Snowchecked my first mountain sled

[ratlover]

Snowchecked a 154 x 2.6 Hardcore pull start. Opted for pro kit and Alpha brace. Are there any must haves or things I should consider? This is my first mountain sled. Guessing most are going to say elevate and boards but I think Im going to try that in stock form for a bit to see how I do with that stock. Or are those true must haves for a beginner? Also want to get a season on it before I add any performance mods. Im 6’2” 180 guessing springs/shocks and risers should be close and I can tweak once I get some seat time if needed.
Protect air, a spare belt and spare plugs are on my list to have right away. Anything else I need to consider? Thanks!

 

[Bengalfan]

As a beginner that sled is just fine, hell for most experieced riders it and most any other brands 800cc sleds and above are setup just fine. The pro kit and brace looked like the way to go only other thing may be a can just to drop some easy weight. I don`t have an Alpha myself but don`t think you need to worry about other improvements just gas oil and have fun and patients learning to ride.

 

[CB.8]

Oil and gas

 

[summ8rmk]

Don't need the elevate but its so nice to get the front of the sled up out of the snow.. it helps with deep snow decents, less diving.

Sent it

 

[Old & slow]

If your mountain riding all the Avy gear and a level one course are must have's. Pick up some gear case oil too you should change that often or replace the lower aluminum gear with a steel one. Really these sleds are good out of the box. There was a spring upgrade on the hard cores I cant remember for which shock the HC guys will know. The 22 may already have the stiffer spring that is something to check.

 

[ratlover]

Thanks! Looking forward to learning. I like trails and the flat lands and all but not much of a challenge.

 

[ratlover]

Good call on Avy gear. I have all the flatlander stuff but have no avy gear. I plan for my first trip to include some training. All I know is I don’t know **** and these sleds could get me someplace I shouldn’t be without knowing.
Gear case oil change after break in then follow the manual or does it even say in manual?

 

[Old & slow]

I know with the aluminum gear the oil is always discolored. I personally don't like that so I put in a BDX steel gear and change the oil once a year. I am not sure what the manual suggests. Another thing I do is wash my drive belts with soapy water before break in. I break in the original and then the spare. that way if you need to change one out you are good to go.

 

[BlueDevil]

I wouldnt mess with the bottom gear myself. Change oil every 100 miles for three changes.

 

[ratlover]

Did some searching on chain case oil. Wow people are all over the place. Everything from ATF to gear oil. Bit of a viscosity difference there. Im not in the camp of always use manufacturers lube because the engineer knows best. Im fine fine with spending more if its better though. Seems like redline has an approved fluid and I had great luck with their motor oils and shockproof in different applications so will probably go that route.
I also like the idea of dumping it regularly at first break in. Usually dump and change oils at 500 but assumed should do earlier on a sled. 100 sounds like a good “break in” period for a sled.