Winning Combination

            Although there are several components that can influence the handling of a snowmobile, none are more influential than the skis. It is here where you either feel like you’re in control or out of control.

            The editors of SnoWest Magazine tested the Sly Dog Attack Skis on a Polaris Pro-RMK 850 and were impressed by how the skis performed on both hardpack trails and in deep powder.

            When it comes to looks, the customization of the Sly Dog is hard to beat. You actually have 15 combinations available (five styles and three design packages … or if you add the 18 colors that can be added in four different locations, you have over 1.5 million unique ski/color combinations) so you can get exactly the look you want.

Prices will range from $405.50 to $549.99 depending on the package and the carbide wear bar. The ski we tested runs $480.50.

Test Procedures

            We first got a quick feel for the snowmobile with the stock skis—both on trail and in powder. During this process we checked how it handled the bum[s and turns on hardpack conditions, and how it floated and held an edge in powder conditions.

            Then we removed the left ski and installed the Sly Dog Attack ski and re-assessed the handling. When turning left, the weight transfer would put the emphasis on the right ski (stock). When turning right, the weight transfer would put the emphasis on the left ski (Sly Dog).

            We found little or no change in how the ski performed in the powder with the exception of the hard, tight turns. In this situation, the stock ski seemed to have an advantage. This could likely be attributed to the ski length. The stock ski is 42 inches long and the Sly Dog Attack ski is 45 inches long.

            However, on the trail we found the stock ski had a tendency to lift in the corners while the Sly Dog Attach ski stayed much flatter and gripped a little harder.

            Once we installed both Sly Dog skis, we found the consistency in performance was much better. There were no issues of losing a sidehill or washing out in a turn.

Sly Dog Design

            Sly Dog Skis has a unique footprint that reduces the sled’s tendency to “track” in previous ski/carbide lines in the trail which can cause darting. This makes the ski more predictable in tracked conditions.

            The combination of a reverse angle keel and a narrowing channel on the bottom of the ski is designed to create floatation by compressing the snow to create a solid base. This also reduces the ski wash while cornering.

            The process relies on for basic principles—intake scoop, channel, reverse angle keel and platform. The intake is a lip on the edges of the ski that pulls more snow into the channel. The channel then narrows as it runs the length of the keel, thus compacting the snow to create a better base for flotation. The reverse angle keel is designed to cut its own footprint, thus minimizing the tendency for darting (adopting previous ski tracks) while serving as a wall to build the base.

            The Attack ski is seven inches wide and bridges the gap between a trail ski and a deep powder ski. It basically has taken the best features from the 8-inch Sly Dog Powder Hound but made in more versatile for riding conditions.

            Sly Dog ski kit comes with two skis, two ski loops two four-inch round bar carbides and all necessary mounting hardware.

 Comparisons

Website: www.slydogskis.com.