amsnows western editor goes deep
Amsnow
FAST Blade Hylander 700 and 800
In its first year, the Hylander has some innovations that other mountain sleds do not; mainly that in suspension. And we all know that.
But, before we move on about product description, we heard debates and also participated in debates about the Hylander's price. Will the sled deliver more "wow" in your day than the other brands models of same engine size. Well, that is relative to your definition of "wow."
The Hylanders have a purpose, or FAST would not build them. They know there is a market of affluent buyers, 35- to 55-years old, who have money, look for and desire technology and comfort, was once an aggressive hillbanger, who now buys German-built cars, and wants what the Hylander offers in ego and testosterone thinking. These guys are not interested in ousting the other 700s and 800s off the hill, but in making a statement, "I bought this Hylander because I could, and now would you like to hear about my new BMW M3?" Yet, the Hylander will equally highmark and boondock with the rest.
Also, FAST understands there are mountain sled buyers out there who buy RMKs, for example, and spend a gazillion dollars in lightweight components and shocks that will push the sled's overall price up to (and beyond) Hylander. Hence, the Hylander has its place - one stop buying.
As you know, the Hylanders are speciality-built sleds like all Blades. They share all the componetry except for track length, and ski.
The Hylander is shipped in a 40-inch ski stance with a feature to move the stance to 41-inches, this by moving the saddle on the Simmons ski.
Blade claims that its 700 and 800 Hylanders are the lightest of all OEM produced mountain sleds, that is not by a few pounds but by about 30-pounds.
Like the flatlander Blades, the Hylanders are built to customer wants, with the main choices in shock options, suspension adjustment options and colors and graphics. The 700 is limited to a 144, whereas the 800 has the 144 and 151 option.
The rear suspension choices are the standard mountain M-10, the M-10 with manual jack adjustment (to place the rear suspension shock in either a more vertical or horizontal position) or the electric motor adjustable shock positioning unit. Adjustments are made at the handlebar for the electric motor.
Much has been written about the FAST Blade technology, Jerry Bassett and Wade West have written extensively about the Blades, I urge you to read their technical reports and rider impression findings. Here is what we learned about the Hylander.
The Polaris-built motor with variable exhaust, like the RMKs, is as zippy as a 12-week old Dalmatian puppy. The RMK inspired handlebar and fuel cell lets the driver move around the cockpit. The BOSS seat, in our view one of the industry's best, is absolutely perfect for bashing the moguls.
The Hylanders do deliver the best trail ride for all the mountain sleds, the RX-1 Mountain is near that. But, we agree when FAST claims it has the best ride.
In the powder and on the slopes the Hylanders are well-balanced. Each vehicle, the 700 and 800 allows drivers to flick and toss them around. Boondocking is easy. Highmarking is easy.
We found the running boards and foot rest angles are perfect. The Hylander's, additional mid-place foot anchor on the boards give riders extra confidence. The sleds give excellent wind and powder protection and are, in all honesty, a joy to ride.
The Polaris-built motor with variable exhaust, like the RMKs, is as zippy as a 12-week old Dalmatian puppy. The RMK inspired handlebar and fuel cell lets the driver move around the cockpit. The BOSS seat, in our view one of the industry's best, is absolutely perfect for bashing the moguls.
The Hylanders do deliver the best trail ride for all the mountain sleds, the RX-1 Mountain is near that. But, we agree when FAST claims it has the best ride.
In the powder and on the slopes the Hylanders are well-balanced. Each vehicle, the 700 and 800 allows drivers to flick and toss them around. Boondocking is easy. Highmarking is easy.
We found the running boards and foot rest angles are perfect. The Hylander's, additional mid-place foot anchor on the boards give riders extra confidence. The sleds give excellent wind and powder protection and are, in all honesty, a joy to ride.
My only complaint for the sled are the digital gauges are too small to read in the powder and they hold moisture and condense up.
Prediction: drivers with the cash and ego will buy and will not allow themselves to be picked on.