Written by Kiel DiGiovanni | Co-founder
Fact checked by Kirsten Yovino, CPT Brookbush Institute
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You're probably here because you've seen a lot of people using push-pull weight sleds in your local gym, Crossfit box or on social media.
Moreover, you probably already understand that these seemingly simple pieces of equipment will give you some of the best workouts you'll ever have.
Whether you call it a weight sled, weighted sled, prowler sled, power sled, or speed sled they all serve similar purposes; kick your but into shape and enhance your performance.
If you are sold on buying a weight sled, our team of fitness coaches expertly tested and reviewed the most popular weight sleds on the market to come to a conclusion on the top weight sleds that cover all the bases.
Whether you want to use your sled on grass, concrete, sand or asphalt, there's an option for you below.
The 7 Best Weight Sleds
- Overall Best: Titan High Low Push/Pull Sled
- Budget Pick: miR Weighted Sled
- Premium Pick: VEITEOX FTY Weight Sled
- Indoor/Outdoor Weight Sled: XPO Trainer Push Sled
- Push/Pull Weight Sled: Titan Pro Sled
- Prowler: Fringe Push Sled
- Speed Sled: Fringe Model A Pull Sled V2
SFS Pick
Titan
SFS Budget Pick
miR
SFS Premium Pick
VEITEOX FTY
1. Overall Best Weight Sled: Titan High Low Push/Pull Sled
The Titan High-Low Push Pull Sled is our pick for the best sled due to its solid construction and functionality.
This weighted sled has a max weight limit of 600 pounds thanks to its 11 gauge steel heavy-duty construction with black powder coating. Titan Fitness designed this weighted sled to be used on different terrain and hard surfaces alike. So, if you're some who wants to up their speed training on concrete, grass, turf or asphalt this is the sled for you.
To handle the high weight capacity, there are dual plate horns that allow you to stack up your weight plates. You also get two pole high bar attachments that ensure you stay in an upright position as you work on your sprints. On the other hand they also included a single handle low bar attachment that provides more resistance while you train so that your quads get a killer workout. Last but not least, there's a strap hook in case you want to throw a harness on and work on pulling exercises.
Overall this is an amazing sled that can be used on just about any surface thanks to its bolt-on feet and what's more, you can break it down for easy transport to your training destination.
Pros
- Heavy-duty 11 gauge steel frame
- High weight capacity of 600 lb
- Easy to transport
- Can be used on multiple surfaces
Cons
- Optional UHMW plastic skis sold separately
Build explosive speed and strength with this High-Low Push-Pull Sled that can be easily broken down for transport...
2. Best Budget Weight Sled: miR Weighted Sled
The miR Weight Sled is a great starting option for people who don't have a big budget but want to get the benefits of weight sled training.
A nice feature of this weighted sled is that it comes with a harness and pull strap so you can get to work as soon as it arrives at your house. They also give you four different design options for the harness including two types of black and desert & Arctic camouflage.
The weight load is 200 pounds as it boasts one center pole for your Olympic plates. Considering the price of under $100 this is a decent maximum weight capacity and should be sufficient for your average user.
The frame is constructed from metal so it can withstand usage on most surfaces without concern for it breaking.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Comes with a harness (4 different design options)
- Can be used on multiple surfaces
Cons
- Low weight capacity
This speed sled has a maximum weight capacity of 200lb and comes with a sled harness and pull strap...
3. Best Premium Weight Sled: VEITEOX FTY Weight Sled
Not all weighted sleds are built alike and the VEITEOX FTY Weight Sled shows us this clearly.
It would be tough to find a weighted sled with a higher weight capacity than you get with this piece of equipment. It's rated for up to 1000 pounds which makes it a perfect choice for elite athletes who want to take their strength training to the next level.
This sled is made from premium steel that's coated with a black and red electromagnetic spray finish that ensures it stays looking fresh for some time to come. This is a great sled that has 3 weight horns to store your Olympic plates in a balanced way so that you can use it on grass, sports turf and concrete. At the bottom of the weight plate horns there are 12mm thick rubber pads that dampen the sound when putting the weight plates on the sled and protect them from being damaged.
You can drag, push and pull this sled as you have front vertical handles and 2 height back handles. Plus they included 3 mounting brackets that you can use in conjunction with a harness or pull strap.
If you want to move heavy loads during your training then look no further.
Pros
- High weight capacity of 1000 lb
- 3 mounting brackets
- 2 different height handles
- 3 weight horns
Cons
- Expensive
Push and Pull Weight Sled: With front and back handles of different heights, and 3 mounting brackets for use with harness or pull strap, this sled is ideal for push, pull, and drag training in various forms to increase strength...
4. Best Indoor/Outdoor Weight Sled: XPO Trainer Push Sled
The XPO Trainer Push Sled ins't your traditional sled, its unique design increases resistance the faster you move.
Instead of skis for feet, this push sled has large non-marring tires that give it the capability to be used on nearly any surface. So if you want to train on wood floors, gym floors, concrete, sand, grass, turf or asphalt you have the complete freedom to do so.
Another benefit of this push sled is that you can work out in solitude as you won't have to deal with any ear-splitting noise coming from the sled. The sled automatically adjusts the resistance based on your effort thanks to the chain-driven motor, so there's no need for weight plates. This unique feature means that it can be used by anyone during sports training as there's no need to change weight plates and the sled reacts to the person pushing it.
The push sled is built from durable steel that's covered with a black powder-coated finish that ensures a nice grip as you push. With the XPO trainer push sled you can bring it to workout wherever you want due to the removable handles making transport an easy task.
The XPO trainer sled is one of the best sleds on the market hands down and would make a great addition to any commercial or home gym.
Pros
- Can be used on any surface
- No need for weight plates
- Removable handles for easy transport
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Only meant for pushing exercises
No other fitness equipment on Earth guarantees such noticeable results in so little time. Because our push sled is the FIRST workout sled that resists the harder and faster you go...
5. Best Push Pull Sled: Titan Pro Sled
Titan Fitness makes the list again but this time with their Pro Sled. This option has modular components that can be added to increase the functionality of the unit.
The core unit of this weight sled can be used for improving power, speed, and agility while working on multiple surfaces including concrete, grass, turf, and asphalt. Unlike some training sleds, this piece of fitness equipment enables you to push, pull or drag it during your workouts.
The sled is constructed with 2x3" 11 gauge steel and sports upright skids with 2 inch side hole spacing plus the .25" thick base plate has two laser-cut holes to use with carabiners that can clip onto a harness.
Coming back to the unique feature of being able to add different accessories, you can transform the sled as you see fit. Add-on options include Single Arch, Low Bar, High Bar, Lawn Boy Handle, Wrap-Around Rail and replacement shoes. Some people would compare this sled to the Rogue Sled Dog at a slightly lower price point.
Pros
- Can be customized with added attachments
- Heavy duty build with 11 gauge steel
- High weight capacity of 650 pounds
Cons
- 1-year warranty
The Pro Sled System includes the Pro Sled Core unit that is a versatile push, pull or drag structure that focuses on speed training and agility on different terrain and hard surfaces...
6. Best Prowler: Fringe Econ Push Sled
Fringe Sport's Econ push Sled is a great economical choice that showcases some premium features.
You might see that Fringe describes this piece of fitness equipment as the Econ prowler sled which we will get into later in the post. We'll stick with Fringe's vernacular of calling it a prowler sled.
To start, this prowler sled is a breeze to put together in 5-10 minutes by inserting the 2 rear bolts, attaching the hitch pin in the front then placing the 2 rear handles into their slots. Just a heads up, you'll need a 16mm and 17mm socket ratchet or wrench.
Unlike some other sleds on the market this one is built with a lighter-grade steel but it will still withstand rough workouts.
Some prowler sleds are robust and bulky but not this one. If you want to take it to the local park or track you should be able to throw it in your trunk without any issues because it's super easy to remove the rear handles.
There are three posts on this prowler sled that allow you to spread the weight plates evenly across it so that you don't have to worry about sturdiness during your pull exercises, speed training, or pushing workouts. In front, you have two short posts that make it easy to put on and take off your bumper plates or Olympic plates. Then in the center, you have a taller post that can hold more plates. With a 400-pound weight capacity, it provides enough resistance to torch pretty much all your muscle groups.
Don't worry about sweating too much and losing your grip as the push handles and the rest of the prowler sled is covered by a semi-gloss powder coat finish for better grip. Towards the bottom of the front of the prowler there's an anchor point that you can use with a harness or for pulling hand-over-hand exercises; think truck pull in Strongman.
Feel free to use this prowler sled on various surfaces including grass, concrete, turf and asphalt. For those looking for more robust weight training sleds check out their Chariot Sled or Commercial sled.
Pros
- Can be used on multiple surfaces
- Removable push handles
- Budget friendly
- 400 lb weight capacity
Cons
- 1-year warranty
- Mounting bracket for harness sold separately
The Prowler design enables you to get your sled push (or pull) on with great features and maximum value...
7. Best Speed Sled: Fringe Model A Pull Sled V2
Back-to-back Fringe Sport sleds but this Model A Pull Sled is only meant to be pulled or dragged.
This is an ideal choice for sled pulls due to the low profile design and well-built frame that could fit into your gym bag. Comprised of a 3 gauge steel plate that's .25 inch thick this small but strong unit can support up to 500 pounds which is much higher than some competitors like the Tiny Tank.
All you need to do is hook up a carabiner and strap or you can grab a harness then you're ready for some intense sled work. You also have the option to purchase UMHW plastic protectors if you want a more pleasant experience without having to deal with the loud noise of dragging the sled.
Improve speed and agility with this sled from Fringe!
Pros
- High weight load
- Low profile
- Solid construction
- Includes 16-foot pull straps
Cons
- 1-year warranty
- Only used for pulling
This sled not only works perfectly inside your gym, but can be pulled outside, too! This sled has optional protective plastic feet for outdoor use...
Top Rated Weight Sled Comparison Table
We compared our picks for the 7 best sleds below so that you can see how they measure up to one another. You should be able to find one that fits your exact needs.
|
Product Name |
Price ($-$$$) |
Size |
Warranty |
Weight Capacity |
Features |
Average |
|
|
$$ |
53" 30.25" 36" |
1 year |
600 lb |
High/low bars Breaks down for easy transport Can be used on multiple surfaces |
20 Reviews ☆☆☆☆.8
|
|
|
$ |
24" 12" 7" |
1 year |
200 lb |
Low Profile Comes with harness |
664 Reviews ☆☆☆☆.4 |
|
|
$$$ |
43.3" 19.7" 38.4" |
NA |
1000 lb |
3 mounting brackets High/low bars Heavy-duty frame Can be used on multiple surfaces |
NA |
|
|
$$$ |
43.5" 35" 43"
|
NA |
NA |
Tires that can work on all surfaces No need for weight plates Resistance increase as you push harder Removable handles |
143 Reviews ☆☆☆☆.6 |
|
|
$$ |
40" 24" 39" |
1 year |
750 lb |
Modular design with many attachments available 2 inch side holes Removable push bars Can be used on multiple surfaces
|
20 Reviews ☆☆☆☆.8 |
|
|
$ |
NA 28" 38.5" |
1 year |
400 lb |
Removable push posts Dual weight horns Used on multiple surfaces Easy to put together |
35 Reviews ☆☆☆☆.5 |
|
$ |
19.5" 23.5" 17" |
1 year |
500 lb |
Low profile Stackable 16 foot pull strap |
20 Reviews ☆☆☆☆.8 |
Weight Sled Vs Prowlers
As with many things in the fitness world, there are varying takes on the same subjects, weight sleds are no different. If you do a quick search online or look at our picks for the best sled above you'll see that there are different names being used for what seems like the same products. Let's try to clear the air about the differences between a prowler and a weight sled below although there's no right or wrong answer.
Weight Sled:
Many people would categorize a weight sled as a piece of fitness equipment that has two rails at the base. However, you'll also see that some weight sleds employ the use of wheels or tires. Weight sleds can be used push, pull or drag. Below are some common characteristics of high quality weight sleds.
- Can handle heavier loads than prowlers
- Moves in a straight line thanks to the two rails at the base
- Works well on most surfaces
- More modular options possible (e.g. the Rogue Dog Sled 1.2 has 12 attachments)
- Generally less resistance than a prowler
Prowler:
You can consider a prowler to be a tool that's usually used for pushing exercises but can also be used for pulling or dragging as well. A prowler usually has three feet of skis at the base with two in the rear and one in the front. Below are a few points that are generally related to prowler's more than weight sleds.
- Used on hard surfaces like asphalt, concrete or wood floors
- Usually can handle heavier loads than sleds
- Doesn't move as evenly as a sled due to the three feet design
With all this being said it's ok to use the terms prowler and sled interchangeably because at the end of the day they both will provide you a killer workout.
What To Consider When Buying A Weight Sled
When shopping for a sled there are a few key factors to consider so that you end up with a tool that you'll get the most use out of. Check out some important aspects to pay attention to below.
1. Size:
Training sleds come in all shapes and sizes.
Smaller sleds only meant for pulling or dragging can easily be transported and won't take up much space in your gym.
Larger prowlers or heavy-duty sleds can be upwards of 3+ feet long and 2+ feet wide so if you're limited on space or you want to be able to pack up your sled in your car to take it to the nearest park or track then make sure you'll be able to remove the handles.
The overall weight of the sled is another component to consider if you want to constantly be on the move with your sled. Make sure you're able to lift the naked sled with ease so that you can throw it in your trunk if you desire to do so.
2. Build:
Ideally, you'll want to purchase a sled that will last you for years without any worry that it will break but it ultimately comes down to how much weight you want to move.
Look for sleds that are built with a steel frame and have solid welding to ensure they will endure brutal workouts. The industry standard is 11 gauge steel or better, sleds constructed from heavy-duty steel should offer a decent weight capacity of a few hundred pounds so you can add weight plates to challenge yourself to the max.
However, if you want to just work on speed training then a smaller more lightweight sled built with a thick steel plate should get the job done.
Last but not least, you can check to see if the sled has plastic skis if you're concerned with the loud noise that can come from dragging the sled on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Plus plastic skis can reduce the chances of scratching or scuffing up your floors if you plan on using them indoors.
3. Usage:
This is perhaps the most important point to think about when sled shopping. Below are a few general usage scenarios to look at before you part with your money.
- Push Pull and Drag: Look for sleds that have vertical handlebars, mounting brackets, high and low handles.
- Mainly Pull: Sled with mounting brackets, usually built with a low profile.
- Speed Training: Look for smaller sleds that enable you to hook up a strap and harness. A lower weight capacity under 100 pounds.
- Use On Every Surface: Sled with tires.
- Don't Have Access To Weight Plates: Look for sleds that have motors that provide resistance while incorporating tires or wheels instead of skis or rails.
- Easily Transportable: Sleds that allow you to remove handles or are generally smaller and lighter in weight.
- Intense Training: Sled that allows for both push-pull and dragging with the option to add different attachments such as the Lawn Mower accessory. Able to handle more than 300 pounds.
4. Price:
You'll see that weight sleds on the market have quite a range of prices. At the low end, you could find a decent sled for around $100 but don't expect it to handle over 200-300 pounds. These cheaper sleds will also have limited functionality to just being able to pull or drag them.
The next step up would be $200 to over $500 where you'll be able to have 400+ pounds on it plus more options to both push and pull thanks to push bars which can be set at multiple heights and positions. At this price range, you might also have the ability to add different attachments to the sled which gives you more training possibilities.
On the high end, you could spend over $1000 for a sled that could handle over 1000 lb and might involve motors and other resistance-creating mechanisms.
5. Reviews:
Look at the reviews of the sled you're considering to see what people like and dislike about the product. All you'll need is 15-20 minutes to get a good idea of what to expect with the sled you're looking at. However, it's always best to ask around your circle of friends, training partners, or personal trainers who can provide first-hand feedback of sleds they've used.
Benefits Of Weight Sleds
Weight sleds are an awesome piece of equipment that can take your game to new heights. Let's look at some of the tangible benefits that these humble pieces can provide.
1. Full-body Workout:
You'll quickly realize that a weighted sled workout will engage multiple muscle groups throughout your body. Depending on the exercises both the upper and lower body has to work hard including the triceps, chest, shoulders, quads, glutes, core, calves, and more.
2. Burn Calories:
Referring to the point above, sled workouts engage so many muscles and require tons of effort which leads to an awesome calorie-burning experience. You'll see that sleds are often used for HIIT style training which creates an anaerobic strain on the body which can aid in burning subcutaneous fat.
3. Boost speed:
Sled training has been shown to increase both starting, lateral and overall speed.¹ A resistance training sled provides immediate resistance against the athlete which requires the muscles to push harder from the initial movement.
4. Improve Cardio:
Another method of using weight sleds besides hard, intense interval training is lightening the load a bit and going for longer stretches. Sleds provide a great opportunity to improve your endurance via aerobic exercise.
5. Great For Rehab:
Recently there's a big push for sleds to be used in rehabbing knee issues. People like KneesOverToes have popularized using sled drags while walking backward to strengthen muscles around the knee joint including the vastus medialis oblique.
6. Good Warm Up:
Whether you plan on getting some weight lifting in or cardio, sled training can help warm up and loosen the muscles to get the blood flowing. Instead of walking on the treadmill for 10 minutes, try a set of 10 reps for distance (10-20 meters) of both sled pushes and pulls to get ready for your workout.
Weight Sled FAQs:
What is a good sled weight?
A good starting point is to load up the sled with 50-70% of your body weight. You can always go up in weight if that's too easy for you or drop weight if you want to work on more explosive speed training.
Is a weight sled a good workout?
Yes, a sled workout is perhaps on of the best workouts you can do. Professional athletes and top-tier CrossFitters rely on sled training to improve their all around performance.
How heavy is a weight sled?
Weight sleds come in a range of sizes and weights. On the lighter end, they can be around 20 pounds and work their way up to almost 100 pounds for a more robust heavy-duty option. If you want to use your sled for heavier loads then you can expect your sled to weigh between 40 and 100 pounds. On the other hand smaller speed sleds meant for dragging of pulling will have a low profile and can weigh around 20 pounds. or you can even try out adjustable sandbag sleds that can go as low as 10-15 pounds.
How heavy should sled sprints be?
For sled sprints, you'll want to use lower weight loads of around 10-15% of your body weight. You can use maximum effort in distances of 20 yards or 15 meters.
Do Sled Pushes Build Muscle?
Yes, sled pushes can build muscle in both your upper and lower body. Start with weight loads that you can comfortably move then work your way up to moving heavier loads to increase resistance that force your muscles to go into overdrive just to move the sled 15-20 yards.
Do Sled Pulls Build Muscle?
Yes, sled pulls will torch your lower body when using a harness as you have to drive your feet through the ground in order to move forward. You'll quickly notice that your calves, glutes, hamstrings, core and quads will get a great workout.
Another way of sled training is by pulling the sled hand over hand. This style of training engages your arms and back as you drag the load towards you while standing or sitting in a fixed place.
SUMMARY: WHICH WEIGHT SLED IS BEST?
No matter whether you buy a weight sled, prowler sled or speed sled, these humble pieces of gym equipment might be one of the best investments you'll make to turn you into a freak athlete.
Identify your training goals then buy the appropriate equipment. Those who wish to improve speed training will be better served by smaller, lighter options. A larger more functional sled with multiple push-pull bars are better for people who want to increase power, strength, and speed.
We hope this article on the best weight sleds helped to provide a clearer picture of all the options on the market. Now it's your turn to find the perfect sled for your needs.
A last word of warning for people who haven't used a sled in their training regimen before, be prepared to have your a** kicked and get your water ready - you'll need it!
References
- Pantoja, Patrícia Dias, et al. “Effect of Weighted Sled Towing on Sprinting Effectiveness, Power and Force-Velocity Relationship.” PLOS ONE, vol. 13, no. 10, 5 Oct. 2018, p. e0204473, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6173386/, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0204473.
Kiel DiGiovanni
Author