2013 PRO Gripper skis, leave something to be desired?

[JLeosnow]

Hello,
I have noticed that the stock skis on my 2013 PRO seem to not hold a line on any sort of incline without major body input. I realize that body input is important/necessary when sidehilling but when riding a single track at very slow speed thru the trees on almost level ground and the sled won't steer unless you pull it to the side you want to turn seems a bit like the stock skis may leave something to be desired. Has any others with Gripper skis noticed this characteristic as well? Any ski suggestions to help improve this?

Thanks much,
-John

 

[MORSNO]

Increase your ski pressure. Grippers have been around since '07, they are an awesome factory ski.

 

[Oregonsledder]

Grippers are my choice and I have tried most other brands.

 

[byeatts]

Increase your ski pressure. Grippers have been around since '07, they are an awesome factory ski.

They are awesome skis, I even run them on the Doo,s.

 

[Blown Motor]

You would think this would be an obvious one, but since it's a brand new sled I will go ahead and ask....

Did the dealer you bought it from install the carbides?

Because these ski's do rock, and have been decided the best stock ski the last two years..

 

[byeatts]

You would think this would be an obvious one, but since it's a brand new sled I will go ahead and ask....

Did the dealer you bought it from install the carbides?

Because these ski's do rock, and have been decided the best stock ski the last two years..

I own every aftermarket mountain ski made and the Pros stock ski outperforms them all. there many ordering theses for their Doo,s Flat Rock!

 

[Sxrlar]

I know the IQ rmk and pro are different, but I sure did love my Slydog powderhounds on my 07 RMK. Not sure if I like the grippers on my 2012 pro either. I took my grippers off the 07 the day i got it, never rode it with the stock skis on it.

 

[ndC7M8]

like was previously stated, you should try to set it up with more ski pressure. but if that isn't what you wanna do, the first cheapest option would be skis from an '05 to '11 M series. you could get a brand new set for around $180 before you're all said and done. If you wan't something with more bite yet, I'd say a set of C&A Pros would be the next best choice

 

[AndrettiDog]

I'm with the majority...I like the Grippers. I think it's a waste of money to buy other skis. I'd check the ski pressure and spend some time measuring your alignment. I know my alignment was out of whack after removing my spindles and it caused problems with the steering.

 

[Pownar]

x2 on alignment. If its not right... the sled is all over the place. Toe out!

 

[LoudHandle]

JLeosnow,

This is a balancing act so pay attention to what is doing and what it's not doing so you know which adjustment to make when. Most of the adjustments to make the front end work correctly are in the rear suspension. Front shock spring preload is personal preference and I usually wait until the rear is dialed in really close before worrying about the front.
*****NOTE****** Before Messing with the spring preload, remove shocks back off the spring adjuster and grease the threads. If you are anal about visual appeal use a clear grease or Vaseline even. Failure to do this will result in the adjuster Galling to the shock body and a new shock purchase.$$$$$$$ Start with about 1/4" of preload up front, just enough so you don't loose the retainers. Now to tune the rear.

Is the rear bottoming out on the large stuff? If so increase preload on both front and rear springs, again a little at a time. Paying attention to whether it is the front arm or the rear arm bottoming more.

How is the transfer?

Picking the skis too much? No ski pressure? No feedback from front end? (most likely the problem) Increase the rear-rear spring preload some, a little bit at a time so you don't overshoot the sweet spot for you.

Not picking the skis enough? Too much ski pressure? Hard steering? (not likely your problem currently but I'll throw it out there just the same) Increase preload on the front rear suspension shock. This will bring the front up some and lighten the effort needed to steer, also decreases ski bite.

Just playing with it will help you figure out what change does what and soon you will be tuning it like a PRO.

If all else fails and you decide to try an aftermarket ski. I'm in the market for another pair of grippers, if the price is right. PM me if that time comes.

 

[akmclean]

The more I ride them the less impressed I am. You're not alone.

 

[JLeosnow]

Thanks all for the input. Looks like I'll have to play with the suspension settings a bit to try to achieve what I am unhappy with regarding lack of steering.

Thanks again,
-John

 

[Rick!]

My personal experience is that the 163 Pro behaves worse than the 155 Pro in slow speed stuff. I do like the skis, though, and even used them on my Rush CC sled. I had an extra set of 8" carbides for the Grippers and put them on my 163. It behaves better now. The side benefit is now I should be able to cut small trees down instead of using them for turning. YMMV.