2019 Mountain Cat vs 16 Sno Pro

[Vern]

About 500 miles on my '20 alpha now and I've got no complaints. We've had a less than stellar winter here so I've had more rides in sub par snow than in fluffy powder and I still find it easier to ride than the twin rails and I thought it was actually better when crossing tracks on sidehills than twin rails and trails are not much different. On steep firm sidehills there is a possibility of washing out a bit if you get to greedy with the throttle, but once you learn you can go easier on the throttle than your used to it is preventable. The alpha takes some time to really get the hang of and figure out how it likes to be rode. I wasn't sold at first when I started riding it, but after a couple hundred miles I started figuring it out and really started enjoying it and i was going places I would have thought twice about in the past. It has given me alot more confidence, maybe to much some times. I don't think someone who just hops on one for a quick ride or even a few hours can really give a fair opinion on the alpha. I didn't think it felt much different from a two railer until after a few hundred miles on the alpha then jumping back on a two railer. I'm a bigger guy as well, probably pushing 300lbs all geared up for what it matters.

 

[turboless terry]

Ride an alpha before you buy one. they aren't for everybody. I rode them both and then went on a search for the 18/19 twin rail. The alpha is a monster in fresh DEEP snow. The traction is unreal. Try riding one following 2 of your buddies threw a tight tree line. where you have no choice but to stay on they trench they created. The way the track flexes it tries to climb the sides of the trench. It can be a real handful. And it doesn't have the best trail manors. I know, none of us ride trails. but we all have to ride some trails to get to the goods. I also think if you are over 6 foot or 200 lbs. it is a little harder to ride. it is sooo twitchy that one misplaced foot sends you 180 degrees real quick. I am also 43 years old. I am in no way as fast to react as I was 20 years ago. The 23 year old me would probably love the alpha. I strongly suggest you try to get on a demo ride. or find a place to rent one.

I actually disagree on this. My 19 165 would stick to a trench in the trees like no other sled I've ever owned. I could even go way faster. My 154 elevated, not so much.

 

[715sledUP]

Is it safe to say that the 165 is better in the trees and steep.? 154 can be a handful and is for riders with more skill?

 

[ndfb35]

You'll be happy with any of the sleds you mentioned.

 

[Dam Dave]

After 800 trouble free miles on my 2020 Alpha I am very happy, I like the sled a lot

edit
Rode 162 Ms until the 2012 proclimb came out, then 153, buying new every year mostly until I bought the 2018 Assender Ctec 153 and rode it two years, then the 2020 165 Alpha

I went 165 on purpose with the Alpha to get a more stable platform, I was a little worried it wouldn't be lively but honestly, it's hard for me to tell any difference between 153 twin rail and 165 Alpha

It still carries the skis anytime I want , the 2020 800 Ctec runs great, better than my 18 Ctec

I will say the first couple of ride on the Alpha were an adjustment but now I love it, Proclimb shock set up really doesn't work on the Alpha either

Set up the Alpha correctly and its awesome

 

[Chewy22]

After 800 trouble free miles on my 2020 Alpha I have very happy, I like the sled a lot

what track length?

 

[Frostbite]

This is a great thread! I have enjoyed reading it very much. I too am on the fence as what to do for next year and the ideas shared have been very helpful. I have bugged the local Arctic Cat Rep instantly to get to ride an Alpha all year but, like Vern said, the snow hasn't been the greatest, maybe that's why he hasn't called and we haven't gone yet?

That being said, the latest and greatest is certainly the single rail rear suspension and it seems some people really love their Alpha's and others barely tolerate them. From what I have read, it sounds like it would take several days of riding time in great snow to know if the Alpha is the right sled or if it's too much of a handful to get used to. I do like the idea of having extra energy at the end of the day as some state about the Alpha, where others say they are more tired from fighting the twitchiness. I have always been a 153" guy and I read to ride the 154" Alpha (especially Elevated) you have to be on your A game 100% of the time. Talk about using a lot of energy! I definitely need some Alpha seat time.

The idea of an elevated twin rail sounds like the easy answer to me without having ridden one. It provides many of the benefits of the single rail without the twitchiness and unpredictability. Then there is the question of if it's even worth doing on Pre-Ascender chassis. I suspect the easy answer is probably no.

Good luck in your quest for answers. I will be right here with you learning what I can.

 

[Vern]

Is it safe to say that the 165 is better in the trees and steep.? 154 can be a handful and is for riders with more skill?

I have always rode 153"s but for my alpha I decided to try the 165" and couldn't be happier. I can't feel the extra length as far as maneuverability and it's still plenty playful. In the right conditions it'll still pull the front end up pretty high on climbs,even with the rear shock locked out.

 

[Vern]

I don't find the alpha twitchy and unpredictable, but it will react to slight inputs, so if you make the wrong move it will follow. I felt the same way though going from an M-chassis to a proclimb, so it's just what comes with having a more responsive sled. One thing I have noticed though is in those situations where you end up darting off in a direction you don't want to go the alpha is alot more forgiving in the sense that it is alot harder to get stuck so it will allow you to recover and get back on track without much effort.

 

[Dam Dave]

what track length?

165

 

[bgraff1]

couldnt pay me to go back to the old style. i had a 14 w/ 16 front end, slp skis, stage 2 slp kit, carbon hood, nextech carbon mono skid, 162" 3", cfr bars/riser, belt drive, BDX boards, WRP seat, MDS clutching etc. now have an 18 162 3" mountain cat with belt drive, MDS clutching, can, air frame boards slp skis and CFR bars/riser. they are set up very similar, old sled was setup with more gear but i can 100% ride my 18 better. old plastics make it feel so wide, ctec power delivery is flawless and doesnt slobber oil.

 

[kidwoo]

That's because your 2018 has a real steering post angle.

 

[bgraff1]

That's because your 2018 has a real steering post angle.

hahahahaha well i came from doo way back then so i liked the laydown post, baby steps to an adult sled lol

 

[Vp360]

I'm looking at picking up an 18 with 1100 miles. What is the consensus on here for the 18s? Is that too many miles? I'm currently riding a stock 14 and looks like a nice upgrade