2010 Vector LTX GT- Need wider skiis

[bradley88]

I recently purchased a 2010 Vector LTX GT. I ride a mix of trails, open fields, and some deep snow on lakes. I dont have issues with darting and overall I am very pleased with the stock setup. There is some ski lift in corners but nothing too severe. Compared to an older vector i rode this model is vastly improved.

The one issue I do have is performance in deeper snow, the front end sinks like a battleship and is very difficult to get up and on plane. I would say I ride about 50 percent trails and 50 percent deeper snow on lakes and ditches. We have lots of snow this year where I live. I know this has alot to do with the heavier weight of 4 strokes.

I would like some help deciding on a wider ski/carbide choice, I am considering putting a set of the standard yamaha mountain skis that are just over 7 inches wide on. I am not intereested in the new MT9 ski. I would really appreciate it if any one could offer some suggestions on the best carbide selection with the yamaha mountain ski for my sled. As you know yamaha made lots of changes to the vector in 2010 so I would like to hear from those that ride the same year/model.

I dont want to end up with a ski that causes issues like very hard steering and darting or decreases performance, I would like to be conservative
with my choice as I am not a super aggressive rider. So please suggest carbide to match this ski and whether a single or dual runner would be better and what length you suggest

thanks for any help and input

brad

 

[michmobiler]

Brad, Pilot 6.9 is the ski I run on the same sled. Had these skis on my 07 attak GT before it also. I love the ease of turning and the flotation difference is amazing! Also almost no darting and I used my Yamaha blue ski handles for the oem look. I highly recommend these and if you do a search under pilot 6.9 you will find a ton of info on this site. Happy sledding, Chuck

 

[Turtle]

I have been running SLP Powder Pros on my stretched '06 Nytro. They work great off-trail. But they are an aggressive ski for trail riding. It took me a while, but I was eventually able to get the right balance where the ski pressure didn't end up in heavy steering ... but it still goes where you point it.

You can also install a set of our Muffin Works a-arm protectors. Not only will they keep your a-arms from major damage, but they do help provide floatation for the front of the sled.

 

[Gone Blue]

X 2 on the Pilot 6.9's. If I was buying new skis for a 136" Yamaha that is what I would buy.

I tried a pair of Slydog Powder Hounds on my Rage and while they had a really low steering effort, I thought they added push in the corners. The float off trail was great but I didnt like the push. I am currently running 05' Yamaha Mountain skis with 7.5" Shaper bars. I have the skis shimmed and have little to no darting issues. The steering is a little heavier than stock but not too bad. These skis float OK off trail. G.B.

 

[bottlerocket]

X3 on pilot 6.9s and shaper bars. 4" non studed and 6" with studs on the center and some cheapies on the outside unless your aggressive then go 4" shapers bars there also. Pilots have easier steering and 6.9 float well and have a deeper keel. Pioneer sells kits for yamaha.

 

[RSVECTORFREAK]

I'd go with the new Yamaha Mtn skis...

 

[RageX2]

X4 on the pilot 6.9 on my '10. 5.7 on my 06's. They steer easy, don't dart, just plain work. Yam should just recycle their plastic skis. maybe sell new sleds without skis so everyone can install a ski of their choice that works! I have 6" new shapers center and worn shapers 6"outside. no studs-no issues

 

[yank]

I put Yamaha mountain skis on both my rage & venture & am very happy with the steering & floatation. I run woodies slim jim doolies. They don't push the corners like other dual-runners & are very durable. If you get the mountain skis, you should only have to order the cores, bushings, & longer bolts. Re-use the loops. I sold my stock used cores on e-bay for $80 a set! I put a float plate on the venture since I crash a lot of brush on the trapline. Gives good protection & floatation, but oil changes take longer.

 

[bradley88]

wider skii

I do appreciate all the replies so far, I decided to go with the older yamaha mountain ski. I should get them next week. I think I will try the studboy deuce 4.5 inch carbides and see how it performs. If I am not satisfied I may try another carbide. I saw a few machines locally and they had these skiis and several had dual carbides not sure what brand of carbide. If after quite a bit of sledding I am not satisfied I may consider the pilots.


I think I will ride it before adjusting the front shocks or shimmimg because I am just not that technical and really have no idea what to adjust

 

[radianguy]

Re: wider skii

I do appreciate all the replies so far, I decided to go with the older yamaha mountain ski. I should get them next week. I think I will try the studboy deuce 4.5 inch carbides and see how it performs. If I am not satisfied I may try another carbide. I saw a few machines locally and they had these skiis and several had dual carbides not sure what brand of carbide. If after quite a bit of sledding I am not satisfied I may consider the pilots.


I think I will ride it before adjusting the front shocks or shimmimg because I am just not that technical and really have no idea what to adjust

That's the combo I went with this year on my Nytro XTX ( I know you asked for opinions on your '10 Vector LTX) so far I like them better than the 6.9's I was running for the last 2 seasons.

 

[swmichvector]

X5 on the pilots.

 

[Vector Julie]

X6 on Pilots

 

[Bowhunter]

Got the yami mnt ski's and dualies on my 09 venture gt and they made a huge difference in floatation and handeling.

 

[bradley88]

I went up north this weekend and they have had almost 2 feet of fresh powder. I put the yamaha mountain skiis and studboy 4.5 inch deuce runners on. I cannot even explain the difference on trail it is amazing. i can ride with one hand , no darting no pushing. In the new deep fresh snow it floats and I love the machine now.

 

[studdog]

I found the Yamy mountain skis have a deeper keel which caused hard steering in crusty conditions. I am now running Curve skis which IMO perform better in all conditions.