Advice on buying a sled

S

smeegs6

Member
Looking to buy a used sled this fall to get out in the BC this season but I don't know much about which kind of sled works best for skiing. Just wondering if there's any certain things that I should be looking for (i.e. Track width, engine size, etc...) that make a sled better or worse for going out to build jumps and access lines in the Utah backcountry. Thanks in advance for any helpful advice.
 
13457444:Caucasian_Asian said:
Take an avy course.

Then take another.

Then learn how to become a sled mechanic.

Then buy used sled.
Click to expand...

The only way to learn how to become a sled mechanic is by buying a used sled.
 
You are asking the right questions, but you may have to answer a few of them yourself before you can move forward. First and foremost is how much can/do you want to spend on a sled. If its $1,500 you can get a trail sled that will be useful. If its $3,500+ you can get a good mountain sled. Both have their advantages:

When you catch your trail sled on fire, its not that much money wasted.

Trailsleds don't overheat on trails and are better for towing your buddies.

A cheap trail sled leaves you more money for gas, a trailer, maintenance, and a ski rack.

A mountain sled opens up the options of where you can go, and where you can get really stuck!

For a mountain sled you will want a track length of at least 155, and an engine size of at least 700cc.

Sounds like you need to nail down what you want a bit more before people can help you more. Talk to friends who have sleds, see what's available on craigslist, and think about that budget. If you have any more questions please let me know!
 
13457497:Mike.Records said:
You are asking the right questions, but you may have to answer a few of them yourself before you can move forward. First and foremost is how much can/do you want to spend on a sled. If its $1,500 you can get a trail sled that will be useful. If its $3,500+ you can get a good mountain sled. Both have their advantages:

When you catch your trail sled on fire, its not that much money wasted.

Trailsleds don't overheat on trails and are better for towing your buddies.

A cheap trail sled leaves you more money for gas, a trailer, maintenance, and a ski rack.

A mountain sled opens up the options of where you can go, and where you can get really stuck!

For a mountain sled you will want a track length of at least 155, and an engine size of at least 700cc.

Sounds like you need to nail down what you want a bit more before people can help you more. Talk to friends who have sleds, see what's available on craigslist, and think about that budget. If you have any more questions please let me know!
Click to expand...

Thanks for being the only person so far to give me actual feedback instead of being a turd. I'll take what you said into consideration and find out my needs/budget and I may PM you with a few questions. Thanks again!
 
gear talk next time please man. a freeride sled would be able to handle what you would like to do with it
 
13460007:simmers said:
Most helpful advice I see in this thread.
Click to expand...

I agree with Simms. I was looking into buying a skidoo, but it's just another money pit in my opinion.
 
In my many years of experience, I can say that these plastic ones work pretty well but they can sometimes break
648_sled3pack.jpg
 
probably something within the 155-163 range that's a 6 or 700. You can always toy with the engines, throw some aftermarket shit in there for more power, but that's good enough for just bopping around and looking for stuff to ski.

just make sure you have enough for repairs/offseason storage/maintenance, just leaving your shit out on the lawn all summer long spells broken parts during the winter, if that makes sense.
 
honestlty go look for like a early 2000s to about 2007 skidoo summits or rmks. they can get you back into the backcoutry with some practice youll nearly be able to go anywhere. they run any where from 1000 to 3500. 600 would be alright if you keep it on the trail and out deep powder but 700 and 800 would be the best tool. if your in the market for more expensive sleds dont buy any 900s or 1000s there p.o.s. usually. and i agree take an avy class and make sure u have more than one kid!
 
2008-10 ski doo xp 800 is all you need, few g's will get you anywhere you need to go and you'll have the time of your life getting there.
 
13461487:matlk14 said:
honestlty go look for like a early 2000s to about 2007 skidoo summits or rmks. they can get you back into the backcoutry with some practice youll nearly be able to go anywhere. they run any where from 1000 to 3500. 600 would be alright if you keep it on the trail and out deep powder but 700 and 800 would be the best tool. if your in the market for more expensive sleds dont buy any 900s or 1000s there p.o.s. usually. and i agree take an avy class and make sure u have more than one kid!
Click to expand...

I second this. The Polaris RMK is a solid machine. The only thing I have to say about engine size is it really matters how old the sled is. An early 2000's sled that is a 600 would only really be good on trails and some flat powder. However these new machines (especially the RMK) are so light that small cc would do just fine on most any terrain. Now don't get me wrong! there is definitely a noticeable difference between a 600, 700, and 800. I however have easily been able to hold my own on a 600. As for track length, I would say look for a 155 or 160.

If I was to give you one piece of advice, it would be to buy a newer machine. Sleds can be a bitch to work on and you can count on things breaking. Most used mountain sleds have been ridden hard and may have problems that can go unseen to the naked eye. If you do buy used pay close attention to the frame to make sure it is not warped, the engine has good compression, sounds good, and that the clutch is responsive.

Also buy LOTS of belts and always bring one with you, because you will go through them quick.

What's your budget?
 
I suggest to buy a second hand sled. They're much more affordable. However, buying brand is still the best option. Yet still depends on your budget. You can ask many questions from the dealer too. They know better.
 
13457491:Mike.Records said:
The only way to learn how to become a sled mechanic is by buying a used sled.
Click to expand...

Let's be real. Even a new one you'll have to be a mechanic if you're actually using it.
 
OP go over to TGR if you want real sled advice.

Make sure you have all your BC shit in order before as someone else stated.
 
13461718:Karma_Police said:
Let's be real. Even a new one you'll have to be a mechanic if you're actually using it.
Click to expand...

False. I bought a used sled with no sled maintenance experience. Its been a learning process: things break and go wrong. But, you get help and figure it out.
 
13462028:Mike.Records said:
False. I bought a used sled with no sled maintenance experience. Its been a learning process: things break and go wrong. But, you get help and figure it out.
Click to expand...

Learn how to read.
 
13462028:Mike.Records said:
Its been a learning process:
Click to expand...

How do people become mechanicas? Oh, that's right they learn. Nobody says you have to have fucking certifications to deal with sleds but you have to be mechanically inclined and know what you're getting yourself into. If you think you're just gonna go out and score dope bc lines without maintenance of a sled or a place to do it you're kidding yourself.
 
I'm sorry that your sled has been hijacked by idiots and washed up pros. Just contact me directly when you have any questions about make/model/year, maintenance, zones, ski racks, trails, etc.
 
13461703:californiagrown said:
Do you have any experience with sleds?...

does anyone you know have any experience with sleds?
Click to expand...

13462073:simmers said:
yes
Click to expand...

Are you kidding, his best movie shot was of him on a sled. Also probably the reason he recommends not getting one.
 
13462269:californiagrown said:
youre trying to tell me he has a friend or two that's a pro?
Click to expand...

no. see 1:16 for a guy who knows his sleds.

[video]https://vimeo.com/52251676[/video]
 
13462423:loganimlach said:
no. see 1:16 for a guy who knows his sleds.

[video]https://vimeo.com/52251676[/video]
Click to expand...

All I wanted for Xmas was to set him up so he could say "my friends a pro". That's it.

Why is this so damn hard?!?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top