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Fifty Sense: Common Sense Ideas for Thriving after 50
Fifty Sense: Common Sense Ideas for Thriving after 50

Review:
Mountainboy Sledworks

Fifty Sense Seal of Approval

It isn’t very often we come across a company that makes a top quality product that feels like your talented grandfather made it. These sleds are so beautiful and functional, we are proud to take our grandkids out in them! Started in 2002 by woodworker and self-proclaimed sledding fanatic Brice Hoskin, Mountain Boy Sledworks has grown to be the United States' premier maker of handmade wooden sleds.

They are working hard to minimize the impact of all of their operations on the environment, choosing only fast-growing, common, sustainable hardwoods such as birch, willow and maple. They ensure every part of the wood is used. Smaller pieces are turned into kicksled slats or Christmas ornaments, and the smallest bits end up in their woodstove or in the wood-drying kiln.

Just as important, these sleds are made to last. We think it makes sense to buy a sled (or wagon or push cart) that will last for years, and is so beautiful, it is almost a work of art rather than buying a cheaper sled that won't last nearly as long.

Butterfly Convertible Wagon/sled

We tested the convertible wagon/sled and love having to store only one item in our garage. The double seats of hand-carved willow have comfortable, tilted back rests, and the side rails make it easy to hold on. The deck is made of 5/8" thick birch planks, joined together in a durable tongue-and-groove joint. The marine-grade finish (lead-free of course) protects the wood, and all screws and bolts are of stainless steel for durability. The rugged steel undercarriage of the wagon is powder-coated, and the inflatable tires provide excellent shock absorption.

The curved birchwood runners of the sled turn it into a sturdy but elegant pull sled. To make it a wagon, all you have to do is tighten the 7 bolts that connect the undercarriage to the wooden top, plus the bolt that attaches the extra-long handle. To make it a sled, just attach the runners and wooden crosspieces with 6 bolts. The Butterfly meets all USC, ASTM and CE child safety standards. The finish is lead-free. Assembled size is 38"L x 15"W x 19"H, and it weighs32 lbs.

They can even engrave a child's name (or an adult's!) onto any Mountain Boy wagon. Lettering is 2" tall and runs lengthwise up the center of the wagon. Limit 10 characters.

http://mountainboysleds.com

...Fiftysense Product Review Panel

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