Won't go in deep snow.

[Joelwk]

I'm fairly new to sledding, just got my sleds last summer.

We go about 20" of snow last night and I tried to go for a ride on my 2001 Polaris XC 800 SP today. Got stuck several times barely got it unstuck a couple times.

It has nearly new 1.25" track, and I was expecting it to go just fine. Was quite disappointed with how poorly it went. If I got up some speed it would sort of "plane out" but if I slowed down it would start to sink and plow snow.

How do people go sledding when there is a 10' base? I know the Mountain Sleds have a longer track, but I thought that just made them go better. I did not think it was required, just to be able to move.

Is this how a short track sled always performs in deep powder.

Anything I can do (other than a different/longer track) to the sled to make it go better in the deep powder?

My skis are stock and pretty well worn, so I may be replacing them soon. Would different (wider) skis make a significant difference? If so, what would be a good set of skis to consider?

 

[firecatguy]

http://www.akmining.com/snow/powder1.htm

 

[Ryan-41]

I'm fairly new to sledding, just got my sleds last summer.

We go about 20" of snow last night and I tried to go for a ride on my 2001 Polaris XC 800 SP today. Got stuck several times barely got it unstuck a couple times.

It has nearly new 1.25" track, and I was expecting it to go just fine. Was quite disappointed with how poorly it went. If I got up some speed it would sort of "plane out" but if I slowed down it would start to sink and plow snow.

How do people go sledding when there is a 10' base? I know the Mountain Sleds have a longer track, but I thought that just made them go better. I did not think it was required, just to be able to move.

Is this how a short track sled always performs in deep powder.

Anything I can do (other than a different/longer track) to the sled to make it go better in the deep powder?

My skis are stock and pretty well worn, so I may be replacing them soon. Would different (wider) skis make a significant difference? If so, what would be a good set of skis to consider?

You have a short track its as simple as that and you only have 1.25 inch lugs.. That isn't helping either. Modern mountain sleds have 2.25 to 2.4!! It would help a lot if you got a 136 with a 2 inch lug!!! Good luck but you need a big track with atleast a 2 inch lug!!! Another thing you have a lot of power with an 800 and that track is just trenching because you don't have the lug you need so that it will get up on the snow!!!

 

[newmy1]

You might also want to try wearing a modular helmet and adding some monster stickers to your sled.

 

[Ryan-41]

http://www.akmining.com/snow/powder1.htm

haha that's awesome...Great info. for a beginner!!

 

[firecatguy]

haha that's awesome...Great info. for a beginner!!

I think he said he was new......

 

[Ryan-41]

I think he said he was new......

Ya he said he bought his sled last summer!!!

 

[diggerdown]

I've gotten stuck going down hill with a 162x 16 track, so don't feel too bad. Short tracks can be fun but the stiff lugs and lack of float dig holes real good.

 

[m8magicandmystery]

this guy is pulling our leg

 

[polarisfornow]

You might also want to try wearing a modular helmet and adding some monster stickers to your sled.

 

[Skippyspad]

One thing to remember is momentum. Once in the deep stuff, keep moving. If you have to stop, try to circle back onto your tracks or someone elses. If you have to stop, do it gently. If you feel it start to sink, put your thumb in the carb and climb back on top. I've done a lot of trail breaking on my 07 Yamaha Venture GT. 650 + Lbs plus my weight with the stock track (144 in. 1.25 luggs). You'll be working pretty hard to carve the powder like a mountain or cross country sled with the track you have, but you can still get out and have a blast without spending all day digging.

Mike

 

[sclwald]

Another problem when you get it in the deep is a slipping belt. Check the condition of the belt and for glazing.

My wife had a short track here in wyoming to learn to ride. It was a 500 and did fine in 20" of fresh snow.

So this may help without all the smart *** responses although I like some of them.

 

[MARV1]

Gear it down, adjust the secondary for belt height as well. $600 and you can buy a longer track with extensions, turn around and sell your 121" track for a couple hundred or so. Way more fun than stock.

 

[spook222]

Gear it down, adjust the secondary for belt height as well. $600 and you can buy a longer track with extensions, turn around and sell your 121" track for a couple hundred or so. Way more fun than stock.

I agree. go to a snow show or something if you can't afford a new track and just longtrack it and be done with it. My buddy picked up a 162 attack 20 almost brand new at this year's snow show for $50. That along with some cheap extensions and some time and your done. Don't think you can extend from a 121 to 162 but just go to 144 and you'll be way ahead. not too hard to do. just my two cents.

 

[srx_600]

Track spin is a huge thing as well. When in deep snow you want enough track spin to move but not so much that your trench yourself into a hole.

 

[PJ-Hunter]

Port your chaincase.

 

[xrated]

Port your chaincase.

what patern would you go with?

repeat of everyone else, go longer and deeper lugs.

 

[PJ-Hunter]

what patern would you go with?

repeat of everyone else, go longer and deeper lugs.

The new 2010 honeycomb design that Ski-Doo has come out with. It seems to be working well with their venting on the side panels.

 

[xrated]

The new 2010 honeycomb design that Ski-Doo has come out with. It seems to be working well with their venting on the side panels.

thanks. Any pre-filter for that venting?

 

[MARV1]

No prefilter works best, better flow and less turbulence.