I love the fact that you put videos out that state preventive maintenance is extremely important info and so that you can enjoy your day of riding not to be stranded or get hurt. Nice job with the video.
Just bought a sled after not having one for about 15 years. These videos have helped me so much. I couldn't get any power over the sled at all it just went wherever it wanted and I couldn't get the thing on its side at all. Found out from these videos. Most of my problem was the sled set-up.im far from good but having a blast getting better. Thanks so much.
I’m in the same situation. Getting back after a long absence is a lot of fun to relearn the basics and testing the limits of yourself and the sled. Enjoy!
Great instruction and tips...I am an experienced back country and heli skier but there are nuances and some important differences with a 400 lb sled. Thanks. Just like skiing the equipment is secondary at first until the fundamentals are second nature.
To your dead radio issue...i installed a 12v outlet and added a 2 hole usb plug and have a spare radio charge cord and a iphone charge cord in the sled. Now “dead or cold” is fixable out in the field. Cheers 🍻
Unreal video - thanks for posting as not everyone has the luxury or makes a priority of riding with buddies or guides that have all this critical info.
Thanks Dan , I enjoy your videos and re watch them every year as a refresher, the are very helpful . I’m always riding in your areas since I’m in Idaho Falls . I’ll have to stop by next time I’m up there and pick your brain . Take care
I'm gonna give you some tips that I wish I knew when I first started. I'm gonna start with buying a snowmobile. You've probably already bought one, but just for future reference. These are the best setups for a snowmobile. 600cc motor, 129" track on a trail chassis. It's the best setup for regular trail riding. Next is an 850cc with a 137" track, that would be for aggressive trail riding. Then you have your off-trail sleds. Anything with a longer track than 141" should be 850. Some guys will run 600cc in a big mountain sled. Don't, it will feel underpowered. Also Polaris is least reliable, Arctic Cat is generally the best. That's it for buyers advice, now for riding tips. Gonna start with on trail tips. Always ride at safe speeds and stay on the right side of the trail. There's no need to whip around a blind corner doing 120kph. Also if you need to come to a dead stop, make sure you're completely off the trail. If the sled breaks down before you can get off the trail, then move the sled over by hand. It's not that difficult, it's easy to drag the skid over by just lifting the back bumper and moving it, then pull the ski to drag the front end off the trail. Now for off-trail tips. Always keep momentum. Especially on a short track sled, you'll get stuck pretty easily if you lose momentum. Also, a very good maneuver to learn is carving/sidehilling. You can do this on almost any sled, it's just much easier on a newer one. It's when you lift one ski into the air and turn the sled by leaning and tipping it over onto the inside of the track. To do this, you need to have momentum and a lot of track speed to keep the front end light. In deep snow, especially lighter powder, you can carve by countersteering (turn left do go right, vise versa) and then leaning in the direction you want to turn. For example, if I want to make a left turn, I would come into it with momentum, turn the handlebars right, give the throttle a hard snap and lean my body weight to the left. Sidehilling is a bit more difficult. Look up their video on sidehilling to understand it better. Hope this helped!
I would like to thank you for the first video where you pointed out how important it is to have one finger on the brake. One of my two serious crashes on a snowmobile was because I didn't have a finger on the brake. After I saw that video, although it felt extremely unnatural, I always left my index finger on the brake. Now it feels completely natural, I even find myself being prepared to stop just moving around the yard lol
Great video Dan. Very informative and important to not oversee these little things you mentioned. Always be prepared and be safe is number one priority like you always mentioned in all of your videos. Thanks !!!
Thanks for this second edition. I like the quality of riding statement. Getting out with a plan to actually work on some of these moves vs just riding around makes a lot of sense if you want to advance your riding. Gives me motivation next time I ride. Thank you
Thank you very much for creating awesome content. I've spent years riding and wrenching on dirt powersport toys but have never touched a snow machine . I arrived in Alaska last month and am now getting my feet wet with snow sports. Your videos are really helping me make the transition. Keep up the great work!
I’m a trail rider and that is so true about proper brake and throttle adjustment so that your wrist is very comfortable when using the break and the throttle. 👍🏻👍🏻❄️
I live on the East Coast, I ride a Skandic SWT off trail and pretty much everything you taught me here is applicable to what I do. Except maybe the stunts hehe. All the gear the riding position the confidence training the reading of the snow and the paths around you the way you position yourself on the machine. I get people telling me how can I ride a SWT like that and its all thanks to these videos. Thank you for the great content keep it up.
Black or red nail polish just under one of the flats of the bolt or nut. I try to leave them facing up or out. Easy to count and know if they have moved.
Ckx quick straps also fit most goggles ...have them on my klimf4 ....also some dry paper towel to dry sweat from brow / head helps to keep goggle foam dry
I just saw this episode again and remembered that you asked the question I was about to ask - I'm not sure how to get Dan's attention though? 🤔 But my guess is that it was a massive amount of pow in combination with a clutch that was set up a bit too aggressive with up shifting, and the engine get starvation? Since it picked right back up with just releasing the throttle and then get it right back again solved the problem, that's the only thing I can think of.
New rider here, what would you recommend for a guy that is just renting sleds and practicing in meadows in snowy range Wyo? Tips on maneuvering the sled for tight turns and steep angles low and high. Riding Polaris pro rmk and khaos 850’s. I’m also 6’ 2” 250 and tend to fall over while counter steering. Looking to buy a sled in the next 2 years.
@@NextLevelRidingClinics Thanks, yeah I have watched all of your uploads, great info, keep it coming! I know I have a problem because I’m finding myself thinking about riding while I’m at work. More money for more toys!
Brodie, I'd really recommend taking a riding class ASAP from either Next Level Riding Clinics or another reputable source. I put off a class for years and tried to learn on my own. Finally took a class and found out I had developed some bad habits and was simply doing other things wrong. You will progress much faster as a rider with a good teacher. Will be much cheaper in the long run and more time to actually enjoy the sport.
crouch down, you're taller than sled is designed for, shorter guys don't have the side hill problems when going right, taller guys can do better left, practice
I would be very interested to know how to stay warm while riding. What kinds of equipment or clothing would someone need to ensure their body, hands, head and face stay "comfortably warm" or whatever?
Good day sir! I hope it's ok to ask, i have a warning boost psi on my arctic cat , justvwantbto know what it means and do i have it checked? Hope you can help me i'm just on these thanks!
Hey I have that same transceiver and I love them but what kind of harness are you wearing on around your leg that would be pretty sweet to get for my transceiver it's the same kind you use an ortvox
Hey Dan, once again, great video. Quick question, the one piece suit that you are wearing, is that the RIPSA? Looks like a nice trim fit. Looking to do an upgrade from the bib/coat routine, and this caught my eye. Thanks....
Just something I wanna point out: The tether is the most important safety feature on a snowmobile. Especially riding off-trail. I ride strictly off-trail but I have an MXZ Renegade, which is just a trail sled with a 137" skid. I am very lucky that mine came with a tether because you usually don't see those on trail sleds, it's usually only mountain sleds. But it is the best thing. I flew off my sled last year, just accidentally hit a small frozen snowbank and the sled went over it, I didn't. But my friend was on the other side of that snowbank. If I wasn't wearing a tether, I would've launched a snowmobile into my friend because the throttle stuck. Always important, especially when you're riding off-trail and snow and ice will build up in your throttle block, it's extremely important to wear a tether. Especially in those situations where the guy falls over the front of his sled but the throttle sticks, the sled will just run you over, if you have a tether it will at least shut down the track so you don't get eaten by your snowmobile
Great video! Thank you for the tips, I'll definitely pay more attention to my belt now :) I highly recommend getting a Garmin inReach (particularly for backcountry riding). It's a satellite device letting you text and sent SOS when you are out of cell service.
Great vid thanks Dan. Learned a lot. You have a view on helmet straps? Have been kind of shocked this season to find that 80% of the guys on the hill don’t do them up, ever. I have mine set so I can loosen the strap forward over my chin and remove my helmet without fully disconnecting the strap, so putting it back on and tightening is a fumble free two seconds. Seems like a no-brainer if you want to avoid having no brain, but maybe I’m missing something?
You absolutely have to do your helmet chin strap up and it needs to be tighter than you think. We have seen many helmets fly off of riders heads over the years. The fidlok system on the KLIM helmets we wear is nice because it makes it easier to do up your chin strap.
@@NextLevelRidingClinics pending on what program you use, check out this channel. they give a great teal and orange grade which is what most cinematographers use. th-cam.com/video/3knEuczkh6c/w-d-xo.html All constructive criticism, love the channel and have learned lots!
Your vids are great. You may have a video for this already but one problem I have when on a steep side hill is that the back of the sled gets downhill, while side hilling, then it becomes hard to get the nose of the sled back down. I have gotten myself stuck facing uphill and other times I have had to just climb straight up, because it is sometimes difficult to get the front back down level with the back of the sled. Can you help? I hope this makes sense.
A vid of setting up your Khaos for the riding you are doing would be cool. It would help A lot of us that are on the fence about getting one. Specifically weight txfer for better climbing.
In mountain bikes there is a lot of brake lever adjustability. You can adjust the modulation, a quick lock up or slow progression and engagement. You can also adjust the throw, how far from the handle bar the lever is positioned. Is any of this available from the factory or aftermarket? Thanks
After spending 2000$ on gadgets, I’m finally ready to go ride in my backyard😂.. I find it extreme to have all the electronic on you while riding.. but maybe it’s a must when mountain riding daily!
As a suggestion, even if you're just running around your "backyard" and nowhere near the mountains, go ahead and suit up with all the gadgets. That way, you get used to functioning with everything in place, you get used to the weight (which I am amazed at how un-noticeable it actually is), and it gives you a chance to "dial it in" as to where you need the "gadgets" and straps to be.
As a new rider these tips and tricks are gonna help me a lot, thank you for posting these.
I love the fact that you put videos out that state preventive maintenance is extremely important info and so that you can enjoy your day of riding not to be stranded or get hurt. Nice job with the video.
Thanks for watching 🤜🤛
I've always struggled and having these videos to brush up my memory before going out kicks ass. Thanks for taking the time 😊
Heck yeah man thanks 🙏
More to come….
Man, 31 minutes of kick ass content. This is so helpful, thanks Dan and team!
Thanks Justen, glad its helpful.
Just bought a sled after not having one for about 15 years. These videos have helped me so much. I couldn't get any power over the sled at all it just went wherever it wanted and I couldn't get the thing on its side at all. Found out from these videos. Most of my problem was the sled set-up.im far from good but having a blast getting better. Thanks so much.
I’m in the same situation. Getting back after a long absence is a lot of fun to relearn the basics and testing the limits of yourself and the sled. Enjoy!
Great instruction and tips...I am an experienced back country and heli skier but there are nuances and some important differences with a 400 lb sled. Thanks. Just like skiing the equipment is secondary at first until the fundamentals are second nature.
These vids have definitely helped my riding abilities as well!
Great video, presentation and editing spot on. You guys are killing it.
Really appreciate it! 👍🙏
To your dead radio issue...i installed a 12v outlet and added a 2 hole usb plug and have a spare radio charge cord and a iphone charge cord in the sled. Now “dead or cold” is fixable out in the field. Cheers 🍻
That uphill turn technique is 🔥🔥🔥
Dan and his crew's lessons have been really useful in my riding abilities and staying safe ,thanks dan awesome of u to share your knowledge.
Unreal video - thanks for posting as not everyone has the luxury or makes a priority of riding with buddies or guides that have all this critical info.
Thanks Dan , I enjoy your videos and re watch them every year as a refresher, the are very helpful . I’m always riding in your areas since I’m in Idaho Falls . I’ll have to stop by next time I’m up there and pick your brain . Take care
Awesome must-see for anyone working as a snowmobile guide !
I never rode a snowmobile, but will say I learned a lot. Makes me want to learn.
Often see slednecks on backcountry skiing avalanche safety courses, which is super cool, you guys are always welcome.
I’m a new rider this season, I appreciate your videos. Thank you 👍
I'm gonna give you some tips that I wish I knew when I first started. I'm gonna start with buying a snowmobile. You've probably already bought one, but just for future reference. These are the best setups for a snowmobile. 600cc motor, 129" track on a trail chassis. It's the best setup for regular trail riding. Next is an 850cc with a 137" track, that would be for aggressive trail riding. Then you have your off-trail sleds. Anything with a longer track than 141" should be 850. Some guys will run 600cc in a big mountain sled. Don't, it will feel underpowered. Also Polaris is least reliable, Arctic Cat is generally the best. That's it for buyers advice, now for riding tips. Gonna start with on trail tips. Always ride at safe speeds and stay on the right side of the trail. There's no need to whip around a blind corner doing 120kph. Also if you need to come to a dead stop, make sure you're completely off the trail. If the sled breaks down before you can get off the trail, then move the sled over by hand. It's not that difficult, it's easy to drag the skid over by just lifting the back bumper and moving it, then pull the ski to drag the front end off the trail. Now for off-trail tips. Always keep momentum. Especially on a short track sled, you'll get stuck pretty easily if you lose momentum. Also, a very good maneuver to learn is carving/sidehilling. You can do this on almost any sled, it's just much easier on a newer one. It's when you lift one ski into the air and turn the sled by leaning and tipping it over onto the inside of the track. To do this, you need to have momentum and a lot of track speed to keep the front end light. In deep snow, especially lighter powder, you can carve by countersteering (turn left do go right, vise versa) and then leaning in the direction you want to turn. For example, if I want to make a left turn, I would come into it with momentum, turn the handlebars right, give the throttle a hard snap and lean my body weight to the left. Sidehilling is a bit more difficult. Look up their video on sidehilling to understand it better. Hope this helped!
I would like to thank you for the first video where you pointed out how important it is to have one finger on the brake. One of my two serious crashes on a snowmobile was because I didn't have a finger on the brake. After I saw that video, although it felt extremely unnatural, I always left my index finger on the brake. Now it feels completely natural, I even find myself being prepared to stop just moving around the yard lol
Your videos are great. Really like the longer with more content. Thanks!
thanks dan u are the best to take your time to explain in simple terms to us riders to make us safe and better riders
Your welcome buddy, glad you like the content.
Great video Dan. Very informative and important to not oversee these little things you mentioned. Always be prepared and be safe is number one priority like you always mentioned in all of your videos. Thanks !!!
Absolutely, thanks for watching.
Thanks for this second edition. I like the quality of riding statement. Getting out with a plan to actually work on some of these moves vs just riding around makes a lot of sense if you want to advance your riding. Gives me motivation next time I ride. Thank you
Thank you very much for creating awesome content. I've spent years riding and wrenching on dirt powersport toys but have never touched a snow machine . I arrived in Alaska last month and am now getting my feet wet with snow sports. Your videos are really helping me make the transition. Keep up the great work!
Thats awesome to hear. Very cool. Enjoy AK
I’m a trail rider and that is so true about proper brake and throttle adjustment so that your wrist is very comfortable when using the break and the throttle. 👍🏻👍🏻❄️
New to your channel and sledding. Your knowledge is greatly appreciated
Great video and very much appreciated!
Glad it was helpful!
I live on the East Coast, I ride a Skandic SWT off trail and pretty much everything you taught me here is applicable to what I do. Except maybe the stunts hehe. All the gear the riding position the confidence training the reading of the snow and the paths around you the way you position yourself on the machine. I get people telling me how can I ride a SWT like that and its all thanks to these videos. Thank you for the great content keep it up.
Thanks man! Much love from North Pole AK
Dan The Man!!!
What are you talking about by skii rubbers
Another good way to count for your track tension is to count the number of flats on the bolt head
For sure, thanks for watching.
Black or red nail polish just under one of the flats of the bolt or nut.
I try to leave them facing up or out. Easy to count and know if they have moved.
So much good information. Thanks again Dan.
Pretty sure I was stuck throttle guy😂 killer video like always!
Ckx quick straps also fit most goggles ...have them on my klimf4 ....also some dry paper towel to dry sweat from brow / head helps to keep goggle foam dry
Good points, having a way to dry and clean goggles can be a huge help. Goggle bags or the included chamois included in some outerwear works good also.
Dan, unbelievable stuff! Thanks!!!!!!
Very informative. Thanks
Great video again friend! Quick question what happened at 24:40 🤔?
I just saw this episode again and remembered that you asked the question I was about to ask - I'm not sure how to get Dan's attention though? 🤔
But my guess is that it was a massive amount of pow in combination with a clutch that was set up a bit too aggressive with up shifting, and the engine get starvation?
Since it picked right back up with just releasing the throttle and then get it right back again solved the problem, that's the only thing I can think of.
I just found this channel ... absolutely love it!
New rider here, what would you recommend for a guy that is just renting sleds and practicing in meadows in snowy range Wyo? Tips on maneuvering the sled for tight turns and steep angles low and high. Riding Polaris pro rmk and khaos 850’s. I’m also 6’ 2” 250 and tend to fall over while counter steering. Looking to buy a sled in the next 2 years.
Hi Brodie, you should check out our 5 Mountain Riding Fundamentals video. Lots of good riding tips in that one.
@@NextLevelRidingClinics Thanks, yeah I have watched all of your uploads, great info, keep it coming! I know I have a problem because I’m finding myself thinking about riding while I’m at work. More money for more toys!
Brodie, I'd really recommend taking a riding class ASAP from either Next Level Riding Clinics or another reputable source. I put off a class for years and tried to learn on my own. Finally took a class and found out I had developed some bad habits and was simply doing other things wrong. You will progress much faster as a rider with a good teacher. Will be much cheaper in the long run and more time to actually enjoy the sport.
crouch down, you're taller than sled is designed for, shorter guys don't have the side hill problems when going right, taller guys can do better left, practice
I think I'm having the throttle problem you talked about thanks for the info!
Thank you, Dan. This is another great video and I trust that you know how much we appreciate them!
Love all your videos! Thanks for all that you do for the sport!
Love your videos ...this one is great info ..ive shared it lots
where did u buy that jacket u used in this vid?
Great content 👌 do the oxbow and bca radios work together thanks Dan keep them coming
Yes they do. We have been really happy with the Oxbow radios so far this winter.
Great video again I learned so much as only second yr mountain Sledder
Getting better every ride
Cheers from bc Canada!!
I would be very interested to know how to stay warm while riding. What kinds of equipment or clothing would someone need to ensure their body, hands, head and face stay "comfortably warm" or whatever?
Thanks for all the learning. Definitely like the tech tips.
Good day sir! I hope it's ok to ask, i have a warning boost psi on my arctic cat , justvwantbto know what it means and do i have it checked? Hope you can help me i'm just on these thanks!
Thank you Dan. Good, clear explanations as usual, highly appreciated.
Great Video and Information! Keep it up 👍
Great Video! Class Act, as Always!
Very informative
Dam so much great info you are awesome!!
What’s the difference between carving and boondocking if there is a difference at all? Will it help someone getting on edge?
Hey I have that same transceiver and I love them but what kind of harness are you wearing on around your leg that would be pretty sweet to get for my transceiver it's the same kind you use an ortvox
Very informative as always!
Hey Dan, once again, great video. Quick question, the one piece suit that you are wearing, is that the RIPSA? Looks like a nice trim fit. Looking to do an upgrade from the bib/coat routine, and this caught my eye. Thanks....
Thanks Dave, yes its the Ripsa.
Great vid. Thank you.
Just something I wanna point out: The tether is the most important safety feature on a snowmobile. Especially riding off-trail. I ride strictly off-trail but I have an MXZ Renegade, which is just a trail sled with a 137" skid. I am very lucky that mine came with a tether because you usually don't see those on trail sleds, it's usually only mountain sleds. But it is the best thing. I flew off my sled last year, just accidentally hit a small frozen snowbank and the sled went over it, I didn't. But my friend was on the other side of that snowbank. If I wasn't wearing a tether, I would've launched a snowmobile into my friend because the throttle stuck. Always important, especially when you're riding off-trail and snow and ice will build up in your throttle block, it's extremely important to wear a tether. Especially in those situations where the guy falls over the front of his sled but the throttle sticks, the sled will just run you over, if you have a tether it will at least shut down the track so you don't get eaten by your snowmobile
I always explain deflection being like starting your car in 2nd or 3rd gear if it's too loose.
For sure, thats a great way to put it.
Being thirteen and not having much experience powder riding this helps a lot
I'm having trouble side hilling and turning on my non dominant side. Any ideas?
Great video! Thank you for the tips, I'll definitely pay more attention to my belt now :) I highly recommend getting a Garmin inReach (particularly for backcountry riding). It's a satellite device letting you text and sent SOS when you are out of cell service.
Thats a great point, we use SPOT system that is similar to the inReach.
what do you do with a brake lever thats to far away so the finger is uncomfortable no matter how you have it
The Skinz aftermarket brake lever has more adjustment than stock allowing you to get it closer to the bar.
@@NextLevelRidingClinics i guess i have to save some money, how much would you recommend doing the heated one?
@@crodles yes spend the extra & get the heated on as the non-heated can get very cold due to its material.
Hey Dan, what pipe/can do you have on this sled?
Should you use low handlebars? I'm 6ft.
Great vid thanks Dan. Learned a lot. You have a view on helmet straps? Have been kind of shocked this season to find that 80% of the guys on the hill don’t do them up, ever. I have mine set so I can loosen the strap forward over my chin and remove my helmet without fully disconnecting the strap, so putting it back on and tightening is a fumble free two seconds. Seems like a no-brainer if you want to avoid having no brain, but maybe I’m missing something?
You absolutely have to do your helmet chin strap up and it needs to be tighter than you think. We have seen many helmets fly off of riders heads over the years. The fidlok system on the KLIM helmets we wear is nice because it makes it easier to do up your chin strap.
Was this video shot in a log profile and not colour graded?
Yes it was shot in SLOG3 it does have some color grading but it definitely could be better.
@@NextLevelRidingClinics pending on what program you use, check out this channel. they give a great teal and orange grade which is what most cinematographers use.
th-cam.com/video/3knEuczkh6c/w-d-xo.html
All constructive criticism, love the channel and have learned lots!
Your vids are great. You may have a video for this already but one problem I have when on a steep side hill is that the back of the sled gets downhill, while side hilling, then it becomes hard to get the nose of the sled back down. I have gotten myself stuck facing uphill and other times I have had to just climb straight up, because it is sometimes difficult to get the front back down level with the back of the sled. Can you help? I hope this makes sense.
A vid of setting up your Khaos for the riding you are doing would be cool. It would help A lot of us that are on the fence about getting one. Specifically weight txfer for better climbing.
I switched to oxbow, the bca 2.0 is not so great.
I've never ridden one would love to learn how
You mean that that SOB has standard, metric and torx hardware?
In mountain bikes there is a lot of brake lever adjustability. You can adjust the modulation, a quick lock up or slow progression and engagement. You can also adjust the throw, how far from the handle bar the lever is positioned. Is any of this available from the factory or aftermarket? Thanks
Always aw4sone advice dude
Could you make a video of normal trail riding?
Do you mean the carbides ??
As backcountry guy's, my brother and i wear a sweatshirt and waterproof shell, not too HOT, and you stay nice and warm.
man I miss riding...
I wonder if Polaris used Torx fasteners because they kind of look like the Polaris logo??? Hmmmm this might keep me up at night...
Who forgot to color grade this video
almost 25 minutes not on the sled ... WHAT
After spending 2000$ on gadgets, I’m finally ready to go ride in my backyard😂.. I find it extreme to have all the electronic on you while riding.. but maybe it’s a must when mountain riding daily!
Don’t underestimate the importance of those “gadgets”. They’ve saved many lives on the mountain, and many have been lost by not having them
As a suggestion, even if you're just running around your "backyard" and nowhere near the mountains, go ahead and suit up with all the gadgets. That way, you get used to functioning with everything in place, you get used to the weight (which I am amazed at how un-noticeable it actually is), and it gives you a chance to "dial it in" as to where you need the "gadgets" and straps to be.
Holy shit look 👀 how lose that oil jug is lol 😆 po is junk, on a doo u ain’t wrenching fuk all.
You stop and take your goggles off, put them on an engine vent, do the same with your helmet. Cold goggles, and wet goggles and helmets suck!
500 miles to a belt, I wouldn't be able to afford riding.
Dan I sent you a message on Facebook messenger
2 sparkplugs extra.... holy *beep* i have 10 in my polaris. What a shitty engine have to change sparkplugs before every trip.
Common mistake is riding a Polaris 😂