Newbie question about sleds. - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

Extrmski · 12-02-2008, 01:03 AM

Hello All,
I am considering looking for a sled to ride here in western Washington. I would like to teach my kids how to snow ski and gain a love for the winter outdoors. The price of lift tickets is skyrocketing. I would be looking for an inexpensive sled at first to get us going and make sure we like the sport. This is my idea, I ride sled and tow them up the hill and pick up at bottom, repeat. Sounds fun... I believe we will like this , My dauaghter is almost 6 and is currently riding her own pw50 Yamaha dirtbike. She is a daredevil like her dad. Her brother is not far behind her. I am trying to do some research before hand.

Any ideas suggestions on used sleds. I am thinking an all mountain sled. Is this a correct direction? I this a bad idea? Why? Any particular brand, model?

I am curently a motorcycle rider, I have a '98 VTR 1000 Superhawk Honda and a '95 KTM 620 RXC.

BAd idea?
Will this work?

**kccats** · 12-02-2008, 07:32 AM

I've tried to ski behind a sled many years ago, and it is toughto hang on! You might be better with a 2up sled (long Track) and put a 2" paddle on it!
I personally love my Panteras! My 04 800 would haul 3 no prob! The 95 maybe a bit tight? I think there is a 3 seat Do out there too?
The other thing to think about would be a cutter (tow behind)?
OH and welcome to the snow show!

**BC_Dan** · 12-02-2008, 12:45 PM

For the use you describe, kccats gives good advice. Giving rides from the bottom to the top is a safer alternative to towing up the hill. A 2-up with a deep lug track should be able to do what you are wanting pretty easily. There will be days you won't be able to make it up the hill by yourself, let alone carrying a person or towing. That wet, deep snow is hard to navigate in, even with a full mountain sled.

You might want to try renting a few times to see if what you want to do works with different sled types. It may save you from purchasing the wrong vehicle...

Spun222400 · 12-02-2008, 02:44 PM

and beware snowmobiles are highly addictive

Ultrafrozen · 12-02-2008, 02:46 PM

I don't want to keep you from buying a sled but consider this option:

Learning to ski is difficult enough without throwing in the powder snow factor. Look at a small local ski hill's lift ticket prices before jumping into snowmobiling. Get their skiing skills up to where they can tackle the deep stuff. Save up some cash and in a few years, when the kids are a little older and they can ski circles around dad, then pop the cash for a sled and take on the mountains. If you have lots of cash, do both at the same time, teach them to ski at a ski hill and you learn to ride the mountain.

Our whole family does both sledding and skiing but we don't have any real mountains to be able to combine both. We also don't have the proper sleds. It would be something to try one day!

Extrmski · 12-02-2008, 04:39 PM

Thanks for the replies gentlemen,

you all have brought some serious thoughts to ponder. I have not thought of hauling kids. Hauling a kid would be the way to go opposed the towing. I like the idea of renting first to see if it will work in our area of consideration or will we need to travel to get into the correct terrain. We have a truck and a 10' camper and already do overnight sledding trips. Thanks for the points to ponder and information.

Will a '95 era 600 sled suffice? when did they start making fuel injection on sleds?

Thanks Guys Todd in WA

**BC_Dan** · 12-02-2008, 08:15 PM

If you are looking at Polaris sleds, the Xtra-10 suspension is a much better suspension than the xc-100 found in earlier sleds. It has more travel and offers a much better ride.

They have been making fuel injection since the early 1990's. The early FI sleds had a lot of issues, most being there were few mechanics that could work on them and trouble-shoot them properly. Newer EFI sleds are way less of a headache, but if you are looking mid-90s, go with the carbs, they are much easier to keep up.

The 600 cc class is the most popular sled class out there. It offers good power and is perfect for someone just getting into sledding. Depending on the amount you have to spend, the newer you buy, the better the technology. Polaris is pretty popular out West, then Arctic Cat, Ski-doo, and Yamaha. All offer sleds that will fit your needs perfectly. My advice would be to take a look at the dealers you have in the area; if you have one dealer that seems to give better service/support/advice, then consider that brand over the other ones. Unless you like to wrench on sleds, dealer support is more important than the small advantages one brand has over the other. If you have friends that ride sleds and work on them, consider their brand as well. Nothing beats having someone that knows your type of sled and has the tools to help out when needed.

Good luck on your search!

Extrmski · 12-03-2008, 11:02 PM

Hello,
I just wanted to say Thank You to the members that posted answered to my questions.
All I can say is that I have some homework to do.

Thanks in WA Todd

**kccats** · 12-04-2008, 07:07 AM

EFI Started in 91! I have a 95 Pantera 580 EFI that with a paddle track would likly do most anything you would want! Esspecially with the younger Kids!
And yes EFI is the way to go, especially up and down the mountains!
Good luck and keep us posted!

01MXZ800 · 12-04-2008, 11:35 PM

you might also consider a wide track utility sled it would be more suited to hauling kids up a hill,the other sleds mentioned are fine but when you add a second person and gear to the mix the utility might be more down your alley.good luck and as mentioned earlier,beware snowmobiles are addictive. btw I am 01MXZ800 and i'am a sledaholic