They look so dated compared to the competition. Also look like they will hold snow badly especially our wet coastal stuff but I haven’t heard any real complaints. I cracked and ordered Airframes Saturday from Racinstation for mine and I haven’t even ridden it. I’m a sucker for some Airframes!
How are the running boards on the Alpha?
- Thread starter Matte Murder
- Start date
Thanks bro I feel better about my $400 expenditure lol!
They hold less snow than Polaris' razor sharp boards and ski-doos.
When the snow is wet like this last weekend, it does build up at the back 6-8". Easy enough to remove with one swipe or stomp(tube boards are the same). I ride with people that have tube boards, Absolutely no less build up than my stock boards.
I hate the flat feel of tube boards. I like the taller outer edge of factory cat boards, it helps roll the ankle toward the tunnel. Gives better control, more secure feeling.
I haven't had a traction issue on cat boards since 2014.
When the snow is wet like this last weekend, it does build up at the back 6-8". Easy enough to remove with one swipe or stomp(tube boards are the same). I ride with people that have tube boards, Absolutely no less build up than my stock boards.
I hate the flat feel of tube boards. I like the taller outer edge of factory cat boards, it helps roll the ankle toward the tunnel. Gives better control, more secure feeling.
I haven't had a traction issue on cat boards since 2014.
I had BDX on my 12 and now have airframes on my 18. stock boards suck
I disagree. I've had years of 'normal' stock boards just like everyone and now 3 sleds with tube boards. The AC ones build up less than the angled polaris ones.....but the polaris ones grip better. Skidoo boards just suck all around.
Where the ac boards do require a stomp or two, every set of tube boards I've had don't require a stomp, just move your foot to stand and the snow naturally clears away. It's only one step difference but it's an important one.
I won't run a sled without them now. Whenever I buy another sled I usually do go ride the stock ones while I wait for the tube ones to arrive. Never once have I NOT thought they're an immediate and significant improvement once they're on.
Plus they strengthen the tunnel.
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First ride back on a cat after a three year stint on an axys. They do get small up front if you ride with your feet all the way forward. Which I found I did when I was riding rough trails. I could feel the inside of my feet rubbing on the break cover and the chain case cover. But was not too bad. When carving I would move my feet back a bit and actually felt the boards where too wide. I actually like turning my toe in and dropping my head off the side of the running board in the direction I’m carving. A technique I learned from riding the axys. This seemed more difficult and uncomfortable on the cat. But I do think the cat boards shed snow at least as good as the new Polaris ones if not better. The reaction was good when on the edge but traction when standing flat on the boards could be better this is an area that works good enough but the s cat guys really deserve a new set up here. That doesn’t involve 400 dollar boards and cutting up a new sled.
9
I’m really wanting to get an Alpha but I’m a little hesitant due to their boards. They look the same as my 10 HCR’s did which weren’t very good in my opinion. I really like the boards on my Axys but I really want the Alpha. I just don’t like the idea of hacking up the boards on a brand new sled either. Not sure if should wait for a ‘20 model with hopes they have better boards or just pull the trigger on a 19 Alpha ?*
??*??*. Decisions, decisions, decisions
??*??*. Decisions, decisions, decisions
I’m really wanting to get an Alpha but I’m a little hesitant due to their boards. They look the same as my 10 HCR’s did which weren’t very good in my opinion. I really like the boards on my Axys but I really want the Alpha. I just don’t like the idea of hacking up the boards on a brand new sled either. Not sure if should wait for a ‘20 model with hopes they have better boards or just pull the trigger on a 19 Alpha ��*
the proclimb/acender stock boards are definitely better than the old m-series. Bigger cutouts and powdercoating help significantly.
But dude, don't let running boards keep you from something as unique as an alpha if you want one. You're not 'hacking' as much as just trimming the tunnel on the sides where it should have been
It's so much of an improvement to throw tube boards or even the BDX ones on there..... And even if you don't want to do that, the stock ones aren't that bad.
There are basically Polaris extruded boards in the Arctic Cat accessory catalog so if that's what you like they can be added. I haven't put any of these on myself, but they look like they would be a little easier to install with a few cuts and rivets over tube ones.
I'm a tube running board fan myself though. After doing a few sets I have no problems cutting into a new sled to put them on, no matter what brand sled it is!
I'm a tube running board fan myself though. After doing a few sets I have no problems cutting into a new sled to put them on, no matter what brand sled it is!
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My bud picked up an Alpha two days ago, we rode two days and he "missed the boards" a few times. Or slipped off them. He is coming off a 12 HCR, so not sure if boards are narrower or if he is getting used to the MUCH better sled?
The Cat Pro boards are extruded inserts and $400 retail. The airframes I bought were also $400. Someone at Cat should get a slap for that. The Pro boards should be on the Alpha stock. They also shouldn’t be so expensive for 2 pieces of extruded aluminum.
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