Freestyle for 9 yr. old

2758 Views 32 Replies 20 Participants Last post by Olympique-Boy, Dec 4, 2006

MountainRev

Discussion Starter · Sep 28, 2006 (Edited by Moderator)

My son has been riding a MiniZ 120 over the last 3 winters. Last winter he was complaining that the sled was too small/slow. I have 6 yr. daughter that is just now expressing an interest in riding the MiniZ, so I am thinking that a new sled for the boy may be necessary. Has anyone had children this young on the Freestyle? It seems that, after the 120, there are not alot of options for young children. Your comments and advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Del
MountainRev

1 - 20 of 33 Posts

skidoosky

· #2 · Sep 29, 2006

the freestyle is a lot like the new tundra , i rode a friends this past winter and it was a nice sled and would be good for a younger kid to drive also and would last him till he's older and wants more power , an older citation , safari or elan is also a good choice for a younger kid to ride until their experienced enough for a bigger sled

AllDoo

· #3 · Sep 29, 2006

I just bought a left over Freestyle for my 8 year old. He too has outgrown the 120 in ability. We have not actual experience for you but others on this sight and my dealer both have said their 8-9 year olds are well suited for the sled.

Good luck with the choice.

122racing

· #4 · Sep 29, 2006

My boy was 9 last year and rode his Freestyle on his own and even did a 125 mile day with it. I would say go for it, they'll love it.

biggziff

· #5 · Sep 29, 2006

My buddie's kid races a Freestyle. He's 9 now. He is about top in points each year here.

barefooter

· #6 · Sep 29, 2006

My daughter was 8 last year when she got it. Now she is pretty tall for her age - close to 5 feet. She my weigh 70 lbs??

Anyway - she had a ball on hers. Of course I have to lift it when she gets stuck - but it was a greta transition sled for her. Their are some pictures of her on an earlier post - "proud Dad" Serch my handle and you will see.

G

· #7 · Sep 29, 2006

2

AllDoo said:
I just bought a left over Freestyle for my 8 year old. He too has outgrown the 120 in ability. We have not actual experience for you but others on this sight and my dealer both have said their 8-9 year olds are well suited for the sled.

Good luck with the choice.

[snapback]914210[/snapback]

I am going to have a hard time deciding between the freestyle and a 440?? I guess I have some time to think about that....my boy is only 5 but he is already asking for it to go faster....

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MountainRev

Discussion Starter · #8 · Sep 29, 2006

Thanks everyone for your comments and advice.

It's encouraging to find that other 8-9 year olds have been doing so well on the Freestyle. Your comments will certainly help as I try to convince my wife that our son

should be able to handle the Freestyle... and keep all his body parts in their proper place. She thinks I am letting my enthusiasm for the sport and the upcoming season over-ride our concern for the boy's safety.

I'm sure that the Freestyle will rev-up the "fun factor" and ensure his continued interest in the sport. If it turns out that he drives without regard for his and other's safety, the Freestyle can stay in the trailer, and he's back on the Mini Z for another season. I'm sure that alone will keep his eye on the trails.

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freddydoo

· #9 · Oct 1, 2006

MountainRev said:
Thanks everyone for your comments and advice.

It's encouraging to find that other 8-9 year olds have been doing so well on the Freestyle. Your comments will certainly help as I try to convince my wife that our son

should be able to handle the Freestyle... and keep all his body parts in their proper place. She thinks I am letting my enthusiasm for the sport and the upcoming season over-ride our concern for the boy's safety.

I'm sure that the Freestyle will rev-up the "fun factor" and ensure his continued interest in the sport. If it turns out that he drives without regard for his and other's safety, the Freestyle can stay in the trailer, and he's back on the Mini Z for another season. I'm sure that alone will keep his eye on the trails.

[snapback]915311[/snapback]

Marks-doo ing

· #10 · Oct 1, 2006

My 12 yo daughter rode a freestyle last year and loved it. She will be on it again this winter. I don't think she has out grown it yet. She has not driven at WOT yet, so she isn't looking for speed.

I like driving it too. It's light and a lot of fun.

floor man

· #11 · Oct 1, 2006

My 10 yr old daughter loves it. this year were gonna put the wider front end on it. Go for it,....

xcb

· #12 · Oct 22, 2006

Just got one for my 9 yr old.. Five years on 120's in various states of tune. You should be good to go>>>>>B

SkullSled

· #13 · Oct 22, 2006

This is a refreshing post to see, I just bought my son who will be 10 in January a Freestyle, that will be sitting "under" the Christmas tree, (unless we get a good snowfall before that).

He too has 4 years riding the 120's I'm selling now, one stock, one with several improvements.

I can't wait to take him on a trip with his new machine!

Liftman101

· #14 · Oct 22, 2006

Where do you let your kids ride a freestyle. If you are under 12 here in Wisconsin, you cannot be on the trails. Private property is the only choice. My friend has 2 legal 12 year old girls who got the safety certificate. They get stopped all the time and checked because his girls are small.

122racing

· #15 · Oct 22, 2006 (Edited by Moderator)

rollingwiththepflow said:
Where do you let your kids ride a freestyle. If you are under 12 here in Wisconsin, you cannot be on the trails. Private property is the only choice. My friend has 2 legal 12 year old girls who got the safety certificate. They get stopped all the time and checked because his girls are small.

In Maine you can ride under 12 but can't cross a public road until 12

Dynarace

· #16 · Nov 7, 2006

I'm thinking about a Freestyle as well for my 9 y/o. She's outgrown the Mini-z (160).

Is the 300F the way to go on this for a kid? I'm nervous about a 550, but wondering if the wider front end makes sense...

What size are you all letting your kids drive?

freddydoo

· #17 · Nov 7, 2006

Sky Snowmobile Snow Tree Automotive tire

The 300F is more than enough sled for a 9-10 yr old. My daughter is 13 yrs old and can't wait until this winter. 1500km last season. A great sled for the kids both on and off trail. Enough speed @ 90kph WOT. The sled should be fine for her for the next 2 years.

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luman

· #18 · Nov 7, 2006

I have a tundra that my son (14) and daughter (12) loves. It's an '06 model. They have been riding the old model tundra R '00 for the last 4 years. At the beggining, I was helping them ride correctly, as the old models needs lots of technique and balance. The old model is hard to manoeuver and they were just starting to handle it fine when I bought the new one. That new model is perfect for them as they now have a starter (they weren't able to start the old one). It's a lot more manoeuvrable and fun to ride. My only complaint about that model is expressed in details on another thread (rails mods) of that forum.

Go for it, it's the best machine for them. Tundra over freestyle (better floatability) if you ride in lots of soft snow.

Luc

Dynarace

· #19 · Nov 7, 2006

And how about the narrower ski stance? Is it tippy for a kid or does it make it easier for them to maneuver?

luman

· #20 · Nov 8, 2006

Dynarace said:
And how about the narrower ski stance? Is it tippy for a kid or does it make it easier for them to maneuver?

Really easy to maneuver, the front suspension is very soft and it doesn't tend to tip on the sides, the sled stays level. Plus the center of gravity remains quite low with the fuel tank under the seat. I know it looks very high and tippy, but it's not. It's actually a bit more difficult to lean in powder snow than the old model, but kids can't ride like that anyway. I think it's because of the soft front suspension. The freestyle would probably be better than the tundra for that with pre-damping on the front suspension. The good thing about it, is that the direction is very light and precise. They can turn slowly on a shorter radius with it compare to the old model.

Luc

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