The Sled That Suits You

SHORT TRACKS vs . LONG TRACKS

AAlthough most area snowmobile dealers offer a full line of mountain sleds for deep snow riding, we happen to live in an area where there’s more than 1,000 miles of groomed trails available within a two-hour drive. Mountain sleds are great for cross country conditions … but they can sometimes fall short on groomed trails.

There are two myths about western snowmobiling. First, all snowmobiles must have maximum horsepower. Second, all snowmobiles must have maximum track.

It’s true that there’s no replacement for displacement. But if you are not into powering up the steepest and deepest slope, even a 400-class (engine size) snowmobile will haul you down the trail at 50 mph.

Also, shorter tracks can handle the twisty, tight-turning trails much better than longer tracks.

A mountain sled (usually something with a minimum of a 600-class engine and 154-inch track length) is optimum for cross country riding. Leaving the packed trails and choosing your own route through mountain meadows or ungroomed trails is one of the West’s big allures. Many area snowmobilers look to the 800-850cc models with tracks exceeding 163 inches as the most popular choice for this style of riding.

These sleds are not only the most popular with new sled sales, but they tend to drive the used sled market as being readily available.

Some have found the 600-class sled is a little easier to handle and a lot more reliable and enjoyable to ride. You’re not hanging on for dear life, but rather feeling like you’re in better control of your snowmobile.

Trail sleds (shorter tracks) are very prevalent in the Midwest where trail riding and lake riding are the only options. But when these Midwestern snowmobilers vacation out West, they get along just great … until they venture from the trail and end up buried in three feet of snow.

Trail sleds tend to have the technology embedded in the suspension and handling. Mountain sleds tend to have the technology embedded in lightweight parts and aggressive tracks.

So if you’re debating on what kind of snowmobile you should purchase, honestly assess your riding style and lean toward the snowmobile which will serve your needs most frequently. If you mostly enjoy riding trails, you may as well ride a sled that will give you the best performance for your riding style.

You might also try renting (see the rental section in this guide) a sled to see which size best suits you.