cuzzinolaf
Well-known member
North of the bridge is best if you must ride in the east.
Differences Between Crossover and Mountain Sleds?
- Thread starter maximumpsi
- Start date
North of the bridge is best if you must ride in the east.
I only off trail in legal areas. As for being more dangerous, I have seen many seriously injured people from accidents from a on trail collision with tree, other sled, etc, and have even witnessed a few deaths. All of these the sleds were total losses. I have yet to have anyone riding off trail with me get hurt, or have a reapir of only a few hundred bucks.
And yes, out west is fun. been there, done that and will keep doing it. Unfortunatlly I live in Michigan so I can't ride Rabbit Ears every weekend. So to pass the time, I will boondock the UP.
FYI: 16 x 137 = 2192 15 x 144 = 2160. I have found wider is more of a benifit than longer.
And yes, out west is fun. been there, done that and will keep doing it. Unfortunatlly I live in Michigan so I can't ride Rabbit Ears every weekend. So to pass the time, I will boondock the UP.
FYI: 16 x 137 = 2192 15 x 144 = 2160. I have found wider is more of a benifit than longer.
Switchy600
New member
On Trail Riding
I have an 06 Switchback and I love it!!! I ride on the trail 90% of the time. If i so go off trail its just bee boping around the house. I like the longer track because it provides better traction and a smooth ride on rough trails. I bought the sled two years ago and put 3000 miles on it the first year With no problems. Like I said I LOVE the sled!!! The only think with the Crossover sleds is that they are usually more expensive...so if money is no option then to me a crossover is a great trail sled.
I have an 06 Switchback and I love it!!! I ride on the trail 90% of the time. If i so go off trail its just bee boping around the house. I like the longer track because it provides better traction and a smooth ride on rough trails. I bought the sled two years ago and put 3000 miles on it the first year With no problems. Like I said I LOVE the sled!!! The only think with the Crossover sleds is that they are usually more expensive...so if money is no option then to me a crossover is a great trail sled.
Your are getting sucked into crossover marketing. Just buy a long track trail sled 1.25 track 4s or 2s & forget the the crossovers because you won't like crossover gearing or handling on trail. Plenty to pick from 128 thru 144.
slickwilly08
New member
Exactly! Buy a crossover sled and STAY ON THE TRAIL!!! It's far to dangerous to venture off...
Man oh man oh man... There is some significant BS, off topic rambling, and complete FUD in this thread.
First of all going off trail (Boondocking) isn't any more dangerous than on trail activities, **** I'd say that off trail is on par with ditch banging in most circumstances.
A ditch has cement culverts, fire hydrants, and other misc dangers that you can't see under the snow, yet I don't see any of you arguing against ditch banging in here.
Finally to get back on topic, which the OP was asking about was the difference between a mountain sled and a crossover sled, simple as that. While I can't comment on the direct question(s) myself, I can say that crossover sleds are definitely NOT marketing hype and BS. Going from a 2002 XC SP 600 trail monger to a 2010 Switchback 600 w/ 136" track I can definitely tell you there is a huge difference. While I can't say if its the chassis difference or not (Edge vs. IQ) the ride is substantially improved, and the longer track allows me to go ditch banging in some of the deepest snows I've seen in 20+ years and not have to worry one bit about getting stuck as easily as I did with the 121" track on my old sled.
And again to the OP, just remember the saying, "Opinions, everyone has one" (kept it clean for the forum but you know the gist)
-Josh
First of all going off trail (Boondocking) isn't any more dangerous than on trail activities, **** I'd say that off trail is on par with ditch banging in most circumstances.
A ditch has cement culverts, fire hydrants, and other misc dangers that you can't see under the snow, yet I don't see any of you arguing against ditch banging in here.
Finally to get back on topic, which the OP was asking about was the difference between a mountain sled and a crossover sled, simple as that. While I can't comment on the direct question(s) myself, I can say that crossover sleds are definitely NOT marketing hype and BS. Going from a 2002 XC SP 600 trail monger to a 2010 Switchback 600 w/ 136" track I can definitely tell you there is a huge difference. While I can't say if its the chassis difference or not (Edge vs. IQ) the ride is substantially improved, and the longer track allows me to go ditch banging in some of the deepest snows I've seen in 20+ years and not have to worry one bit about getting stuck as easily as I did with the 121" track on my old sled.
And again to the OP, just remember the saying, "Opinions, everyone has one" (kept it clean for the forum but you know the gist)
-Josh
every thread turns into this "off trail is too dangerous" bs lately. The intentions are fairly transparent if you ask me. If you are going to primarily trail ride, you will likely want a coupled rear suspension, and a sway bar. A 136-144 1 1/2" track will make a nice difference for the occasional trip into the POW. However, the more you get into the powder, the more you are going to be wanting weight transfer, and added carvability. At that point, rip off the coupler blocks, and sway bar, and your set.
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cuzzinolaf
Well-known member
I'm gonna stop. It sort of started as a joke and a few people caught on and added fuel to the fire. It is becoming too popular and soon there won't be any off-trail. If people want to post about it all the time - go for it. I can say places went last weekend were always untouched in previous years according to our lead. I have my spots around Rockland and Mass I plan to check out this coming weekend. Hopefully they aren't touched but I doubt it as of now.
cuzzinolaf
Well-known member
hence my reasoning for "off-trail is dangerous"... LOL
The sarcasm wasn't originally realized by many. I just wanted to see how far it went!
polarisrider1
New member
Not at Carving or side hilling. 32 sq. inches is nothing. there are 144 of them in a sq. ft. A 15x144 is way better off trail than a 16x137. Its not a Doo or Poo thing.
polarisrider1
New member
You only live once! That is a great sled.
cuzzinolaf
Well-known member
That is the best part. I kept chuckling when people were firing back and then added more fuel. I'll be good now since my joke is out.
maximumpsi
Member
Thanks everyone for your advice and experience. It was interesting watching where this thread went. Cuzzinolaf, after you show me your favorite off-trail riding spots, maybe we can map out your best fishing holes too? I promise I won't tell anyone else...
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squarepants2
New member
I have been riding off trail for lots of years.I haver never had any major issues, knock on wood. The snow conditions need to be sufficient. I ride trails too but enjoy forest roads much better. Have had more close calls on the trails and have seen 3 deaths there too. Either alchol or excessive speed. Get yourself a gps and experience more enjoyable riding. think snow !
Not true... The most imporant factor is the guy on the throttle. I have no problem carving the so call "tough to turn over XP". Its all on your ability. If you can't do it, practice more, and spend more time in the gym.
cuzzinolaf
Well-known member
Throttle, track length, ski-stance, suspension, skill, strength, and pop tarts all have to do with carving.