White color scheme for the 2013 Polaris 800 Pro RMK Limited is similar to the 2012 Polaris 800 Pro RMK Ghost Rider by SnowcheckDirect.com.

At only 417 pounds, Polaris rocked our world with the 2013 Polaris 800 Pro RMK mid-Feb pre-release news. Even more interesting, Polaris adds belt drive, the QuickDrive Low Inertia Drive system improving horsepower efficiency to the track in addition to significant weight loss (6 1/2 pounds). PowderTrac Running Boards add strength, reduce weight, enhance traction and improve snow evacuation. The new ProLite Seat is 5.5 inches shorter, is flatter, lighter and more comfortable.

Ride information will be posted at SledEvents.com which also provides discount tickets for the West Yellowstone Snowmobile Expo when you purchase online. Sign up for a demo ride and see the full line of RMK’s in West Yellowstone on March 16-18.

The BIG question, is how did Polaris engineers get the 2013 Polaris 800 Pro RMK 155 down to the unbelievable 417 pounds from 431 pounder from 2012? Polaris did it without compromising durability integrity in 4 major ways: 1) Carbon Fiber over-structure. 2) Quick Drive belt system, 3) Lighter seat, 4) Lighter tunnel. The other 800 cc mountain sleds are about 50 pounds heavier now. UNREAL.

The Carbon Fiber over structure is the triangular frame that ties the chassis into the steering stem and it’s purpose hasn’t changed, they just made it lighter with the carbon fiber material. The other 3 changes have purpose other than being lighter. The Quick Drive low inertia drive system is maintenance free. no more oil or tensioner. It is more efficient at getting power to the track and there is 5 lbs less effort each time to carve. The Seat is shorter and flatter making it more comfortable and easier to jump back and forth on. The Powdertrac Running Boards are more rigid and have over 50% open area for more snow evacuation.

The other big news for Polaris was the Pro-R changes and the resurrection of Indy. The Pro-R performance sled which gets the 600 Cleanfire engine, Pro-Steer skis, a new seat, one-piece handlebar and right hand controls. Also a 600 Indy was brought in as a value sled in the lineup starting at only $7,999. How about a mountain sled that starts at $8–$8500? (just don’t bring back the IQ chassis on a mountain sled)

Chris Burandt introduced a new line of Mountain Sled Accessories by Burandt’s Backcountry Adventures like the new Burandt HD Powder Trac running boards, Gripper ski’s, Burandt Lock & Ride tunnel bag and the Burandt signature hood and tunnel wraps.

QuickDrive low Inertia belt drive is lighter, means better power to track and no oil or adjusting.

Price Increases

You would expect the belt drive, carbon fiber overstructure and new running boards to add $1,000 plus to the price on the PRO-RMK’s. But it didn’t! $400 more on both the 2013 Polaris 600 Pro RMK and 2013 Polaris 800 Pro RMK’s. The standard 600 RMK and 800 RMK   still have a chaincase drive and only increase $200 versus the 2012 models. That puts the belt drive PRO-RMK’s at $1,000 MSRP price difference for 2013 instead of $800. The $200 is a bargain for the belt drive. Even if the other Pro-RMK features don’t appeal to, $1,000 is worth getting the belt drive alone.

Bottom Line

There is a reason Polaris has been selling 4 out of every 10 mountain sleds sold (42% market share in 2012). Now at 50 pounds weight advantage, comparable pricing and the belt drive system, there are a lot of reasons to buy a new 2013 Polaris mountain sled!

2013 Polaris Snowmobile Quick Quotes with dealer discounts and maximum rebates will be available on SnowcheckDirect.com.

2013 Polaris 800 ProRMK 155 at only 417 pounds and plenty of other innovations including a new belt drive system!

Refinements are the story Arctic Cat executives have to tell about their new 2013 M-Series lineup. After a mixed reception from the Mountain Snowmobile riders when introducing the 2012 ProClimb series a year ago, Arctic Cat introduces the same models with slight enhancements and quality improvements. With 5 recalls/bulletins in the M800 alone and more likely to come, Arctic Cat is chalking 2012 up as a learning year and has worked out the bugs for 2013.

Pricing has gone up significantly versus a year ago. The 2013 Arctic Cat M8153 Sno Pro went up $250.00 and $500 more than the 2011 M8 Sno Pro MSRP.  The M1100 Turbo Sno Pro 162 went up a whopping $550 to $14,549 from year to year. Arctic Cat doesn’t have a value prices mountain sled like Ski-Doo introduced with the 2013 Ski-Doo 800 Summit XP P-TEC and 600 Summit Sport at $8,999 MSRP and $8,049 MSRP respectively. It would be nice to see the 2011 Arctic Cat M800 with a fresh wrap for 2013 priced at under $9,000 like Ski-Doo. But for now, if you want the best, Arctic Cat has some serious mountain sleds refined for their best performing snowmobile to ever come out of Thief River Falls!

2013 Arctic Cat M1100 Turbo Fixed

The 2013 Arctic Cat Pro Climb series brings on subtle improvements that make a great mountain sled a lot more fun. M1100 Turbo SnoPro comes with vertically oriented steering from the factory. You don’t have to buy a kit to fix the steering for mountain riding in 2013.

2013 Arctic Cat M800 and M1100 Sno Pro’s Improved

M800 Sno Pro and M1100 Turbo Sno Pro shared improvements include the new 2.6” Power Claw track. The M8 has plenty of power to go with the super-sized track, but the 177 big ones in M1100 Turbo will love the extra traction. The standard M8 still comes with a 2.25” lug Power Claw track.

Tunnel Vision

The 2012 Arctic Cat M800 and M1100 had a 2-piece tapered tunnel that is 1 inch narrower at the top than at the running boards. For 2013, the tunnel also has the flat top like the 2012 Proclimb XF High Country tunnel.

Great Suspension and Handling gets Better

Ride and Handling on the Pro Climb sleds were impressive in rough terrain as the radical front suspension soaked us the bumps with the 2012 Arctic Cat M8 and M11. For 2013, Arctic Cat narrows the ski-stance 2 inches from 40” or 41”” to 38” or 39”. This will improve boondock maneuverability. The steering is adjustable for either tight radius capability or light steering for less aggressive riders. With the tie rod position set for a 10 degree tighter turning radius, you will sacrifice with more effort required to steer.

Two options for steering

Weight Matters

The 2005 Arctic Cat M7 delighted because the high revving engine on a no-frills light weight chassis just worked. It was a little disappointing to discover the 2012 ProClimb was a little heavier than the 2011 M Series, especially after Arctic Cat bragged so much about their weightlessness from 05-09. Polaris blew us away with the 2011 Pro RMK weight loss and they are the new standard.

So what with the 2013 Pro Climb weight? Polaris and Ski-Doo have claimed weights on 2013‘s. The 2013 Arctic Cat  snowmobile brochure had every specification except the weight. We can assume they are the heaviest of the 800cc Mountain Sleds, but they should be within 10 pounds of the Ski-Doo as long as they are as light or lighter than last year.

ProClimb M Sno Pro Limited

The 2013 Arctic Cat M800 and M1100 Turbo Limited sleds come in black and white and are absolutely the best looking Arctic Cat sleds ever built! I love the White and Black without the nasty orange seat. (I’ve taken a lot of heat from the White/Orange color scheme lovers)

Besides coming with the FOX Float 2 shocks, telescoping handlebars and mountain seat and Power Claw track, you also get hand guards, tunnel bag, electric start, and on the M1100 Turbo, you get a butt warmer in your seat! Weird. I don’t get the seat warmer on a mountain sled. Does anyone care about the butt warmer?

Bottom Line 2013 Arctic Cat Mountain Sleds

Bottom line for Arctic Cat in 2013, every change should be an improvement. The motor is proven and additional traction and steering upgrades will just make a great sled more awesome. Refinements seem to all enhance quality or rideability. And, if you’re going to pick a sled on looks alone, the new 2013 Arctic Cat M800 Pro Climb Limited 153 in White steals the show!

Picture Leaked of 2013 Arctic Cat M800 SnoPro

The new 2013 Arctic Cat M8 ProClimb is sure to come with some surprises. With Arctic Cat launching the 2013 snowmobile line up in just a couple days, a lot of rumors are flying. Will they one up the 2013 Polaris with a belt drive system that comes with optional gear ratio’s? Is a lighter better or longer track an option for the 2013 Arctic Cat ProClimb’s? Even more power for the new 2013 Arctic Cat M1100 Turbo? What have you heard about the 2013 Arctic Cat snowmobile line-up? Post a Comment.

I didn’t love the light orange seat on the 2012 Arctic Cat M8 Limited, but I love this M800 SnoPro color scheme with more black and balance with the orange and white! Do you love it too, or hate it? Enjoy the picture!

1st Edition Klim Jacket MADE IN USA

Klim is making some interesting changes in their lineup for the 2013 season. If you rode a Polaris 700 RMK in the late 90′s, then you probably owned Klim Bibs and Jackets. If not, you likely didn’t mind riding wet in your SnoRider insulated bibs, or better yet Carhart’s.

Remember when KLIM was MADE IN THE USA? I do, and I have a jacket and bibs to prove it. In order to keep manufacturing costs like every other clothing company, KLIM moved manufacturing to China the next year. With pricing escalating every year, it seems to me that it’s time to bring back manufacturing to the USA! What do you think???? LEAVE YOUR OPINION IN COMMENTS.

For the 2012-2013 Season, Klim has been hard at work to bring improvements to their core riding gear and expand offerings for women!

The Klim Valedz Parka has been updated with more heavy duty outer shell materials in the arm fronts for more abrasion resistance. Faster pocket access via water resistant zippers, and revised aggressive riding position fit based on real rider feedback.

The Klim Togwotee Bib has a new color scheme and embossed textured fabric detail.

All New Intrigue Parka for women has a Gore Tex shell and 100 grams of insulation throughout, pit zips, quilted comfort liner and parka to pant snaps.

The Intrigue Pant is also new this year and matches the Intrigue Parka. Finally a womens specific pant with light insulation and no bulk.  They have a higher back to keep the snow out and will snap to the parka.  The parka and pant come in 3 color ways

Allure mittens for women are new for next season.  They have Klim Zonal insulating technology with 200 grams of insulation on the palms and 400 grams on the back of the hands.

The mens Klim Inferno jacket and pant have been redesigned. with updated styling and more steamlined features to fit under your favorite riding pants and parkas.

The Klim Yukon pullover is all new for next season.  It is a little heavier than the Klim Inferno for added warmth.

The Klim Defender Pant and Klim Defender 1/4 zip short are also new for next season. They are between the Klim Aggressor and Klim Inferno for warmth.  They have been designed to wear as a layering piece or for casual wear.

Overall, Klim has been paying attention to the growing Women’s Backcountry Rider segment giving them a serious line of gear for the 2012-2013 season. The other big news is the flagship Klim Jacket, the Valdez parka has been improved for more durability and comfort for the serious mountain rider.

I still have my MADE IN USA 1st set of Klim Gear and they’ve come a long way since then. In order to scale their company and keep manufacturing costs reasonable, Klim has manufactured clothing in China just like about every other clothing manufacturer. I wonder when we’ll see a MADE IN USA snowmobile jacket again? Until then, a Chinese Klim Jacket at $420 will have to do. Maybe when the Chinese Jackets get to $500, the USA will be the most efficient manufacturing option and my jacket will once again say MADE IN THE USA!

Klim Milk Made in China

Motorfist and Klim Jackets are benchmarks here for Arctic Cat's new high end Boondocker Jacket. An independent lab found them all to be about the same in waterproofness. Motorfist being the most waterproof with Boondocker equal and Klim a little less.

Snowmobile Coats / Riding Gear: Evolving with the Snowmobile

Riding snowmobiles in the backcountry requires protection from the cold, snow, ice, trees, your own sled, the heat your body produces and the moisture from the snow after it heats up.

Klim was one of the first apparel manufacturers to offer a reasonable solution for riding gear in the mountains. Up until then, my SnoRider pillow top bibs and my checkered Polaris insulated jacket were as adequate as my 1993 Polaris XLT with a Kimpex 1 1/4” track was at navigating through deep snow.

Following Klim’s lead, Polaris starting building apparel for RMK riders with layering solutions and tougher shell materials for riding in the backcountry. HMK, Ski-Doo and Arctic Cat eventually jumped on board. Even Castle, FXR, Arctiva and a couple others made a stab at marketing mountain jackets and bibs. Yamaha seems to have given up and hired Klim to make gear with their logo on it.

Motorfist, an Idaho Falls, Idaho based company, came out of the woods a few years ago with a Jacket and Bib built just for mountains. Founder Brad Ball was a unique guy with a textile background and years of experience riding sleds in the backcountry. He had a vision of what mountain gear should be and there wasn’t anything like it on the market. So, he built exactly what he wanted to wear in the mountains.

Thus Motorfist delivered technical solutions for harsh conditions. In only their fourth year of manufacturing premium mountain snowmobile gear, they are now a benchmark for snowmobile riding gear manufacturers to follow. Watching a promo video of the new 2013 Ski-Doo, I noticed the riders wearing what I thought was my first Motorfist Jacket from 3 years ago. Instead it was a copied version with Ski-Doo labels!

Motorfist’s line up for 2013 has some interesting punches worth noting. Their first year offering a helmet, the new Motorfist Dominator Helmet is the lightest snowmobile MX style helmet available and meets the highest off road safety standards. It’s only $250 as opposed to a $500 Carbon Fiber helmet that will weigh more.

The all-new Motorfist Big Mountain Jacket is less money than their flagship Recon Jacket, but still has the eVent waterproof materials. It’s jazzed up with more color than the conservative Recon Jacket. The Big Mountain Bib complements the jacket, again, less money than the Recon if you don’t need all the pockets, bells and whistles.

The Motorfist Stomper boot was a huge hit last year. I loved wearing mine this past year because they are so lightweight, have a more narrow profile than my snowboard style boots and kept my feet dry every ride. I even stood in a creek bed digging my buddy out a couple weeks ago and stayed warm.

For 2013, the Motorfist Redline Boot is a buckled outer and quick lace pull up and under. It has a cement sole like the Klim boots and more insulation. 1000 g compared to 600 g in the Stomper. Where my Motorfist Stompers kept me plenty warm this year, I think I’ll stick with them. The new 2013 Stomper boot also has a higher leather gaiter up the ankle this year to keep more powder out.

The Motorfist Teton mid-layer shirt has the perfect thickness for most mid-season riding temperatures. It’s not as thick as the Motorfist Turn-Again, but a step up from the Hydrophobic.

For bigger guys and flat landers and my Mom, the Motorfist Superior Jacket and Bibs are Motorfist’s insulated gear. The jacket is only $220. I love the new Motorfist Magnus jacket for a quick afternoon ride after I feed the horses. The jacket feels like a Carhart jacket and looks cool enough to wear downtown when I pickup supplies at CAL Ranch.

The Motorfist gloves are by far the best gloves I have ever rode with. I take all 3 styles with me on cold rides and start out with the insulated gloves. The 2013 Motorfist Superior Glove has a little more insulation this year and is priced right. They also have a new mechanix style “wrench and ride” glove.

That sums up some of the highlights for the technical snowmobile clothing lineup from Motorfist for 2013. Now I just have to decide what sled to ride next year. And it doesn’t matter if I ride Ski-Doo, Polaris, Arctic Cat or a Yamaha Nytro Turbo (if they drop a little weight for 2013) because Motorfist goes with all 4!

Are you angry that Ski-Doo didn’t just release a 2013 Ski-Doo Summit E-TEC 154 that weighs 415 pounds (2 pounds lighter than the new 2013 Polaris 800 Pro-RMK 155)? Well, they didn’t…and it’s OK if you are angry. But you might be pleasantly surprised by what Ski-Doo is doing, and why? The answers are right here.

BRP is known for wild new innovations. In recent years they brought us the 3 wheeled Spyder, built the 1st sled to break 3 pounds per horsepower and the 1st watercraft with suspension. BRP is like a Honey Badger. They don’t care what other companies are doing, they prefer to reinvent ways to travel over terrain.

2013 Ski-Doo flexi-suspension "tMotion"

The new 2013 Ski-Doo Summit REV-XM E-TEC represents a new decade for Ski-Doo. The past 10 years started with the launch of the REV chassis in 2002. The REV XP propelled Ski-Doo with it’s shocking light weight (dropped 50 pounds) and power combination.

The big news for Ski-Doo mountain sleds is the new 2013 REV-XM chassis. So here’s the scoop…

WEIGHT: Weight is what everyone except the lightest doesn’t want to talk about. The weight on the 2013 Ski-Doo 800 Summit XM-X 154 is claimed to be 459 lbs. Add 5 pounds for the 163. If you’re going with the “in-season” SP-XM model, add 5 more pounds.

2013 POLARIS VS 2013 SKI-DOO: 42 pounds difference. The 2013 Polaris 800 Pro RMK 155 claimed weight – 417 pounds. 2013 Ski-Doo 800 Summit X REV-XM 154 claimed weight – 459 pounds. If you can’t get over 42 pounds, then STOP reading right now. If there is anything else that matters to you on a mountain sled: power-to-track, handling, fun-to-ride, etc.; then continue reading. I guarantee 2013 is worth serious consideration into the innovations that could easily make up for 40 pounds of mass.

X-MODEL: Other than the yellow color and rebate benefits, the X package is 5 pounds lighter than the SP and gets the HPG Plus shocks by KYB with rebuildable aluminum bodies. Biggest benefit besides weight is that your shop can re-valve for your weight and riding style. You also get the tapered aluminum handlebars. If you don’t like yellow or orange you will find a custom selection of 2013 Ski-Doo 800 Summit REV-XM models to snowcheck (Spring Guarantee) online.

SUPER TRACTION TUNNEL: It has 8 inches of additional running board edge giving us traction closer to the engine. This is a must for technical maneuvers in deep snow.

FLEX-SUSPENSION: engineers of the R-Motion suspension built what looks like the most advanced rear skid for a mountain sled. The all new T- Motion is a lateral-flex motion. edges of the track and the suspension flex when you lean the sled. They integrated a ball joint in the rear torque arm and the front suspension arm. The track edges flex also. Thus, the “FLEX-EDGE”.

THE OTHER STUFF: The side panels are reshaped to slide through deep snow. The seat is lower profile (better for the mountain, worse for trail ride home). The running boards get 85% more snow evacuation hole space in running boards. The gauge mounting is flattened so you can see it standing up…finally! The ski stance is down to 35.7”, the narrowest of all 800 mountain sleds.

Basically, the 2013 chassis is the same at the core, same S-Module, same Triangular frame, same steering geometry, same engine mounting. But there are many significant changes also that will dramatically alter how it rides. Spindle is slightly different, ski keel is a little deeper and rear of ski is a little longer. Handlebars have two positions (set at forward position on REV-XM and it takes 1 hour to switch).

COOL REV-XM BONUS’ (E-TEC 800)

2013 Ski-Doo 800 Summit Guages and Glove Box

They gave us a glove box under the gauge console that will defrost your goggles from the engine heat. Ski-Doo has the best fit and finish of all OEM snowmobile accessories on the marketing LinQ system has a “snap-in” accessory mount system built in for your tunnel bag and gas can. The side panels are pre-marked so you can snap them in easily.

SUMMIT XP DITCHED? NOPE.

The Summit Sport (formerly Everest XP and Summit SP) has the PowerTEK 800 with an MSRP of $8,999. That’s $1,000 less than the 2012 Polaris 600 RMK.

DON’T KNOW TIL YOU RIDE IT

Find out where demo’s are around you through Snowmobile Event calendars online like www.skidoodemo.com and other Spring Snowmobile Event websites.

Some lucky riders that rode the new sled and these are some of their comments; “much easier for entry level riders to ride” “effortless, huge difference” “easier to ride, easier to sidehill on hard terrain”. Demo’s are being dished out to the sales reps across the country and will be part of their Ski-Doo Demo Tour from here on out. So, hook up with a dealer and go for a ride to see for yourself what all this means.

Pricing on the 2013 Ski-Doo lineup was surprisingly right in line. Advertising below MSRP is not allowed by Ski-Doo dealers so you have to get an individual quote through email, talk to your salesperson on the phone or visit your local dealership. Most importantly, find a dealership you trust and that offers to ride with you! So many dealers don’t even ride what they sell.

The price of the 2012 Ski-Doo Summit X 154 E-TEC REV-XM is $12,349 MSRP. On top of that Ski-Doo offers a $300 Rebate Option OR a free Wrap Kit OR Electric Start or an extended Warranty. The best option is usually to take the $300.00. Then if you want custom decals, get custom decals that don’t match all the others available from Ski-Doo. If you want Electric Start, add it. If you want a warranty extension, get it when it matters and make a deal on a 5 Year warranty so there is more value when you resell or you have warranty when it’s most likely to break down!

The 2013 Ski-Doo Summit SP 800 E-TEC 154 is $11,899. The 2013 Ski-Doo Summit Sport 800 XP P-TEC is only $8,999. Add the 163″ track for $400 and Electric Start for $300-$350. Which one is the best value to you??? Please comment….

In Orlando of all places, Ski-Doo is introduced their 2013 Ski Doo snowmobiles. The new model year represents the most significant engineering advancements in one year since 2007 when the XP Rider Forward chassis was introduced.

Before the big show, I noticed the Aerocharger guys parked out back…hhmmm. Could a collaboration with Aero result in factory installed turbo on the 800 Summit ETEC with 200+ horsepower AND factory warranty support? seems too good to be true.

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This Ski-Doo corporate Video shows an overview of the 2013 Ski-Doo innovations. http://m.youtube.com/?rdm=4phc78gmt&reload=3#/watch?desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DuIM__lp4StU%26sns%3Dfb&sns=fb&v=uIM__lp4StU&gl=US

Leaked photo's of 2013 Ski-Doo Summit

Pictures of 2013 Ski-Doo Summit REV-XM Leaked only days before launch. INFORMATION JUST RELEASED: 2013 Ski-Doo REV-XM 800 Summit FULL DETAILS!!!

Pictures of the 2013 Ski-Doo 800 Summit X ETEC leaked just a few days before the official Ski-Doo launch in Orlando, Florida. The suspension pictured on the 2013 Ski-Doo 800 Summit features an all new lateral flex movement that is totally different than anything we have ever rode, that I know of. Can’t wait to ride the new 2013 Ski-Doo’s!

What do you think?

Do you like the new body?

Will the new 2013 Ski-Doo Summit suspension work?

Chris Burandt is the highest exposure ambassador for the Pro RMK mountain sleds from Polaris. It is no surprise they used Burandt to give an early introduction to the new 2013 Polaris 800 Pro-RMK 155″ with the new belt drive system, machined tunnel, new skis and more.

Check out the website dedicated to the Big Time announcement by Polaris. (you read most of it first on sledrumors.com!)

http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-us/snowmobiles/2013-preview/deep-snow/800-pro-rmk-155/pages/introduction.aspx

2013 Polaris Snowmobile Prices

This is a home run for Polaris IF they can keep MSRP under $12,000 with all these goodies. The price (MSRP) on the 2012 Polaris 800 Pro RMK jumped up to $11,799 for the base model. My fear is that the sled will jump another $1k, which would be a tough pill to swallow for most. Under 12k will will keep this incredible sled in a price range with compelling reasons to trade up and snowcheck a 2013.

Watch for pricing on the 2013 Polaris 800 Pro RMK 155″ and every other mountain sled made on http://www.snowcheckdirect.com

I have rode all 3 2012 800 class mountain sleds. They all work. The Cat (SnoPro) and Polaris are easy to switch back & forth on. The Ski-Doo steering takes a bit to adjust to. I love how easy the Polaris is to ride. Feels so light (because it is so light) and so easy to control on a sidehill. The Arctic Cat floats well and is strong. The Ski-Doo pulls hard on long climbs (best Ski-Doo yet…the 2012 is a totally different sled than the original 2008 Ski-Doo 800 XP).

Bottom line, the Polaris is tough to beat as the multi-purpose mountain sled. The Polaris has no disadvantage in power to the track. Polaris has always been good at drive train efficiency and clutching set up for squeezing as much power as possible to the track. The Ski-Doo and Arctic Cat dyno results show a huge advantage in power, but I don’t feel any deficiency on the Polaris.

What do  you think?