Find The Best Sleds
Carrying gear across a frozen lake can be tiring. An ice fishing sled makes this much easier. A good ice fish sled lets you haul your equipment without wearing yourself out before you even start fishing. Finding a quality, inexpensive sled is important for many anglers looking for affordable ice fishing gear.
Many people enjoy ice fishing. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors in the winter. Having the right gear can make the experience much better. A sled is a key piece of equipment for moving your gear onto the ice, especially if you are looking for an affordable option.
We looked at many different ice fishing sleds. We focused on finding good options that are also affordable and inexpensive. We wanted to find sleds that cost under $100. This makes it easier for more people to get the gear they need for ice fishing without breaking the bank.
We have searched for the best inexpensive ice fishing sleds for under $100. We are going to share what we found. We aim to help you find a great cheap ice fishing sled without spending too much money.
Shappell Jet Sled
The Shappell Jet Sled is a popular choice among ice anglers seeking a cost-effective solution for transporting gear across frozen surfaces. This review dives into the details of the Shappell Jet Sled, exploring its features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your ice fishing needs.
Who is this for?
The Shappell Jet Sled caters to a wide range of ice fishers, particularly those prioritizing affordability. It’s available in multiple sizes (medium, large/XL, and mini), making it suitable for solo anglers with minimal gear or those who need to haul larger loads. The medium size strikes a good balance between portability and carrying capacity, making it a common choice. Those looking for an inexpensive ice fishing sled under $100 will find this product a good starting point.
Key Considerations
- Size Options: The availability of different sizes is a significant advantage. The mini is suitable for minimalists, while the XL offers ample space for larger setups. The medium is a versatile compromise.
- Weight and Maneuverability: The Shappell Jet Sled is designed to be lightweight, making it relatively easy to pull across the ice. This is especially important for anglers who cover long distances on foot. The lightweight design contributes to its overall affordability as less material is used.
- Material and Durability: Constructed from polyethylene plastic, the sled offers reasonable durability for typical ice fishing conditions. However, user experiences suggest it may not withstand extremely rough terrain, such as rocky or uneven ice. It’s important to note that this is a common trade-off for sleds in this price range.
- Color and Concealment: The available camo color option can provide a degree of concealment on the ice, which can be beneficial for some fishing styles. However, its effectiveness will depend on the specific ice and snow conditions.
- Ease of Pulling: The sled’s design facilitates relatively smooth gliding on snow and ice. However, dragging it on dry land can be challenging, a common issue with most sleds.
- Cargo Capacity: The medium-sized Shappell Jet Sled offers sufficient space for essential ice fishing equipment, such as a bucket, auger, rods, and a tackle box. The deep sides help to contain gear and prevent it from falling out.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Very affordable and inexpensive | Not ideal for extremely rough terrain or very heavy loads |
| Lightweight and easy to pull on ice | Can be difficult to drag on dry land |
| Available in multiple sizes (medium, XL, mini) | The camo color may not provide optimal concealment in all environments |
| Deep sides help contain gear | Bulkier than some other compact transport solutions |
| Good for those on a budget looking for a cheap ice fishing sled | Some users find the sides too deep, making it prone to tipping if overloaded |
Additional Details
Many users recommend adding a longer rope or a pulling harness for improved ergonomics and easier handling, especially when traversing longer distances. The deep sides, while beneficial for containing gear, can also make the sled more prone to tipping if not loaded carefully or when crossing uneven terrain. This is a trade-off for the increased carrying capacity. The Shappell Jet Sled is a good option for anglers who prioritize affordability and need a basic, functional sled for typical ice fishing conditions and who are looking for an affordable sled under $100 options.
Beavertail Sport Sled
The Beavertail Sport Sled is designed for hauling gear and is a popular choice for those needing a cost-effective option for ice fishing. This review examines the Beavertail Sport Sled, focusing on its features and how it performs.
Who Is This For?
The Beavertail Sport Sled suits anglers who need to move a moderate amount of gear. It is available in different sizes, which makes it versatile. This sled is particularly relevant for those on a budget looking for a functional solution for transporting equipment on the ice.
Key Considerations
- Size and Capacity: The Beavertail Sport Sled comes in various sizes. The larger sizes offer significantly more space than smaller sleds, allowing users to carry more equipment. This is a key feature for anglers who need to transport larger items like multiple tip-ups, a larger auger, or extra clothing.
- Construction and Durability: The sled is made from polyethylene plastic. This material provides decent durability for general use. However, like other sleds in this price range, it may not withstand extremely rough terrain or very heavy loads over extended periods.
- Cover Options: Some Beavertail Sport Sled models offer a cover. This is a useful feature for keeping gear secure and dry, especially in snowy or wet conditions. The cover also allows for vertical storage, maximizing the sled’s carrying capacity.
- Pulling Rope: The included rope is a point of concern for some users. While it is thick and appears sturdy, some find it to be too short. This can make pulling the sled less comfortable, especially over longer distances.
- Reinforced Bottom: The Beavertail Sport Sled features a reinforced bottom. This design element provides added durability and helps the sled glide over different surfaces, including ice and snow.
Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Cost-effective | Included rope may be too short for some users |
| Available in multiple sizes | May not be ideal for very rough terrain or extremely heavy loads |
| Some models include a cover for added protection | Bulkier than some other compact sleds |
| Reinforced bottom for improved durability |
Additional Details
The added cover on some Beavertail Sport Sled models allows for more efficient packing. Users can stack gear higher without worrying about it falling out. This is a valuable feature for maximizing the sled’s carrying capacity. The reinforced bottom is a key feature that distinguishes the Beavertail Sport Sled. It enhances the sled’s durability and allows it to navigate varied terrain more effectively. While the Beavertail Sport Sled offers a good balance of features and affordability, the short rope is a common complaint. Many users opt to replace it with a longer rope or a pulling harness for improved comfort and control.
Otter Sport Sled
The Otter Sport Sled is designed with hand-towing in mind. It’s a popular choice for ice anglers who walk or use other non-motorized methods to reach their fishing spots. This review takes a closer look at the Otter Sport Sled, examining its features and suitability for those looking for a lighter, more portable ice fishing transport solution.
Who Is This For?
The Otter Sport Sled is designed for anglers who primarily hand-tow their gear. It’s a good choice for those who prioritize lighter weight and easier maneuverability. This makes it suitable for individuals who walk long distances on the ice or those who fish in areas inaccessible by vehicles. While it might be an affordable sled, ice fishing sled, or cheap option for some, its primary focus is portability.
Key Considerations
- Roto-Molded Construction: The Otter Sport Sled features roto-molded construction. This manufacturing process creates a sled with uniform thickness and increased durability. This is a key difference compared to some cheaper sleds.
- Weight: A primary feature of the Otter Sport Sled is its lighter weight compared to the Otter Pro Sled. This weight reduction makes it easier to pull by hand, especially when loaded with gear. This is a key factor for those looking for an inexpensive ice fishing sled they can easily manage.
- Wall Height and Design: The Otter Sport Sled has slightly lower walls compared to the Pro model. This design choice contributes to the weight savings. However, the walls are still designed to be durable and rigid, preventing excessive flexing or tipping.
- Ribbed Bottom: The bottom of the Otter Sport Sled features ribs. These ribs help the sled track well in the snow and ice, further improving its hand-towing performance.
- Pre-Installed Rope: The Otter Sport Sled comes with a rope already attached. This is a convenient feature that saves time and effort.
Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Lighter weight for easier hand towing | Lower walls may offer less cargo protection than taller-walled sleds |
| Durable roto-molded construction | Not designed for towing behind vehicles at high speeds |
| Tracks well in snow and ice | Might not be as durable as the Pro model for heavy use over rough terrain |
| Pre-installed rope for convenience |
Additional Details
The focus on hand-towing is what sets the Otter Sport Sled apart. Its lighter weight and ribbed bottom make it more manageable for anglers who rely on their own power to move their gear. While the lower walls contribute to the weight savings, it’s worth considering the type and amount of gear you plan to carry. If you regularly transport very tall or bulky items, a sled with higher walls might be a better choice. The Otter Sport Sled prioritizes portability and ease of use for those who prefer to travel light and on foot.