Snowmobiling

[Burninator]

So my brother convinced me and a couple other guys to try snowmobiling this year and we all picked up some used ones this summer. As I have very little experience I was hoping CP would have some advice.

Since I have a sled I guess the biggest thing I need next is a helmet. There seems to be two types, full face and snow cross helmets (with goggles). Unsure which way to go. I've read that full face are warmer but fog up easily.

What type of gear do you carry with you when you ride? At the very least I know I need a shovel and a tow rope.

Any other advice or tips would be appreciated.

[TSXCman]

All I am thinking now is that I want a used SM and want to get out...

[Hevishot]

Buy a Spot tracker and take an avalanche safety course.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by Hevishot

Buy a Spot tracker and take an avalanche safety course.

And a beacon. The SPOTS aren't an actual avvy beacon, are they?

[rd_aaron]

Go full face helmet. You won't regret it. Even if it fogs up a bit you can just pop the shield up a half inch and it'll go away pretty quick.

We always had a socket wrench & a little gas with us in case we had trouble starting our older sleds. Just pop off a spark plug and put a tiny amount of gas in to prime it.

[Hemi-Cuda]

Full face helmet is definitely better, as a kid it only took me one ride with my moterbike helmet to come to that conclusion. Most come with vents near the mouth area that you can open if they start to fog up so it's never been an issue when I've riden

[WCan_Kid]

If you're riding in the mountains MX style body armor isn't a bad investment. Avy training should definitely be priority number 1 along with beacon/probe. I prefer goggles and mx/snocross style helmet for visibility. Just carry two pairs of goggles and swap them out if fogging occurs, but it's pretty rare for me to have issues.

[Northendzone]

never been SB'ing - but I would suspect that you would want to carry some basic tools, some spare parts, food, possibly something to help keep you warm, the emergency beacons mentioned above, and be aware how to make a shelter if need be.

i would think that it would be a long walk back to somethign if your SB brokedown.

and taking the avy training would also be a high priority.

[hevy_chevy1967]

Definitely go motocross helmet....full face shield helmets are garbage IMO. They're heavier, fog up, and restrict mobility. A balaclava and goggles that are a good fit will keep you warm enough.

If you're new to the sport, I wouldn't recommend mountain riding right away. Get some local riding in first because in all honesty its a steep learning curve from flatland riding.

[RatherDashing]

Originally Posted by kunkstyle

And a beacon. The SPOTS aren't an actual avvy beacon, are they?

No they aren't, just a GPS sender thing. The SPOT is a great idea though, whether you are in avalanche terrain or not. I think Delorme makes them too, they also have a model that you can use to send text messages with, which could be handy.

[Burninator]

Wasn't going to start out on the mountain so I am not as concerned about avalanche danger. Nice and easy to start with to get a feel for the sport and my sled.

Any recommendations for places to get a helmet? And a good price range to look in?

[Tron_fdc]

Where do you intend on riding? What type of things are you doing? Just sledding or sled skiing?

What kind of sled did you buy?

Lots of factors to consider, and after doing it pretty heavily the last 10 years I might be able to point you in the right direction.

I used to use a full face helmet, but it was a PITA when we were riding tandem or snowboarding. I use a Burton helmet that isn't CSA, but it's better than nothing. Plenty of pros and cons on this, but I'm aware of the risks and prefer it to a full face.

Be prepared to get stuck. A lot. This is where friends come in, because there's nothing worse than postholing around your sled solo.

Get to know basic trail etiquette as well. Don't be that guy who is a total d*ckwad in the staging area and on the trail. Plenty of info on the web.

Yes, get a tow rope. You will use it at some point. Same with GOOD radios. They come in handy when you're lost, or need a beer.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by Tron_fdc

Where do you intend on riding? What type of things are you doing? Just sledding or sled skiing?

What kind of sled did you buy?

Not really sure about location yet (brother is planning that part). Just sledding. I bought a 2002 Skidoo MXZ 700, other guys have two polaris 900s and a polaris dragon. My sled is the weakest, but everyone is fairly new so we will be starting out accordingly.

[Tron_fdc]

That's actually the same sled I learned on.

Get your suspension set up for your weight. You won't be climbing much of anything without suspension dialed in. Pick up a riser bar as well; those old sleds don't turn easily and a big riser=more leverage. If your track has 1" (or smaller) paddles, get ready to buy a new sled soon. You will be getting stuck everywhere, and your friends will get sick of helping you all the time.

It's addicting as all hell. After you learn how to handle the old machines you will get on a new Summit, ride it for 10 minutes, and buy one. It's like comparing a '66 Ford Falcon to an M5, that's how far the technology has progressed.

Like I said, prepare to get stuck CONSTANTLY. It gets better as you learn, but the first season can be pretty frustrating if you're in anything over knee deep.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by Tron_fdc

That's actually the same sled I learned on.

Get your suspension set up for your weight. You won't be climbing much of anything without suspension dialed in. Pick up a riser bar as well; those old sleds don't turn easily and a big riser=more leverage. If your track has 1" (or smaller) paddles, get ready to buy a new sled soon. You will be getting stuck everywhere, and your friends will get sick of helping you all the time.

It's addicting as all hell. After you learn how to handle the old machines you will get on a new Summit, ride it for 10 minutes, and buy one. It's like comparing a '66 Ford Falcon to an M5, that's how far the technology has progressed.

Like I said, prepare to get stuck CONSTANTLY. It gets better as you learn, but the first season can be pretty frustrating if you're in anything over knee deep.

You are talking about the rear suspension right? I will look at that. It already has a riser bar and I am pretty sure the track has paddles bigger than 1". While my sled isn't the most powerful in the group it at least has some creature comforts like heated grips/thumb, reverse and electric start. I believe you about the technology. My brothers dragon looks leagues ahead of mine and his is only a 2009. I will prepare to get stuck lots, haha.

[hevy_chevy1967]

I would recommend looking at a sno bunje as well. Amazing tool when you get stuck.

[Tron_fdc]

I'm a BRP guy so I will always insult the Polaris sled. Decent reliability, but the geometry is junk compared to the new XM platforms. A 2009 dragon feels like a boat with a sail compared to the new Bombardier equipment.

There is a rear shock, as well as 2 on the front (one on each ski) which are all adjustable. You can play with the dampening and rebound, depending on where you ride and how much you weigh. This will help you climb (sorta) and help you from getting stuck (sorta). Every bit counts until you get confidence hammering the throttle everywhere you go.

Electric start adds a couple lbs, but I always made a point of calling my pals over as they were pulling away on their cords on a cold day, and hitting a button to fire mine up. I think I did that every time I started my sled the first year I had it.

[Hevishot]

Originally Posted by Burninator

Any recommendations for places to get a helmet? And a good price range to look in?

Check out Blackfoot Direct it is around the corner from big blackfoot or Cycleworks foothills (Okotoks) both have a decent stock of helmets and sled gear. When it comes to helmets do not buy the cheapest heaviest thing you see. Try a few on to see which ones fit your head shape and which ones do not. Also try them on with the goggles you plan on buying. Some helmet shapes make for poor goggle fitment. if you have neck issues I would spring for a little more expensive/lighter helmet.