Thoughts on a Switchback Assault Track Extension

[skiroule]

Hi folks,
I need to thin the herd this winter so I’m thinking of selling the RMK and doing a little track upgrade on my 13’ Switchback Assault. Looking at picking up an extra track and track extensions from TracksUSA to stretch it to a 151” with a 2.3 Challenger track for those deeper snow trips.

I’ll miss the off-trail handling of the RMK but I’m really too old for the steep stuff and tight trees and I think the SBA would handle the Midwest snow and milder mountain stuff OK if it had a little more bite. I can always convert it back to stock for low snow conditions.

What do you guys think? Would I just end up with a sled that doesn’t do anything well? This is a nice sled with super-low miles (385) and I’d like to make more use of it.

 

[byrn71]

I wouldn't stretch it, I would just put a 2" track on it. That sled with a 2" track will make a great Midwestern sled. Enough paddle and length to bomb around some deep stuff, but still short enough to rip the trails. Sweet sled!! Look forward to what you decide.

 

[sweeperguy]

Does your assault have the 2" track or the cobra 1.375?
The 144 length I would tend to think to be sufficient.
I've seen the track extensions, I am not sure of the Strength of that setup. The difference between 144, and 155 doesn't seem, to me, to be enough difference to spend a bunch of money on. Plus having the extension setup, vs a 155 skid.

 

[mezz]

The extension kits are made well enough, I extended my Crossfire from a 136 to a 144 with a kit from Oles Machine. You can't notice it, billeted aircraft aluminum with an exact fit. All else aside, IMO a 144 is plenty in the Midwest. Short enough to negotiate & long enough to get you into trouble. Put a 2" paddle on that bad boy & let'er rip. -Mezz

 

[eagle1]

Why not just sell the assult rather then spend money to make it more rmk like?

 

[polarisrider1]

Why not just sell the assult rather then spend money to make it more rmk like?

Bingo! We have a winner.

 

[skiroule]

Thanks guys for the input, comments, and questions. As usual, I can count on the JD group to get me thinking clearly.

I guess the inclination to go longer is the result of separation anxiety with the RMK but I have to agree that the right answer for my riding at this point is to go with the 2" track and stock 144" skid.

I think this sled will be very versatile and capable with that setup but just to be sure I'll be adding a Monster sticker.

As a footnote, I loved my Rev Summit with the 144 x 2 track but that had a slightly larger footprint with the 16" track. On the flip side, it lacked the horsey's of the Switchback and as my friend Snoluver1 always told me when trying to help me not suck as a mountain rider: "It's all about commitment and track speed."

I need that pasted to my windshield.

 

[polarisrider1]

Thanks guys for the input, comments, and questions. As usual, I can count on the JD group to get me thinking clearly.

I guess the inclination to go longer is the result of separation anxiety with the RMK but I have to agree that the right answer for my riding at this point is to go with the 2" track and stock 144" skid.

I think this sled will be very versatile and capable with that setup but just to be sure I'll be adding a Monster sticker.

As a footnote, I loved my Rev Summit with the 144 x 2 track but that had a slightly larger footprint with the 16" track. On the flip side, it lacked the horsey's of the Switchback and as my friend Snoluver1 always told me when trying to help me not suck as a mountain rider: "It's all about commitment and track speed."

I need that pasted to my windshield.

Lol, you too! Commitment is always a struggle in the mtns. when you get older. Guess it has to do with a drop in testosterone and a will to live. Lol

- - - Updated - - -

A 144x2x15 will take you into 99% of the Yoop just fine.

 

[elf]

I was telling close to that same thing to a friend of mine last year. "you just gotta commit" when he was being wishy washy about trying something. All I've ever rode is a 144 x 2 and for somebody experienced like yourself you'll be fine. Sure, you may get stuck some more or have to work harder to get through spots but thats whats fun. If you were to go out west again, just rent. Thats what we are doing this winter, instead of driving 20 hrs and pulling undersized sleds with we are flying 2 hrs and renting.

 

[kirk600]

Kelly, as I ride mostly off trail , the 2x144 on my old 600 is way more fun than either of my 1.25x144 sleds. I haven't put the 159 back on and dont think I will, unless i go out West. Add some ice scratchers and have fun

 

[Deleted member 10829]

I think this sled will be very versatile and capable with that setup but just to be sure I'll be adding a Monster sticker.

LMAO! Kelly, I swear you should have been a comedian. You make me laugh out loud often!

 

[skiroule]

Well, my wife calls me a joke all the time. I’m assuming she means comedian.

I really appreciate the input from you guys. Since my last post I’ve ordered a pair of gripper skis as a start. I definitely will add scratchers. I looked at a new Switchback Assault with the 2” track at the dealer and I liked the difference it made in sled attitude. Way more businesslike than the 1.375.

Obviously the Switch won’t match the crazy sidehilling ability of the RMK but I’ve tried out my friend's stock SBA in the spring snow of the mountains and had a lot of fun with it. Besides, in far northern and northwestern MN where I do quite a bit of riding it’s pretty difficult to find a hill. Swamp yes, hills no.