For the mushers out there --
I'm beginning to think about where I should get our first sled. Ideally it would be a good sled for beginners with a two-dog recreational team. I'd rather not pay the hefty prices for some of the more professional sleds for teams of four or more (i.e. $600 and up).
The two most popular manufacturers in this area are Arctic Star and Maine Made Dog Sleds. Both have good-quality handmade sleds with different options. So far I've been looking especially closely at the "Rising Star" from Arctic Star (http://www.arcticstarsleds.com/sleds.html) and Maine Made's recreational kicksled with child carrier (http://www.mainemadedogsleds.com/KicksledwithChildCarrier.htm). But, I'm unsure if the "Rising Star" would be ideal for two dogs, but I'm not sure if I want a kicksled or something more substantial like the "Rising Star." Also, is it just me or do the Maine Made sleds seem a little pricey?
What do you guys suggest?