Any Differences?
Now to look at the differences between the two Arctic Cat Alpha Ones. Suspension and color options are the biggest differences here. While both models use Fox shocks in the suspension to provide the ride, spring tension and air pressure separate the feel. The Hardcore Alpha uses the Fox 1.5 Zero coil-over shocks front and rear. The remote reservoir QS3 ski shocks and front track shock give you three-position compression adjustment from soft to hard and a consistent spring rate to smooth out the bumps and landings.
The Mountain Cat Alpha One comes to battle with Fox Float QS3 ski shocks as well as the front track shock. The rear track shock is the semi-locking Fox QSL. The great thing about the Fox Floats is adjustability. You can change air pressure in a few minutes where changing to another spring rate on a coil-over is a much more lengthy process to achieve the same result. The negative of using air is it is always changing. The outside temperature, as well as heat buildup inside the shocks can affect pressure and give you a wavering feel. A coil-over style shock gives you a more consistent feel but is also a heavier shock that is more expensive to change spring rates. Both are effective, just different.
Color options in the Hardcore Alpha are a charcoal and green combo or a charcoal and red. The Mountain Cat Alpha comes in a smooth silver with a few green highlights.
Whatever suspension you prefer or color scheme catches your eye on your 2020 Arctic Cat Alpha One, one thing is certain: the impression you’ll leave on your buddies at the bottom of the hill will have them doing a comparison of their own.