CMX or SnowTechMX

[boondocker99]

After ton of research I believe I have narrowed it down to these two kits. Price and craftsmanship it comparable. I have ridden 2 snowbikes (16 TS 137 and 17 Camso 129). In all honestly I really didn't like either of those setups. They both felt really front end heavy. I only rode the Camso on the trail and really hated it! I'll be putting this on a 2019 Husky 300i (tpi). I know most people will say a 450 4 stroke is better but do a lot of summer riding and will be using the bike for both. I already have the bike so that discussion is pointless, although the kit with the least rolling resistance may be beneficial for the 300 2S (sounds like they are comparable)

I love snowmobiling and figure if the snow is deep I'll likely be on the sled unless it breaks down but who knows once I get more time on the bike. So for now my plan to likely use the bike more in spring conditions when the sled is a lot of work to ride of if the sled is broken down.

I'm not an extreme rider at all, just love playing in the snow. Most importantly I want a setup that is playful and fun. I have a bad shoulder so the least amount of upper body strength required is a huge benefit.

• 
  Weight difference - I believe the CMX is lighter - how much?

• 
  Overall balance/front end ski pressure - CMX is known to have the furthest forward mounted track of all kits on the market (I really like this). The SnowTechMX looks like it's pretty close. Anyone know how much difference there is.

• 
  Ski performance - CMX uses the Yeti ski which appears to get good reviews and works well on the trail. How does the SnowTechMX ski directly compare?

• 
  Trail performance - Overall trail performance is really important to me as I don't want to be tortured on the ride in/out.

• 
  Can I run a TS Treo with these kits?

Additional topics for discussion...

• 
  SnowTechMX comes with a 3rd shock. Pros/cons vs. CMX

• 
  SnowTechMX has an adjustable spindle. Pros/cons

• 
  SnowTechMX has pivoting swing arm - This is better for trail riding, right? Any other advantages? Pros/cons?

If I had to choose today based on what I have read I would go with the CMX. This would be primarily based on the furthest forward track mounting and overall fun factor. Seems the SnowTechMX has some additional features that can't be overlooked. I also prefer the overall look of the SnowTechMX.

Anyone ride these 2 kits back to back on similar bikes?

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[M5-]

For the cost of kits these days I would recommend trying them all for yourself, you don't want to have buyers regret. Sounds like you have a laundry list of wants so best to try them in the conditions you will be riding them in. Its unfair to judge the Camso kit or any kit based on the trail because they all suck compared to when you are in the deep stuff. Its a lot of money to lay out based only on what you read on the internet. If a company cant get you a demo ride then IMO they don't really want your business all that bad.

M5

 

[up-high]

Like M5 said. You have to ride them. And heavy front end/ski pressure is a matter of adjustment and rider preference.

 

[boondocker99]

Well demos see very hard to come by and I'm in the midwest so it is also hard to meet up when a demo is announced. To be fair I don't think I can go wrong with either of these kits, they both have rave reviews.

Certainly someone has some actual feedback...

 

[Norma Stitz]

While it would be great to test the kits back to back I agree that it seems impossible to do that given the window of opportunity and rarity of these kits. Throw in vairability of conditions on any given day and also rider setup and good luck to you.

If I were buying today I’d buy the snow tech. They seem well thought out and executed and I was told by someone who sets up a rental fleet that they are the best hands down. He also wrenches local bikes and he’s ridden them all and said the snow tech works the best and breaks the least.

 

[mikew5945]

I can't tell you anything about the Snow Tech.

I am still riding my first CMX kit. I got in on the ground floor when CMX started making these kits and mine is one of the first four built. I would ride both kits. It is too much money to shell out when a drive and hotel will solve any byers remorse. There are two major improvements on the CMX this year. They have built their own spindle and have a new ski coming. I rode the spindle on a guys Yamaha 450 last year in Cooke City. His and mine were both 137s and I could feel a difference between the Yeti and CMX spindle. I also got to ride Mark's bike that had a version of the CMX ski. The bike acted like it had power steering. Call Mark and see if he has sold a kit in your area. I bet they would let you ride it or come out here and ride one. That being said I would wait and ride both. You will only regret your decision if you buy one without riding both.

 

[powdermuncher]

Just flip a coin you are looking at the top of the pack.

Hard to go wrong with either one.

My money is on the CMX almost bought one this Year myself.

The exchange rate is killer and have a nicely dialled 2018 set up right now.

So I figured I will hold out for one more season.

 

[GKR]

Why not a Yeti kit? If weight and rolling resistance are key points it should be considered, it is the lightest and i don't think any of the other can claim less rolling resistance either?

 

[boondocker99]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

I think it's going to be the CMX... Sounds like they are really dialed in and having the most forward mounted skid/track I believe is the ticket. Honestly my gut has been telling all along the CMX is the one to go with but I prefer the look of the SnowTechMX and it seems to have the most bang for the buck (adjustments and features) but in the end it all boils down to what is the most fun to ride and for me that will be the one with the lightest front end and weight transfer.

As for the Yeti just not a fan and have read some mixed reviews. Can't make everyone happy but the Yeti does not seem to push the limits of mounting the skis as far forward as possible...

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

I think it's going to be the CMX... Sounds like they are really dialed in and having the most forward mounted skid/track I believe is the ticket. Honestly my gut has been telling all along the CMX is the one to go with but I prefer the look of the SnowTechMX and it seems to have the most bang for the buck (adjustments and features) but in the end it all boils down to what is the most fun to ride and for me that will be the one with the lightest front end and weight transfer.

As for the Yeti just not a fan and have read some mixed reviews. Can't make everyone happy but the Yeti does not seem to push the limits of mounting the skis as far forward as possible...

Yeti isn’t there on the reliability aspect either..........

 

[Chadx]

I ran a 2014 timbersled kit for 3 years and had a blast on it. Then back on a sled for two years. But wanted a snowbike to complement my sled. A few weeks ago I picked up a used bike and kit (2016 CMX BK) and Wow! what a different ride than the older timbersleds. Not sure if the newer timbersleds still have the heavy front end and ski pressure, but all the heavy ski pressure is gone with the CMX kit.

Uncoupled skid makes kit super playful. So much ski lift that I bumped up rear spring preload a tiny bit as the previous owner had preload pretty much nonexistent. Mostly trails and cautious offtrails so far this year as we wait for snow to fill in, but on the whooped out trails and water bars and drainage cutouts, just blip the throttle to lift the ski off the ground and ride across the bump or ditch with only the track touching. I love it! Will require attention when running up steaps, as others have said, but I'm ok with being an active rider and leaning forward when need be since the light front end is so much fun.

Another benefit of the cmx is it is modular so easy to replace parts of you crash it or want to upgrade a used kit to newer updates. The thought and engineering behind the kit is evident throughout...plus it's a work of art. Going to be a fun season!

 

[boondocker99]

Chadx - Thanks! That is exactly the kind of feedback I like to hear and exactly the kind of ride I'm looking for. I keeping thinking, but the SnowTechMX has all the extra features/adjustments for the same price but in the end who cares, it's all about the ride quality and playfulness. The CMX is also lighter which will pair up nicely with my light 300 2 stroke.

Thanks again, great info!

 

[capulin overdrive]

Both brands are getting good reviews here, but appearing nobody has ever gotten the two together.


May not be fair to Snowtech to speak, because maybe they've got it done right? But from being around a Yeti with the extra suspension stuff vs a solid strut, and also a CMX. I could give 2 ****s about the RSS or whatever it's called, maybe helps just a little on a rough icy trail, but 99% of the time solid strut was just fine or even better.

Will echo what others have said about the CMX being light or balanced on the front end. My CMX will turn a little easier in the trees than my Yeti.

 

[n16ht5]

I know very well how snowtech rides vs yeti / ARO but have not rode CMX, so I cannot say either way. 3rd shock on the snowtech works very well, something about how he engineered the skid and the coilover zbros 3rd shock it feels pretty well connected and soaks up big hits

 

[Robster]

..

After ton of research I believe I have narrowed it down to these two kits. Price and craftsmanship it comparable. I have ridden 2 snowbikes (16 TS 137 and 17 Camso 129). In all honestly I really didn't like either of those setups. They both felt really front end heavy. I only rode the Camso on the trail and really hated it! I'll be putting this on a 2019 Husky 300i (tpi). I know most people will say a 450 4 stroke is better but do a lot of summer riding and will be using the bike for both. I already have the bike so that discussion is pointless, although the kit with the least rolling resistance may be beneficial for the 300 2S (sounds like they are comparable)

I love snowmobiling and figure if the snow is deep I'll likely be on the sled unless it breaks down but who knows once I get more time on the bike. So for now my plan to likely use the bike more in spring conditions when the sled is a lot of work to ride of if the sled is broken down.

I'm not an extreme rider at all, just love playing in the snow. Most importantly I want a setup that is playful and fun. I have a bad shoulder so the least amount of upper body strength required is a huge benefit.


Overall balance/front end ski pressure - CMX is known to have the furthest forward mounted track of all kits on the market (I really like this). The SnowTechMX looks like it's pretty close. Anyone know how much difference there is.
[/LIST]

• 
  Ski performance - CMX uses the Yeti ski which appears to get good reviews and works well on the trail. How does the SnowTechMX ski directly compare?

• 
  Trail performance - Overall trail performance is really important to me as I don't want to be tortured on the ride in/out.

• 
  Can I run a TS Treo with these kits?

• 
  SnowTechMX has an adjustable spindle. Pros/cons

• 
  SnowTechMX has pivoting swing arm - This is better for trail riding, right? Any other advantages? Pros/cons?

Anyone ride these 2 kits back to back on similar bikes?

Thanks for the feedback!

Have not ridden or even seen either CMX or a SnowTech kit live, but have tried the rest of the kits. Including many different home made versions of TS, Tedesleds, Bergshästen etc. Here is my .02 on the topic.

If you have a 300 2s as a bike, you really want two things.
1. A light and easy rolling resistance kit
2. A playful kit that feels "alive" and "flickable/nimble"

Without those two the 300 2s will feel like a powerless turd.

I have ridden a 500 exc with a Tedesled 129" kit (super light and with a feel of a dirtbike during summer feel when riding) and a few of my riding buddies have had 300 TPIs. VERY close in straight comparsion in most conditions ans sometimes even with an advantage for the 300 TPI. Somehow the 300 TPI gets on top of the snow faster and easier when there is a layer of crust and just pow under and above that the 500 cannot get on top of (when climbing) in the same way.

Our experience is that it is absolutely crusial to get the track as forward as possible for better floatation and feel. All Tedesleds has the track almost touching the bikes frame/engine and even only moving the tracvk 1/2" more to the back feels a lot! And not in a good way. Also weight is a key for 300 2s and especially unsprung weight such as track and skid weight. Ie Camso kits are a nightmare for snowbikes, because of a really heavy track, high rolling resistance and a heavy skid (the whole kit is heavy I know, but the unsprung weight makes a bigger negative effect than weight in general. Especially for 2s).

So in my mind the CMX is no doubt the best kit apart from the ski. The Yeti ski is supernice in pow, but on crust and trail it is a b***h. Tedesled kits have a ski of their own that works flat out great on trail, but hard to buy for you guys. The second best ski I have tested on trail is a TS ski with a triple gold skeg and their setup on the ski. Have not tried the newest TS ski yet though, but reveiws on that has not been much to celebrate about so.. (even though TS as usual claims any change is a "game changer"... ).

So go with the CMX and try to find a great ski that can handle it all. Or perhaps buy a Tedesled ski from Sweden and just enjoy being the first that gets the best all around ski "over there".

//Rob

 

[HELICO]

FWIW Snowtech 137 originally installed on a 570 then tested on a Beta XTrainer
Full season on the Snowtech 0 issues ,0 complaints
This year sold the 570 putting the track on a 19 Beta 300rr have no doubt it will work just fine

 

[boondocker99]

Good info guys! It's going to be a CMX and likely a 120 unless someone can convince me the 129 will work as good or better on the 300 tpi. I do plan on getting a Bikeman head and already have a FMF Gnarly exhaust. I would consider a BB kit later if they make something for the tpi.

 

[boondocker99]

FWIW Snowtech 137 originally installed on a 570 then tested on a Beta XTrainer
Full season on the Snowtech 0 issues ,0 complaints
This year sold the 570 putting the track on a 19 Beta 300rr have no doubt it will work just fine

Everything I have read says the 137 is too much track for a 300 2S. Sure it will turn it and you can get around but the fun factor will be less and it will be hard to use gears 4+.

 

[boondocker99]

Have not ridden or even seen either CMX or a SnowTech kit live, but have tried the rest of the kits. Including many different home made versions of TS, Tedesleds, Bergshästen etc. Here is my .02 on the topic.

If you have a 300 2s as a bike, you really want two things.
1. A light and easy rolling resistance kit
2. A playful kit that feels "alive" and "flickable/nimble"

Without those two the 300 2s will feel like a powerless turd.

I have ridden a 500 exc with a Tedesled 129" kit (super light and with a feel of a dirtbike during summer feel when riding) and a few of my riding buddies have had 300 TPIs. VERY close in straight comparsion in most conditions ans sometimes even with an advantage for the 300 TPI. Somehow the 300 TPI gets on top of the snow faster and easier when there is a layer of crust and just pow under and above that the 500 cannot get on top of (when climbing) in the same way.

Our experience is that it is absolutely crusial to get the track as forward as possible for better floatation and feel. All Tedesleds has the track almost touching the bikes frame/engine and even only moving the tracvk 1/2" more to the back feels a lot! And not in a good way. Also weight is a key for 300 2s and especially unsprung weight such as track and skid weight. Ie Camso kits are a nightmare for snowbikes, because of a really heavy track, high rolling resistance and a heavy skid (the whole kit is heavy I know, but the unsprung weight makes a bigger negative effect than weight in general. Especially for 2s).

So in my mind the CMX is no doubt the best kit apart from the ski. The Yeti ski is supernice in pow, but on crust and trail it is a b***h. Tedesled kits have a ski of their own that works flat out great on trail, but hard to buy for you guys. The second best ski I have tested on trail is a TS ski with a triple gold skeg and their setup on the ski. Have not tried the newest TS ski yet though, but reveiws on that has not been much to celebrate about so.. (even though TS as usual claims any change is a "game changer"... ).

So go with the CMX and try to find a great ski that can handle it all. Or perhaps buy a Tedesled ski from Sweden and just enjoy being the first that gets the best all around ski "over there".

//Rob

I'll just have to see how bad the CMX/Yeti ski is on the trail. I hoping that with the CMX having a much lighter feeling front end it will make for a better trail ride. None the less the ski is easy to replace if I feel it's necessary.

 

[capulin overdrive]

Yeti ski is great on trail, and sure Mark did the CMX ski right. Even happy with the Yeti on crust. Where i have issues with the Yeti ski, is snow that fell at the just barely freezing point, then the ski will bulldoze a little.


Wouldn't be scared of the 129. I'm running a 137 Yeti on 300 smoker and it's fine.