I've heard mention of using ski brakes to help maintain control on steep descents, especially in spring conditions. I know some people use old belts for this purpose and others use chains. Looking for advice on what works best and how to apply them (e.g., do you custom make the chains, how do you install a belt on the ski, do you use em on both skis or just one, etc.). Thanks in advance for the tips.
Ski brakes?
- Thread starter Wapow
- Start date
Here are some pics of what I did for brakes.
pop the sled in reverse make sure the track is locked before hitting reverse
I use the belt method. I have one similar to what is pictured here. Its a belt cut down and bolted back together. I just keep mine under the hood for when I need it. I have only used it a few times in the last 5 years but it works GREAT when you need it.
Just do one ski, if you do both it becomes very hard to steer around objects when going down hill. Eric
Just do one ski, if you do both it becomes very hard to steer around objects when going down hill. Eric
two small chains..........
I made a couple of small chains that just fit over the ski loops. They are easier to store than the belt design. I have only used them afew times, but when I did they work awesome! I agree with the guy that said to just use one. You have way better steering, and seems to slow you down plenty. I carry two, but always seem to use one, and loan the other out. Also I only carry them in the spring. -00's
I made a couple of small chains that just fit over the ski loops. They are easier to store than the belt design. I have only used them afew times, but when I did they work awesome! I agree with the guy that said to just use one. You have way better steering, and seems to slow you down plenty. I carry two, but always seem to use one, and loan the other out. Also I only carry them in the spring. -00's
Chains here, used one of them yesterday as we had to drop down through the trees, being the 8th guy down the same track, I chose to error on the safe side and throw one one, made it down without a scratch, one of the other guys who said he would be fine without them was playing pinball between the trees.
do the belt trick
I've been using the belts for 25 years, when you ruin a belt, cut it in half and make 2 ski brakes, (loops) out of it. very simple, zip tie under the hood or put them in your trunk. You only need one per sled, leave them there and forget about them till you need them. Belts dont rust, or ding up your sled, very simple and basically free
I've been using the belts for 25 years, when you ruin a belt, cut it in half and make 2 ski brakes, (loops) out of it. very simple, zip tie under the hood or put them in your trunk. You only need one per sled, leave them there and forget about them till you need them. Belts dont rust, or ding up your sled, very simple and basically free
F
fassteddie
Well-known member
reverse works good.unless it's icy i carry the 1/2 belt type.
Ski Brakes
I purchased 2 1"wide dog collars with big metal buckles. Secure each one individually put them over your skis buckle down. Works awesome.
I purchased 2 1"wide dog collars with big metal buckles. Secure each one individually put them over your skis buckle down. Works awesome.
ski brakes?
are there still spring loaded ski brake claws available. i saw them once a long time ago at a snow show. they were only available on simmons skis i think. they were triggered by a lever so they could be activated as you were already commited to the hill. I caint seam to find them any where.
are there still spring loaded ski brake claws available. i saw them once a long time ago at a snow show. they were only available on simmons skis i think. they were triggered by a lever so they could be activated as you were already commited to the hill. I caint seam to find them any where.
T
tar
Well-known member
Keep in mind if you need to make a hard turn at the bottom of the hill you are descending.
If you need to go left put your belt on the left and vis versa,
With one belt on it tends to pull you in one direction or the other.
This may be obvious, but I will throw that out there.
Tar
If you need to go left put your belt on the left and vis versa,
With one belt on it tends to pull you in one direction or the other.
This may be obvious, but I will throw that out there.
Tar
V
volcano buster
Well-known member
Also, install it on the uphill side of the sled if you have to do any sidehilling on your way down. It is easy to lean the sled into the hill to help slow down.
I have cut a belt in half, then rip it in half again. This is a better compromise for me as the full width belt slows down almost too much even with only one used.
I have cut a belt in half, then rip it in half again. This is a better compromise for me as the full width belt slows down almost too much even with only one used.
C
coug66
Well-known member
don't use mechanical ( geared) reverse
I tried reversing down the hill. It cost me my first Diamond drive.
Electronic reverse is OK but mechanical is a recipe for gear destruction.
Unless you can go in reverse the whole way down ( soft snow) The geared reverse gears were not meant to go forward at 30 +mph.
Hopefully save someone else going through my diamond drive destruction.
I tried reversing down the hill. It cost me my first Diamond drive.
Electronic reverse is OK but mechanical is a recipe for gear destruction.
Unless you can go in reverse the whole way down ( soft snow) The geared reverse gears were not meant to go forward at 30 +mph.
Hopefully save someone else going through my diamond drive destruction.
As long as it's not icy. 90 percent of the time putting your sled on its side and walking it down slowly will do the trick just fine
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