Snowmobile Ski "Impressions"

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tsg

Member
Not sure if "Impression" is the right word, but have noticed over the past few years how many more, different ski "impressions" are being left in the snow / on the trails. 2 weeks ago rode in the UP when trails were flat and hard and weather was cold. Most ski impressions that existed were that of only the carbide runner marks, with minimal keep impressions. Rode in Wisconsin this weekend when trails were softer and weather was warmer, and noticed how many deep, wide ski impressions were left. Ski, and accompanying carbide impressions. Noticed several of the "impressions" left were sucking people in and breaking up the trails. Noticed this the past few years as well when conditions varied so much with weather and snow depths.

I know snow and weather conditions, ski pressure, limited straps, keel design, etc. all have an affect on this, but also noticed sleds with some of the aftermarket skis seemed to be the ones leaving the deeper and wider impressions. Not judging anyone, but are more people running more aggressive skis, are keels wider, whether OEM or aftermarket, or is it just a combination of setup, more power, and ski design?

With both my 850's (2019) and really with all of my other sleds I run the stock skis (Pilots now with dual runners) with aggressive carbides which are fine for me. I also know in most conditions I only leave the dual runner impressions with minimal keel evidence in the snow.

I have been riding for many years, but personally noticed within the past few years the impressions are getting deeper and wider. Not looking to start anything or get anyone's opinions (and that is what they are) of what skis may be better, specific brand types causing this, if nay, but just curious if others have noticed any of this of late and potential reasons. Thanks.
 
G

G

Guest
This one is really easy. It is all the poor guys and gals who bought Yamahas. Since they come with the worthless Tuner skis most people upgrade to something else. I bought Mohawks and they are wider and deeper just like you are seeing. A lot of other folks bought Curves and a lot more are putting on Snowtrackers. Snowtrackers doze a hole in the trail that looks like train has been there. Yamis are heavy in front and most people just ride them the way they came so they behave more like a bulldozer than a snowmobile. Hard on a groomed trail.
 
O

old abe

Well-known member
grub said:
This one is really easy. It is all the poor guys and gals who bought Yamahas. Since they come with the worthless Tuner skis most people upgrade to something else. I bought Mohawks and they are wider and deeper just like you are seeing. A lot of other folks bought Curves and a lot more are putting on Snowtrackers. Snowtrackers doze a hole in the trail that looks like train has been there. Yamis are heavy in front and most people just ride them the way they came so they behave more like a bulldozer than a snowmobile. Hard on a groomed trail.
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Agree with all that. In mushy, soft trail conditions makes unpleasant to follow Yamaha's ski tracks, and track spin/sway.
 
favoritos

favoritos

Well-known member
Longer tracks need more ski pressure. Most of the aftermarket skis also have a more aggressive bottom profile vs. OEM skis.
 
M

macker

Member
I've been running Simmons ski's on my sleds since the late 90's, couple different models of them. They have been great, all I use.
 
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G

Guest
snobuilder said:
shaking my head....LOL....its the GD YAMAHAS!!!!!!what a bunch a dopes....what ya smokin brah?
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I smoke Marlboro lights. You ride a pro S with all that junk hanging out the back. That you bought cheap. You are so smart. Sure wish you were here so your smartness could rub off on me. Like osmosis. Probably more like an STD.
 
snoden

snoden

Active member
grub said:
This one is really easy. It is all the poor guys and gals who bought Yamahas. Since they come with the worthless Tuner skis most people upgrade to something else. I bought Mohawks and they are wider and deeper just like you are seeing. A lot of other folks bought Curves and a lot more are putting on Snowtrackers. Snowtrackers doze a hole in the trail that looks like train has been there. Yamis are heavy in front and most people just ride them the way they came so they behave more like a bulldozer than a snowmobile. Hard on a groomed trail.
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I highly doubt you have ever operated a bulldozer to even make such a comparison. Like I always told my kids, "it's your lie you tell it as big as you want." I say learn how to set up your sled!
 
T

tsg

Member
I started the thread because I was curious as to a possible cause, and concerned as these are leaving deep grooves and impressions, quickly breaking down trails. Last Saturday I was even talking to a club trail boss in our area and he had mentioned that his guys were seeing a lot of this: deep and wide impressions. So, based on the above, conclusions are more aggressive after market skis and Yamaha's. In this day and age, few care about leaving the trail better for others, so will only get worse. Would be nice if aftermarket companies would scale back on the aggressiveness, but that will never happen. As for the Yamaha skis, not sure about those, but in the area where i ride and have noticed this, there are a lot of older people riding, and they all ride Yamaha's. I'm only 56 so i have some time yet before I enter the heavy four stroke phase of life.
 
G

G

Guest
snoden700viper said:
I highly doubt you have ever operated a bulldozer to even make such a comparison. Like I always told my kids, "it's your lie you tell it as big as you want." I say learn how to set up your sled!
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Actually I have operated a bulldozer. Also a very large loader with a three yard bucket. In a gravel pit. For three years. I have also driven a groomer. I have a pilots license too. So what is it you would like to talk about?
 
S

snobuilder

Well-known member
grub said:
Actually I have operated a bulldozer. Also a very large loader with a three yard bucket. In a gravel pit. For three years. I have also driven a groomer. I have a pilots license too. So what is it you would like to talk about?
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Sharp runners. 20191221_155525.jpg
 
4

440_chazz

Member
850 doos are heavy up front. Deeper keel on the skis the better to turn these fat ladies. Poo 850's on the other hand....very light steering.
 
S

sweeperguy

Active member
tsg said:
I started the thread because I was curious as to a possible cause, and concerned as these are leaving deep grooves and impressions, quickly breaking down trails. Last Saturday I was even talking to a club trail boss in our area and he had mentioned that his guys were seeing a lot of this: deep and wide impressions. So, based on the above, conclusions are more aggressive after market skis and Yamaha's. In this day and age, few care about leaving the trail better for others, so will only get worse. Would be nice if aftermarket companies would scale back on the aggressiveness, but that will never happen. As for the Yamaha skis, not sure about those, but in the area where i ride and have noticed this, there are a lot of older people riding, and they all ride Yamaha's. I'm only 56 so i have some time yet before I enter the heavy four stroke phase of life.
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I don't think skis tear up the trail as bad as the guys that gotta PIN it off the bridges and out of corners. As well as through corners, throwing all the snow off, leaving icy, slick corners. This makes bridge approaches some of the most dangerous spots on trails for new riders. Not to mention when they pin it from a stand still in the middle of a flat smooth recently groomed trail. Leaving a mound and trench that sucks hitting at speed.
Its not just the deep lug tracks doing this either. Shorties rip big holes through the trail base also.
 
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