SNAP DECISION

RON PATTYN

STUD BOY

For this issue’s edition of Snap Decision, we asked Stud Boy Traction’s President and WIT (Whatever It takes) man himself, Ron Pattyn. Ron isn’t a newcomer to the sport, and has been riding since the early 1970s, and started Stud Boy Traction in 1989. The stud and carbide business really took off as a full-time effort in 1992. Since then, Ron and his family have spent most of their time riding in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, not only because of the great trails, but also because of its close proximity. But when time allows, his snowmobile passion will take him West to the Rocky Mountains for some deep stuff.

Not only is he and his family avid snowcross racers, they have likely been to every snowcross track in North America, either as a racer or sponsor. Stud Boy has been sponsoring grass roots family teams and elite super teams like the factory Polaris team for decades. Not only does Stud Boy offer quality products and gives a lot back to the sport of snowmobiling, Mister Pattyn also wanted to take this opportunity to thank the entire snowmobile industry and community. He is able to enjoy his work, meet really great people, and spend time on the snow, and he wouldn’t trade that for anything! If you haven’t guessed it by now, Ron is a no-nonsense guy with the “the buck stops here” approach, and with that, we asked him five simple questions: Race one, ride one, sell one, collect one and wreck one? And Go!

RACE ONE

2018 Arctic Cat ZR6000R SX

This is an easy one for me; the 2018 Arctic Cat ZR6000R SX. It is the most race-ready competitive sled, right out the box...not to mention that it is fast and very durable!

COLLECT ONE

1994 ZR700

The 1994 ZR700 was an amazing snowmobile for the day. This sled handled great, had tons of power, and was ahead of its time for aggressive riders.

WRECK ONE

2006 Polaris Fusion 600

The 2006 Polaris Fusion 600 would be my pick. It was an all-around POS that very few riders were happy to spend time on

RIDE ONE

2022 Polaris 850 XCR 136

My pick for to ride one would be the new 2022 Polaris 850 XCR 136. It has impressive technology, a narrow rider position, and has a killer red, white & blue, patriotic style look!

SELL ONE

2017 Arctic Cat ZR6000 R SX

I’d sell a 2017 Arctic Cat ZR6000 R SX. I’d sell this one as it was the first year of fuel injection, which left a lot to be desired, in order be a competitive race sled.