The Freak Athlete Wheelbarrow Sled is one hell of a strength and conditioning tool.
It’s a plate load wheelbarrow and push pull sled that can be used in all surfaces.
I’ve never been one to use a weighted wheelbarrow for training but I’m really enjoying having this option.
This takes sled training to a whole new level because it allows me to add loaded carries to the same workout with one piece of equipment.
Let’s check it out!
Specs
Table of Contents
- Base model: Sled and one pair of push posts (additional pair can be purchased)
- Weight: 60 lbs (sled with 2 posts), 73 lbs (sled with 4 posts)
- Weight capacity: 500 lbs
- Dimensions (In use): 43″L x 21″W x 38″H
- Dimensions (Stored vertically): 18″L x 21″W x 43″H
- Weight horn: 18.5″ long, compatible with Olympic sized weight plates (2″ center hole)
- Finish: Black powder coat
- UHMW skis: 1″ thick
- Tire: 50 PSI capacity, 7″ diameter, 3″ thick (foot pump included)
- Sled strap: 5 feet long
Freak Athlete Wheelbarrow Sled In Action
Features
Push Posts
Freak Athlete’s wheelbarrow sled base model comes with one pair of posts.
An additional pair of posts can also be purchased.
Each post has a slight angle and a pair of handles welded to it.
I’ll show you different ways to use these later on.
The posts also have small metal pegs in 3 places that lock them in place once I insert them into slots.
Self Locking Tire
The tire can move to different positions and it uses a spring loaded mechanism to lock/unlock.
I like this better than having to manually insert a pin to lock the tire in place.
I added arrows to show you the three notches where the tire can move.
To change tire positions I just pull the metal peg out of the notch against the spring’s resistance.
Then rotate it over to the next notch and the spring keeps the tire pinned down inside the notch.
Here I moved the tire to the second notch.
This second position keeps the tire out of the way whenever I load the weight sled with bumper plates.
And here’s the tire in the last position so that I can use the unit as a weighted wheelbarrow.
Wrap Around Rail & Strap
The wrap around rail is a feature that I really like when doing sled pulls.
This makes my sled workouts more efficient and helps me maintain a level of high intensity by switching sides faster.
I’m a big believer in the benefits of reverse sled drags for knee pain after I followed the Knees Over Toes Program.
I can walk around the weight sled without having to remove the sled strap from one end to another or flipping the sled.
The sled strap’s carabiner slides down the rail and follows me to the other side.
The sled strap is 5 feet long and connects to the wrap around rail like I show above.
Weight Horn
The weight horn is 18.5″ long and I like the folding mechanism Freak Athlete added to it.
It stays anchored to the wheelbarrow from both ends when not in use (this is not an option with Freak’s Multi Sled).
The base of the weight horn is spring loaded in a similar way to the tire.
In order to stand it up I have to pull it sideways against a spring’s resistance, otherwise it’s not going anywhere.
On the backside of the wheelbarrow sled they added a magnet.
This keeps the top portion weight horn pinned to the sled.
To use the weight horn, I pull it back against the spring’s resistance then lift it vertically until the base goes into the hole.
Here’s what that it looks like when it’s ready to use.
To fold it down I do the opposite.
Pull up against the spring, then lay it on its side where it hits the magnet.
I like this design because I don’t have to figure about where to keep a loose weight horn when I’m not using the sled.
Thick UHMW Skis
The skis are covered with thick UHMW plastic to reduce noise when I use the weight sled on my driveway.
I’ve used weight sleds without plastic skis before and the metal on concrete does make noise but luckily I have friendly neighbors.
If you don’t wanna piss off your neighbors, plastic skis help to dampen the sound.
Here’s a closer look at the UHMW skis.
The UHMW skis also protect your flooring whether you train indoors or outdoor.
From the side you can see how thick these are.
They’re 1″ thick which is more than any other weight sleds I’ve used and that’s a good thing.
These will last about 2 years before I have to replace them.
Freak Athlete sells replacements for $49.99
Transport Wheels
Transport wheels sit right below the tire and don’t touch the floor when the sled is flat or when the wheelbarrow tire is out.
To use the wheels I fold the tire back and tilt the sled forward.
These help me move the unit around my garage gym instead of having to carry it.
Wheelbarrow Set Up
I’m gonna show you how to set up the wheelbarrow in four steps.
First thing I do is move the tire all the way out.
Second, I lift the handles out of their circular base.
Notice one of the short handles has a metal peg.
Third, I slide each handle into the two outermost holes on each side of the wheelbarrow sled.
I do this at a 45 degree angle so the peg matches the slot as you see above.
Then I slide both handles towards the inside.
Now when I lift the wheelbarrow the handles can’t slip out.
And finally, lift the weight horn up.
Here’s what the wheelbarrow set up looks like.
It’s about 80″ long when it’s all set up so this is something I use outside unless you have a lot of indoor space.
Now that it’s all set up, I just have to throw weight plates on it.
Freak Athlete threw in 3 spacers to use in between plates which makes it easier to unload.
I like to go heavy with the weighted wheelbarrow so I use fractional weight plates for any additional plates I throw on.
Here’s what that looks like as I start to stack plates on top of each other.
Trust me, this will make your life easier especially after working out when you’re tired AF.
With an 18.5″ long weight horn and a 500 lbs capacity, I. can really load this thing up.
Once I have it loaded, I just lift the handle so the tire touches the floor and I’m ready to roll.
Weight Sled Set Up
Push Sled
To set up the push sled, I set the tire to the second notch so it doesn’t touch my weight plates.
Then I set the handles vertically (I can do this on both sides of the sled).
Here’s how the push posts sit.
This gives me a variety of grip options like I show you below.
I can grab the posts high in a vertical or horizontal position.
Or I can do the same but getting lower so I have plenty of options.
Pull Sled
For the pull sled set up all I have to do is clip the sled strap to the wrap around rail and I’m ready to go.
And of course I can also leave the posts on when doing push pull sled workouts.
Freak Athlete Wheelbarrow Sled Storage
What I really like about the Freak Athlete Wheelbarrow Sled is that the push posts can be stored on the sled when I’m not using it.
The unit becomes its own storage rack.
All I do is lay the posts horizontally into the slots like you see above.
Then when I stand the wheelbarrow sled up, they stay in place.
This space saving set up only takes up 23″ x 2″ of my floor space.
Here’s what that looks like from the side.
And as you can see I save a lot of space when it’s standing up.
If you decide to purchase the additional pair of posts, they can also be stored on the sled like you see above.
This is something that’s missing from the Freak Athlete Multi Sled and they’ve improved on that for this product.
I really like this because it keeps my home gym organized and keeps everything off the floor.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Versatile: 3-in-1, plate loaded wheelbarrow and push pull sled (all accessories included)
- Thick UHMW skis: 1″ thick plastic skis will last a long time, add protection to my driveway, and reduce noise
- Storage: The sled stores vertically to save space and becomes its own storage rack to keep push posts off the floor
- Rail: Wrap around rail makes it effortless to switch from one side to the other when doing sled pulls
- Self locking tire: No manual pin needed to lock the tire in three positions
- User friendly: Converts from wheelbarrow to sled easily
- Wheelbarrow mode: Makes it easy to carry plates in and out of my garage gym before and after workouts
Cons
- Plastic skis: Although the skis are thick, eventually they will wear out and have to be replaced
Freak Athlete Discount Code
The Freak Athlete Wheelbarrow Sled retails for $499.99
But you can currently grab it at the launch price of $349.99
Click here and a $150 coupon code will automatically apply at checkout.
Freak Athlete Wheelbarrow Sled Review
I’ve tested many sleds and carrying the weight prior and after my workout sucks because I have to go back and forth one plate at a time.
The wheelbarrow sled solves that problem by letting me carry all the plates in and out at once.
Plus I can use the wheelbarrow for loaded carries.
With several pushing positions and wrap around rail for sled pulls, this is a complete strength and conditioning tool.
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Freak Athlete Wheelbarrow Sled
Freak Athlete Wheelbarrow Sled
Garage gym athlete, gym hacks, DIY gym projects, and garage gym equipment reviews
Great review. How often do you use this per week / month? You mentioned 2 years to replace the skids and I’m thinking through the potential for sooner/later replacement based on my intended use (likely 1-2x per week). Also, does this tear up grass?
I use it once or twice a week. If you go over the same area of grass repeatedly over time it could mess up that area.
And of course, on grass the skis will last longer than on concrete.