Back in 2012, we first heard about the Stealth-X carbon fiber sled. Designed by New Zealand-based company Snolo, it was designed to be fast, light and maneuverable. Unfortunately for most of us, it also cost US$2,999. Now, however, Snolo is ready to begin production on a much more affordable plastic version of the sled, known as the Scion.
Like the Stealth-X, the Scion features a sleek, body-hugging monocoque shell, a front ski with foot pegs, and an arm connecting the two. Users steer with their feet, leaning and carving into corners, and stopping by carving harder – as on a snowboard.
Whereas the Stealth-X is made entirely from carbon fiber, however, the Scion is made from fiber-reinforced high-density polyethylene. It also features a waterproof nylon-covered high-density foam seat, replaceable polished stainless steel/alloy runners, and a shock coil lanyard to keep it from getting away from you. Its total weight is 7.5 kg (16.5 lb), as compared to the Stealth-X's 4 kg (9 lb).
Its seat back is less pronounced than that of its predecessor, allowing users to lie back in a luge-like position if they wish. That said, they can also use the thing just sitting up. Should they wish to tweak its handling characteristics, they can do so by adjusting the balance point of the front ski.
It's also possible to hook the sled up to a dog team, using built-in attachment points.
Snolo is now raising production funds for the Scion, on Kickstarter. A pledge of US$384 will get you one in your choice of black or white, when and if they're ready to go. The planned retail price is $549.
You can see the Scion in action, in the pitch video below.
Sources: Kickstarter, Snolo
