i see a 146 as a only sled for someone who comes from Midwest. rock a 2 or 2.5 inch paddle and run it both back in the Midwest and out west. some days you wont get as far as you like but great versatility in being able to ride it out west and back home.
That’s a really good point. I think for the west guys it serves a purpose when it comes to a certain riding style but it’s definitely not the most functional for high elevation deep snow like colorado
@brentcook24 I would agree. I live in the midwest but with work, i go west for winters. Mainly island park west yellowstone. And I tell everyone if you want something for both here and there and aren't coming out west more than 10 days a season get the 146 the likely hood you land on a day where the snow is not manageable on a 46 isn't crazy likely. Now Colorado that snow pack is a different story. Like you say depends on riding style, where you ride and what you are looking to get from your sled. Personally I run a 54 but I don't ride midwest at all.
I ride a 850 AXYS 174"X3" and it is a tractor. I'm a big guy so it fits me well. The 3" can be sketch on hardpack snow. Slid backwards down a steep, icy trail while wide open last year. The lugs just fold over. It's not only how deep the snow is, but how heavy. We don't get super deep snow, but we get a lot of heavy, wet snow. As soon as your running boards start to drag, you start slowing down really quick. So a longer track helps keep you on top.
You put out a good little discussion I appreciate it. Wanting to get a different sled this year and track length is definitely on the list. Due to my weight of 160 lbs with gear, I feel a 155 or 154 is probably just fine for me, although a 165 might make things easier depending on the area and conditions. I'm definitely a beginner to intermediate Rider I feel for now. But I still think the 154 track length is good for me. I'd be curious to know your opinions and thoughts on a good mountain sled for a beginner to intermediate Rider. I have a 22 Arctic Cat M8 154 now with the monorail. I feel it's a pretty hard sled to ride and quite unpredictable. Not real happy with it, looking at either a Polaris or 23 Ski-Doo. But not sure which model in 02 brand would be best, and really concerned about polaris's reliability. Polaris seem to have a few more issues and several more recalls than other brands. So I'm leaning a bit towards a Ski-Doo because I feel there a little bit better built and the little less likely to give me trouble up on the mountain. Thanks
Complete preference, with your weight I think you are right. I think a 165 might be unnecessary depending on your conditions. 165 still would float better. If I were you I would go 155 Polaris because it fits my style better. But I think you would be really happy with a Ski-Doo as well. The Polaris in my opinion cuts a sidehill better and is more predictable and precise in technical terrain.
Because I'm not a skilled snowmobiler, I would pick a 174. This way I could keep up with the other guys. Once my experience got better I would be able to reduce my track size.
As soon as your on the throttle your skis in the air and it’s better on trails and semi deep snow like ditch banging and 129 are used on utility sleds and if you add them on trail mountain or crossover sleds then you will see cooling issues and will need ice scratchers to keep engine cool
i see a 146 as a only sled for someone who comes from Midwest. rock a 2 or 2.5 inch paddle and run it both back in the Midwest and out west. some days you wont get as far as you like but great versatility in being able to ride it out west and back home.
That’s a really good point. I think for the west guys it serves a purpose when it comes to a certain riding style but it’s definitely not the most functional for high elevation deep snow like colorado
@brentcook24 I would agree. I live in the midwest but with work, i go west for winters. Mainly island park west yellowstone. And I tell everyone if you want something for both here and there and aren't coming out west more than 10 days a season get the 146 the likely hood you land on a day where the snow is not manageable on a 46 isn't crazy likely. Now Colorado that snow pack is a different story. Like you say depends on riding style, where you ride and what you are looking to get from your sled. Personally I run a 54 but I don't ride midwest at all.
I ride a 850 AXYS 174"X3" and it is a tractor. I'm a big guy so it fits me well. The 3" can be sketch on hardpack snow. Slid backwards down a steep, icy trail while wide open last year. The lugs just fold over.
It's not only how deep the snow is, but how heavy. We don't get super deep snow, but we get a lot of heavy, wet snow. As soon as your running boards start to drag, you start slowing down really quick. So a longer track helps keep you on top.
are your videos available as podcasts?
Yes they are on Spotify and apple podcasts! This episode is uploading now should be live very soon!
You put out a good little discussion I appreciate it. Wanting to get a different sled this year and track length is definitely on the list. Due to my weight of 160 lbs with gear, I feel a 155 or 154 is probably just fine for me, although a 165 might make things easier depending on the area and conditions. I'm definitely a beginner to intermediate Rider I feel for now. But I still think the 154 track length is good for me.
I'd be curious to know your opinions and thoughts on a good mountain sled for a beginner to intermediate Rider. I have a 22 Arctic Cat M8 154 now with the monorail. I feel it's a pretty hard sled to ride and quite unpredictable. Not real happy with it, looking at either a Polaris or 23 Ski-Doo. But not sure which model in 02 brand would be best, and really concerned about polaris's reliability. Polaris seem to have a few more issues and several more recalls than other brands. So I'm leaning a bit towards a Ski-Doo because I feel there a little bit better built and the little less likely to give me trouble up on the mountain. Thanks
Complete preference, with your weight I think you are right. I think a 165 might be unnecessary depending on your conditions. 165 still would float better. If I were you I would go 155 Polaris because it fits my style better. But I think you would be really happy with a Ski-Doo as well. The Polaris in my opinion cuts a sidehill better and is more predictable and precise in technical terrain.
@brentcook24 that's what I think, both the polaris's I rode seemed much easier to handle and maneuver I just don't trust their reliability.
Are you coming to Jackson Hole this march?...from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 👋🤠
Because I'm not a skilled snowmobiler, I would pick a 174. This way I could keep up with the other guys. Once my experience got better I would be able to reduce my track size.
What track length would you say is good for northen Sweden?
Being honest I have never been to Sweden. When it comes to mountain style riding, I don't think anyone can go wrong with a 154/155!!!
175 G4 cause somebody has to break trail to the summit.🍻 Carls riding 175 Turbski. Think Shady’s on the the 75 turb as well.
so what about the 129 and 137?
I have no experience on either of those and wouldn’t consider this mountain tracks lengths!
As soon as your on the throttle your skis in the air and it’s better on trails and semi deep snow like ditch banging and 129 are used on utility sleds and if you add them on trail mountain or crossover sleds then you will see cooling issues and will need ice scratchers to keep engine cool
Useless 😂