Arctic Cat in Trouble

[Vern]

I always heard that friends are friends, pals are pals, and buddies sleep together.

 

[arcticridr]

Yea I have connected an in reach to the G8 works good ****ty they all don't just connect to each other !!

 

[arcticridr]

I always heard that friends are friends, pals are pals, and buddies sleep together.

Oh man this one got way way off the rails quick

 

[Clark42]

20 years ago, we had nothing but our buddies, balls and machines.

That's great, but the level of riding during that time was exponentially lower than it is today. Following suit, the standard for safety equipment has also evolved

 

[koolaid]

That's great, but the level of riding during that time was exponentially lower than it is today. Following suit, the standard for safety equipment has also evolved

Serious question Clark- when does it all end? We already have to charge, program, check batteries, put on all this equipment like we're going to the moon to just go play in the snow in the same range, same snow conditions that we've done for decades.

 

[boondocker97]

Part of it is technology gets cheaper over time and so it's more attainable for more people. Think of what a satellite communication device would have cost in the 1990s compared to now. I'm still good with radios at this point without buddy tracking. I used to have a Spot for emergencies and I need to get an InReach to replace it. Leave my phone at the truck most of the time since we don't typically have service where we ride.

Worrying about charging the radio, avy pack, goggles, GoPro, etc. and then getting it all on and ready seriously adds an hour to the task of getting ready to go ride. I'm starting to say no to some things just because it's something else to worry about. Maybe I'm just entering into my "get off my lawn" old man era too!

 

[Clark42]

Serious question Clark- when does it all end? We already have to charge, program, check batteries, put on all this equipment like we're going to the moon to just go play in the snow in the same range, same snow conditions that we've done for decades.

Well, my whole point is that we snowmobilers aren't riding the same range and snow conditions we used to. The sport has evolved greatly and continues to do so. Areas that were once limited to mod sleds in set-up snow, are now easily accessed by completely stock machines mid-winter.

To refuse to use equipment that undoubtedly makes the backcountry experience safer, at the expensive of a slight inconvenience of charging batteries periodically, is asinine

 

[Clark42]

You don't have to use any electronics or safety equipment. But your personal choice doesn't mean that the equipment has no place in powersports, and it certainly doesn't mean that Cat shouldn't offer it on their machines haha. Snowmobiles evolve faster than any other vehicle or power sport. The progression is probably one of the coolest things about the sport. I hope it continues on

 

[koolaid]

Well, my whole point is that we snowmobilers aren't riding the same range and snow conditions we used to.

We absolutely are, the mountains didn't suddenly change, the snow didn't suddenly become lighter and fluffier. The sleds of yester year just made you work a lot harder to access it. You get to it easier on today's sled and don't feel it as much the next day is all.

 

[boondocker97]

I get in way more predicaments than I used to 20 years ago. Not necessarily related to avalanche conditions, but tight spots pinned next to a tree, washed out on a steep side hill, or upside down in a gnarly drainage I would have stayed the hell out of before.

 

[turboless terry]

We absolutely are, the mountains didn't suddenly change, the snow didn't suddenly become lighter and fluffier. The sleds of yester year just made you work a lot harder to access it. You get to it easier on today's sled and don't feel it as much the next day is all.

Exactly. This to a t. I ride the same stuff.

 

[IDspud]

Bull on the riding change.
Your personal awareness may have, but we been there done that long before it was caught on video.
Riding trees and pushing limits is not as new as social media makes it out to be.

 

[Clark42]

Well, that is just going to be a stylistic difference between us then. My favorite part about snowmobiling is that the lack of boundaries, and modernized sleds have certainly expanded the possibilities for myself and friends. "Been there done that" is a complacent mindset, I don't subscribe to it. I will continue to explore and I intend to do so as safely as I can, with whatever tools are available to me. I hope you all do the same.

 

[Clark42]

I get in way more predicaments than I used to 20 years ago. Not necessarily related to avalanche conditions, but tight spots pinned next to a tree, washed out on a steep side hill, or upside down in a gnarly drainage I would have stayed the hell out of before.

This is certainly true for me, and probably everyone. But I took the bait and kicked off the 'young buck vs. the old guys' dick measuring contest. So we will be locked into this argument until the end of time and none of us will soften our stance haha

 

[IDspud]

Not complacent at all.
Never said anything about limits or boundaries.
You are missing the fact that we have made it to the tops and every nook and cranny for decades.

 

[IDspud]

And your contest is in your head.
I ride with mostly under 25 yr olds and we have a blast every ride out.
That’s the only real measure of success is enjoying each ride.

 

[Clark42]

I think you missed the humor there bud

 

[IDspud]

Not at all, can catch humor and make a point at the same time.

 

[Mafesto]

I'm guessing this thread isn't about Arctic Cat's issues anymore?

 

[IDspud]

See poo or doo for issues content.