If you want to increase your power, strength, and speed, using a push sled is one of the best ways to do that.
It might be one of the most hardcore types of training you can do, but there is no doubt that you’ll get enormous benefits from using a push sled.
If you’re in the market for one, you should consider the Stoops Predator Sled. It’s a great sled and I’ll tell you why below.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Sled
Sleds aren’t for the faint of heart.
They offer a very specific type of training. If you’re looking for something easy, this isn’t the right equipment for you.
However, if you don’t mind putting the work in, using a sled can give your lower body a very efficient workout.
You’ve probably seen plenty of intense workout commercials that feature some jacked athlete pulling a heavily weighted sled behind them.
Sleds will help to get you in the best shape of your life, but you don’t need to be a pro-athlete to use one.
Even beginners can use sleds because they’re simple to use. That’s why sleds come in many different sizes, so there is something for everyone no matter what they’re fitness level is.
Sled Types
You should know the different types of sleds.
They all generally serve the same purpose – you pile weights on them and push or pull them – but depending on the attachments, handles, and other features, the sled can provide you with a different experience.
Some of the different types are:
- Heavy pushing sleds
- Wheel barrel sleds
- Sleds for dragging
- Speed sleds
- Sleds with wheels
If you’re a non-athlete or a beginner, you’ll probably want to start with a pushing sled or a dragging sled (sometimes you can do both with the same sled).
The others may be a little intense for beginners.
By the way, don’t be fooled into thinking that sleds with wheels are easier to pull or push – they aren’t.
These sleds use mechanics to create friction which can make it harder to push or pull.
Quality and Build
Sleds that are made of a good quality steel (meaning a thicker gauge of steel) will weigh more. If it weighs less than 30 pounds, you’re wasting your money.
Anything between 30 and 50 pounds can be considered an “economy” sled. Over 50 pounds is where you’ll start getting into sleds that will last a long time.
Make sure you get one that meets your needs. Some of them can only be pulled.
Some may not come with the accessories you’ll need (they could be an additional purchase).
Others may not support as much weight as you want them to. Just be sure to check all of these points before you make a purchase.
Some sleds (like the Stroops Predator Sled) may be multipurpose sleds. These will give you more bang for your buck, but they’ll cost more upfront.
I recommend multipurpose sleds for home gyms because it saves space.
One other thing to be concerned about is the diameter of the bars. You need to know if it holds standard weight plates or Olympic weight plates so your equipment matches.
If it’s a sled that lets you pile the weight instead of stack it, this won’t be as important.
Now that you know what to look for in a good sled, I can introduce you to the Stroops Predator Sled.
Keep reading to find out all the reasons why this is a great choice for everyone.
The Stroops Predator Sled
As I stated before, I recommend a multipurpose sled for home use so you can get the most out of it.
The Stroops Predator Sled is a strong, durable, push sled that also serves as a plyo box and an anchor.
I won’t say it’s the most hardcore sled you can get, but it’s good enough to give you a run for your money (literally).
This sled is a beast and you won’t be disappointed with the results of it.
Pros:
- Nice, heavy gauge of steel makes it durable.
- Multipurpose so you can get a full workout.
- Eight connection points make it very stable.
Cons:
- It’s expensive.
- It’s basic when it comes to using it as a sled.
Features and Benefits of the Stroops Predator Sled
Superior Construction
The manufacturer went all out when they designed and built the Stroops Predator Sled.
It’s made of a high grade of steel and is welded for maximum durability. The steel is powder coated so you can even use it outside and not worry about it rusting.
The feet of the sled are four independent feet, so it may be a little easier to push this sled than others.
For that reason, it’s a great choice for people who may be new pushing sleds.
Don’t take this as meaning it’s not going to give you a great workout. If you set it up right, it can definitely push you to your limit.
Use It As a Plyobox and an Anchor
The Stroops Predator Sled may be a little pricey compared to other push sleds, but I can overlook this due to the multiple uses you get out of this piece of equipment.
It serves as a plyo box and has an anti-slip covering on the top. This allows you to jump safely and not slide on the metal.
You can use it as an anchor for lots of other exercises.
Examples are:
- Incline push ups
- Incline mountain climbers
- Toe taps
- Step ups
- Step up step downs
- Tricep dips
This is just a few of the exercises you can do with the Stroops Predator Sled.
The possibilities are endless. It’s the perfect addition to any home gym for people who like versatility.
Great Specs
The Stroops Predator Sled is a heavy-duty sled. It weighs 90 pounds which indicates the superior materials used to make it.
In other words, you can go as hard as you want to with this sled.
It’s going to stand up to whatever you give it.
The weight is also good for beginners who may just want to start with the sled only.
Ninety pounds of resistance is a great way to introduce yourself to the workout. It can also serve as a good warmup weight.
The sled holds a great amount of weight – 350 pounds. This isn’t the heaviest on the market. Some home use sleds can hold twice this amount of weight.
However, those are for people who already have some serious muscles, strength, and power.
The Stroops Predator Sled is perfect for the average user or an athlete working on improving themselves.
The sled uses standard weight plates and has eight connection points (two per handlebar per side).
The handlebars are easily removed so you don’t have to turn the sled around when you’re at the end of the run. Just pull the handlebars out and put them on the other side.
The sled measures 30″ L x 24″ W x 18″H. The handlebars are 40″ tall.
Alternative Choices to the Stroops Predator Sled
The Stroops Predator Sled is a great sled, but it’s not the only great sled out there.
It’s good to have choices, so I kept looking till I found some that were comparable to the it in quality and efficiency.
Luckily, they all cost a little less than the Here are three you’ll probably like if you like the Stroops Predator Sled.
TITAN Fitness Pro Sled System
If you’re looking for a super heavy-duty sled, the TITAN Fitness sled is just for you.
It weighs 111 pounds and features 11-gauge steel. The handlebars and weight pole have a 2″ x 3″ diameter. This means it uses Olympic weight plates.
The best part about the Titan Fitness sled is that it’s versatile.
TITAN offers a full range of accessories that can turn this sled into any type of sled you want.
You can get the lawn boy attachment, low or high bar attachments, double handle attachments, and more.
This sled is for people who need to take their workouts to the next level. It may not be the best choice for beginners.
TITAN Fitness Pro Sled System | Stroops Predator Sled |
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miR Weighted Power Speed Training Sled
Unlike the TITAN, the miR Weighted Power Speed Training Sled is a sled for beginners.
People who are at an advanced level of fitness may not be happy with the miR sled because it has a maximum weight capacity of only 200 pounds.
The sled itself is lightweight so if you plan to do a hardcore workout, this isn’t for you.
If you’re looking for something light duty, or your primary focus is speed training, then the miR sled is a great choice.
It’s a pull-only sled that is good for a variety of surfaces (not including concrete or asphalt). It comes with a vest harness so it has everything you need to get started.
It’s budget-priced so you need to remember that you get what you pay for. I would recommend this as a starter sled until you can upgrade to something better.
miR Speed Training Sled | Stroops Predator Sled |
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TITAN Fitness Low Bar Sled
Low bar sleds can give you more leverage.
More importantly, you’ll get an intense workout for your quadriceps.
You don’t have to be concerned about a low weight here – these sleds are smaller than push or pull sleds, so naturally they’ll weigh less.
Even with a lower weight, the TITAN Fitness low bar sled is a superior quality sled.
One of the best stand out features of this sled is the removable pole sleeve. This allows you to use standard or Olympic weight plates.
Versatility is always welcomed when it comes to home gym equipment.
Take note that this sled doesn’t have the UHMW plastic ski liners like other TITAN sleds so you should use this one on concrete or asphalt.
Titan Low Bar Push Pull Drag Sled | Stroops Predator Sled |
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Final Thoughts on the Stroops Predator Sled
The Stroops Predator Sled is a superior quality sled, but it’s a little pricey compared to others.
However, when you consider that it’s designed as a 3-in-1 sled, you’ll be able to see the value in it.
If you’re looking for a sled only, you may want to consider the alternatives.
However if you’re going to find use for the plyo box and anchor parts of the sled, you can’t get better than the Stroops Predator Sled.
No matter which of these sleds you choose, you’ll get a great workout.
They all have different purposes, so make sure you choose the one that fits your needs.
If you want to learn more about this sled, click here to go to the Stroops website for more information.