Best ice fishing sleds – the must-have selections of 2020
So, how do you really get to have the greatest ice fishing expedition? It’s quite simple, all you need to have with you out in the ice is the right set of gear and that’s pretty much it.
With more manufacturers venturing into the production of ice sleds, you can now get quality products and at a cheaper price but the flip side of the coin is that not all manufacturers are out to give you the best quality sleds which is where we come in.
After doing hours of research on the internet, contacting some of the most reputed manufacturers and also reaching out to first-hand users and critics, we were able to put together a list of 5 of the best. Each of these sleds is guaranteed to give you the biggest bang for your buck.
Comparison chart- the best of the best
Image | Product Name | Material | Editor's Rating | Price link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Shappell Jet Ice Fishing Sled | polyethylene | ||
  | Shappell Jet Sled 1 - ATC | polyethylene | ||
Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell |
  | Beavertail Sport Sled | polyethylene | ||
  | Terrain Utility Sled | polyethylene |
5 Best ice fishing sleds - Reviews
Well, this is what we came for, right? In a short while, you’ll be taking a look at the top 5 ice sleds you could get your hands on. From the high end to the budget-friendly ice fishing sleds, we've got them all. Let's get started then, shall we?
Best ice fishing sled
1. Shappell Jet Ice Fishing Sled
Measuring 54” x 24” for the length and width respectively, this just so happens to be one of the few sleds you could use for more than just ice fishing. Let’s have a closer look and find out whether there’s more to it than just being large-sized, shall we?
Molded runners at the base
With mobility being the major reason as to why you’re on this review, this sled has got runners at the bottom which add to the strength and stability as you haul your fishing gear
Rugged polyethylene construction
In addition to having runners, the design is rugged polyethylene that, as far as sleds are concerned, is one of the best since it’s really not that heavy and doesn’t compromise on the durability.
A contoured hull
You could use your ATV or snowmobile to haul this but if you choose to do this by hand, the hull is specially constructed in a contoured design to make this possible.
Advantages
Disadvantages
2. Durable and lightweight
With a lot of options to choose from in the market, this sled is not only all-terrain but it also comes in 5 different sizes that you can choose from.
Durable and lightweight
The construction of this bad boy is durable polyethylene. This just so happens to be the best you could get on an ice fishing sled in the current market since it cuts down on the weight without compromising on the quality unlike what you would get on previous fishing sleds.
It also does come in 3 different sizes; the small, medium and large sizes weighing, 12.5 and 17 lbs.
Two towing ropes included
Even upon choosing the heaviest of the three, there are two tow ropes coming along with the sleds. You could use these to pull it or alternatively hook the sled up to your ATV or snowmobile for easier and faster mobility
Sturdy bottom-reinforcing runners
For an easy pull through the snow, there are sturdy bottom-reinforcing runners which are guaranteed to give you an easy pull.
But that’s not all you get…
There’s also a reinforced lip which gives the sidewalls a lot of strength
Advantages
Disadvantages
3. Shappell Jet Sled 1 – ATC
Yet another one from Shappell is a well-constructed ice fishing sled measuring 54” x 25” x 10”- definitely large enough to accommodate most of your ice fishing gear. But is there more to this bad boy than just the size? How about we find out right away?
Rugged polyethylene
Starting with the most important features of them all, the construction of this bad boy is a rugged polyethylene. As far as durability is concerned, this just so happens to be the best and to add icing to the cake, it's the lightest you could possibly get on an ice fishing sled without compromising on the durability.
An all-terrain cammo
When it comes to using this bad boy, you won’t be restricted to using it for fishing alone and the best part about it is that there’s an all-terrain cammo to allow you to use it conveniently even for hunting.
Molded runners for stability & strength
At the base of this sled are molded, runners. The inclusion of these add to the overall strength of the sled when loaded and also makes it most stable as you move it through the ice.
Advantages
Disadvantages
4. Terrain Utility Sled
Looking for something that’s really large durable and assured to give you one of the best experiences in your ice fishing expeditions? This could be it. With the Terrain Utility Sled, you get to have a lot of storage space and much more.
Here’s what you should expect
A heavy-duty tow rope and ribbed bottom
To make it easy to move on the snow, the base of this sled is ribbed which means you get a better tracking. On the other hand, if you'd like to hook it up to your snowmobile, it does come with heavy duty tow ropes for faster movement
High side walls for greater capacity
With the sidewalls being high, you’ll have a lot of additional space just in case you would want to pack have or go out with your friends. No need to leave anything back at home
High impact polyethylene construction
The best ice fishing sleds in the market today observe a design that's got the minimal weight but at the same time is durable enough. Well, this one happens to be one of the best. The high impact polyethylene construction deems it one of the best to use out in the snow.
Advantages
Disadvantages
5. Shappell® Jet Sled® Multi-Purpose Sled
Boasting to be from one of the most commendable brands in the market, the Shappell® Jet Sled® JET SLED just so happens to be one of the few all-round sleds you could get your hands on. Here’s what you should be expecting:
Polyethylene construction
Since you’ll be using it out in the snow, you’ll want to have something that’s constructed to take a beating and at the same time light enough to move in the snow without a lot of struggle.
Being made of polyethylene, its strength is unrivaled and you could pull it quite easily through the snow
Molded runners
Besides the polyethylene design, this sled also does have molded runners that add onto their strength and stability out in the snow
Optional hitches for towing
You won't always be stuck on towing it on your own since there are optional hitches on this bad boy. These make it possible to tow it using your ATV or snowmobile
Advantages
Disadvantages
Best ice fishing sleds buying guide- what to look for
Now that you’ve got the best just a click away, how about you back up the reviews with a detailed buying guide. Here’s everything you should know as far as getting the best ice fishing sled is concerned.
Consider how much gear you intend to haul
An ice fishing sled is all about giving you the easiest time possible while out in the ice and due to this, it is of utmost importance that you consider the amount of gear you want to haul.
Not unless you pack really heavy, then you won't be needing a really large sled. You might also want to go for a large sled if you're going fishing with your friends since it will be more convenient to have all your gear in one sled rather than each of you have their own.
Weight- is it really worth having?
When choosing one, you’ll want to go for something that’s not too heavy. You’ll be adding more weight to the sled with your gear and if the ice is too thick, then hauling it in the ice will be a problem.
But what if you’re fishing in groups?
Well, the general rule of thumb as far as sleds are concerned is that the larger their capacity, the heavier they’ll be if they are to maintain a quality and solid build.
If you’ll have a lot of gear on one sled, then you might want to do an upgrade to them by adding skis. These tend to reduce the resistance while pulling the sleds and at the same time allow you to carry a lot more gear.
Durability- how long can it last
When it comes to durability, manufacturers nowadays, unlike in the past years, reinforce plastic construction to reduce the weight without compromising on the durability.
The best will normally come with a rugged polyethylene construction which allows them to hold up well out in the ice and at the same time make movement quite easily.
But that’s not all…
You should also consider your mode of transportation and the terrain. If you'll be traveling by car or pulling your sled with an ATV or snowmobile, then you could go for one that's heavy and has got a large capacity. On the other hand, if you'll be moving in uneven terrain, you should stick to sleds that are light.
Final thoughts
What may work perfectly well for someone else may not necessarily work for you and taking this fact into account, you should understand that getting the best ice fishing sled is entirely your personal preference.
When it comes to ice fishing sleds and other ice fishing equipment, there’s no such thing as one size fits all but it’s a matter of whether or not the sled is worthy of your needs. By sticking to either of the sleds we’ve recommended for you in the above review, there’s no way you could go wrong.
Simply take your time to know what you really want and what works best for you and that’s pretty much it- you’re good to go.
