An informative article regarding the Pilot Skis. He interestingly mentions adding an outside longer runner.
I thought the stock ski doo 4" runners were some sort of joke, much like the tiny windshields that come on some of the higher end new sleds. As long as these snowmobile companies want to send you out there "illequiped to act with insufficient tRact", after market catalog companies will stay in business.
#7 gives the best argument, mostly because it is actually a true story. I'll never forget (neither will #2 since he was right behind me and had the best view to it all) descending the Dixville Peak trail on the green ZR sans studs around a sharp hairpin, I was on my head before I knew it and literally had to ask someone: did I flip?? No amount of riding experience would have prevented that rollover without traction inthe rear end. Of course slowing down would have helped.
It was a question for me for years, but now I am in the same camp as #13, a moderate number of moderate length studs in the center belt only will provide safety without compromising track longevity.
I also told by a Ski-Doo guy what #388 notes, drill the holes and add the 2nd set of runners to the skis before the season starts. The only reason I was told Ski Doo doesn't include these was to keep the weight under 400lbs and keep cost to the lowest possible.
Notice a post about a new snowmobile still draws the biggest attention and with serious input. This club still has snowmobile heart..
"There isn't a sled in the club that will stick to that thing in the twisty's" Clearly #388 underestimates the power and handling of the Venture Lite. Bring it, #3 To stud or not is the question (good threads on HCS on this topic. I always think back to leaving the Manor Richelieu/Casino many years ago and that guy (Dave??) on the red Polaris XC600 had to make multiple attempts at climbing the icy hills. I also rode Vermont one icy year with 2 friends who struggled mightily on their non studded sleds. I'm in favor of a low number of studs down the middle regardless of track length(of course my sled has none at the moment) Others??
I believe your pilot skis only come with 1 set of 4" carbides. Ski Doo left out the second set. Holes are there to drill out and add second set. Long track or not...ice is ice. Stud the bad boy now so there is no loss of riding/enjoyment when the snow flies. Find a stud pattern that leaves you with the most scratch lines possible. Don't fall for the "let the track stretch first" either. I personally think the Doo's are the best looking sleds on the market! Did I mention the handling? There isn't a sled in the club that will stick to that thing in the twisty's.
I am going to hold off on studding the track for now. From what I have gathered, the longer track becomes very aggressive and the stock skies become an issue. I am hoping it will handle just fine this way. If it doesn't, then it is easy to make the change. I appreciate your insight 7. I am not sure studding will be necessary for the Canada trip. With all the snow expected in all. With my luck, I will need the extra cash to pay for this years ticket.
It must be nice having a sled with zero miles on it and a full factory warranty and the full season ahead.
I can't imagine that you won't fall in love with this new machine much like you did to your last one. 400 lbs and hardly any oil. I don't think I've ever ridden a long track before.
I wonder what the differences will be like in the trails.
The one mistake I made was waiting until year 2 to put the upgraded runners and the extra 48 studs on it. My sled came with some really pathetic runners and only 96 tiny studs. There was too much power and a scary lack of traction.
Good luck with new sled. You bought the right one. I hear you've already put your signature on it.
ps i did see some dirt on the track and the hour meter is @ .2
I rode Higgins demo last season and was very impressed with it's handling. I love the looks and did i say handling! Nothing will touch it in the tighty whitys! Nice choice #3. I liked the subtle hints you were buying!
-- Edited by Sarge 388 on Monday 9th of November 2009 08:14:15 PM
Is it true? Did #3 go like a lemming with a foreign brand? Did he get it in black because he thought people might not notice? Is it already adorned with red duct tape?
That sled looks damn gorgeous!
The once mighty ranks of the XC's continue to dwindle...