REPORT: Snowtrackers vs Pilot Skis

[stevewithOCD]

As we get closer to snow & more people are on-line, I decided to give an un-biased analysis of these Snowtrackers compared to my old set-up with Ski-Doo 5.7 Pilots. I know alot of people are going to chime in with their ski combo, but this is ONLY my comparo between the two. I was able to compare to another sled with EXACT set-up side by side, so comparison was very fair. Let me start with my old set-up both me & friend had before i added Snowtrackers before last season. My old set-up was a 2007 Apex GT, with Hygear shocks front & back, strap up one hole, 13mm swaybar, 6'' center wear bar, 128'' ice-ripper track, front lowered & transfer rod about middle. This set-up ROCKS for aggressive big groomed trails, not so good in powder. Friend has '06 RTX with Hygear Floats. Everything else is exactly same, although his always seemed to handle a tick better, which is why i decided to try these. $250 for snowtrackers that should last 4 or 5 years compared to, at that time, $280 for Pilots. $40 a year for new carbides. Changed my set-up for Snowtrackers . Dropped strap to stock hole, more transfer, raised front shocks. These 'bides are EXTREMELY aggressive. Not ALWAYS a good thing, but very good. There is no doubt in a corner that the front end will turn. NO push with very little darting. Nothing compared to stock darting. Since my sled handled a tick worse than friend's sled before, I would say i now handle a tick BETTER than his. The BIG difference is in powder. The 5.7's even in 2'' of powder push REAL bad. I didn't even notice it with Trackers. These Snowtrackers do what they claim compared to STOCK ski's. They eliminate alot of darting, steer easier, GREAT in powder & self sharpen so they should last. Also they work well with stock set-ups so the average guy that doesn't want or doesn't know how, can install with great results & nothing else done to sled. My FINAL opinion. HUGE improvement to stock with very little to do besides install & go. Great in powder. Turn like on rails. Two downfalls: A few times i grabbed SOOO hard i almost got thrown. This could be my stiffer swaybar or just an occasional ''icky'' moment. Secondly, they are a PITA to load on trailers because they stick down very far. My front end is up 2'' due to these & also stiffer front shock set-up. Although it was only a little better than my original set-up, I gained back some fresh powder riding. I HIGHLY recommend these to pre electric steering Apex's!!! I was SURPRISED they worked at all! Now i have to re-think my whole life...

 

[TBay Sledhead]

I totally agree with you. have had both on my sled and it snow trackers all the way. Also trying to reverse on pavement with these is a b###ch.

 

[779cookies]

I use the aggressive Trackers with my 6.9 pilots and get the best of both worlds.

 

[race24x]

If you already have pilots is it worth buying a set for those skis or go back to the stock skis?

 

[779cookies]

Most riders that have switched to pilots from stock ski prefer the pilots for handling and steering effort on an apex. The trackers just make them rock. Yes there are a lot of other aftermarket skis out there, but you can't get trackers for them. I run the aggressive on 6.9's, my buddy runs the the semi's on the 5.7's. Neither one of us will change as long as we are riding this sled.

 

[race24x]

The 6.9s are for powder right. Did he go with the semi aggressive because the 5.7 pilots dont need the aggressive? I just want to make sure I buy what I need. I have a widening kit so I am hoping the ski catching and trying to flip thing wont be an issue for me

 

[779cookies]

Yes. the 6.9's are a little over an inch wider, I feel it helps the front end in heavier snow conditions. I run a 4' carbide in the outer position on the pilots to prevent excessive wear on the outer edge of the ski that they are known for. My buddy got the semi's because he a small guy and is always goin' for speed so the semi's seemed like less drag to him. I'm not quite convinced, but then I can't beat him across the lake either! I'm 6'3" 225# and in 4 years riding with this combo, have never had a situation where I've hooked a ski like so many describe. However in marginal snow conditions, (more dirt than snow or very little snow cover) this set up will be less than ideal, and I always approach railway crossings at as close to 90deg as possible. In good snow however, if you are an active rider, as in moving around on your seat when cornering, you will be impressed at the turning capability. If however you sit on the seat like King Tut, then you could get into balance situations because your sled now turns... instead of pushing and darting.