Yamaha MTX ski/Skidoo Pilot 6.9/Skidoo DS/Yamaha Tuner skis?

[Cubby]

I am looking to replace the stock Phazer skis with something that will give it a bit more floatation. I ride 75% on trail and 25% off trail (ditch banging and fields with neighbours). I swear I have read all the threads on TY regarding different skis. For what I need what do you recommend? I would have created a poll but there was no option!

I have no issues with stock skis on trail. Shimming and Studboy shaper bars have made it fine for me. I would like more floatation. I can get a set of used Yamaha mountain skis with all the mounting hardware for $200 CDN. A used set of Pilot 6.9s will set me back $250 CDN. A brand new set of Skidoo DS (deep snow) skis with everything is $280. Then there are the Yamaha tuner skis. I don't want to spend much $ but which option will give me the most bang for the bucks (I already blew this year's budget on an Ulmer clutch kit and a new helmet)?

Another option is to have 2 sets of skis and just swap them from the OEM ones when I trail ride and then put on the mountain type skis for when I hit off trail.

Thoughts?

 

[Mooseman]

Have you looked at the Slydog Powderhounds? I have their Trailhounds and the steering is so much better with these, it's like night and day. The Powderhounds come in 7 and now 8 inch so lots of options.

Maybe if Yamahas can chime in as I think he has a set of PH's. I just know that they are popular and I'm happy with the TH's.

 

[yamahas]

I like my PH on trail. They where an improvement over stock but I had never played around with carbide and shimming.

They float really well, now I need more track to keep the back of the sled up!

The one thing I don't like about them is how soft they are. Rocks, side of the trailer, if you hit them by accident scratches them up prety bad.

I am very happy with my PH's.

 

[cannondale27]

I ran the 5.7 Pilots last couple of years and they were awesome on trail.No darting,easy steering and hooked hard in corners.But in any powder they pushed big time vs stock with shapers and they also didnt float any better than stock.Trying 6.9 Pilots now.I didnt get to do it last year(no snow).Will let you know how they work in the deep ditches and trail.

 

[Leno]

If I were to choose out of the ones listed the mtx skis would be my choice

 

[porkchop]

I run the Curves, they're not all around bad + have a SPG float plate & A-arm protectors. Down side, they're not cheap....... 1 1/2" free ride track out back too, it does pretty good.

 

[Cubby]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm need to go cheap otherwise I would look at the C and A and Slydogs. I am leaning to the Yamaha MTX skis.

 

[yamahas]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm need to go cheap otherwise I would look at the C and A and Slydogs. I am leaning to the Yamaha MTX skis.

I have read good things about them.

 

[canoehead]

If I were to choose out of the ones listed the mtx skis would be my choice

X2

 

[Voda2000]

I have MTX skis on mine and my sister has Slydogs on hers.

The extra flotation from either ski makes a huge difference in the deep snow.

I find the Slydogs can get a little twitchy if the snow is crusty on top. They also seem a little harder to turn at low speed. They do seem a touch more precise on the trials.

The MTX seem to be a little more forgiving. I definitely prefer them. The stepped profile of the skis means that they ride more like an aggressive trail ski when they are on hard pack. The mounting system also seems a little more substantial.

If you get the MTX's used try and get the bolts and the rubber blocks for under the skis as they are not cheap. There is a few spacers you'll need too but they are not too bad.

 

[xt_gt]

from your list i'd just go with mtx's.

i have race slydogs & big diff over stockers. i agree with voda, they're a bit stiff turning at slow speeds. maybe cuz the keel design?

 

[blueironranger]

MTX ski with triple points and savers, LOVE this combo for around riding. The MTX ski is a far better TRAIL ski then the Trail ski due to the 1"+ tall/wide keel

 

[Cubby]

I bought a nice used set of MTX skis. I have 6" Shaper bars on them and I shimmed the rubber. Can't wait for the snow to test them out.

For those who are running the MTX skis did you change your limiter strap settings? I had mine at the 3rd hole last year but the steering was hard. I changed it back to the 2nd hole and we'll see how that works.

 

[LEE337]

I have that exact set up on mine and think it is awesome. Night and day difference.

I have my limiter out one hole from stock.