Apex or Attack

[ahamade]

Hey everyone, I am looking into getting into snowmobing and I been looking at both the Apex and the Attack. I plan on riding on Michigan trails like Indian River area and Burt lake. Which of the 2 skis would be better?

Thanks for any input.

 

[KubotaOne]

The major difference between the two is the length of track. The basic theory is this:

A longer track provides greater traction - more track on the ground = better grip and quicker acceleration from a stand still. The increased track length "bridges" the bumps, creating a smoother ride. They are more stable because the longer track wants to keep travelling in a straight line. Also, the Attak will float better in the powder with its bigger footprint.

The advantage of a shorter track? They turn better because there is less track on the ground holding it straight. They are lighter. Shorties also usually have a higher top-end speed because there is less rolling mass and often different gearing.

 

[rock]

ahamade,
KubotaOne was right on with his explanation. I struggled with which one to get as well. I've got a Warrior (the Attak's predecessor) and absolutely love it. I like the ability to sneak off-trail and zip through a field, a logging road, etc with confidence. The Apex is a phenomenal sled. I got a chance to test ride one last March and was blown away.
Here's what I finally decided. I asked my dealer (Gary's Yamaha, Caribou, Maine) what he thought and he advised me to go with the Apex GT as duplicating the updated shock package would be very expensive in the Attak. Further, he told me that lengthening the skid on the Apex would be a much less expensive option if I chose to do it later. I would then have the long track plus the top of the line shock package. One of the reasons I went with my Warrior was I felt the suspension would be better. With the monoshock I feel it has been improved to the point where it is a non-issue.
Basically it's a question of what's best for you. Either sled would be an excellent choice. The Apex would be a little more fun handling wise for you if you're an aggressive rider. The Attak is more versatile if you like to vary your riding experiences. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Mighty]

IMHO get an Attak. Of all the reports I read from the guys that test rode the 06's last winter the majority ended up getting Attaks.

 

[Mighty]

PS Being a fellow Michigander you realize that our trails can start out pretty nice in the morning. Then by mid day you are questioning why in the hell you do this sport. That's where the Attak will really shine with it's ride :ORC

 

[Yamahnator]

IMHO get an Attak. Of all the reports I read from the guys that test rode the 06's last winter the majority ended up getting Attaks.

This is true in my case.

 

[Swiss Sledder]

Shorties also usually have a higher top-end speed because there is less rolling mass and often different gearing.

Agree with everything else in your post except the above. Both SnowTrax and SnowTech have stated that their experience indicates a 136" is not any slower than the same sled in a 121" track. In fact, they said the 136" was often slightly faster on top end than a 121" track.

 

[Mighty]

Shorties also usually have a higher top-end speed because there is less rolling mass and often different gearing.

Agree with everything else in your post except the above. Both SnowTrax and SnowTech have stated that their experience indicates a 136" is not any slower than the same sled in a 121" track. In fact, they said the 136" was often slightly faster on top end than a 121" track.

Funny you bring that up. I was reading the same thing and they said it was because the longer skids keep the sled more stable at speed. The shorter skids allow the #*$&@ to wobble slightly screwing up the aerodynamics.

 

[KubotaOne]

I figured that comment might ruffle a few feathers.

Just to clarify, I said long tracks are "usually" slower top-end. I have no idea about the Apex/Attak difference.

For me, 90 MPH is about all I need to see.

 

[yamadoo]

Great post, Good summary above.

My 2 cents. :ORC I ride the north shore mn , south shore WI and some UP of Mi and I want to do more off trail on busy w/e's and think the added track will make that more fun and less work. I do not think you can go wrong with these new yamis, what is not to like? I know some sno cross wanna be will say Weight but have they even ridden them? :? I notice these guys are often teen agers with less than a thousand miles per year on; their profile. I ride big miles (4-600 per w/e) and will be switching to an Attak, but if I got a steal on an Apex I would not hesitate ---- great sleds .

Yamadoo

 

[snomonut]

Doesn't anyone have a problem with a FIRST TIME SLEDDER buying a 150 HP rocket??!! :ORC

Just my opinion....

 

[KubotaOne]

Doesn't anyone have a problem with a FIRST TIME SLEDDER buying a 150 HP rocket??!! :ORC

Just my opinion....

I agree. Maybe he should be considering the 120HP models.

I suppose it depends on the individual.

 

[rock]

As far as 120 hp vs. 150 hp I would say either sled ridden irresponsibly is dangerous. Just because an Attak or Apex has 150 hp doesn't mean he's got to grab a fist full of throttle.

 

[snomonut]

Doesn't anyone have a problem with a FIRST TIME SLEDDER buying a 150 HP rocket??!! :ORC

Just my opinion....

I agree. Maybe he should be considering the 120HP models.

I suppose it depends on the individual.

I can't tell you how many times I've seen this happen....IMO even 120 HP is a potential for disaster with a newbie....what this snowmobile market REALLY needs is intermediate type sleds, well, that's the market Yamaha is currently not addressing very well.

 

[snowbeast]

I dont know if this will help any,but when john of garys invited me to test both apex/attak last april we took the 6hr drive up and was thrilled to do back to back comparos with the attak/apex---- to the rx1/warrior wow is all i can say,now the warrior/rx1 both 05s are haed and shoulders ahead of my 03 rx1 but now the attak/apex is head and shoulders above them sort of in the same way. Testing both attak and apex side by side comparisions showed to me on this day,under these conditions that they both had identical top speeds,at least all the top end that they could muster on this day,and it was 40+ raining out with very wet heavy snow,some packed some loose down a tote road of about 1/2 mile long all they could do was 110 speedo,and yes i was a little dissapointed,my gps was reading 97mph so still 13 mph off,now taking into consideration the week before we had the same 05 rage out on the rr bed doing 109 speedo and on this day on same road only 93 speedo, conditions mean everything,and these both attak/apex had woody dule runners on and heavy ski pressure set up,acording to john,cause the jap rep did not want anyone to not be able to steer and go off trail and cause injuries or damage to the protos,ok now what steered me in the attak direction,after i had the GT on order,same top speed,handling was sharper on attak and ride was better,plus wind protection,and the advantage to sneek off trail,hope this helps.