Its time I eat alot of Crow! The sled was Awsome!!

[32longtrack]

I have been very tough on the 12 PC with my complaints and been frustrated and discouraged with it...until this weekend. I had rode the sled bone stock. I pick it up in August the only thing I added was a goggle bag and ice scratches. I put 571 miles on it, I thought I made a $12,000 mistake. I took the sled to the dealer January 24th and picked it up February 9th. It was destroying belts, stock steering sucks, the power was terrible (it seemed to have trouble getting off the tailor) the suspension set up didn't work at first but in 571 miles I got if figured out (to my liking). Present suspension set up, front shocks 55lbs (will try 50lbs next), limiters middle hole (will try last hole when I have time to adjust them), rear shock 140lbs. Moved skis to the 39 inch ski stance. I ride 3000 to 6000ft, heavy tree riding, aggressive side hills, climbing/boondocking

What the dealer and I did
1. Geared it down to a 20 tooth
2. Went to 68 weights in the primary
3. Went with a yellow green spring in the primary
4. Went with 44/42 helix in secondary
5. I decided to put an SLP can on it dropped 12 or 13 pounds off the nose
6. Me and a buddy put the Rasmussen steering arm extender on and ground the spindles to the stops.

This weekend I did not burn a belt or even pull a cord in heavy wet snow (4 to 6 inches of new) I would have destroyed multiple belts with the old set up and no vibration (sweet). The power was spot on pulled hard and was instantaneous (its about time I feel the 800 cat power I'm new to cat...me likey). The SLP can is a bit louder than stock not that much more noticeable on the snow and made a big difference with weight in the nose I recommend it to everyone great product.

The Rasmussen steering arm extender is AMAZING!!!! I cant believe no one has written a review about it so here goes...IT SHOULD BE MANDATORY ON ALL 2012 PROCLIMBS!!!! According to Bretts blog the stock steering is 16 degrees and with his extender it adds 18 degrees so if my math is correct it gives the proclimb a total of 34 degrees of steering. When you see and ride it...its crazy how much the skis turn. I can hardly believe how much this little 115 dollar mod changed the sled (95 for the part 20 for shipping). It took about an hour or so to install and is very easy to do. It does increase the steering effort a tad but its still SUPER easy to steer. I can control this sled in the tight trees and on the steepest side hill...this sled loves to side hill now!!! My buddy rides a 2012 Pro and I could turn with him in the trees there is just no way I could do that before I spent to much of my time fighting this machine because of the stock steering (stock steering means getting stuck a lot). It sucks cat got the steering wrong and I had to grind the spindles but when I'm riding the sled I cant see the spindles anyway.

This is what I have done, I hope this helps others because I hated this sled before and now I cant wait to learn more and become a better rider on it. I would recommend this sled to anyone as long as its clutched right, gear correctly and the steering is fixed none of which is good out of the box (the seat will also need to be addressed it sucks as a mountain sled seat I'm going to try riding without the seat next time I ride). I will keep everyone posted if I eat more belts. This sled is as good as other brands on the market as long as its set up correctly.

Also I would like to thank my dealer Idaho Rigging, in St Maries Idaho (Alex and Dale), they covered all my blown belts under warranty changed the clutching and gearing...free I did'nt pay a penny!

 

[32longtrack]

I forgot to mention the front shock in the rear suspension has about 4 or 5 thread showing...its just tight enough to keep tension on the spring.

 

[leadfoot33]

word is 2013 comes with that steering adjuster.
glad your liking your sled they are a blast once you get used them and get it set up for your riding style.
i wont throw any crow your way

 

[9071000]

I TOO AM VERY HAPPY WITH MY PROCLIMB.AFTER SEALING ALL THE SNOW OUT,20 TOOTH TOP GEAR,MDS WIEGHTS AND TEAM SECONDARY.YESTERDAY I RAN 2 TANKS OF GAS IN 4 FEET OF HEAVY WET SNOW.I COULD TOUCH SECONDARY AT ANY TIME.THIS SLED ROCKS

 

[Mlosey131]

X 2 love the sled got a boondocker turbo, team tide, lots of venting and a steering mod love it now and to think I wished for a while I would of bought a pro glad I stuck with it just wish cat would give me some money for the clutch

 

[Zachcreek]

This weekend we had good snow for the first time. 650 miles, no belt issues. All of a sudden it was like a the sled just clicked. Downhill turns, back up easy to throw around. At first I thought I made a mistake. Now, lovin it. Need to get the steering deal from Brett....

 

[matty_d]

Just wondering where you got your 20T gear and helix? I would like to do this to my sled as well. PM me and let me know please. Thanks alot.

 

[32longtrack]

The 20 tooth gear came from Team I was told they were the only ones making them, the helix I don't know where the dealer got it but here is the # for Idaho Rigging 208-245-3523 ask for Alex...great guy to work with.

And if anyone has a better set up let us know I'm always looking to make these sled work better. Thanks

 

[sledderplw]

Rasmussen Steering Link

The Guys at MVM Machine are awesome. Installed mine last weekend what a improvement winding through trees!
From Bretts blog http://riderasmussenstyle.blogspot.com/
Because I have limited time and am away most of the time I suggest that anyone interested purchase this directly from the machine shop. Contact Mountain Valley Machine at 435-563-3632 or their web site www.mvminc.biz. Ask for the Rasmussen steering arm extender. Sells for $95 and includes all hardware needed for installation.

 

[madmax]

The PC 800 is just an awesome machine. It is so much better than the m-sled. Glad you are loving yours.

 

[Backcountry M7]

Youtube link

I first would like to thank you guys for the compliments!! If there is anybody that has questions feel free to give us a call 435-563-3632. Here is a link to a 13 minute long video that goes through the whole install process, it also should help out with any questions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chbNPE4xHPA

Thanks again,

Dean
Mountain Valley Machine

 

[32longtrack]

Here's and update. 4th ride on this set up

I have ridden the sled two more days since my original post I took the seat off and rode in heavy timber...what an improvement! No more doing the Arctic Cat High Step all day. This translates into not getting tired so quickly which leads to less sloppy riding which ultimately mean getting stuck less. With the seat its a viscous cycle! If you do try riding without the seat I recommend taking the rear bracket off the gas tank it holds the seat on. You can still sit down on the machine going down steep terrain and there is an added benefit, it lowers the CG of the machine making it more controllable going down a steep hill. Being able to transition from side to side quickly without using a lot of energy brings the fun factor way up. I used substantially less energy standing up all day then fighting the seat (height and width). My buddies riding Pro's and XP's laughed and bragged about how nice their seats are! Its all in fun. I do like the seat when I ride the trail its very comfortable (the seat is a trail only seat my personal opinion). I feel everyone tall or short would benefit from a better mountain seat. I hope cat comes out with a great mountain seat on the 13's or there is the option of a boss.

Give it a try.

I also did not burn a belt or pull a cord. The clutches were hand warm both days. The snow was pretty much hero snow until we got into the north facing slopes with heavy timber there the snow was soft and deep with a good base. This sled is an extremely capable machine. I love it! Its great to see Cat step up give everyone one of those new belts and an extra year of warranty. GOOD JOB CAT!

 

[Turbo11T]

Here's and update. 4th ride on this set up

I have ridden the sled two more days since my original post I took the seat off and rode in heavy timber...what an improvement! No more doing the Arctic Cat High Step all day. This translates into not getting tired so quickly which leads to less sloppy riding which ultimately mean getting stuck less. With the seat its a viscous cycle! If you do try riding without the seat I recommend taking the rear bracket off the gas tank it holds the seat on. You can still sit down on the machine going down steep terrain and there is an added benefit, it lowers the CG of the machine making it more controllable going down a steep hill. Being able to transition from side to side quickly without using a lot of energy brings the fun factor way up. I used substantially less energy standing up all day then fighting the seat (height and width). My buddies riding Pro's and XP's laughed and bragged about how nice their seats are! Its all in fun. I do like the seat when I ride the trail its very comfortable (the seat is a trail only seat my personal opinion). I feel everyone tall or short would benefit from a better mountain seat. I hope cat comes out with a great mountain seat on the 13's or there is the option of a boss.

Give it a try.

I also did not burn a belt or pull a cord. The clutches were hand warm both days. The snow was pretty much hero snow until we got into the north facing slopes with heavy timber there the snow was soft and deep with a good base. This sled is an extremely capable machine. I love it! Its great to see Cat step up give everyone one of those new belts and an extra year of warranty. GOOD JOB CAT!

Why not put trail sled seat on it. They are lower.