Guide to American Flexible Flyer Sleds

American Flyer sleds, properly called Flexible Flyer sleds, have been icons of winter fun since they first came along in the late 1800s. Immortalized in a variety of movies, they are not only a part of history but are still available for a new generation of children to enjoy.

  1. History

    • Samuel Leeds Allen began developing the Flexible Flyer back in the 1860s, patenting the design in 1889. It was so well-designed that the classic model has gone through very little changes over the years.

    Classic Model

    • The classic model was unique in its use of a flexible crossbar, which allowed the sled to have far greater steering capability than prior sleds. The sled features red steel runners with a wooden seat and is currently available in four different lengths: 42, 48, 54 and 60 inches.

    Antique Sleds

    • Original Flexible Flyers are still available. In addition to the typical auction websites and classified ads, they can sometimes be found in stores or flea markets in the countryside of the northeastern United States.

    Additional Models

    • Other types of sleds are offered under the Flexible Flyer trademark. These include saucers, pull sleighs for small children and family-sized toboggans.