savage on sleds buy what fits

This is the toughest column to write each year because as I write this, fireworks are still fresh in our brains.

But it's now that all of us need to begin gearing up for snow season. There are shows to attend, sleds to buy and parts and accessories to install.

That's why this Buyers Guide lays out ALL the new sleds for you in easy to compare charts, plus we give you our "deep thoughts" on the best sleds in key categories. And to complement our flatland opinions, our Mountain Team outlines its top choices in the meaty 800cc segment.

We also have 4 long-term reviews of sleds we rode all last season and you'll find two in-depth multi-sled comparison tests of new '09 models as well as a single '09 sled test. Our trusty Tech Editor, Olav Aaen, dishes up two informative engine updates and we unveal several pages of new products.

That's just THIS issue. There's plenty more to come as the season rolls along.

But take a couple hours to read through the magazine and take mental notes, or go online to ponder and compare before you spend your hard-earned bucks. We urge you to think about how YOU ride. Do you value comfort, need more wind protection, like trails, need a softer seat, spend time in the powder, want taller bars?

There are plenty of sleds with gobs of guts to race across a lake. That's fine if you're that type of rider, but don't buy a sled that simply sounds cool and doesn't fit you. Pick a sled to meet your abilities and budget and you'll be a happy rider for years.

To that end, we've created this comprehensive Buyers Guide, the industry's first and most-read. Along with it, we've paired a fantastic online Buyers Guide that allows you to compare side-by-side, up to four sleds at a time. All the stats are there so you can compare suspensions, prices, you name it.

Plus, you can post your own sled reviews, find the value of your old sled or click on links to great aftermarket products.

Best of all, every magazine subscriber can now access the entire site... and we're redesigning it so AmSnow.com will look as awesome as the info you find there. Watch for the new site in mid-September.

Enjoy!