Arctic Cat doesn't get enough credit

[Mafesto]

This company has improved more than any of the others in the last decade.

10 years ago they offered the Powder Special, which was sub-par at best compared to the other 3 manufacturers.

8 years ago they had a vastly improved chassis, but their clutches were changed more often than shoes on prom night.

4 years ago, they were on reliable, but outdated chassis.

2 years ago, the only legitimate gripe was no big muscle in the M chassis

Today, all of the above have been addressed, while the competitors have
struggled with engine reliability, chassis durability, excess weight, clutching,
belt life etc

I think that while the "industry leaders" were leapfrogging each other trying
to be the perceived standard setters, Cat was quietly tending to business
and taking care of small issues before they ever became big issues.

Today I feel they stand tall, as equals among their peers in the industry.
I don't think Cat has gotten the recognition deserved for the path they have taken.

 

[DARKO]

How about the New Snopro Snow X sled. That has to be the alltime best looking sled ever produced

 

[AdrenalineAddict]

I'm with you in the reliability department (except for the Diamond Drive), but I think if all the other manufacturers had the same train of thought in the design department, such as: producing 800's that run like 700's and 900's that run like 800's and 1000's that perform like a 900, they would be equally reliable.

 

[Nate]

I will agree with everything BUT the clutching, they never come halfway close to clutching them right. But they are better than BRP by a longshot

 

[Red Dog]

I switched to Cat after years of Yamaha and polaris rides. Bought the 08 m1000 snopro.Cat put together a nice package especially for the BIG BOYZS. All the Manufactures have some kind issue,it's all about backing the Product, that us consumers purchase,Cat has definetlty put the effort in us west. Cheers Red Dog.

 

[Mafesto]

While Ski Doo definately deserves all the praise for their recent nutri-system experiment,
they certainly don't deserve a pass for all the frustration they put their 800 customers through last year.

The new Polaris 800 is lauded as the Holy Grail of snowmobiling.
(Wow! A mountain sled with a 800, that just might sell!)

Many are so intent on being at the forfront of the 4 stroke revolution, they
are willing to give up 100+ lbs to the competition with minimal benefit.

It's like the Cats aren't the best at anything, BUT they do everything well,
with the added benefit of industry leading reliability.


I love my '06 Summit & I'm confident in it's reliability, but I would look seriously
at Cat if I were buying new.(even if they aren't herelded as the latest & greatest)

 

[cmantle1]

i had a cat and the engine was great until it blew a chaincase. other than that no problems. i just love the overall ride of the REV, and i dont mind a 600 so i get fuel injection(SDI) and the REV chassis. im happy.

 

[snowmanx]

I agree, Cat has come along way. My first sled was a 96 Powder special, and for that year I thought it was a good year.

From 97-2003, until the introduction of the 2003.5 900, cat was going down hill!

 

[prowrench]

i compare cat to hyundai, they used to be garbage now they are on the up&up

 

[Wade]

Heard a lot of griping about the power valve actuators, but other than that, friend just bought a new 800 and he loves it.

 

[finerotax]

Rode Cats in early 90's,junk w/solid engine.The chassis literally fell apart,fit and finish was horrible.Today I am looking hard at Cat as my next sled,overall package is hard to beat,as was stated,"they seem to do everything well".All of the manufacturers have stepped it up which benefits us,the consumers, the most.

 

[snowhawkaddict]

Don't build them up so much!

While they were down, I was hoping to talk to them about a crazy idea of mine.

Instead of only a dually and trailer to Puyallup, I need them to bring four fully loaded semi's.

 

[J-Roc]

Amen to that!

I LOVE my new M8. Does it hillclimb the best? No. Is it the fastest? No.

BUT, it's nimble, PROVEN, handles awesome, runs hard, and gets me home at the end of the day...

Not to mention, it just plain fits me right.

Great post coming from a Doo guy! It's great to see no bashing for once in here!

 

[trinitypowder]

I agree. The M series are pretty good sleds. I tried an '06 M7 162 for a day. If the riding posistion was closer to a REV(more rider forward) I'd be riding one. Great POW sleds for sure.

 

[snowmobiler]

i take it you didnt buy and r & d a 07 1000 and miss most of last winter

 

[deaner]

Im not a big cat fan, but I do truly appreciate cat riders! You guys are awesome. You know who I am talking about. The true, diehard cat guys with the brightly colored checkered jackets. Im sure cat could put a track and skis on a riding lawnmower, and this group would still buy one and defend it until the end. I ride with some guys like this and it always makes the trip that much more fun.

 

[ArticDoo]

Im not a big cat fan, but I do truly appreciate cat riders! You guys are awesome. You know who I am talking about. The true, diehard cat guys with the brightly colored checkered jackets. Im sure cat could put a track and skis on a riding lawnmower, and this group would still buy one and defend it until the end. I ride with some guys like this and it always makes the trip that much more fun.

lol, .......I have a couple of those lawnmowers, and a checkerd jacket with Doo on it. Could be a misprint!

 

[deaner]

lol, .......I have a couple of those lawnmowers, and a checkerd jacket with Doo on it. Could be a misprint!

haha. Yeah, I guess Doo guys cant really harp on the AC guys too bad for loud clothing hey?

 

[Dogmeat]

I'm about %100 certain my next sled is going to be an Arctic Cat.

I just hope they're still making the M1000 next year.

 

[A CAT]

500 miles on my M 1000 and no problems, belt looks like new. i feal like i could go a cross the country on this thing with no worries of reliability