SnoWest test rider Justin Stevens on the 2024 Polaris Khaos RMK.
Photo: Ryan Thompson for SnoWest
The 2024 Ski-Doo Freeride has a long list of changes and updates.
Photo: courtesy Ski-Doo
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Photo: Ryan Thompson for SnoWest
Photo: Ryan Thompson for SnoWest
Photo: Ryan Thompson for SnoWest
Photo: Ryan Thompson for SnoWest
Designed and manufactured in the USA, the 9R MX Goggle Case is a low profile and packable goggle case for oversize goggles. At just 3.8 ounces, the lightweight Niner MX accommodates all goggle sizes made for the powersports industry and is constructed with an ABS plastic shield that is micro-fiber fleece lined on the inside protecting the goggle lens and the outside using durable cordura fabrics.
Goggles are held in place with a spandura pocket that includes a pocket for a goggle wipe. The top is a four way stretch hood that wraps around the goggles to the front of the goggle case with an elastic band held in tension holding goggles in place.
The 9RMX Google Case (available at www.tlg8.com for $34.95) is easy to pack and dries out easily, keeping the goggles and lenses protected while standing up to the elements.
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, KLIM is voluntarily recalling the Backcountry Probe A300 because the probe can fail to operate when deployed by rescuers, posing a risk of severe injury or death to a person buried under snow following an avalanche. Consumers should stop using the Backcountry Probe A300 immediately. This recall only affects the Backcountry Probe A300 product lot number PO2761 (located on the tip of the probe).
KLIM is instructing all Backcountry Probe A300 owners to stop using the Backcountry Probe A300 immediately and return it to KLIM by emailing orders@KLIM.com with subject line “A300 Probe Recall.” A full refund will be issued. Consumers can contact KLIM toll-free at 844-325-1667 if they have questions about the recall.
KLIM has notified dealers to stop selling and has contacted known customers directly to advise them to stop using the affected probes. Klim is committed to building the best products possible and continues working toward improving everyone’s safety in the backcountry this season. KLIM sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience.
DEEP LUG TRACK LEADS THE WAY FOR RMK
Our first ride in January aboard the 2024 Polaris Pro and Khaos RMKs equipped with the new Series 9 deep snow track featuring 3.25-inch lugs was astounding.
We’ll admit—the first thing we collectively asked when we saw the new track was, “is this going to trench?” Our first test day on the snow in Wyoming not only proved that the nicknamed “325” track not only does not trench, but it gets up on top of deep, dry powder better than any RMK we’ve tested previously. In fact, the 325-equipped Patriot Boost and 9R sleds we’ve ridden are a little more work to hang on to and require a little more upper body strength to ride than what we’re used to with the 2.75 (or 275) track. That’s how well the 325 track hooks up and propels the RMK through snow.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
MORE HARDCORE
Freeride
Freeride pushes the extreme with an even more hardcore edge. It brings a new configuration to the party for higher velocity and more capacity to charge huge jumps, landsmoothly and run big bumps, matching those riders with a ‘Just-send-it’ mentality.
The 15-inch full-rod track provides fast track speed for more momentum along with new spindle geometry andbigger shocks that add stability and confidence for choppy conditions and those big landings.
2024 Arctic Cat
Game Changer
Cat’s new platform redefines the product line
By Steve Janes
As Arctic Cat introduces its new snowmobile platform for 2024, its play on words is likely as close to reality as it can get. The new Catalyst platform which spreads across not only Cat’s mountain segment but also the crossover, trail and race segments, has changed the game for the Thief River, MN, company.
Webster’s definition of “catalyst” is [an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action]. There’s nothing subtle about this new platform and the four models it includes. Once you ride the Catalyst the changes are very apparent.
If there has ever been a reason for mountain snowmobilers to consider buying a 600cc sled, the Catalyst Mountain C-TEC2 600 is it. For 2024, the Catalyst will only be available in this engine configuration. But that shouldn’t stop the hardcore Cat riders from buying this sled. Due to all the changes, this snowmobile offers a unique riding style that will open up new terrain for Cat riders. If you get the 600 for next winter, although you may feel a little short on power, it will surprise you on performance and handling. Once you get the feel for the ride, it will make a natural transition when the bigger powerplant is released in 2025.
2024 Lynx
Lynx Shredder
Continues To Impress
Refinements make LE and DS even better for 2024
By Steve Janes
Last year the Radien2 platform was introduced on some Lynx models. This season it will be found on all Shredder models and packages, as well as on the Rave and XTerrain trail models. The Radien2 Platform features a slim design with a shortened tunnel and extruded running boards for better clearance in deep snow.
Although Lynx offers three Shredder models, only the Shredder RE and Shredder DS are available in North America. So that’s where we’ll focus our attention. Although there are a lot of similarities in some of the main features of both Lynx and Ski-Doo, don’t be fooled; these models have very distinctive handling characteristics for unique riding styles.
Mountain Max 800 LE 154 & 165
Available in Team Yamaha Blue, the single rail rear suspension and 794cc SDI two-stroke engine with the 154-inch by 2.60-inch Camso PowerClaw or the 165-inch by 3.00-inch Camso Powerclaw.
The race double-row running board edges include reinforced running boards and the 1.5-inch QS3 front shocks and QS3 center and QS3-L rear shock provide a 36-inch ski stance. The Mountain Max 800 LE platform includes Yamaha MTN skis, 20-inch tunnel bag, goggle bag, lightweight brake disc as well push button electric starting.
Get ready to rip even harder as the 2024 RIOT 3 now sits on the revolutionary Gen 2 Timbersled platform, further enabling riders with unmatched performance, maneuverability and all-out thrills from meadows to the mountains.
S Package
Up to a 3-inch lower seat height.
Gen 2 Platform
Optimized suspension design and narrow single arm and rail system sheds 3 pounds over the Gen 1.
shootout
Right off the bat, we need to disclose a couple items. Arctic Cat does not provide long-term media test units, so we aren’t including a Cat in this feature aside from the wet weights. Yamaha provided a 2023 Mountain Max 800 154 SL, but it suffered a mechanical issue prior to our testing and parts/dealer support was unable to come through for this feature.
Lynx also did not provide a test unit and therefore is not in this feature aside from wet weights.
The pairing we were left with was really the comparison we wanted to make before the season began. We have been looking forward to matching up the 2023 Polaris Khaos RMK Slash 9R 155 with the 2023 Ski-Doo 850 E-TEC Summit Expert 154 since both sleds were released as new models back in the spring of 2022.
We know this isn’t all apples-to-apples. We test what we have. But it’s interesting to see how much weight you’re really throwing around on a mountain compared to manufacturer listed dry weights (which do not include any fluids, grease, oils, brake fluid, etc.).
The snow will melt eventually. And we’re all powersport enthusiasts. So what do we do when the temps are warm, the roads are bare and the snow is long gone?
We find something else with a throttle that’s fun to drive.
Our friends at Polaris sent us out a 2022 Polaris Slingshot S late last fall for a demo. We’ll admit it was our first hands-on experience with a Slingshot. We have seen Slingshots running around since the model’s debut in 2015. It’s an intriguing vehicle. Is it a motorcycle? A car? Is it fun?
Since its introduction, the Slingshot has undergone several updates and changes, including new engines, features, and styling updates. The current model, the 2022 Polaris Slingshot, is available in several different trim levels and offers a range of performance and customization options.
Cat’s out of the bag
SnoWest test rider Bruce Kerbs has felt right at home on the 2024 Arctic Cat M 600 in the new Catalyst platform since our first test rides in January.
Rider: Bruce Kerbs
Photo: Ryan Harris
Photo: Ryan Harris