W
wntrland
Active member
Timbersled 137LE w/TSS VS. Camso DTS 129 - The Camso TimberSlayer comes out on Top!
I know folks have been anxious to hear how the new Camso can hang with the Timbersled, so I thought I would provide a quick review. Keep in mind that this is just a first test, in very specific snow conditions - the winter is long and we will all enjoy the ride!
This test was conducted on two Honda CRF450R’s with brand new 2017 Kits installed. Both bikes were set-up as best as we know how. We’ve been avid snow bikers since 2011 and pay close attention to suspension set-up and geometry to make these things handle properly. Snow conditions were really good - about 4 feet of snow depth w/ a foot and a half of fluffy pow on top and a good base below. Riding was done on roads, trails, tight trees and the edges of flowing meadows, all with good side hills, hill climbs and terrain changes. The riders swapped back and forth many times in all conditions.
When breaking trail up an old logging road, the Camso could pull away from the Timbersled, if both were making their own track. The Camso track gave the sensation that it was getting better traction and transmitting more power into forward momentum. Also, the Camso ski has a very light feel, while the Timbersled ski seemed to drag more. The difference here was slight, but given enough full throttle time - the Camso could leave the Timbersled behind.
Both set-ups get around good in the tight trees. The Camso just feels funner and takes less effort to steer. It handles quicker and is more predictable than the long track Timbersled. The 137LE tends to freight train, or push in the corners and takes substantially more effort to make it turn.
When racing around the edges of open meadows, both set-ups are a blast. There was no clear advantage here either way. In straight up and side hill climbing the Camso had a slight advantage. It could gain and hold momentum going up hill better than the Timbersled.
Both kits handled very differently from each other on the road. They are both good in their own way. The Timbersled has a more solid and predictable feel. The ski is more planted and it likes to go straight. The Camso gives a much lighter and freer feeling. You steer the Timbersled with the ski and the Camso with your hips. The Camso track throws a wicked roost behind it while going down the trail. Another testament to how much traction the track can find in the snow.
Overall both of these kits are a blast to ride, and for the conditions noted above, you couldn’t go wrong with either one. It’s just that after swapping back & forth in all conditions, both riders agreed that the Camso was the better choice for the day.
I know folks have been anxious to hear how the new Camso can hang with the Timbersled, so I thought I would provide a quick review. Keep in mind that this is just a first test, in very specific snow conditions - the winter is long and we will all enjoy the ride!
This test was conducted on two Honda CRF450R’s with brand new 2017 Kits installed. Both bikes were set-up as best as we know how. We’ve been avid snow bikers since 2011 and pay close attention to suspension set-up and geometry to make these things handle properly. Snow conditions were really good - about 4 feet of snow depth w/ a foot and a half of fluffy pow on top and a good base below. Riding was done on roads, trails, tight trees and the edges of flowing meadows, all with good side hills, hill climbs and terrain changes. The riders swapped back and forth many times in all conditions.
When breaking trail up an old logging road, the Camso could pull away from the Timbersled, if both were making their own track. The Camso track gave the sensation that it was getting better traction and transmitting more power into forward momentum. Also, the Camso ski has a very light feel, while the Timbersled ski seemed to drag more. The difference here was slight, but given enough full throttle time - the Camso could leave the Timbersled behind.
Both set-ups get around good in the tight trees. The Camso just feels funner and takes less effort to steer. It handles quicker and is more predictable than the long track Timbersled. The 137LE tends to freight train, or push in the corners and takes substantially more effort to make it turn.
When racing around the edges of open meadows, both set-ups are a blast. There was no clear advantage here either way. In straight up and side hill climbing the Camso had a slight advantage. It could gain and hold momentum going up hill better than the Timbersled.
Both kits handled very differently from each other on the road. They are both good in their own way. The Timbersled has a more solid and predictable feel. The ski is more planted and it likes to go straight. The Camso gives a much lighter and freer feeling. You steer the Timbersled with the ski and the Camso with your hips. The Camso track throws a wicked roost behind it while going down the trail. Another testament to how much traction the track can find in the snow.
Overall both of these kits are a blast to ride, and for the conditions noted above, you couldn’t go wrong with either one. It’s just that after swapping back & forth in all conditions, both riders agreed that the Camso was the better choice for the day.
