilities (suspension) that a lawn chair for example does not have. This provides a soft ride with less weight.
Seat Edge Repair
The seat should not unravel as it is heat-set (welded) at the factory. But some already loose threads may hang out once it's been ridden. Cut loose monofilament (shiny material running front to back) with small SHARP scissors. Pull lightly on the fabric to pull loose filaments out. Should you have broken threads anywhere but the edges, you may still be able to ride it, but the sled must be sent back to fully repair the seat deck.
Misc.
Grip Removal
Use Alcohol to remove/replace the steer grips. Pull away the grip as far as possible and pour in on both ends. Twist until free. This may take several attempts to loosen them.
Chair Lift Ride
Hold your Hammerhead in front of you until seated. After seated and bar lowered, hook the front skis over the safety bar. (This can be done outside the bar as well.)
Hands Cold?
If your hands get cold from carrying the sled by the metal tube, try the gripper tape. It provides an insulated barrier as well as jazzes and personalizes your sled. You can get it from the accessories page or at bike shops.
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