Platform video: How to Use The Prowler

[Greg Ruhl]

So is a more upright position simply not going to work for me given the current prowler/driveway combination? (see the video in my previous post)

[Mark Rippetoe]

You know you're supposed to put weights on the poles, right?

[Greg Ruhl]

Yes. See my post in this thread from July 15 with the weight info. Even with weights it tips forward if I try to adopt a more vertical pushing position.

This is only a problem with this prowler on this driveway. I'm just wondering if this is a cheap prowler issue or human stupidity issue (and what to correct if the latter).

[Mark Rippetoe]

It tips forward with 90 pounds on the posts?

[Greg Ruhl]

It tips forward with 90 pounds on the posts?

Correct. The concrete on the driveway is coarse and the prowler's feet are stamped metal. I've also noticed that the grip height is higher than the distance from the rear supports to the front support (bad geometry for the applied force).

[Mark Rippetoe]

Stamped metal? Define.

[Sutures]

I have the same sled in Greg's video. It's from Dick's, and I paid about $130 for it a few weeks ago. I push it in my cul-de-sac (old asphalt). Last time, on the last push, I intended to push it up the driveway to the garage to finish. As soon as I hit my concrete driveway, the thing stopped DEAD and the rear skids lifted, with 90# on the poles. Greg's concrete looks more coarse than mine, so I think it's purely a friction issue.

[Chris Lippke]

Adaptive Map - Slipping vs. Tipping

[Greg Ruhl]

Stamped metal? Define.

I believe the geometry of the prowler is much more important but here's a picture. It's a thin plate that was stamped out on a press and not a thicker plate that you'd find on a quality sled. I don't know if there is a difference in friction between the two styles of feet but thought to include the information.

20170727_233459.jpg

I think it's purely a friction issue

Thanks Sutures, I also think it's a friction issue but wanted to rule out user error.

[AndrewLewis]

I believe the geometry of the prowler is much more important but here's a picture. It's a thin plate that was stamped out on a press and not a thicker plate that you'd find on a quality sled.

The manufacturing process is going to make little difference. As you said, the geometry is going to make far more. The material interaction is the material interaction. It doesn't matter how it's made (unless that significantly effects the material characteristics). Stamped steel vs laser cut steel vs abrasion cut steel vs bandsaw cut steel isn't going to be different at all on the face (assuming the steel is all the same and the heat effected zones aren't too hot when cut).

Can you put up a full picture of the prowler?