1996 arctic powder special
Amsnow
What's so special about Arctic's Powder Special? Not much. Not to say the 580 EXT Powder Special isn't a good snowmobile, but we don't think itoffers much more than the EXT EFI (especially the Mountain Cat version).The Powder Special is suited exclusively for serious mountain riders, butthat's the way Arctco likes it.
Last year, this 580cc twin was essentially an EXT with a longer track,narrower ski stance and AWS III Double Wishbone front suspension to matchand plastic skis. For 1996, the only major addition to the Powder Special- aside from its pearl- colored hood and green and purple graphics - isits Mikuni Altitude Compensator.
Both sleds can compensate for altitude changes without rejeting, butthe EFI will also adjust for air temperature, coolant temperature, engineRPM and throttle position.
It seems that the 580 with EFI would be the sled of choice because itcompensates for five conditions while the Powder Special's compensator adjustsonly for altitude. That may be the case for those who like to ride bothin the mountains and the flats, but those who stay mostly in powder andhigh altitudes will like everything about the Powder Special.
Powered by a Suzuki 580cc twin with two 38mm Mikuni carbs, the PowderSpecial has an excellent power-to-weight ratio. It has harnessed enoughhorses to climb tough terrain, but it's not so heavy that it will bog downand run sluggishly in deep powder.
When it comes to ride and handling, the EXT Powder Special comes well-endowedwith Arctic's FasTrack Long Travel in the rear and AWS III front suspensionup front. Both suspension systems are controlled by gas shocks. This longer,narrower, lighter EXT provides a superior ride in both deep powder and whilesidehilling. On the trail, the EXT EFI has the edge in stability with its40-inch ski stance.
The Powder Special shines as a specialized mountain climber mostly becauseof its weight savings. Arctic Cat won't divulge its dry weights, but Arctcorepresentatives claim that the Powder Special weighs almost 20 pounds lessthan the EXT EFI. And, when it comes to climbing and staying on top of deepsnow, weight means everything. Here lies the main advantage of the MikuniAltitude Compensator over EFI. When it comes to charging a sled throughrugged terrain, we'd go with the Powder Special. On the flats, we'd optfor the heavier, more stable EXT EFI.
Economically, the Powder Special comes up on the short end of the stick.At $6,399 it rings in $100 more than the EXT EFI Mountain Cat with 1.4-inchdeep lugs (same as the Powder Special) and $300 more than the EXT EFI. Comparedwith the Mountain Cat, the Powder Special is worth the extra C-note. Comparedwith the EFI version, though, it may not be worth the extra $300.
Unless you're a serious mountain snowmobiler looking for a lighter sledwith a longer track and narrower ski stance, the Powder Special isn't worththe dough. Even the heavier EXT EFI is a pretty darn good mountain performer.The decision comes down whether you intend to ride almost exclusively inthe mountains or if you want to pocket the $300.
1996 Arctic Cat Powder Special
Engine
Type: Suzuki 580cc Liquid cooled twin
Exhaust: Tuned pipe, muffler
Clutching
Drive: Comet (RPM sensing)
Driven: Arctic (Torque sensing)
Suspension
Front: AWS III; 6 inches
Rear: Arctic FasTrack Extra Long Slide-Rail; 8.5 in.
Ski Stance: 37 in.
Overall Height: 44 in.
Overall Length: 118.5 in.
Fuel Capacity: 10 U.S. gallons
Offical Dry Weight: 500 lb. (est)
Price
US $6,399.99
Riding Impressions: The Powder Special has an excellent power-to-weightratio. Its 580cc engine harnesses enough horsepower to climb tough terrain,but it's not so heavy that it will bog down and run sluuggishly- SteveShore, test rider