Sled Selection - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

sam_sayers · 12-18-2008, 08:14 PM

Hi everyone. I'm new to snowmobiling and have a question regarding sled weight, riders weight, and track size. I'm 55, wife is 49, and we're interested in trail riding. The first dealer I talked to didn't seem to recommend touring sleds, but was big on their 20" wide track models. Although they're more of a utility sled, they'll handle 2-up touring. Our combined weight is 450 lbs and as you know, touring sleds start at 600 pounds and utilities sleds are about 700 pounds.

The dealer recommended getting a long track mountain sled (156"x15"x2") and adding a touring seat. I had told them if I go off trail, it won't be too far (no jumps, no highmarking for me), and I wanted something that I could get unstuck with minimal effort.

Based on that info, what type of sled would you recommend? touring/utility/mountain converted? Is weight that much of a factor?

Ultrafrozen · 12-18-2008, 09:03 PM

Welcome to the forum!

Tough question. I thought touring sled up until you mentioned off trail. If you ride in low snow areas, touring sleds may be fine but they typically don't float too well in deep powder. A higher displacement fan cooled (lighter) touring sled might still be your best bet though.

Mountain sleds would do much better in deep stuff but suffer somewhat on the trails fighting the track's gription in the turns. Less creature comforts as well.

The newer utility sleds are better at trail riding than they used to be but as you mention weight is an issue. Track width does make up for it somewhat.

Divide the weight by the footprint (contact area of track and skis on snow) and go for the lowest number if you are looking at flotation.

Have you thought about buying two one-up sleds? Find a local rental shop and ask your wife to try her own sled. She may prefer that to sitting on the back of yours. Two sleds in the bush is better than one I always say.

**RJ Gleason** · 12-19-2008, 07:46 AM

Another factor, is where you are planning to do most of your riding.
What type of terrain, and snow depth will you typically be in?

affmgmt · 12-28-2008, 07:15 AM

Hi Sam you may want to try rentals if possible. this will give you a feel for what you are asking. Or I have a 2009 legend 4 stoke from Skidoo and it is an all around average weight and utility sled with good 2 rider features. I have owned or driven just about every sled there is for working or touring and they are all good in all makes. The old saying you get what you pay for is true with sleds. The 20" tracks are great for power and floatation but can be akward on tight trails. (they float on powder) as well unless you get a 4 stroke they are hard on gas under load which can happen with a 2 up model if the motors are smaller (less than 600). One other thing that you may want to concider is the ability to carry luggage if you want to travel over night. a back rack is a requirement for this as well. Lastly, dont wory about getting stuck with anything that you buy as reverse for the type of riding you do is a saviour in 9 out of 10 times and I would advise that with a friend deliberetly get the sled stuck what ever you buy so you know what to sled in or not. Good luck.

sam_sayers · 12-30-2008, 11:04 PM

Ultrafrozen, RJ, and affmgmt,

Thanks for your replies. I see your point about floatation. The 20" track looked great till I sat on one. But, I had the same problem on a 15" track. I quickly realized that my poor hip wasn't going to allow me into snowmobiling. I was pretty excited about getting into it, but my plans are on hold for now. Maybe a Snowmaster for me.

powderhound · 01-05-2009, 02:31 AM

No No No dont let the hip stop you BUY A SKI DOO ELITE! lol $11-13,000 and you are almost guaranteed to be the only person in your area with one, check them out!