Arctic Cat in Trouble

[Vern]

Radios have been the biggest help for us for keeping track of people. I’m pretty much the only cat left in the group so I knew the group ride would be useless but thought the mapping would be useful for unfamiliar areas, plus I liked the blue. That being said, I think it would be a good move for all brands to communicate. They’ve allegedly gotten together on other things in the past so . I Have seen videos on Facebook of guys some how getting ride command loaded on their g8 gauges, so maybe there’s a way we could do it ourselves.

 

[arcticridr]

Did two rides this year one with 32 peeps and another with 16, neither was an issue , I put one of my trusted guys up front and one bringing up the rear and I kinda roaved amongst the group . 70% had never riden where we were , don't know if anyone was using gps we relied on radios to keep tabs on everyone , they all had strict instructions that if anyone or any small group left to go back to the truck (20miles) they would tell at least two of the leaders! worked without a hitch , several left early and did as they were told made sure two of us knew who and how many were bailing , covered 60 miles , numerous bowls and tree climbs and one huge flat back to the parking lot all back with huge smiles and no injuries or break downs , although at times as one of the guys said it was like " herding cats with a switch" Amen to that . Mite us gps on the G8 for unfamiliar areas or to get a 20 on where I am at when in the trees etc , rode for 30+ years without it , nice to have but learned by the seat of the pants !!!And by paying attention to my surroundings it's called S.A.!!

 

[Clark42]

I wonder if the old guard on here was upset when radios first started hitting the scene too

 

[IDspud]

The crutch comes in when a guy gets away, trusting oh, they can track me, and his sled and/or tracker goes dead.
To pretend this scenario doesn’t happen is ignorance.

TBC, I use and understand tracking gear.
I also know it well enough there’s no way it’s going to be our only safety net.

March 23 we had a run where two guys dropped in a hole and got caught up.
Radios couldn’t reach, tho within a mile.
Communication at last snack was key to locating and assisting them,

Sat signals were nowhere to be found at that time.

 

[Old & slow]

I think a guy is crazy not to use some sort of technology at least as a backup. That’s how we try to do it ,common sense and terrain smart backed up with a gps radio. I think the issues can come when you rely on the electronics to much

 

[koolaid]

I wonder if the old guard on here was upset when radios first started hitting the scene too

My group relies on radios more than anything to keep us safe and together. We all ride new sleds but different brands, so no tracking.

Everyone here knows there is a sweet spot on the numbers in a group on a pow day. The difference between a great day of riding vs. a day of babysitting and not so much riding. I like riding and think the 4-5 guys is ideal.

 

[IDspud]

Big groups definitely flow better on sunny days and set up snow.

 

[arcticridr]

I wonder if the old guard on here was upset when radios first started hitting the scene too

No one of the old guard I know were ever upset about radios fact was it was a god send to be able to communicate when on the hill !! Seems as if it's the young ones upset about not being up to snuff with all the bulszhat tech stuff bottom line it's what you feel comfortable with or without while in the backcountry. Actually I could give a flying F if you have a gps or radio cus you are the one getting lost or racked up not me

 

[IDspud]

Not to mention they were the original cell phone.

 

[arcticridr]

That's also why I keep 6 radios on charge in the trailer at all times 2 with repeater capabilities so I can call ECC in case of emergency and 4 for whom ever thinks they might want to take one !!

 

[Clark42]

That sure stirred the pot haha. Portable radios were once novel, unproven, new technology that I’m sure people refused to rely on in the backcountry. Now look at us.

15 years ago if one said “I won’t ride with you unless you have a radio and a beacon”, 50% of sledders would be astounded. Today it is expected equipment of all users.


I expect gps/buddy tracking and satellite connectivity to follow this same path

 

[MTsled3]

I wish I could remember the name, but I saw a few people using a simple tracking device this winter. It was basically just a flat black pad with a circular grid of small lights, and other riders would appear as a single dot on the grid. Seemed effective and was cheaper than the TrailTech, but I think it was a little more pricey than I expected. Can't seem to find it now.

 

[MTsled3]

I wish I could remember the name, but I saw a few people using a simple tracking device this winter. It was basically just a flat black pad with a circular grid of small lights, and other riders would appear as a single dot on the grid. Seemed effective and was cheaper than the TrailTech, but I think it was a little more pricey than I expected. Can't seem to find it now.

Here we go. Snowmotobuddy.

It says it's a gps device, but you dont get any mapping abilities obviously due to the lack of a screen. No mention on any compatibility with Cat/Poo/Doo systems.

I do think it's a little expensive for what it is, but it's still only half the cost of a TrailTech setup.

The attachment system is just a couple bungie cords. that would bother me having it bounce around on my bars. Needs a hard mount with a quick attachment.

 

[Vern]

Don’t know if it’s true or not, but I’ve heard if you download the tread app on your phone they can be tracked off the g8. So that’s another potential option if it works.

 

[MTsled3]

Don’t know if it’s true or not, but I’ve heard if you download the tread app on your phone they can be tracked off the g8. So that’s another potential option if it works.

I haven't heard that, but the Polaris app does this with 7s displays. You do need cell service though, so Garmin/G8 might be the same way.

 

[koolaid]

15 years ago if one said “I won’t ride with you unless you have a radio and a beacon”, 50% of sledders would be astounded. Today it is expected equipment of all users.

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

 

[IDspud]

Hell, not even snow.

 

[koolaid]

Hell, not even snow.

Memorial Day ride!

 

[arcticridr]

Mite get a July 4th ride in on Shasta see how friggin hot it gets in the next couple months !

Mtnsled3 Jason and the guys on Bak40 recovery up in BC use those think he did a partial vid on them better than yelling for help in a blizzard where sound goes 10 feet !!!!

 

[Hawkster]

I haven't heard that, but the Polaris app does this with 7s displays. You do need cell service though, so Garmin/G8 might be the same way.

Here's how the knuckle draggers have figured out how to tie things together, it's a convoluted mess but works because corporate must be to smarr to actually work together at the expense of the consumer. It's not like they actually pay for this to come up with intelligent ideas.

Connect to a phone application and you buddy system.

Garmin inReach Mini 2, Flame Red

Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a lightweight satellite communicator offering two-way messaging, SOS alerts, TracBack® navigation, and extended battery life for reliable off-grid adventures.

satellitephonestore.com

Old joke,
Do you know what a buddy is?

It's when your friend goes to town and gets two blow jobs and brings one back.

I guess someone had to do it why not the snowmobile industry

You've been woke biotches