mountain sleds on the trails

[Yamahajrp]

I am currently looking for a 06 and newer Yamaha sled and in my searches I have seen some mountain sleds but have shyed away from them scince I do mostly trail riding, how do the 144+ tracks handle down the trail?

 

[Vmax4]

Despite what others will say......... If all you do is trails, you will be far happier with a sled built for that segment of the sport. In my opinion, there is nothing that can compare to a shorty in the tight and twisties. Now live where I live, and the short track gets you about 50 feet off the trail. I have to run a 153+. But I definately feel it in the trail. Just my 2 cents.

 

[rindtj]

I would not buy a purpose built mountain snowmobile if I planned to spend a lot of time on trail. XTXs on the other hand people have been known to enjoy on the trail.

 

[Super Sled]

I concur with the above posts 100%. Unless you like to ride/ play off trail also, id find a shortie (121") or a 136" if I was u. I have a mountain sled and they simply wear you down faster and won't keep up in the tight twisties. For that reason, I keep a mountain sled fir riding off trail, and a 136" for trails.

But on the other hand the mountain sled is more versatile and you may discover you like riding off trail.

 

[APEX 06]

I use my 08 Apex Mtx in the UP all the time for offtrail riding. Its alort fun on the trails getting to play areas, it takes a lot more work.

 

[roostinraptor]

i have a 121 tip up to a 144, like a xtx and ride about 60% trail and once i got used to trail riding it i had no problem passing the shorter sleds in the group. is a little more work thru corners but feels more stable and takes the whoops better.

 

[Super Sled]

I guess specific mannerisms of mountain sleds on trail are they feel more tippy due to shorter ski stance, tend to push in corners, hyrax burn faster (scratchers will help this), tracks are more expensive to replace, geared low so over-rev on the trail/ max speed about 80 mph, tend to be more work through the twisties and you still can't keep up with the shorties. And then in the straight stretches your buddies will be full throttle and bye bye, they pull away.

But then in a super snowy day or on those occasions when you guys want to play off trail, you'll be riding circles around your buds.

 

[Super Sled]

And don't get me wrong -- I'm a mountain sled rider at heart like Apex 06 is also. I actually prefer them because I like variety and I love powder. But they do have draw backs on trail if your with serious trail riders, trust me.

The XTX's are a tad different. They are a cross over sled. A mix. A longer footprint sled using tip up rails over straight rails. They are also geared higher for trail speeds and higher speeds and generally come with a track made for trails. I.e., the Ripsaw track.

 

[Off Trail Mike]

I run an xtx for trail and mtx for deeper stuff, and I am very happy with the xtx on the trails. But all the guys points are true; I don't lead the pack in the trails, but 60mph+ thru the twisties is way too fast for me anyway.

I like the compromise of the XTX. It trails very well, and the tip up rails really do help the 144 corner. I don't really feel any difference between a 136 and 144. It has decent off trail performance, but push it too far and you'll bury it.

I would love however to see what the skinz concept front end will do to the XTX's trail manners....but we will have to wait until next winter to get it in the hands of a big group of riders to really get the goods on this one.

OTM

 

[Vmax4]

Simply...... More track...... More desire to go straight...... More lug height....... More desire to go straight...... Lower gearing....slower than your buddiesshort track......

I can't see, in my opinion, owning a mountian sled if I lived 14 hours from a mountain and made that trip once a year. For me the trade off would not be worth the lack of trail manners of a shorty.

There is no way an Apex Mountain could hang with a shorty, top end, corners, anywhere (other than 4 feet of powder and a steep hill). Rent a mountain sled, or own 2 sleds.

The question you have to ask yourself? "Where do I ride and what type of sled do I really need?"

 

[AKrider]

In my area, mountain sleds are the most popular type because we are in the mountains and get 300" of snow per winter even at sea level. But a guy can still have fun on a 121 with a 1.5" - 2" paddle track. It all has to do with what type of snow you get and your ability as a rider. If your off trail snow is deep and dry, then a mountain sled is your best choice. If the snow has moisture in it and you are an aggressive rider, than a paddle track 121 will do pretty well most of the time.

Also, if all your buddies are riding mountain sleds, then you'll probably be better off on one as well. If you predominately ride trails then I wouldn't get a mountain sled.

 

[Sled Dog]

I used my 04 rx mountian 151 track to ride the trails on the Manitoba TY rides and yes it is some work but if you know how to ride you can stay with the pack. I always stayed at the back so my sled got lots of cooling from the other sleds tearing up and loosening the trail snow ahead of me. If your going to ride trails all the time I would suggest a 136.

 

[Vmax4]

If you were chasing yourself down the trail......... You on a mountain sled and yurself on a short track trail sled........ Could you keep up? COuld you rail just as hard? Would you be more tired than yourself at the end of the day?

You have to ask, "Self, what sled is meant for my type of riding.....?"

 

[AKrider]

I think the biggest thing to keep in mind is a mountain sled can ride on trails with less compromise than a short track can ride off trail in deep snow. There are some situations with deep, dry powder where a short tack simply cannot travel over the snow while a mountain sled can. The only trail situation that causes a mountain sled problems is hard, icy conditions that will burn up hyfax and cause the sled to overheat. Scratchers will take care of those issues.

Still, there is no way I'd want to ride a mountain sled if trails were my predominate form of riding. A narrow front end, weak suspension, low performance shocks, no sway bar, limited front travel and school bus like handling are not things that are enjoyable to me for bashing bumps or flying through a twisty trail.

 

[Yamahajrp]

Thanks for the wealth of replys and helped me make up my mind with getting a 136 and less track guess I will just have to wait a bit longer but the deal I am looking for will eventually turn up