AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
3 is Lucky Summit #
Last year the intro of the big 174-inch Summit T3 made headlines in the snow world as the longest production sled made. Ski-Doo owns the top mountain market position in Canada and is making strides to overtake the top mountain position in the U.S. A monster reason is the big 3-inch lugs first available on the T3 and the weight savings. These are both now available across the Summit line as the X-models have the T3 and 3-inch lugs standard in the 154, 163 and 174 packages. Summit SP’s will get the new Pilot DS 3 skis, the new chaincase from the T3 package for the taller track lugs, new T3 geometry with light suspension arms, and the new PowderMax track with FlexEdge tech.
In addition, the standard sleds in all lengths have the upgrade available. All the standard Summits for 2016 will get the new RAS 2 front suspension too, so nearly every mountain sled in the line will be upgradable to the latest spec.
One big difference to make note of though is the spring only X Summit T3 package weighs about 7 lbs. less than the standard SP package. The shocks are aluminum not steel (5 lbs.), and the X uses ice scratchers, not more idler wheels (2 lbs.). A new Summit quick-adjust 2 position limiter strap is also available. The rotating cam switch mounts flush with the brake-hand side of the tunnel (2-inch adjustability on the strap, longer = more ski lift and shorter = less lift).
Snowboarders have also become a focus of the 2016 Summit line with the addition of the Summit Burton. This 800R E-TEC sled, a collaboration with snowboard manufacturer Burton, features a cool new rack that can be used for a snowboard or skis/poles. Get a second rack (they fit both the left and right sides) and you and a buddy can have all your own gear on one sled to head out into the backcountry. This LinQ accessory is standard and is much improved over the previous rack. You can undo the straps quickly and easily with gloves on and racks can be cut or fashioned for specific usage and gear. These can be used in conjunction with a bag or gas caddy with the LinQ system too! A new REV-XM seat that was made to be able to accommodate two riders, but is not too big or bulky to move around for solo riders, is standard on this model. A 16x154x2.5-inch PowderMax Flex-edge track comes standard as well as the tMotion rear suspension and RAS 2 front.
Odds and Ends
Our beloved Freeride sleds return for 2016, but only with BNG treatment. The Grand Touring moves to the XS platform with most GT models getting the RAS 2 front end, and some getting the adjustable TS skis. The Tundra Xtreme also gets a new taller 16x154x2.5-inch ProLite track. The Skandic has a gun boot rack accessory available too… No, I do not think the rotating machine gun turret is next.