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I don’t? Sorry if I didn’t break down my entire day of riding. I was being specific to how it performs when climbing/tree riding.
Alpha elevate reviews
- Thread starter powwow
- Start date
We are finding that the 2020 hardcores need respring/valving on the rear track shock even in stock form and unfortunately when coupled with elevate on the stock RTS settings it makes the sled wheelie far too much and has poor balance. Numerous riders as well as in house tests confirmed that the 2020 hardcore models have heavily under valved rear track shocks and springs which are far too soft and are easily overpowered on the 154 models. Riders with 165 are reporting the same issues but slightly less struggle. Findings include that unless locked out RTS the sled will wheelie uncontrollably and wash excessively in any sort of deep snow and techinical terrain. Riders who have resprung/valved report significant gains in control and affective power delivery. These have been run on stock and elevated sleds both with significant improvements in performance. Having to use Lockout on a consistent basis shows clearly under valved shock package.
On sleds with air shocks the valving package seems to be a lot more consistent between the year/model options and provides quality ride with our recommended settings.
F
Mine have been revalved and resprung, I agree with you whole heartedly there, it needed it. I added your elevate kit after. Still with your recommended settings the sled was not as enjoyable. I may have about 3/4” less clearance at the rear locations of the sled compared to what it would’ve had with your recommended skid mounting locations but it rides undeniably better.
I did not notice uncontrollable wheelie in my one ride with elevate on my 19. On the 20 hardcore it has been 100% noticeable all season. So far with one ride with the front of the skid in the stock holes and the rear dropped it seems better although the snow was soooo deep that day it was really hard to make any sort of evaluation. Could not go up any sort of hill on any of the sleds we had there. Could barely go in the flat so will have to save that evaluation for different conditions.
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Had two mountain trips on my 2020 800 Alpha MC in the last three weeks for eight days of total riding. The sled operated wonderfully. The steering was heavy until I lowered the rear skid shock pressure from 140 to 120 psi and the front ski shocks from 90 to 70. Was going to raise the front track shock a little but ran out of time. My mountain riding time is over for this year and am already looking forward to next year. At this time I don't think I'll be making any major mods but you never know.
I forgot to mention I also sealed the air intake section under the hood with a thin strip of black "Eternabond Roof Seal " around the outer edge and added some thick grease to the intake gasket. Not a bit of snow in the intake area. Also had to tighten the track twice over about two hundred miles or so.
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Noticed today on a RRnD video that Rob Kincaid's Alpha is running IceAge Elevate spindles!?!?
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Him, his son and dave are all running the elevate kits.
It sure would make sense for Arctic Cat to incorporate taller spindles and sealed air boxes to their 2021 Mountain Cats and Hardcore sleds.
They're still trying to figure out this whole internal combustion thing and the air bit that makes up half of that.
Give them time. It's a new concept.
Anyone try tightening the limiter to help with the wheelie isssue? My buddy tightened his limiter on his 20 hardcore non elevated sled to keep it under control. Just curious how that will affect the elevate. I’ve got mine installed today and he talked me into tightening the limiter but now I’m having second thoughts
Love the wheelies and Cats dont like a tighter limiter strap, tight = less traction
You are reducing the travel in an area where most people are already seeing bottom out and many claim that is the cause of broken rail tips. Personally would not feel comfortable tightening mine much at all.
For those who have been curious about the wheelies on the '20 hardcores we are testing some new spring/shock packages shortly and will have a list of updated recommendations. We have experienced this models challanges firsthand and want to provide customers of all models with a dialed in setup.
For those curious about tightening the limiter strap. Our Included Alpha elevate strap has 2 positions, extended (elevate) or the OEM hole configs. so if you put it in the "tighter" position it has no less travel then stock so should not lead to any increased rail force/damage.
For those curious about tightening the limiter strap. Our Included Alpha elevate strap has 2 positions, extended (elevate) or the OEM hole configs. so if you put it in the "tighter" position it has no less travel then stock so should not lead to any increased rail force/damage.
