Purchased last week (Steel Dreams) and had a chance to log 120 miles this weekend. First, the location and conditions: Fish Lake/Lake Wenatchee. FEET of new powder. Did a lot of boondocking in 4-5 feet of lightly tracked to untracked powder. Conditions were as good as I have seen in years.
About me: Experienced rider (30+ years...more trail than mountain), been an Artic Cat man my whole life. I don't get caught up in brand wars as much as othes here on the board - I just love snowmobiling. I think the M sleds are very good, and I still have 3 Arctic Cats (2 mountain). GREAT sleds. For me, just being out there on any sled is a lot of fun.
Now, the new Ski-Doo. I read EVERY post on this board about all of the problems, and was a bit concerned. Any time I drop 12k+ on a sled, I want a quality product. Well, let me tell you. This is the FINEST sled I have had the pleasure of riding. And, I have rode MANY
1) Sled was set up perfectly by Ron. I didn't encounter any of the known issues. I think I am benefitting by a lot of knowledge gained over the early part of the year. Sled was pretty much perfect. Geared with 19 tooth, 166 belt, handwarmer fix. Belt was perfect after two days of hard riding.
2) Power: Most impressive mid-range I have ever seen. This motor flat pulls HARD. Skis coming off the ground at takeoff. 20 - 60 feels like a few seconds. Flat scary No - I didn't race anyone, and I am not saying this is faster than an M1000. It might be, it might not. I'll let you know down the road. It is the fastest sled I have ridden by seat of the pants feel. Also, it had excellent stability on the trails, with very little "darting". I really like the skis.
3) Climbing and floating: Stayed off the steep hills due to Avy danger, and I am brand new to the sled. Did I get stuck? Yep. Many times. But in every ocurrence it was my fault and not the sleds. It floated beautifully in the deep ... and I am about 235 pounds. Popped right up on the powder - flat amazing. Intuitive chassis ... and easy to throw around in the powder. I haven't had this much fun on a sled in a long time!
4) Room for improvement? Sure. I did notice a bit (not much) of vibration in the handlebar and footwell. More than my Arctic Cats. Not enough to *****, but I do wish it wasn't there. Also, revving a bit high (8350RPM) so I need to adjust my clickers down one notch. No biggie, will take me 15 minutes. Also, seemed to go through gas, but I was really getting on it. Lastly, at 6'1", I cant see the gauges unless I stand up ... handlebars are in the way. That is a bummer, as the gauge package is fantastic.
Summation: For me, I made the right choice. I was drawn in by the light weight, and it delivers on that in spades. Power is fantastic ... and this sled floats in the deep unlike any sled I have ever ridden. This sled makes me a better rider, for sure. I was in places I would not go with other sleds. Just one guy's opinion ... but if you are on the fence, go for it. This sled is fantastic.
About me: Experienced rider (30+ years...more trail than mountain), been an Artic Cat man my whole life. I don't get caught up in brand wars as much as othes here on the board - I just love snowmobiling. I think the M sleds are very good, and I still have 3 Arctic Cats (2 mountain). GREAT sleds. For me, just being out there on any sled is a lot of fun.
Now, the new Ski-Doo. I read EVERY post on this board about all of the problems, and was a bit concerned. Any time I drop 12k+ on a sled, I want a quality product. Well, let me tell you. This is the FINEST sled I have had the pleasure of riding. And, I have rode MANY
1) Sled was set up perfectly by Ron. I didn't encounter any of the known issues. I think I am benefitting by a lot of knowledge gained over the early part of the year. Sled was pretty much perfect. Geared with 19 tooth, 166 belt, handwarmer fix. Belt was perfect after two days of hard riding.
2) Power: Most impressive mid-range I have ever seen. This motor flat pulls HARD. Skis coming off the ground at takeoff. 20 - 60 feels like a few seconds. Flat scary
No - I didn't race anyone, and I am not saying this is faster than an M1000. It might be, it might not. I'll let you know down the road. It is the fastest sled I have ridden by seat of the pants feel. Also, it had excellent stability on the trails, with very little "darting". I really like the skis.3) Climbing and floating: Stayed off the steep hills due to Avy danger, and I am brand new to the sled. Did I get stuck? Yep. Many times. But in every ocurrence it was my fault and not the sleds. It floated beautifully in the deep ... and I am about 235 pounds. Popped right up on the powder - flat amazing. Intuitive chassis ... and easy to throw around in the powder. I haven't had this much fun on a sled in a long time!
4) Room for improvement? Sure. I did notice a bit (not much) of vibration in the handlebar and footwell. More than my Arctic Cats. Not enough to *****, but I do wish it wasn't there. Also, revving a bit high (8350RPM) so I need to adjust my clickers down one notch. No biggie, will take me 15 minutes. Also, seemed to go through gas, but I was really getting on it. Lastly, at 6'1", I cant see the gauges unless I stand up ... handlebars are in the way. That is a bummer, as the gauge package is fantastic.
Summation: For me, I made the right choice. I was drawn in by the light weight, and it delivers on that in spades. Power is fantastic ... and this sled floats in the deep unlike any sled I have ever ridden. This sled makes me a better rider, for sure. I was in places I would not go with other sleds. Just one guy's opinion ... but if you are on the fence, go for it. This sled is fantastic.
