Back in Feb 2010 when we were out riding them for the Polaris Release...many people noticed and commented on this as being a concern.
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Polaris Pro tight foot loops
- Thread starter randalls
- Start date
I can't see that it will weaken anything! I havn't even rode my sled yet, but can see this being an issue. Im cutting mine off, I enjoy being able to walk.
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sledneck_03
Well-known member
Size 10 Klim Boots, never even thought that the hoops were tight. Weird 
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volcano buster
Well-known member
Size 17 HMK Voyager Boa's - they get stuck everywhere!!
I hope there is a fix as I don't like the idea of blocking this "tool" off as I often lift my toe and pull on the hoop to pull on the sled if I need more weight transfer for a brief time.
I hope there is a fix as I don't like the idea of blocking this "tool" off as I often lift my toe and pull on the hoop to pull on the sled if I need more weight transfer for a brief time.
Stirrups are like the appendix. A vestigial part from a bygone era that just causes pain and suffering. Even on my cat, I dread the thought of my boot twisting just right and getting stuck, I'm old enough that things don't flex nor heal anymore.
What other motorsport has such a thing?
What other motorsport has such a thing?
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Oregonsledder
Well-known member
I'm convinced they can be blocked off so a boot would not enter far enough to get stuck, but still allow for the toe to have an anchor when needed. That's my goal, I just haven't had enough time to work out a solution.
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sledneck_03
Well-known member
pop riveted in a plate that keeps snow out of foot well vents and allows your toes to lift up but keeps your foot back enough to not get stuck
For those who've read this thread and not really considered the hazard lurking on the sides of your sled, I'd like to add this. Twice on my previous sled, a 12 pro, I had my foot get stuck in the stirrup/foot well. Once was inconsequential, the other nearly cost me an ankle or knee. I was sideways on a sidehill and had a toe under the bar and the sled started tipping over to the downhill side. I assumed that at some point I could pull my foot out and step off the machine as it rolled. I tried to pull my foot out and it was stuck solid as the sled rolled over onto it's side. I was in lot's of pain and could not move. Fortunately two others on the ride saw this and rolled the sled back up so I could get my foot out. No permanent injury but very close.
Just a few days ago, Jan 2, in Togwotee, I let my wife ride my 14 pro and I rode her 08 Dragon for a bit. Rode a sidehill wrong foot forward and the rear of the sled washed out and lo and behold I had my foot all the way in the foot well. As the sled twisted/slid my foot got stuck on the knurls on the edge of the running board and then sudden intense pain in the knee and very loud popping sounds. Took me and my throbbing knee to the trailer and called it a day. Next morning could barely walk. Doc says no tears but PT guy says 4-6 weeks to get back to normal. In all of the three incidents I was wearing Klim boots.
I will be making some modifications on my pro now, either grind the sharp doo-dads down or add a plate to keep the foot from going all the way in. The point of my story is: I suggest folks take this topic serious, it's not a matter of if but when.
Just a few days ago, Jan 2, in Togwotee, I let my wife ride my 14 pro and I rode her 08 Dragon for a bit. Rode a sidehill wrong foot forward and the rear of the sled washed out and lo and behold I had my foot all the way in the foot well. As the sled twisted/slid my foot got stuck on the knurls on the edge of the running board and then sudden intense pain in the knee and very loud popping sounds. Took me and my throbbing knee to the trailer and called it a day. Next morning could barely walk. Doc says no tears but PT guy says 4-6 weeks to get back to normal. In all of the three incidents I was wearing Klim boots.
I will be making some modifications on my pro now, either grind the sharp doo-dads down or add a plate to keep the foot from going all the way in. The point of my story is: I suggest folks take this topic serious, it's not a matter of if but when.
A topic like this truly tells you where the R&D is done . What other reason for stirrups other than rallying trails ?
It will be interesting to see whom changes what since Poo has say in Klim now that their financially invested .
Maybe Klim will come out with a built in rechargeable thin soled boot .
It will be interesting to see whom changes what since Poo has say in Klim now that their financially invested .
Maybe Klim will come out with a built in rechargeable thin soled boot .
More broken bones
My wife broke her right ankle at Togwotee last week with this same issue on her 13 Pro. 2 mph tip over on a sidehill. Thought it was sprained and rode two more days on it. Surgery Monday to fix it. She was wearing size 9 MF Stompers. I have had it happen too but never with an injury result but it is a very helpless feeling to be stuck in them.
In another instance last year my wife went over a small stump while tree riding and had it stick up through the front running board hole under her foot. She had the top of her foot pinned to the hoop from the stump poked through the board hole against the boot sole. I had to saw the stump off as I couldn't lift both the sled and her off it at the same time in powder. We laughed about that one. Not the latest incident.
Planning on some modifications before the next ride.
My wife broke her right ankle at Togwotee last week with this same issue on her 13 Pro. 2 mph tip over on a sidehill. Thought it was sprained and rode two more days on it. Surgery Monday to fix it. She was wearing size 9 MF Stompers. I have had it happen too but never with an injury result but it is a very helpless feeling to be stuck in them.
In another instance last year my wife went over a small stump while tree riding and had it stick up through the front running board hole under her foot. She had the top of her foot pinned to the hoop from the stump poked through the board hole against the boot sole. I had to saw the stump off as I couldn't lift both the sled and her off it at the same time in powder. We laughed about that one. Not the latest incident.
Planning on some modifications before the next ride.
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rmscustom
Well-known member
Just an update. Turns out she broke her fib. They put a cast on to see how it heals but it still might need surgery.
Will be doing some mods to hers for next year... Anybody just cut them off? Are they structural at all? Haven't really had time to look at them close.
Im one of the guys that has never had a problem but all of these posts still got me thinking.
My preventive solution was to get my port-a-power in there and just open them up a bit. I put a 2ft long 2x4 on the running board to take the load and then pushed up in the center of the stirrup with the rubber head attachment.
The end results was a nice arched stirrup with the center raised up 1/2 - 3/4".
I noticed the difference right away on the next ride, boot goes in an out very easy now, A little adjustment makes a big difference. Eric
My preventive solution was to get my port-a-power in there and just open them up a bit. I put a 2ft long 2x4 on the running board to take the load and then pushed up in the center of the stirrup with the rubber head attachment.
The end results was a nice arched stirrup with the center raised up 1/2 - 3/4".
I noticed the difference right away on the next ride, boot goes in an out very easy now, A little adjustment makes a big difference. Eric
Cant believe Polaris didn't fix this on the 16s - POOR design to say the least. My seriously dislocated and broken ankle, and subsequent $22k surgery, including 12 screws and a plate, are testament that this is a VERY REAL problem!! Looks fixable though with a rivet-in plate as posted earlier or bending the cross rod up a bit. If a person can get an inch more height in the middle, i think a majority of the problem would be solved.
Or just cut the loop off if it's of concern to anyone
I ride in these Nike boots and my foot does not come close to getting stuck.
http://kicksdeals.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/nike-acg-woodside-ii-dark-khaki-1.jpg
They also grip the running boards better than snowboard boots. Can't say I've ever strapped on true sledding boots though.
Obviously giving up some protection from other injuries with the softness of the boot. But hooking my foot on the top stirrup and dipping my shoulder in the snow during a tight carve is one of my favorite things
http://kicksdeals.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/nike-acg-woodside-ii-dark-khaki-1.jpg
They also grip the running boards better than snowboard boots. Can't say I've ever strapped on true sledding boots though.
Obviously giving up some protection from other injuries with the softness of the boot. But hooking my foot on the top stirrup and dipping my shoulder in the snow during a tight carve is one of my favorite things
