Not all mountain sleds are created equal. Longer tracks, deeper lugs and more horsepower tend to be the measuring bar for most mountain sleds. Yet long tracks, deeper lugs and more horsepower don’t represent the definitive measurements when it comes to all mountain riders.
On the very far left end of the mountain spectrum, where track lengths are at the minimal, we find the most elusive “short track long tracks” that features just enough flotation for the mountains but a little more nimbleness for finesse riders.
This is where you find the Arctic Cat Sno Pro 6000 141, Polaris 600 RMK 144, Polaris 800 SKS 146, Ski-Doo Summit 600R E-Tec 146, Ski-Doo Summit 850 E-Tec 146 and Ski-Doo Freeride 146. The common denominator is that all these sleds feature track lengths in the 140 ish range.
Cat looked at the fringe left and devoted just one model to the segment. Polaris doubled up with both a 600 and 800 to this segment. Ski-Doo went all in with a 600 and two 850s. That being said, this is likely a model you need to pre-order through your dealer if you’re interested in that segment of mountain riding.
So the question is: Why would anyone want a short track long track?
No. 1 - All the right stuff. Trail sleds and mountain sleds are not created equal. And if you’re a trail rider who just happens to live in the mountains, you have a dilemma. Do you sacrifice a quality ride on a rough trail for flotation in fresh snow? Or do you chance being stuck every time it snows for handling on most other winter days?
You want a snowmobile that will do most of what a mountain sled does, while handling very similar to a trail sled. You don’t want a long track … but you do want an aggressive track. You don’t need skis that are aggressive in the turns … but you do need skis that will perform in deep snow.
Trail sleds are calibrated for below 5,000 feet elevation. In most of the West, trailheads tend to start out around 6,000 feet elevation and go up from there. So you need the clutching and tuning for the mountains … because that’s where your trails are located.