Choosing stroller skis
When choosing skis for a stroller, you should carefully read their characteristics, advantages and possible disadvantages. This will help you to move comfortably on winter roads, make the right choice and be confident in your purchase. There are enough manufacturers of such a device - both domestic and foreign.
Advantages and disadvantages
Stroller skis are the best alternative to massive strollers for winter, complete with runners or, as they are called otherwise, wheelchairs.
The advantages of stroller skis are obvious. These include:
- cross-country ability in any, even snowy places or on a packed road;
- budgetary cost;
- convenience and ease of use;
- durability, durable material (polypropylene, metal), reliable fasteners;
- protection against vibrations and surges;
- light weight and compactness, can be stored on a shelf;
- have a different design, fit any color scheme of the stroller.
Thanks to the skis, you don't need to spend money on buying a separate stroller. And most importantly, you can comfortably walk with your child on a winter day, enjoying the fresh air.
Based on the feedback from the owners of the miracle devices, one can conclude not only about the positive aspects, but also about the negative ones.
- Low quality material. If the skis are made of fragile plastic, then the period of their operation will be short.
- Lack of reverse gear. This disadvantage applies to skis with belt bindings. This design feature is not critical, since basically the stroller moves forward.
- Complete replacement of wheels with linings. This process takes a long time. The structure can only be used during the snowy season.
This is where the disadvantages of wheelchair skis end, because they can be used at will, absolutely no effort is needed to install and remove. Therefore, it is important to make the right choice, having previously familiarized yourself with the design features.
What are they?
Skis-wheel lining is an invention that became known in the last century. In 1945, an American citizen introduced it to the world by installing one ski on each side of the stroller.
Types of stroller skis:
- mainly on the front wheels;
- only on the rear wheels;
- a complete set (4 pcs.) for all wheels at the same time.
The main feature of the skis is the type of installation. Let's consider them in more detail.
- Mini skis. The pads are attached to the wheels with the help of metal double-sided clips-clips or tie-straps. Convenience lies in the fact that this type of ski is easy to use - when needed, you can install or, conversely, remove. The disadvantage of the belts is that such a fastening cannot be fixed if the stroller is equipped with solid discs.
- Complete wheel replacement. This option is not entirely practical to use, since it is inconvenient to constantly change the set of wheels for skis due to a sharp change in the weather (snowfall or lack of snow). Such a structure will not slide on the asphalt. Complete wheel replacement is only suitable for geographic areas with heavy snowfall and long winter seasons.
- Runners. Installed immediately on 2 wheels on one side and similarly on the other. The advantage is reduced installation time. Disadvantages - massiveness, not versatile, suitable for wheelchairs with axles 12 cm higher than the ground, besides, the wheels must be of the same diameter.
Currently, the choice of mini-skis and their manufacturers is huge. A convenient device for walking with a baby can be picked up quickly and easily, for this you only need to know the parameters of the wheels - the width and diameter.
Manufacturers
The best option are straps or double-sided clips for the stroller. They are lightweight, compact, convenient to use, and at the same time differ in budgetary cost.
There are several manufacturing firms that are the most famous and beloved by consumers.
-
"Prestige". A Russian company from St. Petersburg offers customers pads that resemble children's mini-skis. Material - plastic, fastening - straps. Of the advantages - versatility, low cost, ease of removal and installation. They are designed for any wheel diameter. Of the minuses - fragile plastic, operation - 1-2 seasons, not suitable for solid discs due to the lack of mounting space. Cost from 450 rubles.
- Wheelblades. The Swiss "invention" is distinguished by reliable fasteners in the form of clips. They can be removed and put on in one movement. Of the advantages - ease of use, reliability, made of durable material, compactness, universal dimensions (suitable for any type of stroller), long service life. Of the minuses is the high price, the cost is from 5700 rubles.
- Safe Start Stroller Skis. Fastening-clip for 2 wheels at the same time. Ideal for 3-wheel and twin rear wheels. Country of origin - USA. Only suitable for wheel diameter 125 mm. The company recommends using the mechanism not only for sliding on snow, but also for walking on sandy surfaces.
- Cybex. German manufacturer. The runners are designed for Cybex PRIAM strollers, the design completely replaces the wheels in front, made of frost-resistant material.
- "Kolesnik". Manufacturer - Russia. Domestic analogue of the German brand. Skis are of low cost, the material is plastic. Cost from 800 rubles.
There is plenty to choose from, it is important to decide on your own wishes and capabilities.
Selection Tips
Comfort, ease of installation and movement, different price category, durability, reliability - all this can be obtained by making the right choice of skis for a stroller. Winter will not be a reason to stay at home, and the wheel attachments will give you easy glide and a good mood while walking.
Therefore, before buying, you should carefully study all the parameters, characteristics and design reviews.
When choosing skis, several criteria must be taken into account.
- Components, completeness. The choice depends on the area of residence. If there is a lot of snow, runners can be installed at the very beginning of the winter season. If it is not enough, you should give preference to skis with clips or a more budget option - anchorage with straps.
- Quantity. It is enough to purchase 2 pads, only for the front wheels. The rear ones should remain free for comfortable movement on hard surfaces (without snow) - stairs, tunnels, roadways.
- Convenience and ease of use. The ski mechanism should be characterized by the ability to quickly install and just as quickly remove. Straps or double-sided clips are great for this.
- Material. When choosing, the emphasis should be placed on high-strength, frost-resistant and stainless materials. The wheel attachment must be made of metal or polypropylene. This will extend the lifespan, ensuring the reliability and integrity of the skis for a long time.
- Dimensions. Another important nuance. Not all ski pads are universal, some only fit certain stroller models. When studying the characteristics, special attention should be paid to the diameter of the wheels.
- Manufacturer. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with all manufacturers and after that make a choice in favor of a specific one. Particular attention should be paid to the most famous brands so as not to be disappointed in the quality and service life in the future.
- Price. The design itself is convenient and solves a lot of problems. But it should be remembered that it is used mainly in winter, so you should not overpay.
- Guarantee. A quality product is guaranteed for a period of 12 months. If long-term use is planned, this point should not be ignored.
Skis-pads for walking with a child in winter are a versatile device. Thanks to them, you can walk several times every day and not be afraid that the stroller will get stuck in a snowdrift. Toddlers will enjoy their walk without the stress of changing strollers, sudden jumps or vibrations. And also the decision to buy skis allows you to save a decent amount and not spend money on purchasing a wheelchair. It should be noted that the ski mechanism is suitable not only for walking in the snow in winter, but also in summer will allow you to move freely along the sandy beach.