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Weight sleds are a great way to diversify your training, as well as a great way to get outside of your garage gym with a nice, weight-loaded stroll. Plus, athletes can benefit from regular use of weight sleds, as a 2014 randomized controlled trial1 showed that light and heavy sled training improved sprinting performance in a sample of young men. (Surprisingly, more significant increases were shown heavy sleds.)
However, not every weight sled is going to fit each person’s needs. There are a variety of sizes, weights, even different methods of resistance that can factor into which sled would work best for you.
With so many options, it can be tough to make that final decision. Fortunately, we at Garage Gym Reviews have done our due diligence and researched weight sleds and have compiled a list of the best weight sleds out in the market.
Our team of testers and researchers consists of certified personal trainers, CrossFit-L1 trainers, and lifelong competitive athletes who have been around gym and fitness equipment for years and have the experience to give you the best information possible to help you with your decision-making. We tested several different weight sleds at our headquarters and researched dozens more to create a list of the top weight sleds out there on the market today. To build this list, we looked at features, rating them 1 to 5, such as:
- Construction and durability
- Weight capacity or resistance
- Footprint
- Sled noise
- Overall value
Read on to find out which weight sled best fits your needs.
The 8 Best Weight Sleds
- Best Overall Weight Sled: REP Push-Pull Sled
- Best Speed Sled: Rogue Echo Dog Sled
- Best Budget Weight Sled: Fringe Sport Model A Pull Sled
- Best Versatile Weight Sled: Titan Pro Sled System
- Best Outdoor Sled: Shogun Multi Purpose Sled
- Best Weight Sled for Concrete: Torque Tank M1
- Best High-End Weight Sled: Xebex XT3 Sled
- Best Weight Sled for General Use: Rogue Dog Sled 1.2
Best Overall Weight Sled: REP Fitness Push-Pull Sled
Good for: Athletes looking for a high-value prowler sled with push and pull options
Best Overall
REP Prowler Push Sled
Product Highlights
- Three eye bolts for increased versatility
- Space-saving design with removable poles
- Weighs just over 70 lbs
- Black powder coated
- 10-minute assembly
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Can store vertically
- Three eye bolts for attachments
- Removable handles
- Compatible with Olympic weight plates
Cons
- Cost is around $200
- Plastic skis cost extra
Bottom Line
The REP Prowler Sled is a great option for those who want a more traditional weight sled compatible with Olympic plates. When not in use, you can store the Prowler vertically.
Best Speed Sled: Rogue Echo Dog Sled
Good for: Anyone needing a versatile speed sled at an affordable price
Best Speed Sled
Rogue Echo Dog Sled
Product Highlights
- Quality steel construction
- Push-pull versatility
- Made in the USA
- Pan accommodates plates, kettlebells, or dumbbells for weight
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made in the USA with US-sourced steel.
- Weighs 87 lbs
- Capacity of about 500 lbs
- Push poles are secure in the sled
- No welds or bolts to break
- Plastic skis available
- Assembly is super easy
Cons
- Sled flexes a bit more than beefier options
- Plastic caps on top of the poles easily come off
- Plastic skis wear easily
Bottom Line
The Rogue Echo Dog Sled has performed extremely well in our testing and review. It's priced well, very versatile, and from a company that you know will take care of you if anything goes wrong. We highly recommend garage gym owners add a sled to their gym and this is a great option. Just be aware that if you prefer the ability to add attachments, the Dog Sled 1.2 is a better option.
Out of the power sleds they make, Rogue’s lightest is the Echo Dog Sled, which also happens to be its most budget-priced design. The base is constructed out of one single piece of quarter-inch plate steel. The only welded pieces on the sled are the corner sockets for the two upright poles included with the sled. Along with that, this product is made in America. While that can always bump a price up, the Echo Dog Sled still is a reasonable price for its make.
The sled is pretty versatile, and able to load up some weights when compared to other prowler or speed sleds. The center weight post is 17 inches tall, allowing for a maximum weight capacity of over 450 pounds in steel plates. There are also holes for carabiners and straps to allow for sprinting or pulls.
Additionally, there are Alpaca Sled pan and handle add-ons, to basically upgrade the Echo to a Rogue Alpaca Sled. The pan feature allows for different pieces of gym equipment other than plates to be added on, such as kettlebells, dumbbells, or sandbags.
There are plastic skis available for the Echo Dog Sled, which will reduce noise and damage on your sled and floors, but just note that they can wear down quickly depending on the surface they are on.
| Price | $255 ($325 with plastic skis) |
| Footprint | 36.5” L x 25” W |
| Weight | 87 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 450+ lbs |
| Available attachments | 2 push poles (included), 16 ft sled strap, Alpaca Sled add-on |
| Plastic sled skis | Available as an add-on |
Best Budget Weight Sled: Fringe Sport Model A Pull Sled
Good for: Those looking for a solid drag sled without breaking the bank
Best Budget Sled
Fringe Sport Model-A Pull Sled
Product Highlights
- Heavy gauge, powder-coated steel
- 16 ft pull straps included
- Compact footprint
- Removable 17″ weight pin to allow for stacking
- Loads up to 500 lbs of iron plates
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Heavy gauge, powder-coated steel
- 16 ft pull straps included
- Compact footprint
- Loads up to 500 lbs of iron plates
Cons
- Sled can only be pulled
- Plastic skids are extra
Bottom Line
The Fringe Sport Model A Pull Sled is a compact, minimal pull sled built with quality materials.
Best Versatile Weight Sled: Titan Pro Sled System
Good for: People wanting a sled with a variety of options and attachments for a variety of sled exercises
Best Versatile Sled
Titan Pro Sled System
Product Highlights
- All-in-one sled training system
- 2″ by 3″ 11-gauge steel
- Modular design for a traditional push-pull sled or drag sled
- Many add-ons available
- 750-lb weight capacity
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Solid construction
- Use for push, pull, or drag
- Compatible with Olympic plates
- 750-lb weight capacity
- Flat pan for odd-object weights
- Removable poles
Cons
- Priced around $400
- Titan has sporadic stocking issues
- Large footprint
Bottom Line
The Titan Pro Sled System is a versatile weight sled offering users the ability to push, pull, or drag. It accommodates a number of attachments, is compatible with Olympic weight plates, and can hold up to 750 pounds.
Best Outdoor Sled: Shogun Multi Purpose Sled
Good for: Anyone needing a compact sled to push or pull around the neighborhood
Best Outdoor Sled
Shogun Multi Purpose Sled
Product Highlights
- ¼”-thick carbon steel body
- Durable powder-coated finish
- UHMW skis included
- 11-gauge, 3-ft steel posts
- Stainless steel brand plates
- Compatible with standard 2” Olympic or bumper plates
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact multi-purpose sled
- High-quality materials
- Designed for conditioning and strength-building
- Backed by a veteran-owned company
Cons
- Base may be small for some training needs
- UHMW skis aren’t covered in warranty
- Wrap-around rail kit and bridge sold separately
Bottom Line
With free standard shipping to the 48 continental states on most purchases, there is a lot to gain and not a lot to lose from purchasing this product. It has an affordable price tag compared to similar sled styles, but the quality of materials used to put it together, along with the hands-on research and design implementation make it a diamond in a sea of pearls.
Best Weight Sled for Concrete: Torque Tank M1
Good for: Anyone needing a quiet, durable sled option for pushing around the neighborhood
Best For Concrete
Torque TANK M1 Push Sled
Product Highlights
- Quiet flywheel magnetic resistance
- Foldable and easy to store
- High-quality
- Can be pushed and pulled
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Quiet flywheel magnetic resistance
- Foldable and easy to store
- Tires great on most surfaces
- High-quality
- Can be pushed and pulled
Cons
- Expensive
- Not great at turning corners
- Wall mount is extra
Bottom Line
The Torque TANK M1 Push Sled is one of the best sled options to add to your home gym, with a high price tag but quality behind it.
Most sleds make a lot of noise, grinding and tearing up concrete and asphalt on the road or in your driveway, making them less than stellar options for a garage gym. However, the Torque Tank M1 Push Sled addresses these issues by creating a quiet sled that uses magnetic flywheels (instead of weight plates) to create progressive resistance: the harder you push, the more resistance you will be met with. With three levels of resistance, this sled can be used for both speed and strength training.
The magnetic resistance also makes this sled nearly silent when compared to traditional weight sleds. In our own testing of the M1, we found this to be absolutely true. This a great sled to have if you’re in a neighborhood, as you won’t get any noise complaints from the neighbors.
The tires are also durable and make the sled great for just about any surface; just make sure the front tire stays on the ground, as that is where your resistance is coming from. The back of the M1 does have a plate sleeve to load a bumper plate or two, just to ensure the sled’s front stays weighted down.
Another added benefit is that once you are finished with your sled workout, the M1 can be folded and put away to save space in your home gym. Lots of sleds can be bulky and take up a large footprint in your home gym, but there is an optional wall mount for the Tank M1 to further allow more space saved in your gym space.
While this is one of the more expensive options on this list at just a little under $1,000, the Tank M1 is constructed well and solves a lot of problems with weight sleds in a home gym setting, and we think it is worth the price if you have it in your budget.
For more, check out our full Torque Tank M1 Push Sled review.
| Price | $849 |
| Footprint | 45.1” L x 31.9” x 37.5” |
| Weight | 67 Lbs |
| Resistance | Magnetic, 3 Levels |
| Available attachments | Dumbbell cradles, wheelbarrow handles, V-straps, tow Rope |
| Plastic sled skis | n/a |
Best High-End Weight Sled: Xebex XT3 Sled
Good for: Those wanting a quality resistance sled with a few added bells and whistles
Best High-End
Xebex XT3 Sled
Product Highlights
- Three-wheel design
- 8 magnetic levels of resistance
- Adjustable handlebar and and tri-handlebar insert
- Train on just about any surface
- Easy-to-use console monitors speed, distance, watts, and more
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Allows for bi-directional movement
- Included V-strap
- Adjustable handlebars
- Smart console
- Easy to transport
- Three-wheel design limits noise
- Can be used on almost any surface both indoor and outdoor
Cons
- Powder coating chips easily
- If you do not upgrade to the XT3 Sled HIIT Console Smart Connect, wires remain exposed
Bottom Line
One of the most compact and versatile sleds on the market, the Xebex XT3 is a quality training tool that can be used for diverse full-body workouts.
The Xebex XT3 Sled is a higher-priced, high-end sled due to its magnetic flywheel resistance. A three-wheeled sled like the Torque Tank M1, the XT3 has a front tire that gives more resistance the more you push or pull against the sled. Although a heavier, bulkier sled than many on this list, it folds up vertically to save some space in your garage gym. Once folded up, it can be wheeled easily, fitting most any doorway with a width of 28 inches.
The magnetic resistance also makes this a quiet sled, which is fantastic for keeping the noise level down around the neighborhood. The Xebex XT3 Sled offers eight varying levels of resistance, allowing for a bit of personalization to your sled workouts. There is a XT3 Plus released as well, which has 12 different levels of resistance for only $10 more.
There are many options on how to use the XT3. The tri handlebars can be removed and attached as wheelbarrow handles, and there is also a low handlebar at the front. There is also a hook to the front for straps and ropes, allowing this sled to be pulled as well as pushed.
Additionally, the sled can come with a smart console (for an extra $100), which can track workouts among other features; if price is not a problem, this may be a great addition. For more, check out our in-depth Xebex XT3 Sled review.
| Price | $799 |
| Footprint | 45” L x 28” W x 48” H |
| Weight | 102 lbs |
| Resistance | Magnetic, 8 levels |
| Available attachments | Smart console, 16 ft gym shoulder strap |
| Plastic sled skis | n/a |
Best Weight Sled for General Use: Rogue Dog Sled 1.2
Good for: Those looking for a durable speed sled for all-around use in pushing and pulling
Best for General Use
Rogue Dog Sled 1.2
Product Highlights
- Compatible with a number of attachments
- CrossFit Games battled-tested
- 2 x 3″ 11-gauge steel
- Comes with upright push bars
- Can choose between dragging strap or pulling rope
- Starts at just over $300
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compatible with a number of attachments
- CrossFit Games battled-tested
- 2 x 3" 11-gauge steel
- Comes with upright push bars
- Can choose between dragging strap or pulling rope
- Starts at just over $300
Cons
- Assembly can be difficult
- Shipping cost not included
Bottom Line
The Rogue Dog Sled is the standard by which all other sleds are measured. It’s compact, heavy-duty, and highly versatile for any sort of workouts you can throw at it.
The Competition
Torque Tank MX: This is a four-wheel resistance sled from Torque, and it is one of the best resistance sleds on the market today, with a price to match though. Featuring flywheel resistance on both axles, the MX will give you resistance on any push or pull. However, because of its large footprint, heavy weight (244 pounds), and a price tag at $2500, we think most home gym buyers will get more value out of the smaller three-wheel design of the Tank M1.
Rogue Alpaca Sled: Rogue’s Alpaca Sled has a pan along with a weight pin, allowing you to use Olympic plates and odd objects to load the sled. Toss in your kettlebells, sandbags, or dumbbells to weigh the sled down, and you can grab them in the middle of a metcon after dragging the sled around.
Mir Power Speed Sled: This speed sled has one of the lowest price tags out there, coming in at $99. The metal used is not as thick or durable as most options out there though, making the weight capacity the smallest out of the sleds we’ve discussed, at 300 pounds. Additionally, the weight pole is only 1.25 inches, which is small enough to fit 2-inch Olympic plates loosely, which will leave a lot of space for the weights to clang around while sprinting, which is not ideal for a pull sled.
XPO Trainer Sled 2.0: The XPO Trainer Sled was the first wheeled sled in the industry, and uses magnetic resistance to increase the resistance the harder you push the sled. Compared to other resistance sleds, it looks a little bare, but also comes in at a lower price point, making this a good budget choice out of resistance sleds.
Freak Athlete Multi Sled: With great products like the Freak Athlete Nordic curl, Freak Athlete made this compact multi sled great for pushing and pulling, and put it at a competitive price. Unfortunately, it looks like it’s also been discontinued.
How We Picked and Tested
In order to make our list for the best weight sleds, we researched major manufacturers and also got our hands on several of top brands and their options to test at Garage Gym Reviews HQ. In our testing and research, we kept in mind the construction and footprint of the weight sleds in a home gym setting.
- Construction: Despite any price points, we want to make sure we are recommending quality products. While these sleds may not be the most expensive weight sleds out there, we made sure they were constructed out of quality materials and built to endure a good amount of use. A strong gauge steel and a powder coat finish are one of the aspects we often looked for. A sled’s plastic skis might need to be replaced here and there, but the sled itself should last.
- Weight Capacity/Resistance: We checked how much you can load on a weight sled, to see how much variation you can get from a sled workout. A heavier capacity means you can go from a lighter weight sprint all the way to a slow and heavy sled push. In our resistance sleds, we checked how well the increased resistance levels were felt, as well as making sure the resistance wheels kept to the ground.
- Footprint and Portability: This is vital in a home gym setting, as you need to be able to store a sled to save space, as well as pull it back out easily down your driveway to run around the block with. With that said, we made note of smaller sleds with a small footprint, and lighter sleds that could be easily carried or transported. We also considered heavier sleds that were able to fold up and be stored. There are some high-end sleds out there, but they may not be what you are looking for if they take up half your garage (looking at you, Tank MX).
- Versatility: Sleds basically can do two things: push and pull. With that said, there are a lot of ways an athlete can push or pull a sled. We looked at the possibility of a sled to push and/or pull, as well as possible attachments the sled can have. To be the best, a sled doesn’t necessarily have to have every single attachment ever, but the potential for variety is a plus.
- Noise: Overall, sleds can be loud without plastic skids. Even with the skids, they can still make some noise. We checked noise levels on these sleds through pushing and pulling, as well as the noiseless resistance sled options.
Benefits of Weight Sleds
Weight sleds are versatile pieces of equipment which can be used for a variety of purposes and benefits. Here are just a few.
Cardio Training
Weight sleds are a great way to change up your cardio exercises. Although cardiovascular exercise is often thought of as predominantly bodyweight training, using a weight sled will add variety in your training, which helps lead muscles to adaptation. Adding a light or moderate load to a weight sled and dragging it behind during runs will fire up the glutes and hamstrings much more than without. Longer distances and times are also great to build cardiovascular endurance with a sled.
Building Strength
Sleds are built for resistance training, and any time we have resistance training, we have the potential to build strength and muscle. When we pull weight sleds, we often view the movement as a lower-body exercise. However, a heavy sled push can make it a full-body workout, needing the upper body to keep stable as you push against the sled’s weight or resistance. Additionally, we can do an arm-over-arm pull with a rope attached to the sled, making it a good workout purely for the upper body. No matter how you break it down, a weight sled can progressively be loaded to increase strength and help build muscle.
Functional Fitness
Having been a CrossFit coach and gym owner before, I’m a big fan of functional fitness. Sled pulls and pushes are great functional movements, meaning they are exercises in the gym that mirror movements in everyday life. When we train these functional movements in our training, we essentially are strengthening ourselves in these movement patterns, reducing our risk of injury in these basic everyday movements. This includes squats, twists, pushes, and pulls. So pushing or pulling against some weight resistance is ensuring that we have a higher quality of life outside of the gym.
Help Alleviate Knee Pain
In recent years, Ben Patrick, known as the Knees Over Toes Guy, has popularized the concept of “bulletproofing” your knees. The idea is to strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the knees, so as to stimulate blood flow and allow for better recovery around the joint, which typically does not get a lot of blood flow.
Weight sleds are a big part of this methodology, with using them for reverse sled drags, a sled pull while walking backwards. With a moderate load, you’ll slowly walk backwards in a controlled fashion. While it doesn’t sound too daunting, it can fire up the quads like nobody’s business. Quite a few weightlifters at my gym use these movements in their warmups; even Garage Gym Reviews founder Coop Mitchell has used sleds for this purpose and noticed a difference in knee pain.
What to Look for in a Weight Sled
So, are you ready to invest in a weight sled? Here are a few tips on what to look for, so you can make the best decision for your needs and your home gym.
There are lots of sleds out there, but they can generally be categorized into two classes.
Weight Sleds
These are the most common types of sleds out in the market. The resistance of a weight sled is determined by the weights you load on the sled itself, coupled with the friction it makes along the floor. Most smaller weight sleds are purely drag sleds that can be pulled with a strap attached to the sled. Others, typically called power sleds, are larger, but can be used for pushing as well as pulling.
There are many options available to fit most budgets, but one thing to note is that a lot of these sleds can be loud on asphalt, making them a less-than-ideal option if your neighborhood has an HOA; you might get some complaints.
Resistance Sleds
Resistance sleds use magnetic flywheels to create resistance instead of loaded weights. The harder or faster you push the sled, the more resistance it creates for you. One great aspect of these sleds is that they are on tires, making them nearly silent. So if you are in a neighborhood, this is a great option to stay in your neighbors’ good graces. However, most resistance sleds are priced higher than weight sleds, so it might not be a great budget option.
Storage & Portability
Weight sleds can be big and bulky, so one of the first questions you should ask yourself is if it will fit your needs…and space. If space is an issue in your home or garage gym, there are many sleds with a smaller footprint that still possess great value. Additionally, some of the more bulky options can fold away or be disassembled to save space and be stored against a wall. Look into these options if storage is a commodity for you.
Noise
As I said before, some weight sleds can be loud. The quietest sleds out there are resistance sleds; however, their price point might not work for everyone. If you need a quiet weighted sled, I would make sure that the weight sled has plastic skids along the skis that glide on the floor. Not only will this dampen the noise made, but it will also protect your sled, increasing its lifespan and durability.
Attachments
Attachments are probably one of the less important aspects of a good weight sled. Most of the time, as long as a sled can be pushed and pulled, it will suit most needs. However, if you want options on how to train in your sled pulls, make sure that your weight sled has attachment options available, as well as that it can take some other basic attachments. Most power sleds have the ability for upright poles to grab, as well as a hook for a pulling strap or rope.
Best Weight Sleds: FAQs
What type of sled works best?
The best type of sled for you is one that you will use and that fits your needs. With that said, there are a lot of great options out there. Here’s some of our picks:
–Best Overall Weight Sled: Torque Tank M1
-Best Prowler Sled: REP Push-Pull Sled
-Best Outdoor Sled: Shogun Multi Purpose Sled
-Best Speed Sled: Rogue Echo Dog Sled
-Best Budget Weight Sled: Fringe Sport Model A Pull Sled
-Best Versatile Weight Sled: Titan Pro Sled System
-Best High-End Weight Sled: Xebex XT3 Sled
-Best Weight Sled for General Use: Rogue Dog Sled 1.2
Is a weight sled good?
A weight sled is not just good, but great to incorporate into any training program. Weight sleds are versatile in the type of training you can do, from long drags with light weight to build cardiovascular endurance, to heavy pushes to build strength. In addition, they can help build strength and alleviate pain in joints, particularly in the knees.
Do heavy sled pushes build muscle?
Yes, heavy sled pushes can help build muscle. Sleds are another type of resistance training, which is the type of training you do while moving a barbell in a heavy deadlift or squat. Using a heavy sled for a push will help increase strength over time, as well as build muscle.
What is a good weight for a sled?
The best weight for a sled will depend on the type of training you’re wanting to do, but most people should be able to base the load from their bodyweight. For strength training, you’ll want a heavier load, so starting at about 70% of your bodyweight for a heavy sled push is ideal. Adjust the weight as needed to provide enough challenge.
For rehabbing the knees with backwards walking, a lighter load of 40% to 50% of your bodyweight would be good. If you’re doing sled sprints, a light 20% of your bodyweight is a good starting point.
Is it better to push or pull a sled weight?
Pushing and pulling a weight sled is an effective means of training your leg muscles through strength and conditioning. Pushing may get your shoulders and upper body involved more by keeping your body stable during the sled push, but neither is better than the other and both will help you achieve your fitness goals. Typically, I’ll push heavier loads and pull lighter loads for sprints, but you can do the reverse as well.
References
- Kawamori, N., Newton, R. U., Hori, N., & Nosaka, K. (2014). Effects of weighted sled towing with heavy versus light load on sprint acceleration ability. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 28(10), 2738–2745. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182915ed4
Further reading
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