2019 Alpha One Rear Skid - Will it change things forever?

jim · Mar 9, 2018

Racin,

Good info.

I assume you are ready to go for these conversions? Sounds like this summer is the target date. Any idea on ballpark cost for full skid and conversion?

And can one use the existing track? Or is a new track required?

summ8rmk · Mar 9, 2018

Skid and track must be together, will not work apart

Alpha

......

RACINSTATION · Mar 9, 2018

If you have a 2017 Mountain Cat or 2018 Mountain Cat, it will be around $3400 for the track, drivers, and skid. You will need to use your existing shocks.

Geometry is set up for the drop and roll so if you have a 2012-2017 non mountain cat sled, you will need to do that.

I have been told late summer on delivery of the kits.

sno*jet · Mar 9, 2018

doo uses 6 tooths, i dont see why the aftermarket wont have drivers availible for a 12-16 soon.
but glad i paid extra 2 years ago for that dropped case MC:face-icon-small-coo
3400 also seems steep, i think the aftermarket/backyard mechanics will step in.
center punch/clip your track and throw the skid in?

RACINSTATION · Mar 9, 2018

It is important to understand that the Alpha Powerclaw track is a very integral part of this equation. It has been in development for a while to work with this skid and its function.

summ8rmk · Mar 9, 2018

KMMAC said:
Would it be feasible to narrow a two rail skid, turn the drivers
around punch and clip a current power claw track to build something similar for an older sled or, is the track THAT much different that it wouldn't withstand the flex.

The center of the current powerclaw track isn't strong enough to support the weight of the sled, the paddles will fold over.
The new tracks paddle has a 'finger' at the center to support the weight.

KMMAC · Mar 9, 2018

track

Will the current powerclaw tracks take the flex like the mono beam track?

summ8rmk · Mar 9, 2018

Big difference in design for the load.

Dam Dave · Mar 10, 2018

Frostbite said:
When looking at the track the lugs for the outer bogie wheels are still there (they aren't needed any longer). The track on these sleds is clearly an off the shelf track not specifically designed for this application.

If a track was specifically designed for this application it would not have those outer lugs, it would probably be of a different durometer and thickness, etc. I think once they design a track specifically for this application there will be benefits to be gained in traction as well as more weight to be saved.

Those outer lugs are for top idlers

john6719 · Mar 10, 2018

cwborns said:
Track tension will be paramount! I LOVE cat for giving us this... didn't share it with yammi hilarious. Super curious how how unbearable it would be on the trail to the pow, not that that matters much.

Wrote a review in the Alpha ride review thread if you want to read it all. I was thoroughly surprised on trail manners getting out to the riding area. I purposely hopped on one to ride it out so I could see how it acted. Going straight it's no different than the '19 mountain cat or any other sled. Corners are easier and I believe faster (didn't exactly race). The front stays planted better with no ski lift. I did get lazy in position and push a little hard on one corner and found out there is a tipping point and you better be ready! That was one time and one "surprise" for me, so who knows, it may easily be managed once you get some miles on and figure out its true characteristics, but overall I thought if anything, I'd prefer the Alpha on a trail than the mountain cat.

Frostbite · Mar 10, 2018

If the track looks like the one pictured. Is there one extrovert driver centered on the driveshaft? Is so, are there two introvert drivers on each side of the center extrovert driver?

summ8rmk · Mar 10, 2018

Frostbite said:
If the track looks like the one pictured. Is there one extrovert driver centered on the driveshaft? Is so, are there two introvert drivers on each side of the center extrovert driver?

The drivers look the same as current.
Just flipped 180° and close together.

mike800 · Mar 18, 2018

ultrasks700 said:
Theres a lot of unanswered questions out there; hows it going to ride on trails/set-up conditions, durability, overall handling, etc. We will find out so enough, its a step in the right direction, someone has to take the big step and to bring change to the industry and Cat has done it.

Really? It's a fawking mountain sled!!!

Teth-Air · Mar 19, 2018

It will be terrible in hardpack conditions but good in the Pow. It won't be long before we have a kit available to limit the motion for those conditions.

eldereldo · Mar 19, 2018

Teth-Air said:
It will be terrible in hardpack conditions but good in the Pow. It won't be long before we have a kit available to limit the motion for those conditions.

How are you going to do that? Some sort of bogie wheels that you can engage to stiffen the track in the middle? Theres no link like the t-link that pivots, so nothing to ‘lock’

summ8rmk · Mar 19, 2018

Push button training wheels!

Roguewarrior · Mar 19, 2018

What’s “best machine” to snowcheck for 2019?

I quit riding for a few years. I have been studying up on sleds to snowcheck for 2019. A friend rides a 2018 ski doo 850 and he didn’t like the way it side hilled compared to his friends Polaris and Sno Pro. He recommended either the mountain cat, hardcore or the Polaris 850. I’m inclined to try Alpha and have heard great reviews but there’s not enough reviews to make a solid accusation on it. Too bad there’s not more reviews out for the Alpha prior to the snowcheck deadline. I checked it out st RMSHA last weekend. Ugly color scheme that’s for sure. Is there any riders that have ridden all of the 2018 sleds that can give me advice on which brand is best for boondock/mountain riding? - Missoula, Mt Thanks-

sno*jet · Mar 20, 2018

I picture aftermarket billet arm kits putting wheels out closer to the edge for stability and hardpack riding. seems legit to me, still a huge weight savings to be noticed, but haters gonna hate.

trdehmer · Mar 22, 2018

Anyone know the outer diameter of the rear idler wheels on the Alpha?

summ8rmk · Mar 22, 2018

trdehmer said:
Anyone know the outer diameter of the rear idler wheels on the Alpha?

10"

2019 Alpha One Rear Skid - Will it change things forever?

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