Flatlander's Powder Riding and Sled Set-up Tips

I'm a flatlander who LOVES to ride out west. Since we only get out there once each year for a week, we don't get time to experiment with what works and what doesn't. So I've been collecting powder riding and set-up information from internet news groups, talking to Western Dealers and local powder riders, and my own experiance. This will not be useful to the seasoned Western rider, but may be valuable to powder novice. Maybe you won't have to learn the hard way as I did. The following is what I have learned:

 

Tracks Depth:

2" makes a big difference (even over 1.5") everywhere off-trail and is the universal choice.in meadows and hills. But 1.5 is as deep as you want to go if you will be riding on trails a lot or a speeds greater than 50 mph.

1.5" makes a big difference over .75" or 1" and is a good all around choice for mixed Western riding.

Track Length:

Long track makes it's biggest difference in light fluffy snow. In these conditions a short track is at a large disadvantage.

Short tracks are less forgiving because they sink faster giving you less time to turn out. Also you must maintain more speed to plane through soft snow

In wet or firm snow, a long track is no real advantage except possibly climbing hills (debateble: track speed vs traction).

Short tracks allow higher top speed on trails, turn easier, are lighter to dig out and easier to pull around on a hill when stuck on a high mark attempt

Long tracks have a larger turning radius.

Gearing:

Even a 60hp Phazer can use a 2" long track if it is geared right. The last one "they" built was geared for top speed of 40-50 mph.

Some say to gear down for going from .75" to 1.5" track, some say don't need to.

It is important to be geared low enough that the cluches aren't working too hard (however you tell if there working too hard?).

Engine Size:

670 was the smallest I've seen in a real buit-from-scratch mountain sled. They were all twins. Rotax 670 or ZR700 Artic Cat are the most popular. Polaris new 700 will probably be popular soon. They are usually modified (always piped, often big bored) to increase power and decrease weigth.

Most don't want the weight of a 800cc or bigger 3 or 4 cyl.

Chassis:

Polaris old style (for light weight and ski stance adjustability) is most popular, but some like Cat's track attack angle and the new SkiDoo S-2000 summits have some fans.

Clutch Choice:

Polaris primary (even on Doo and Cat motors)

Cat secondary (roller in the future?)

Ski Stance:

38" ssems to give adequate side hilling and acceptable trail manners, some are as low as 36"

Skis:

Haven't seen any super wide (over 6") lately (don't turn well?)

All are plastic and 5-6" wide

Light weight is good (Ekholm, SLP, Olde)

Most like turned down edges for side hilling.

Some also mention the skiis ability to shed snow from the top (like USI) as important.

Weight:

Light weight and low CG are very important for climbing hills, floating in meadows and side hilling, but most mountain riders don't seem to worry about it for digging out becuase they rarely get stuck. They learn what their sled can do, choose good lines and turn out before they get stuck.

Front Susp:

Polaris trailing arm is most popular, most like the Yamaha TSS theory of low snow drag in powder, but don't like the rest of the sled.

Rear Susp:

All have large drop brackets for rear shaft so the paddles will clear the tunnel.

Mostly polaris (old, xtra?)

Some M-10

Saw an Artic Cat rear in a Polaris Chassis once.

Misc.:

Beat-up hood and no windshields and no/minimal gauges so roll overs don't break much.

No hood in warm weather to save weigth and run cooler

High handlebars, some use high bars AND multiple riser blocks.

All use sidehill bar of some sort

Some use dial-a-jet, only good reports

Some use temp gauges

Order of importance:

1) traction/floatation (2" long track)

2) power (125+ HP)

3) weight (under 500 lbs. dry)

Best stock sleds seem to be RMK 700 and Summit 670. No one serious wants anything smaller (cc/hp) and these are lightest in the power range with the best tracks and are proven performers. Hard cores still build there own sled from mix-and-match parts though.