Do you have a question about the Vurtego SlingShot and is the answer not in the manual?
Never take the stick apart with pressure; always release air before performing maintenance.
Inflate the pogo stick to seal cylinder walls and lubricate the o-ring for optimal performance.
Adjust air pressure based on rider weight and skill for desired spring stiffness and bounce height.
Learn correct foot placement, body posture, hand position, and timing for effective jumping.
Learn the steps and frequency for adding lubricant to maintain peak performance of your pogo stick.
Follow a simple 1-2 minute process using a valve core tool and a condiment bottle to add lubricant.
The Vurtego Slingshot is a kid-sized professional pogo stick designed for recreational use, offering an advanced bouncing experience. It is intended for single-user operation by children aged 5 and up, weighing up to 180 pounds. The pogo stick's design has undergone extensive refinement to ensure optimal performance and durability.
The Slingshot operates on an air-spring system, allowing users to propel themselves into the air. The internal air pressure can be adjusted to customize the stiffness of the spring, catering to different rider weights, skill levels, and desired bounce heights. This adjustability makes it suitable for both beginners seeking a softer, more controlled bounce and experienced riders aiming for higher jumps. The pogo stick's construction is designed to withstand significant impact, making it a robust piece of equipment for active play.
Before each use, a quick inspection is recommended to ensure all components are securely tightened. This includes checking the bolts screwed into the cylinder, the security of the handlebar, and the fastening of the grip tip.
Safety is paramount when using the Slingshot. Users are strongly advised to always wear a helmet and close-toed shoes to prevent injuries. The pogo stick should only be used on flat, solid, and even surfaces. Bouncing on steep inclines, declines, wet, or slick surfaces is strictly prohibited, as these conditions can lead to loss of balance and serious injury. Users should also be mindful of overhead obstacles, as the Slingshot can propel a rider to heights of 8 feet or more. Open areas are recommended for bouncing to avoid accidental collisions with people, cars, or other objects.
Initial setup involves inflating the pogo stick and "setting the seal." To do this, stand the pogo stick upright for about a minute to allow lubricant to cover the cylinder walls, ensuring the o-ring is fully lubricated and does not wear down quickly. Then, lay the pogo stick on its side, lift the valve cover on the Soft Top to expose the Schrader valve. It's recommended to inflate the Slingshot on its side, as the shaft may jump out a few inches after storage or shipment. A standard Schrader valve car tire pump or air compressor with a gauge can be used for inflation. Inflate with a few psi until the grip tip extends completely, then work the pogo stick up and down a few times to distribute the lubricant. Inflate to approximately 60 psi, then hold the pogo stick at a 45° angle to the ground, tapping the grip tip, rotating 90°, and tapping again to release any excess air.
For beginners, a good starting point for air pressure is about half of the rider's body weight (e.g., 50 psi for a 100 lb rider). The slide shaft should not move when the rider's full body weight is on the pegs, but it should move once a jumping load is applied. This pressure level is ideal for learning control. As skill improves and control is maintained at lower pressures, more air can be added to create a stiffer spring and higher bounce.
Proper jumping technique involves placing the middle of the foot (not the ball) on one peg, then stepping up with the other foot, keeping the pogo stick close to the body. Hands and handlebars should be kept close to the thighs to ensure the rider and pogo stick move as one unit. The upper body should be bent over the pogo stick, centering the weight, with shoulders and knees in line. When jumping, it's helpful to look about 10 feet ahead to maintain balance. Beginners should focus on using a smaller portion of the total slide shaft stroke (4-5 inches) to avoid spending too much time on the ground, which can make balance harder to maintain. Timing is crucial: instead of jumping when hitting the ground, push weight into the ground as the pogo stick makes contact to compress the air. The propulsion should come from the legs, not the hands. As the slide shaft bottoms out, jump up to assist its return into the air. The practice area should be level, dry, and free of loose sand or gravel. Indoor use is acceptable if there is ample headroom and a very solid surface.
Regular maintenance is crucial for the Slingshot's longevity and performance.
Lubrication: A properly lubricated pogo stick is essential. As the piston moves within the cylinder, air is drawn in through breather holes, which can introduce sand, dirt, or other debris. This debris can gum up the seal, slow down the bounce, and scratch the seal, leading to air leaks. Therefore, avoiding dusty and dirty environments is recommended. Over time, lubricant will also drain out.
For frequent users (3x a week or more), adding lubricant once a month is recommended. For weekend users, every 2-3 months should suffice. There's no such thing as too much lubricant, so it can be added more often for peak performance. To add lubricant without disassembly:
Recommended lubricants include Silicone Oil (for beginners/intermediate riders), Baby Oil Gel (for advanced riders), and White Lithium Grease (for warmer climates or to prevent oil leakage). A condiment bottle with a nozzle is also needed.
Oil Change: An oil change is recommended every four times lubricant is added, or every two months for frequent users. A neglected pogo stick with old, thick grease will bounce poorly. A clean and lubricated pogo stick will perform better than when it was new. The process takes about 10-15 minutes.
To perform an oil change:
For an oil change, you will need M6 and M8 Allen Wrenches (Hex Keys), paper towels, and a broom handle or wood dowel wrapped with paper towels and duct tape. Recommended lubricants include 1000 CST Silicone Oil (factory standard, good for beginners), White Lithium Grease (ideal for hot weather, prevents leaks, good for advanced users), Baby Oil Gel (used by professional pogoers, very slippery, gel consistency prevents leaks), and Vaseline (easy to find, slick, but liquefies at low temperatures and may leak faster).
Store the pogo stick upright to ensure lubricant evenly distributes throughout the cylinder. If stored on its side, stand it upright for a minute before use to redistribute lubricant. Regularly check that cylinder bolts are fully threaded and snug, and that the grip tip bolt is tight.
Cylinder Scratches and Dents: The cylinder body is made of extruded aerospace aluminum alloy and is generally durable. Cosmetic scratches and small dings will not affect performance. However, deep dents can cause the piston to stick or the seal to fail, potentially requiring replacement.
Slide Shaft Maintenance: Lubrication of the shaft itself is not necessary, as it will naturally become oily from oil passing the piston seal during use. Nicks and scratches on the shaft can cause premature wear of the footpegs. If the shaft gets damaged, use a file and sandpaper to smooth it as soon as possible.
All parts of the Slingshot pogo stick are easily replaceable, with grip tips, handlebars, and seals being the most common items requiring replacement. These can be purchased from the manufacturer's website.
The Vurtego Slingshot comes with a one-year warranty from the original date of purchase, covering defects in material and workmanship. This warranty does not cover physical damage resulting from abuse, neglect, improper repair, improper fit, alterations, or unintended use. If a product is found to be defective within the warranty period, Vurtego will, at its discretion, repair or replace it free of charge, requiring proof of purchase. Customers who purchased directly through the website have their information on file. Those who purchased through Amazon or a retailer should register their purchase online.
| Type | Pogo Stick |
|---|---|
| Adjustable Air Pressure | Yes |
| Spring Type | Air Spring |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Max Weight Capacity | 250 lbs |