new to the sport

[REKXP]

It is tough to beat Klim gear for anything except the price. The price is steep. I haven't tried the Motor Fist stuff yet but I propbably will go that route when I need to. For gloves I have a pair of Klim but they are for the cold days, most of the time I use the Fly gloves that (I think) are made for snowmobiling. They are thin for gripping and water proof as well as a little insulation on the back of the hand for warmth ( I don't have handgaurds).

 

[newmy1]

Buy once buy KLIM.

 

[newmy1]

Well said PJ. And when you get all that done you will be broke and happy like the rest of us.

I dunno on the 509s. I ride with a couple of guys that have them and they are always stopping to change them out or de-fog them.

I have the Scott XIs and I have only had to switch them out for a dry pair once. As for KLIM, they use to be top notch but are sliding downhill FAST!
I would get the HMK gear and DO NOT get a full face or a modular helmet, you will end up hating it and buying a motocross style anyways. Snowboard boots do work very well, they are light and waterproof. Do stay away from the metal eyelets though.

Always carry extra gloves with you, invest in a spare fuel can and carry it with you on the sled. You don't need to buy sled brand specific oil for the sled, there are other brands out there that are WAY cheaper that do the same exact job and will not harm your motor. INJEX for example is 15-20 a gallon cheaper than the sled brand oil and does the same thing. I won't hurt the sled at all. Carry dry socks. Prepare yourself to spend the night outdoors, even if you never do. The day will come when you may have to and you won't regret it. Always try to go to a "new" area with somebody that already knows the lay of the land, you will enjoy the ride more that way. Wear layers. Take plenty of food and water. Don't take beer, that is just plain stupid, IMO. Fresh snow, buddies and cameras make us do plenty of stupid chit as it is, you don't need booze to help out. Save that for after the ride. Get a shovel, beacons and avy training. Save for the more expensive avy protection stuff during the off season.

Respect all backcountry users, including the irritating twig fairies that create so many headaches for the snowmobiling sport. Stay out of the wilderness areas even though that untracked powder is awefully tempting.

just a few tips off the top of my head. Have fun and welcome.

 

[PJ-Hunter]

It is tough to beat Klim gear for anything except the price. The price is steep. I haven't tried the Motor Fist stuff yet but I propbably will go that route when I need to. For gloves I have a pair of Klim but they are for the cold days, most of the time I use the Fly gloves that (I think) are made for snowmobiling. They are thin for gripping and water proof as well as a little insulation on the back of the hand for warmth ( I don't have handgaurds).

Motor Fist is also quite spendy, too spendy for me to ditch my 1 year old KLIM gear that isn't torn yet to try out. But I have plenty of friends who have had new stuff fail and are in the market to shop around, hence HMK just got a tad richer.

Well said PJ. And when you get all that done you will be broke and happy like the rest of us.

Not too happy these days, Newmy.

 

[HAYSTAX]

I'm in the same position as the OP - wondering if the snowmobile specific brands are that good compared to high end ski gear?

I have been using some Oakley snowboard pants and an Eastern Mountain Sports parka that were always adequate when I was a knuckle dragger. Both are high quality goretex etc. Yesterday in deep fresh powder I came home soaked. Might have been extra sweat from rolling the sled over a couple times though too. Probably a combination - wasn't impressed, it was a bright sunny warm day but the 5 miles back to the trailer was a wake-up.

I also own quite a bit of Arc'Teryx ski gear and I would have a hard time trying any other brand of outdoor clothing - snowmobile specific or not. I guess I will break out the "good" clothes for the rest of the year and report back. I have never been uncomfortable in these shells, softshells or bibs. And my shell is the Packlite goretex, not even the insane high end shell. I have hiked, hunted, and skiied in these clothes and never been uncomfortable. There is no bulk and movement is second to none - they are built for climbing so weight and mobility are great.

Before you buy sled clothes, for the same money you can get some Arc'Teryx that is probably ten times the gear for the money. I have great luck with backcountry.com for all my ski gear. Just putting it out there since there seems to be mixed reviews on Klim et al.

I do need to replace the old AXO mx helmet - when it gets cold are the sled specific helmets that much better?

I have always been very happy with Smith and Oakley goggles for both moto and ski. It is nice to have a couple tint options with your spare set as well.

 

[STANG302]

Wear what you're comfortable in, you'll have more fun, but you definitely get what you pay for when it comes to pants/coat, don't go with Castle or anything cheap, you'll regret it. If you don't sled much, then wear the gear you already have, but if you live to sled, like I do, get good gear!

I disagree. I've been super hapy with my castle gear. Not once have i been cold, too warm or wet with my bibs and jacket. From rides well below zero to running around in the upper 20's (doesn't get much warmer than that around me).

I use my winter boots that are a cabellas brand 1200 gram, breathable water proof boot. There nice and stiff and again my feet never overheat and get sweaty they work excellent. Though I will admit this isn't the ideal boot to have.

The area that I've found you need to spend your dollar smarter is on gloves! I started with a $50 pair, they are the best winter glove I've ever had but not for snowmobile use. Hands got cold fast with them and thats with warmers on max. Steped up to a realy nice set of kilm gloves and now its a non issue. And keep the others as a spare. I've switched from a full face hjc to a hjc motocross helmet and a set of Haber vision OTG gogles. They work exclent and no longer have an issue with my glasses foging up.

Would I by castle again absolutly. I don't see the purpose of spending a grand or more on gear.

 

[live2ride]

I am looking for any advice on jackets, gloves, helmets, goggles. Trying to learn from experienced riders. do ski/snowboard clothes work well or is snowmobile specific clothing the way to go

One thing to remember is support those who support us. Many companies donate huge amounts of money to shut us out of riding areas. Scott usa, Klim, FXR, Castle, Arctivia, HMK, Motorfist, fly, Troy lee design, and many others and dont forget the sled mfr gear. These companies have worked hard to figure out what works for the most part. I personally wear Scott usa gear ( coat, pants, goggles, gloves)

 

[live2ride]

I am looking for any advice on jackets, gloves, helmets, goggles. Trying to learn from experienced riders. do ski/snowboard clothes work well or is snowmobile specific clothing the way to go

One thing to remember is support those who support us. Many companies donate huge amounts of money to shut us out of riding areas. Scott usa, Klim, FXR, Castle, Arctivia, HMK, Motorfist, fly, Troy lee design, and many others and dont forget the sled mfr gear. These companies have worked hard to figure out what works for the most part. I personally wear Scott usa gear ( coat, pants, goggles, gloves)

 

[REKXP]

Motor Fist is also quite spendy, too spendy for me to ditch my 1 year old KLIM gear that isn't torn yet to try out. But I have plenty of friends who have had new stuff fail and are in the market to shop around, hence HMK just got a tad richer.


I hadn't heard anything bad about Motor Fist gear yet. By "new stuff failing" I assume you are talking about the Motor Fist gear? I know their gear is spendy but if it is a one time purchase I could do that. But if you have plenty of friends that are having issues, I would like to know whats up before I buy. In all fairness though I don't have any complaints about the Klim gear other than price. For me they have a very high quality product.

 

[live2ride]

I am looking for any advice on jackets, gloves, helmets, goggles. Trying to learn from experienced riders. do ski/snowboard clothes work well or is snowmobile specific clothing the way to go

One thing to remember is support those who support us. Many companies donate huge amounts of money to shut us out of riding areas. Scott usa, Klim, FXR, Castle, Arctivia, HMK, Motorfist, fly, Troy lee design, and many others and dont forget the sled mfr gear. These companies have worked hard to figure out what works for the most part. I personally wear Scott usa gear ( coat, pants, goggles, gloves)