Ice Scratcher Recommendations?

[Rob.G]

I picked up a very nice condition 2011 M8 the other day. It came with scratchers from the factory BUT only one remains, and that one has seen better days. So... I need scratchers. I was looking at the '24 Polaris scratchers (the reverse-compatible ones) on my Khaos and I don't think the M8's rails are going to work with those. I was wondering if cable scratchers are any good? With no spring tension I wonder how well they'd work. I'd really some that will work with reverse but I'm hesitant to spend $100 on a set if I'm not sure I can mount them.

Thoughts?

 

[turboless terry]

Why won't they work? Been a long time since I had my turboed m8. 24 scratchers are awesome

 

[BigAir]

First choice should be the Polaris scratchers. I'm sure you can find a way to make them fit. They undoubtedly work the best.

Second choice - Sports Parts Inc. Snowmobile Ice Scratcher. Basically a knock off of the Ski-Doo scratchers and cheaper.

Third choice - Ski-Doo scratchers

Last choice - Cable scratchers.

 

[Rob.G]

I ordered the Polaris ones. I looked more closely at the ones on my Khaos and I THINK I can make them work. We'll know in a week when they get here.

Thank you for the recommendations!

 

[Olsen]

Late to this party but for an FYI
My son in laws sled with cable scratchers consistently ran 10 degrees + warmer than mine with stock Polaris scratchers. (On hardpack of course)
Both were 2013 RMKs 800 155

 

[Rob.G]

With the icy conditions we often have here, I was hesitant to consider cable scratchers as being worthwhile. Heck, my '23 Khaos overheats on icy trails even with the scratchers down. I had rides last year where the scratchers were down ALL DAY even off-trail to keep it cool. That's one of the reasons behind getting the M8.. better hardpack snow sled.

 

[go high fast]

i got tired of messin' around and sitting on the side of the trial waiting for the engine to cool down. Two sets of scratchers and a flap have helped big time.

 

[Rob.G]

Hahaha wow that's a good idea. I may do a second set of scratchers on my Khaos if it continues to be a problem. As for the M8, I did put a set of '24 Polaris reverse-capable scratchers on it.

 

[MI1M600EFI]

I run cable scratchers on all our sleds. I bend them a bit more in my press so they dig in better, especially necessary with 2.6 or 3" tracks. They definitely don't work as well as spring scratchers on pure ice trails, but we get by and I like not worrying about backing up. I would also recommend a tall rear flap if you're riding hard trails, it helps cycle some snow/ice through the underside of the tunnel, which is where the cooler(s) are. FWIW, my old M8 almost never overheated, even with me not using scratchers on hard pack trails. An occasional bounce into a bit of powder was all it took to keep it cool. I miss having two coolers on our newer sleds.

 

[PSI 800]

you can buy scratchers that mount to your skis that work pretty good

 

[turbo800]

i got tired of messin' around and sitting on the side of the trial waiting for the engine to cool down. Two sets of scratchers and a flap have helped big time.

View attachment 427991

I broke both sides of my Ibexx scratchers on my Gen4 in 1 season.
Replacements are affordable at $40, but didn't seem to last very long. I put them up as soon as we make it off trail.

Does Polaris make a kit for their ice scratchers?

 

[PSI 800]

Wouldnt realy can a couple of bolts and springs a kit, but yes they do