Park & Sun Outdoor Volleyball Nets – Best Sets Hands Down!

Park & Sun Volleyball Nets Tournament

When it comes to finding the best volleyball sets in the country, look no further then the Park & Sun line of volleyball net systems.  Park & Sun Sports, based out of Englewood Colorado, is committed to manufacturing high quality and innovative outdoor, portable volleyball sets.  For over 30 years they have set the standard for upper end volleyballs nets with its telescopic, aluminum poles that adjust to three playing heights and their original slip on sleeve net design.  The three net heights include Men – 8’, Women – 7’4″, and Coed – 7’8″.

Park And Sun Volleyball in the park

You don’t need me to tell you how good they are.  Take a look at the reviews on amazon for the Park & Sun Spectrum Classic Volleyball Set It’s available in 6 different colors with my favorite being the All American Red, White & Blue combination.  It’s perfect for your outdoor barbecues for Memorial Day and the 4th of July. Made in the U.S.A of course!

Park & Sun does not cut corners.  Every piece of every volleyball net and volleyball system is well thought out and made to last.  From the professional sleeve net to the easy-adjust guylines to the telescopic, aircraft-aluminum poles, Park & Sun delivers!  You will not believe how easy and fast the set up is. Most set are fully assembled in under 5 minutes. Sets also include a storage bag, boundary lines (with convenient hand winder), volleyball, pump, and steel stakes.

Chances are if you see a volleyball tournament happening in your area, they are using a volleyball set from Park & Sun Sports.  They are the official volleyball net supplier to some of the nation’s top volleyball tournaments and leagues: Emerald Coast Volleyball, Motherlode Volleyball Classic, Pottstown Rumble, United States Youth Volleyball League, Volleyball of the Rockies, Volley America, Waupaca Boatride Volleyball Tournament.

You don’t have to pay $250 for a great set either.  The Park & Sun Tournament Flex 1000 Volleyball Net is an excellent choice at about $160.

There are many other choices from Park & Sun Sports;  not just volleyball.  Park & Sun manufacturers a variety of volleyball, pool volleyball, tetherball, bocce, pickleball, disc golf, foosball, sports goals, and more.  For a complete list check out https://www.sportsunlimitedinc.com/park-sun-sports.html.

Park & Sun Sports, American Made with quality and innovation for over 30 years.

– Mike

Outdoor Games For The Summer 2018

Memorial Day weekend is finally here! At Sports Unlimited, we look forward to the unofficial start to summer. It’s a long winter here in the northeast, and we’re ready to get out and enjoy everything the beautiful weather has to offer. From backyard bbq’s with family and friends, to trips to the beach, and outdoor games and activities, it just doesn’t get any better!
We can’t be there to flip burgers and hotdogs for you, but we can provide you with the best selling outdoor games this summer. Here is a list of some of our favorites, along with high rated customer picks.

  1. The Park & Sun Spectrum Classic Volleyball Set – It’s called the classic for a reason, because it’s a summer staple year after year. Whether it’s a graduation party, birthday celebration, or summer bbq, everyone can enjoy some volleyball fun. It’s easy to setup, portable, and comes in a variety of net colors.
  2. St. Pierre American Professional Series Horseshoe Set – Made of solid steel, these American made horseshoes are finished with a powder coating to resist chipping and wear. Whether you’re a casual player, or take your game a little more serious, this set works for everyone. Perfect for the backyard or beach.
  3. Victory College Cornhole Set – If you have a favorite college team, then Victory probably has a cornhole game for your school. They have hundreds of schools to choose from, with many designs for each team. Not only do these sets look good, they’re also made in the USA with high quality materials. They’re constructed cabinet grade 1/2″ birch plywood tops, and strong 2 x 4 frames and legs. These cornhole boards blow the competition away. No cheap plastic here.
  4. Morey Cruiser 42.5″ Morey BodyboardBodyboard – Beach goers will love this classic bodyboard! It’s easy to grip, maneuver, and contours for proper body positioning. The slick bottom will help you maximize speed so you can ride
    waves like never before! It’s recommended for riders 160 – 210 pounds.
  5. Park & Sun Badminton Pro Set – Another summer classic from Park & Sun. It includes everything you need to play, including a weather resistant net, four steel frame rackets, and three shuttlecocks. This set is easy to setup and will be a family favorite. A great game for all ages!
These are just a handful of the many backyard games we offer at Sports Unlimited. Check out all of our outdoor games including other summer classics like bocce, washers, croquet, ladder golf, and more!
 – Steve

Golf Gifts For Father’s Day 2018

Father’s Day is just a month away, and if you’re like me, you’ll be scrambling for gift ideas two days before. You might pick out a new tie or dress shirt, or perhaps a fancy belt, just to remind him he has work the next day. Well don’t be that son/daughter, get him a gift that he’ll actually want to use and enjoy.

If your dad likes to spend his summer days on the golf course, we have a number of golf training aids that are simple to use, yet provide valuable feedback. To make things easier on you, I’m recommending two of our hottest selling training aids for 2018.

The Hanger Golf Training Aid SwingFirst, we have The Hanger from Watson Golf. This tool is used to promote muscle memory in your swing for consistent, crisp golf shots. From addressing the ball, to your backswing, and follow through, you’ll get a feel for where your arms, hands and wrist should be positioned. It provides feedback at the moment of impact, so you can make sure your hands and club face are in the proper position at impact. It’s super easy to attach to any golf iron, and is available for both right and left handed golfers. Check it out here, along with a video which explains in more detail.

The second product I recommend is The Navigator. This training aid is designed to help with your putting game. This isn’t some fancy contraption that requires a list of directions, a golf pro, and $500 worth of golf lessons. You simply attach it to your putter (works on any putter), and go to work on the putting green. The biggest challenge golfers on all skill levels have when putting is aligning the putter face squarely, and following through on the path intended. Many times, a golfer will read the putt correctly, but when it comes time to putt they don’t hit the ball squarely, resulting in either a pull to the left, or push to right. This tool will help with alignment when both addressing the ball and following through with the putt. Check out it now!

The Navigator Golf Putting Aid

Those are only two options for a golf training aid to get for Father’s Day this year, but there are plenty more at Sports Unlimited in our golf section.  If you’re reading this late and getting something last minute, make sure to check for the “In Stock // Ships Super Fast!” message because all In-Stock Orders Placed before 3PM ET Weekdays will ship out the same day!

– Steve

Space Scooter makes a great Christmas gift

Space Scooter X580
Developed in the Netherlands, the Space Scooter X580 is one of the most unique scooters on the market.

The scooter craze is real and as Christmas is approaching, now’s the time to get in the game. One of the more innovative models – the Space Scooter X580 – takes a traditional cruising scooter and adds a twist. Instead of the traditional kicking needed to propel you forward, Space Scooters allow you to keep both feet on the deck and use a pump and go motion to keep you on the move.

The unique design comes from the Netherlands where one in three kids own a scooter. Instead of flooding the market with more of the same, Space Scooter wanted to do something different – help people get around while also keeping them active. Enter the pump and go action, which allows you to pedal the scooter. The X580 can also adjust to a normal mode where you can still use your foot to move you forward.

Space Scooter X580 pump and go
A unique pump and go action makes the Space Scooter X580 great for getting around while getting exercise.

The X580 has built in safety features that make it great for kids. The sturdy board is built to hold people up to 200 pounds and it’s fully ASTM compliant. A wheel safety lock prevents it from rolling backward, keeping you upright and on the move. Fitted with a hand break and kickstand, the X580 is easy to store. The scooter simply folds up to fit into tight spaces and to make it easy to carry.

The X580 is available now at SportsUnlimited.com along with a wide range of other scooters. You can also check out the junior model, the Space Scooter X360, or the exclusively designed Space Scooter Lionel Messi.

With over 1 million sold worldwide, the Space Scooter already has a devoted following. The Christmas season is a great time to join in the fun!

Black Friday – Cyber Monday at Sports Unlimited

It’s that time of year again! If you can hear the Jingling Jingle of Jingle Bells then you might want to see a specialist because your ears probably aren’t meant to be experiencing sensation like that, but no matter! This is the Black Friday/Cyber Monday post that you’ve all been anxiously waiting for…

BFCM  is usually a mad scramble for the best deals in stores and on the internet, but hopefully you’ll at least spend a little time with your family.

Here’s a crazy idea: Get all of your shopping out of the way at one place, save a bunch of dollars, and have the ENTIRE day or weekend to spend with your family and friends.

Apply these limited time saving to anything in the store from lacrosse equipment to baseball gloves to football cleats.

Well, with that said, check out the image below for details on our BFCM sale and click anywhere on it to get to our store and take advantage of the deals.

 

Black Friday Cyber Monday Sporting Goods

 

 

 

By Isaac ClarkIsaac is a Turkey Elf at SportsUnlimited.com

Good American Workout Guide to Excellence and Prosperity

I thought I’d do you the kind favor, the patriotic duty of a blogger, of creating for you the Good American Workout Guide to Excellence and Prosperity.

In preparation for July 4th festivities, I have been on a torrid streak of working out for the past two weeks doing approximately 30 minutes of soul-crushing, teary-eyed workouts that leave me clinging to the ground afterward. I do these workouts on my backyard patio and usually end up with cement creases in my face from the inability to gather myself after my muscles retire. All of this so that when I put on my American flag bandana and Philadelphia Phillies tank-top, I look like the good ol’ American boy that everybody loves.

After all of the sweating, I thought I’d do you the kind favor, the patriotic duty of a blogger, of creating for you the Good American Workout Guide to Excellence and Prosperity. Now, settle down, we’re all excited to begin, but you must make sure to never compromise form because safety in athletics is paramount. The use of this program is not solely restricted to the 4th day of July this year 2013 or any other.

Equipment Needed:

One of the following

Stick

1.  The George Washington

George Washington HoreseThe first exercise of the program is dedicated to the first President of the United States of America. A tremendous commander, both physically imposing and intellectually astounding, the 6’2″ leader of colonial forces was called the “best horseman of his age” by none other than Thomas Jefferson. In honor of the great strength and ability of Washington, grab your wiffle ball bat or equivalent and with it between your legs, gallop 5 times around the lawn. Remember, form over speed!

Once you have completed the 5 galloped-laps, you will surely be tired and hungry. Take a ten minute break and have a peanut butter sandwich to re-energize your body. Drinking one cup of water is recommended along with the sandwich. No stretching is required at this point.

2.  The Tom Brady

Baby BradyOnce you’ve cooled down from the gallop and had your lunch, make sure your teeth are clear of leftover bits because it’s time to take pictures with family and friends. Hopefully you are already dressed patriotically, but if you aren’t, go put on some Old Glory Red and Blue. Do your best Tom Brady and look as beautiful as possible. This task should not be difficult because you will be absolutely glowing from The George Washington. If friends and family are not available, take a selfie.

3.  The Miles Davis

Now that you’ve got your muscles warmed up and ready to work, we move into the next stage of the workout. The Miles Davis once again makes use of the lightweight stick/bat/mallet you’re using. This exercise contains some tricky maneuvers, but just remember, form over speed.

Miles Davis

Depending on the object you’re using, bring one end of the Wiffle Ball Bat or equivalent close to your mouth, but make sure it does not touch your lips because often times Wiffle Ball Bats get dirty. With the barrel of the bat initially straight out and parallel to the ground, begin to slowly tilt the bat upward so that the end of the bat is high in the air and the handle is still close to your lips. Next, make a few funky jazz moves. This is much of an improvisation exercise and really works your core as you balance and use muscle confusion to maintain contraction throughout the abdominal area.

Some people have a tendency to over-perform during this task and I would like to remind you to stay safe and do not overexert.

4.  The Annie Oakley

Annie OakleyYou’re probably drenched in sweat already, but there are just a couple more exercises in the circuit and remember, You Can Do This! The Annie Oakley requires only a bit of space and is essentially an innovative way to achieve greater success than running in place. Begin by closing your eyes and imagining the world’s greatest markswoman standing in front of you. Now you better start running in place because she’s taking aim at your feet! Keep ‘em moving! This should bring your heart-rate up a good bit. Remember to use controlled motions and proper technique to avoid Annie’s bullets.

5. The Bald Eagle

bald eagleNow that we’ve made it to the final exercise, you would be remiss to not read on and complete the journey. The bald eagle is a magnificent creature and is symbol of many things that are great about the USA. That is why we conclude our workout with our imitation of this great animal. Either crouching or sitting in a chair, straighten your back as if you were a bald eagle perched on a branch. Slowly gaze out into the distance of where you are. Keep breathing, Eagle. Perch for three minutes silently.

How do you feel? Excellent and prosperous?

Happy Independence Day.

By Isaac ClarkIsaac is a Fitness/Sandwich Monster at SportsUnlimited.com

Best Summer Games – A Top Five List

What better allows you to be a friend, teammate, competitor, host, and inspirer of happiness than summer lawn games?  Well, there probably are other things that lend better to those roles, but heck, summer games are fun and can bring together a family and friends!  I remember, in my younger summers, sitting in a low, striped polyester beach chair in the back yard, holding a glass of iced lemonade to my nape and watching my cousins blow bubbles in the sun.  That child, hot and bored, wished for something a bit more exciting and fifteen years later, I happily present to you, the top five backyard games for this summer.

5. Badminton

An Odd Garden Variant of TennisCarlton Shuttlecock

If you haven’t seen the game of badminton before, you’re missing something extraordinary.  Reminiscent of 19th century England, the game consists of lightweight racquets, a net, and the illustrious shuttlecock.  The (usually nylon) feathers of the shuttlecock provide drag so that it decelerates much quicker than a ball, which means, no out-of-the-park home runs for any over-excited players.  Hit the shuttlecock in the air over the net until it hits the ground!  Easy to set up in the back yard or in a park, lightweight, and affordable, badminton is a great way to involve anyone and everyone.  Cheerio!

Try the Franklin Elite Series 4 Player Badminton Set

4. Volleyball

Sick Dig Bro! Wilson Softplay Outdoor Volleyball

Another net game, volleyball is an incredibly fun way to get some exercise.  Setting and spiking competitively or leisurely tossing the ball back and forth, this game works for everyone.  Learning this game also can have advantages when you come across a game of indoor volleyball, beach volleyball, or even water volleyball.  Make some memories this summer with family games of backyard ball in the sun.

Recommended volley ball set – Park & Sun Spectrum Classic

3. Toss Games

Did You Say Cornhole?Bean Bag Toss - Cornhole Game

At my desk, there isn’t much in this world more enticing than being outside with some buddies, baseball game on the radio, and tossing a bean bag with a cold beverage in my free hand.  I don’t know about you, but I’m a fan of relaxing and taking advantage of the warmer months.  Sometimes referred to as tailgate games, toss games are simple and require little set up.  Usually in the form of a bean bag, players toss the object underhanded at a target.  Rules depend on the game being played, but the simplicity and the game-day feel of toss games definitely put them on the top five summer games list.

Fun bean bag game for the family – Corn Toss by Sport Design

2. Croquet

Through the Wickets and into the Stake, Old Sport!North Meadow Scottsdale Croquet Set

With origins dating back 400 years, croquet can transport you through time.  Well, no.  But it is exciting, classic, and perfect for some backyard Saturday fun.  Whether you’re sporting knickers and argyle socks or some under armour shorts, any day with reasonable weather is a perfect day for croquet.  I had fun playing this ball and mallet game as a kid at my grandparents’ house in Maine and this summer I will be definitely getting into some croquet mischief, putting on an English accent, creating new rules, and competing feverishly with my young nephews.  Undoubtedly a winner, croquet is perfect for backyard hangouts.

Best seller –  North Meadow Scottsdale 6-Player Croquet Set

1. Horseshoes

Summer Just Got a Bit LuckierWD Horseshoe

Albeit strange, pitching oversized shoes of a horse is cool.  Ancient Grecians tossed them when they couldn’t afford a discus.  Soldiers threw mule shoes in Union Camps during the Civil War.  Abounded in history, horseshoes is a game everyone knows and playing it is easier than ever today.  All you need is two stakes and some horseshoes to pitch.  The skillful pitch of the shoe is not something that demands tremendous physical ability, which makes it perfect for players of all ages.  Backyard or in the sand, horseshoes defines the summer as the epitome of relaxing, fun, and memorable!

One of the best horseshoe sets around – WD Horseshoe Co. Glory Set

Now, where’s my lemonade?

By Isaac Clark

Isaac is a Lemonade Lover at Sports Unlimited.

Product spotlight: Croquet anyone?

croquet

Let’s face it, there probably hasn’t been a time in your life when you’ve thought, “What I really wish I had right now was a nice croquet set.”

But there are some thoughts we have all the time – especially as summer approaches.

“How am I going to take advantage of this nice weather?”

“What am I going to do with the people coming to my barbecue this weekend?”

“Someone get these kids out of my house for an hour.”

“I hope I don’t run out of ketchup.”

OK, you’re on your own with that last one. But the answer to some of your other summer dilemmas may be something as simple as a croquet set. And one of the most popular items we carry at Sports Unlimited is the North Meadow Scottsdale 6-player set.

While many of us have played the game at a grandparent’s house or seen a set stashed in the corner of a garage, croquet is probably not at the top of your summer activity list. Maybe it’s time to change that.

Think about it. The rules are simple, it takes little time to set up, you can play anywhere and you can easily talk, eat and drink while playing.

sportsunlimited_2258_1922588516
The North Meadow Scottsdale 6-player Croquet Set is made in the USA.

Other than the fact that its made in the USA, what makes the North Meadow Scottsdale set so appealing is its quality. One of our best-selling items, this set is built to stand the test of time. And if you’re going to be using this to entertain guests, your kids or your kids’ kids, you want something that’s sturdy and won’t need replacing.

That’s the biggest advantage to choosing a quality set like this over a cheaper version. It won’t start breaking and bending after a few games and years later, you’ll still have a usable set. The mallets are made of hard maple wood, which looks great and ages well.

Also – and very importantly – this set comes with a rule book. Without that, many of us wouldn’t even know where to start. But a quick scan of the rules will easily get you on your way. Then you can start setting up the  two 24-inch goal stakes and the nine square poly-coated steel wickets that come in their own storage sack.

After that, you can roll out the six colorful 3 5/16-inch balls and start whacking them with any of the six 30-inch mallets with  8 1/2-inch heads.

After a game or two, pack it all up in the nylon carrying bag and get back to manning the grill or taking an afternoon nap.

Odds are you’ve barely broken a sweat and accomplished your goal of getting outside for a little bit.

By Lou Rusnock
Lou is a writer at Sports Unlimited.

Making adjustable basketball hoops a slam dunk

It was undoubtedly the highlight of my driveway basketball career – the day I could finally dunk on a 10-foot rim.

jeromelanedunk
Jerome Lane wowed Bill Raftery with his dunking power.

I can still remember it today, nearly 15 years later. Timing out my steps, taking off on my right foot, throwing my sisters’ women’s sized basketball through the hoop and feeling the rim hit my fingers. Months of practice had paid off, and I couldn’t wait to show my dad after he got home from work.

I waited for him, practicing the routine and anticipating what he would say. When he finally pulled into the garage, I was ready. I bounded across the driveway, elevated, slammed the ball… and tore the rim straight off the backboard.

My dad’s reaction: “Great” accompanied by an exasperated look.

Not exactly Bill Raftery and not quite what I’d pictured.

Basketball systems have come a long way since then. And whether you’re looking to put up a hoop to get you through a few years or one to practice like an NBA All-Star, Sports Unlimited has something for you. After choosing our top five favorites a few years ago, here’s a look at a variety of our top picks for adjustable hoops to suit any budget.

UNDER $500

FIRST TEAM FIVE-STAR INTRUDER ADJUSTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP

five star

One of our least expensive systems, the Five-Star Intruder won’t take up a lot of space in the driveway but will give you a reliable hoop. The system comes with a 3″ round pole, a 30″x44″ clear acrylic backboard, a flex rim and a backboard pad. An EZ Crank Height Adjuster will allow you to vary the rim height between 7.5′ and 10′ and a three-foot deep footing will secure the pole. If you’re just starting out, this pole is a great option.

 

SPALDING NBA 88355 IN GROUND ADJUSTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP

The Spalding NBA 88355 is an affordable hoop from same quality manufacturer the NBA trusts. Slightly larger than NBA88355the Five-Star Intruder, this system comes with a 50″ acrylic backboard that’s perfect for young players to start on. It has 1/2″ support arms to provide sturdiness and realistic rebounding and is adjustable from 7.5′-10′ feet in six-inch increments. The three piece system is easy to set up and includes a 3.5″ round steel pole that goes directly into the ground.

SPALDING 88365 ADJUSTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP
88365

An upgrade on the 88355, this basketball hoop won’t break your budget and won’t break down with heavy use. Constructed using a 4-inch square pole, the 88365 is more supportive than most other poles in its price range. It can also stand up to Mother Nature thanks to rust-resistant powder coated steel components. The backboard is slightly bigger than our other picks in this range, measuring 32″x54″, and is made from acrylic. It’s also equipped with Spalding’s U-Turn lift system to easily adjust from 7.5′ to 10′.

UNDER $1000

FIRST TEAM CHAMP III ADJUSTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP

First Team champ III

One of the most important things to look for in a basketball system is rigidity and First Team offers that with its Champ III Adjustable Basketball Hoop. This hoop includes a 4″x4″, 11-gauge steel pole that’s heavier than most others. That means your 36″x54″ acrylic backboard will stay firm when you’re looking to bank home a winning shot. The Insta-Just height adjustment doesn’t require any tools and will allow you to set the rim from 7.5′ to 10′ for various levels of play. As an added bonus it comes with First Team’s Lifetime Superior Warranty, which covers any damage or failure caused by basketball activity.

BISON SMOKED LOTTERY PICK ADJUSTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP

Bison smokedAs soon as your hoop is up, you’re going to want to have your friends over to play. Imagine their look when they see the styling of the Smoked Lottery Pick Adjustable Basketball Hoop from Bison. The smoked tempered glass tinted backboard does more than look the part. It also provides some function, reducing the sun’s glare on bright days. The hoop adjusts from 7.5′ to 10′ and has a 30″ offset, so there’s room to battle under the boards without fear of banging into the pole. The pole is mounted with a direct barrier 30 inches into the ground. This hoop includes a Lifetime Limited Warranty from Bison to cover damage from “normal or intended use.”

GAMECHANGER GC44-LG ADJUSTABLE BASKETBALL SYSTEM

game changerA new kid on the block, the GameChanger GC44-LG Adjustable Basketball System offers incredible value. Its 4″x4″ pole is one solid piece, providing superior strength to the two-piece pole used by most competitors. Unlike the systems above, this hoop is made to go with you if you move thanks to its anchor bolt mounting system. Like its competitors, the GC44-LG adjusts from 7.5′ to 10′ and has a 30″ offset. It also comes with a breakaway rim and post and backboard pads for maximum safety. Each hoop has black powder coat paint to resist harsh weather conditions and GameChanger’s lifetime warranty makes it a strong choice.

OVER $1000

SPALDING TRIPLE EIGHT SERIES 88825G 54″ GLASS BASKETBALL SYSTEM

tripleeightWhen you enter the highest price range you get some bells and whistles and the Triple Eight Series doesn’t disappoint. In fact, we like this series so much at Sports Unlimited that we’re installing its big brother behind our warehouse later this week. What makes it special? How about the 3/8″ tempered glass that will provide true rebounds off the 54″x36″ backboard. Or maybe its the durability of a 5″ square steel pole, covered with an accompanying pole pad, that will offer strong support. Spalding is the officially-licensed brand of the NBA and this backboard has the sticker to prove it. The stainless steel poles won’t rust and a 3′ board offset gives you plenty of room to do your best Dr. J impression to wow your friends. You can do that at a variety of heights as this system adjusts from 7.5′ to 10′.

SPALDING ARENA VIEW 86604AGP 60″ GLASS BASKETBALL SYSTEM

If you lie in bed late at night dreaming of walking across the stage and shaking hands with David Stern, then you may arena viewwant to invest in a Spalding Arena View. The unique design of the support bars, which attach to the widest part of the backboard, will offer unmatched rigidity to give you a true feel on the 1/2″ tempered glass. A 60″x38″ backboard will allow you enough space to practice this with a 180-degree breakaway rim to protect from injury. Like the Triple Eight Series, the Arena View also has a 3′ offset and has the U-Turn Pro lift system to make it easy to adjust it from 7.5′-10′. Its also NBA licensed and comes with a stadium-style pole pad.

TRIPLE THREAT TPT664-XXL ADJUSTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP

triple threatFor maximum features at a great price, look no further than the Triple Threat TPT664-XXL. A 6″ square post and a 42″x72″ backboard are the same specs used by the pros. One of its best features is that it adjusts from 10′ all the way down to 5.5′ so you can get started early on grooming the next Lebron. The basket features a 4′ offset to keep you away from the pole and also comes with post and backboard pads for added safety. A galvanized WeatherShield undercoat and black powder top coat make this system weather-proof and it also has a bolt down anchor base so it can move along with you.

By Lou Rusnock
Lou is a writer at Sports Unlimited.

Fast Fantom X Sled Puts a Modern Spin on Classic Winter Ride

The Wham-O Fantom X is the best sled on the market, updating the design of your classic wooden flyer with the latest metal alloy construction. Pivoting skis and a turning handle make it easy to maneuver, and make it the fastest thing on the hill this year!

The snow is on its way! And if you’re looking to really slice up the sled run this year, it’s time to toss old “Rosebud” in the furnace and get with the times. The Fantom X sled from Wham-O is now the standard in winter sledding! Whether you’re bringing the kids out to the freshly fallen powder of your backyard, or taking on the packed-down slickness of the local sledding hill, the advanced design and sleek style of the Fantom X absolutely dominates.Wham-O Fantom-X Sled

Similar in design, but technologically superior in every way to your classic wooden flyer, the Fantom X is seriously the fastest thing on the hill, and gives you plenty of control and comfort, well over anything else you’ve sledded on before.

I give it such high marks, not to try and push the sled on you, but because it truly is one of the coolest winter snow toys I’ve ever used! Not only does it ride faster and further than most other sleds, is durable and well-made, but it also looks like the sled of the future. Probably why it’s easily one the best-selling sleds for the passed few years running!

Fantom-X Overhead ViewMade with a cool metal alloy frame and lightweight nylon mesh seat, the Fantom X holds up to regular use and abuse, and even stands up to humps and jumps along your run. Designed with a bike-style handle bar and two pivoting skis, the sled is easy to maneuver as you fly down the incline.

Pivoting Skis For Great Maneuvering!
Pivoting Skis For Great Maneuvering!

Now, to be honest, you’re not going to be slaloming Olympic-style, down any neighborhood hill. But it’s got more than enough turning power to get around obstacles like trees, dirt mounds, or other sledders that might be in your way. And thanks to its wide ski design, you get that kind of maneuverability on any type of snow, in any weather condition!

Sized right, for kids 8 and up, the Wham-O Fantom X even fits me comfortably, at 6′ 2″, 190 lbs, making it a perfect sled for everyone in the family. Kids can ride two at a time, but parents, you’ll probably feel better sledding solo. Easy to use sitting up or lying down, so everyone’s comfortable, no matter how long they’ve been sledding.

Riding the Wham-O Fantom X SledI honestly can’t say enough about this killer winter sled. It’s easily the fastest sled I’ve ever tried…almost too fast at times, and still gives you the feel of that classic wooden flyer. The lightweight alloy makes it easy to pick up and just carry back up the hill, so you really don’t have to exert a ton of energy hauling it back to the top. And with such a durable design, you’ll get seasons of fun times out of it.

But please, no matter which sled you choose this winter season, be safe out there! Keep your eyes open for other sledders, and only sled in safe areas, away from traffic and thin ice. Have a great winter and enjoy sledding season!

By Brandon Porter.

Brandon is a product specialist at Sports Unlimited.