Ultra Paws Basic Two Dog Skijor Package - the belt does not have leg loops, will it stay put? How tough will the new type lines be? Find out when Midwest Skijorers Club president and top winning skijor racer Jim Benson puts this equipment to the test.

REVIEW

Jim had heard about a new style of skijor belt which did not use leg loops to hold it in place and finding it hard to believe it wouldn’t end up at his ankles or shoulders he had to try it out.

Following is his review:

I recently had an opportunity to try out the Ultra Paws skijor package under a variety of conditions. There are a few unique features on the belt (and yes, I was very skeptical).

The inside of the belt is a tacky material that is supposed to hold the belt in place without leg loops. Unbelievably, it stayed in place on jeans, on lycra, on nylon wind pants and on running shorts. Note: Running shorts means I also tested it in a canicross venue (it's not a new January fashion statement, although no legs loops also means that one can wear this belt with a kilt)

Even while on the ground, with forward pulling forces, the belt stayed in place and did not ride up or slide down. It did not shift left or right but stayed centered when turning corners.
Note: Depending on clothing fit, the clothing can move but the belt stays put on the material. This may be a problem if worn on the outside of a winter coat or jacket, I guess I did not test that scenario (I am not known for wearing a lot off bulk). The solution here would be to wear the belt under the coat.

The belt is equipped with a soft quick release which is hard to describe but is essentially a velcro arrangement (and again I was skeptical).  I never experienced any inadvertent release (I tried and tried). When I wanted it to release, it did.

The belt has a secure plastic "fastex" type of closure with an elasticized waist belt. The test of time will tell how long the elastic will hold up. I also prefer a dual adjusting fastex buckle (it allows you to center the belt and allows more adjustabilty, but as those are rarely commercially available, this closure is adequate.

The belt has reflective strips for nighttime or low light visibility increasing safety for the wearer.

Another unique feature is the built in handle on the back of the belt, designed for a handler or helper to assist you when starting out.  (Pros may want to stick with having the handler hold them around the waist at the start line to prevent getting a hand caught in the handle if you have fast starting dogs).

I also tested the one piece 2 dog towline. The towline is made of

a durable 1" tubular webbing. A bungie is sewn into the webbing, but it is sewn only where it needs to be, so if the bungie breaks or the sewing lets go, the towline is still intact. No rope to break - so no loose dogs.

There is 16" of bungie material incorporated in the tubing, which was more than adequate and provided a comfortable ride in the varied trail conditions.

The line also features a loop near the brass snap, to be used similar to a leash for better control of the dog.  I can see the advantage but I did not need to use it, and probably would forget the feature and just use the line in the same fashion that I have for years.  Good idea, it just might be hard to teach this old dog some new tricks.

In short, this skeptic was impressed with the UltraPaws setup.

ed note: for more information on the Ultra Paws Skijor Package visit their website at

www.ultrapaws.com

Our product review staff are in the process of reviewing the following products:

NON-STOP SKIJOR BELT

NON-STOP FREE MOTION HARNESS

Get On The Ball, Stretching The Performance Dog and Strengthening The Performance Dog - this dvd series by Debbie Gross Saunders is just what a canine athlete needs to be in perfect shape for the approaching skijor season. MSC member Vicki is currently putting her dogs through the paces and documenting the results.

REVIEW

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