Simmons or Stock on an 08 XP?

[Wish]

I can't decide which way to go.....I started with the stock skis, but they were only on one ride. They seemed to do really good. We put the Simmons on and I just feel like they dart more...and like I'm back to having to muscle the front end of my sled.
I've only been on the snow four times this year so it's hard to decide which is best for me.
Bear in mind, handling is a big issue for me...I'm small and having to fight a sled on a trail tires me out before I even get to the fun stuff!

Other handling changes we've made...suspension is stock; sway bar is disconnected; and went with a two wheel conversion kit.

I think I've only got a couple more rides left for this year... but it'd be nice to get the sled dialed in for next season!

 

[Jamesontf]

THe stock float better then the simmons. As for the darting I couldn't disagree with you more. Have you adjusted your limiter strap? I rode my fathers 163 xp Saturday because my 163 XP/w simmons was getting the oil can changed out. I was so stiff from trying to carve my fathers sled that I couldn't move the next two days. Where you stand on the sled is completely different with the two different sets of skis. I loved the stock skis when I was going 60 miles an hour around a tight corner but that was it they seemed to dart all over the trail as I crossed other peoples tracks. In an effor to be more clear let me discribe my ride on Satruday. we had to ride 20 miles on groomed trails before we could get some where to climb and boondock. Going down the groomed trail is where they darted. while carving and messing around it took much more muscle to get it done. While hillsiding I had to hang off the sled more than I was used to keep it on its side. I did notice by the end of the day if I stood further back on the running boards that the sled was easier to pull over. With my simmons skis i can do figure eights with out crossing my legs over. My dad hates the way my sled rides but I think it comes down to what you get used to. I can carve tighter lines than my father can, but Dad still won't switch. If you end up not liking your simmons let me know if you want to sell.
I forgot one thing when I first got my xp i felt like i couldn't turn the sled the simmons skis seemed to drag and it was very hard to just turn them. I pulled my handle bars back and that made a huge difference. FYI I am 5'7 150lbs

 

[Silver Sledder]

Suspension setup is key.

I have Simmons on both my 08 & 09. You need to setup the suspension right to get the proper handling and ride out of your skis. The dual carbides carve alot better but require extra effort to move around. My setup is: front shocks on #1 setting, front skid shock #2 setting, limiter strap out one hole and torsion spring for your weight (in my case 225lbs = #4). Handle bars back a little bit from vertical and foot placement to control your weight is a big deal. The pilots were good but the Simmons were a good improvement.

 

[Teth-Air]

I agree, the Simmons have a bit heavier feel but once you get things set up, they are way better in the trail and slightly worse flotation.

One thing must be mentioned. The Simmons last 5 times longer than stock skis and will save your front end as they don't catch as much on rocks and stumps.

I added spacers to the spindles where the tie rods connect to give me more leverage by 20% to reduce steering effort. This workks great.

I also dropped the front skid mount by 7/8" to lighten the front end up. This has made the sled handle like a shorter track model. Way fun.

 

[Snojo]

Wish - I've got lots of advice for ya - but you can just ride my sled next week and see what ya think, OK? By the way I've had Simmons, Slydogs and stockers - back to the stock and lovin' it.