It is so difficult for me to choose only one favourite for each manufacturer… Indeed, when I am asked to make such a heartbreaking choice, I would rather entitle this article «the broken heart» since there are so many 2010 high quality snowmobiles.
During this unique event that was taking place in the exceptional American Rockies scenery, I surprisingly imagined how some passed away snowmobile pioneers would react if they could try these so high-tech advanced machines. Right at this moment I realized how lucky I was to be there and how much I should appreciate each trial in respect for all our readers. So, I dedicated my presence at the 2010 Snow Shoot to all the pioneers who built our sport and who made it possible for us today to share this passion all together.
There have been so many improvements since the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Each year, we say «Wow» but then again, the engineers from the four leaders still surprise us year after year. At first sight, we are often impressed by the most drastic novelties brought by each edition, which is understandable. The 2010 year is no exception but we often forget an important component, the refinement. This phenomenon appears on the second and third years of a new technology and cannot be seen on a picture or in a show room.
Some expert amateurs can partly appreciate these improvements by reading the specification sheets but then again, it is not guaranteed that the result will be a real improvement for the pilot. It is only at trial time that we really can feel all the refinements, thus appreciating the long-time efforts of the development teams to calibrate a wide range of technologies. The 2010 year is particularly filled with many refinements and our trials put many of them in evidence.
Arctic Cat
When talking about refinement, the manufacturer from Thriff River Falls understood this concept very well and his 2010 line of models is full of it. My choice has been hard to make because the introduction of the 800 H.O. mixed me up for many days. What an engine! My final choice was between two models that have the same engine and the same platform: the TZ1 Turbo LXR (Touring) and the Z1 Turbo. I finally chose the Z1, my first choice to ride solo. Besides the important weight of the 4-stroke Turbo, it is definitely the most manageable among the ultra-powerful manufactured in the industry. I have been very impressed how it is easy to handle the machine in short turns, while having an incredible power at any running speed. The Twin-Spar chassis is really at its best in this edition and the front and rear suspensions are perfectly calibrated for the weight.
Last year, we have experienced a forward lowering when braking; it has mostly disappeared in 2010. And what a performer in bumps. Once again, the weight is forgotten and the Z1 Turbo comfort is just exceptional because the sled absorbs most of the energy in the bumps. Of course, the multi-adjustable system of the seat is really interesting because it can be adjusted to any pilot’s height. Since I had to make one choice, I had the crush for the Z1 Turbo, because it is a perfect snowmobile for long rides in our province of Quebec conditions and still, with a sporty type of riding if you want to. An honourable mention goes to the Touring edition, the TZ1 Turbo, which has most of the advantages of the Z1, but made for two passengers.
Polaris
At Polaris, we must outline the innovation brought by the introduction of the Pro-Ride chassis and the 600 Rush. We observed that the number of models available for the trials was more limited this year at Polaris. However, the ones we had were very interesting for the Quebecker market. Besides many Rush machines and all the RMK and mountaineer Assaut models line, the 600 and Turbo editions of the IQ LX along with the very expected 600 Widetrak IQ were there. My choice has been made tough by the fact that many market portions are interesting in 2010 at Polaris. My passion for off-trail rides made me highly appreciate the Widetrak IQ with a 2-stroke 600cc engine.
All the manageability of the IQ chassis combined with the lightweight and performance of the 120 hp Liberty make it an interesting pick.
What is there to say about the LX series clearly dedicated to the north-eastern market, that targets the long ride amateurs in complete comfort.
I could not miss the 2010 innovation: the Polaris Rush with its surprising progressive-rate rear suspension. All the capacity of this new ProRide chassis finally got to my heart, even if at the trial time, some adjustments were still needed by the Polaris engineers. The great possibilities of the rear suspension and its job in bumps are impressive, as well as the IQ front suspension that gives an exceptional handling to the Rush. The Liberty 600 engine gives very good performances combined with the Rush lightweight and the P-85 / P2 drive / driven clutch that are faithful to the Polaris tradition. I must talk about the innovative look of the Rush that will be an eye-catcher in the trails this season. A very manageable machine that combines innovation and use of its components, which are valuable issues at Polaris. This is my choice for 2010.
Ski-Doo
Once again, there were so many Ski-Doo snowmobiles on the site that it is very difficult for me. Many models in many market types that are all very interesting. To choose at Ski-Doo, I had to question myself again on the definition of a crush. Many honourable mentions must be given, such as the new Tundra LT that gave us wild pleasure all afternoon long in the undergrowth. What can I say about the Expedition SE, full equipped, 2-stroke or 4-stroke, a great Touring on trails as well as in deep snow.
Between these 2 models, I noticed the Renegade Backcountry with a 1 ¾ inch track and choice between 800R or 600E-TEC meant for our market. Finally, I chose the 1200 MX Z TNT, a snowmobile that gives the best of what we are looking for in a trail sled. Power and acceleration, distinctive sound, fuel economy, low fumes and no odour, easy to handle, comfort and at last, an eye-catcher design. It is really a cruising machine that takes advantage of the refinement of the whole components gathered in one, and that gives great moments to the pilot. The performances are very predictable in turns as in bumps, which makes it the right choice for many snowmobilers. The 4-stroke TNT is my favourite in 2010 at Ski-Doo.
Yamaha
The japanese manufacturer who is a refinement expert, applied again this concept is his 2010 vintage. After many innovations during the last years, Yamaha perfected their line, while improving some models. Once again, I had to choose among many possibilities, but my dilemma increased on many days, was between the RS Vector GT and its new advanced fuel injection system and the Apex GT. Besides the difference of the engine power, these two machines have many identical components, except for the aluminium electronically-controlled GHP Ohlins shock of 46 mm. This is precisely what made my heart beat faster. We know that since many years, Yamaha works continuously to improve their suspensions in general, but I have to admit that this year result with the GT is really awesome.
I have been impressed by the performances in bumps and what should I say about the electronically-controlled system in motion … WOW. Of course, the finishing and the mounting quality of these snowmobiles are always perfect, trademark of this manufacturer. Even if I prefer the 120 hp, the combination of this suspension, of the 15 X 121 X 1.25 inch RipSaw track and the 150 hp 4-cylinder really convinced me. I rediscovered the Apex in 2010 and that finally made me choose the 2010 Apex GT as my favourite at Yamaha this season.
