FAB 4

GLENN WELCH

BITEHARDER

We tapped the shoulder of long-time snowmobiler and industry friend, Glenn Welch from BITEHARDER in Laconia, New Hampshire for this issue’s Fab 4. Glenn started riding snowmobiles in the late 1970’s and never stopped. He is a mechanical design engineer who owns a manufacturing company that machines components for the aerospace and automotive industries. As an engineer, he is always looking for ways to make things better. In 2010, he was riding his APEX in Quebec, when he lost control on an iced-over washout while negotiating a corner. He ended up with a damaged sled and a well bruised ego.

When he hit the frozen washout, his carbide runners were dull, which significantly contributed to the accident. Glenn’s mind started to think on how this accident could have been avoided. He thought that in the machining industry, he uses carbide inserts to cut metals. These inserts are frequently sharpened using diamond impregnated wheels, and based on that, Glenn developed a simple “tool” which incorporates diamonds bonded to the “tool’s” cutting surface. When spun with a cordless drill, the diamonds re-sharpened the carbide runner quickly and effectively.

After Glenn tested and made modifications to his “tool” through the 2011 season, he released the very first “carbide runner sharpening tool”, and BITEHARDER was born on January 7th, 2013.

Today, BITEHARDER focuses on products that help make snowmobiling safer. They have a full line of sharpening tools (carbide runners and studs), which help snowmobilers achieve the performance and safety they want from their snowmobiles, all season long.

Other products that BITEDHARDER offers are Polytune Rings and helmet safety lights. Their Polytune Rings help riders tune their front suspension’s spring to enhance ride quality and cornering. Their helmet safety lights allow snowmobilers to be seen in all riding conditions including snow dust, snowstorms, and of course, riding at night.

A program that Glenn is proud of is BITEHARDER’s Better Traction - Better Trails program. The program donates 10% of all sales back to the state’s or province’s snowmobile federation/ association which the sale originated from. These monies flow down to offset and help with the cost of grooming operations.

Each season, Glenn and the BITEHARDER team can typically be found testing and enjoying the trails of Quebec. Glenn really likes riding, and in his words, “Their vast network of meticulously groomed trails with great trail signage and abundant clubhouses makes it the perfect place to rack up the miles.” This season, Glenn wishes for all snowmobilers to, “Stay safe, and remember to maintain your snowmobile’s traction, because power is nothing without control.” And with that, we asked Glenn to pick his four most memorable snowmobiles of all time.

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1979 Ski-Doo Olympic 340

My return to snowmobiling was back in 1990, when I purchased two 1979 Ski-Doo Olympic 340’s. The sleds each had only 400 miles on them and were like brand new. We had more fun riding these sleds through our local trails. They were solid machines and easy to handle.

1991 Yamaha Phazer

My next favorite sled was my 1991 Phazer. Good power, a welcomed suspension, and fantastic reliability. The most unique feature of this machine was that the headlight attached to the handlebars allowed you to see in the direction your skis were pointing.

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2002 Yamaha RX-1

Yamaha’s entry into four stroke snowmobiles was in 2002, with the RX-1. After trying the machine, I was hooked. For its weight, the 998cc engine puled strong up to the 12,500 redline. My favorite RX-1 is actually a 2013 APEX. It was the same motor, but with fuel injection and increased horsepower. Incredible acceleration (think electric motor smooth), great build quality, and a more traditional rider position made this a super fun machine that I still own today.

2020 Polaris Indy XC 850

After a long departure from two stroke machines, I purchased a 2020 Polaris Indy XC 850 with the 137-inch track. I have been very impressed with this machine. Lightweight, great power from Polaris’s new 850cc motor, responsive suspension, and a very comfortable riding position. Home run!