Ice Scratchers 2012 Season

[GeorgianBayGuy]

I'd like to revisit an old topic with the hope that there might be some new products and / or updates. Was it last year that Yamaha brought out the be all to end all ice scratchers, but they were not reliable and were pulled?

We run lots of lake and in late Feb early March the sun really beats up the snow cover. So going into the season and with a visit to my mechanic for a oil change and check over shortly it could be a timely question.

Some discussion on where to put them is also on my mind. On the skis themselves or on the frame...seen both and have no idea which is better.

All original, studded, 2009 RS Venture GT.

 

[smoothride]

go to youtube seen some video of scratchers on the ski's with a bolt as a scratchers.

 

[Dimebag]

I use scratchers bolted in the rear skid. Works excellent as long as you remember to hang them up before going in reverse.

I know there are other alternatives available, slidekicks or something that can be used while going in reverse.

As long as you have something there to rip up the ice/snow you should be good. I would have gone with the rear skid mounted scratchers if ionce more if I had to do it again.

 

[grader]

in my opinion the best scratchers are the ones that mount under the running boards. you release one when needed and on rare trips you might need both down. they vibrate and make noise when down so you know not to back up the sled, as this is their only downfall, and sometimes they can be straightened if you do forget. i have driven hundreds of miles on hard blue ice and they work perfectly. most times one is enough and the left one can be dropped without stopping (carefully). when not in use they stay folded up out of the way.my only mod to them is to use a "j" hook to hold them up instead of the plates they come with. this makes it easier to attach them when not being used.

 

[GeorgianBayGuy]

Well I went to my dealer this morning and ordered a set of the Tric Ice Scratchers (SMA-ICESC-02-ST) out of the Yamaha Catalogue.

He checked with Yamaha Canadian customer service and the NEW versions were expected in the next week. Apparently these have been updated completely from the original, recalled ones.

Full update when they are in my hands.

 

[monte1214]

- How much were they from your dealer?

 

[GeorgianBayGuy]

I think they will charge me retail, $89 plus tax.

Ice scratchers, the original, spring loaded ones that you attach to the frame or running boards or the skis are in the $60 range, and if given any chance yours truly will forget to retract them when I need reverse and wreck them and damage where they are mounted.

These seem like a good option, and at least worth a try. Here's the link

http://www.Yamaha-motor.ca/accessories/ ... model=2835

 

[monte1214]

- Yeah, I had them one my old Apex.
- Worked good, but lost a carbide and had to order a new one. $5 I think?

- Anyways, I've went with these this season...http://www.firstplaceparts.com/15-6430. ... QAodzS1Opw

- $75 @ Sled-a-rama on the weekend.

 

[markowinnipeg]

I have the trix scratchers work great. Put them on with hyfax's that were worn down to 1/8" and 1500km later they are still 1/8".
I paid in Winnipeg about a $100 for them

 

[Yammerhead]

- Yeah, I had them one my old Apex.
- Worked good, but lost a carbide and had to order a new one. $5 I think?

- Anyways, I've went with these this season...http://www.firstplaceparts.com/15-6430. ... QAodzS1Opw

- $75 @ Sled-a-rama on the weekend.

I've got a set coming off my MTX. Bought a set of the old spring loaded ones instead. I found they don't put enough pressure down to kick up much snow when the snow is hard. The black cover on the cable has also split on them.

 

[monte1214]

- Thanks for the heads up Yammerhead.

- I'll keep an eye on them.

 

[Phatboyc]

Yep all redone.

http://snowmobiles.yamahablogs.ca/2011/11/30/good-grapes/

 

[Irv]

Yep all redone.

http://snowmobiles.yamahablogs.ca/2011/11/30/good-grapes/

Those look good, it will be interesting to read some reviews to see if there everything they are claiming them to be?

 

[NBvector]

I have been looking at the TRIC scratchers for a while but have been wondering about the 80km/hr limit Yamaha suggests. Any ideas/thoughts on that guys?

 

[radianguy]

I bough them last year, I wouldn't waste my money on them this year! As far as I'm concerned Yamaha should credit the old ones for new ones, then I might try them.