When Denis Lavoie, the president of Motoneiges.ca, asked me to present my four best picks of the last Snow Shoot, I must say that I did not know where to begin. Discovering almost 80 snowmobile models in only four days would confuse anybody.
However, through all this feast of rides to discover the 2016 models of the four great manufacturers, there have been serious crushes.
LIKE AN OLD PAIR OF GLOVES
When I mounted the MXZ Blizzard, I felt as if I had just found a good old pair of gloves I had lost. Right from the first meters I rode, I truly felt in love with this new model of the BRP lineup.
I must say here that due to my ripe old age, even if it is not to be told too often, I have known the golden years of this legendary model that dominated the race tracks. At that time, the Ski-Doo Blizzard was different with its latest technologies and the pilots racing performances. Just imagine how this model affected the consumers when it was introduced on the market. At the handlebar of this bolid, we felt in control of any situation experienced on trails. A different world was born for snowmobilers.
In this state of mind and to allow today’s fans to rediscover this magic, BRP reintroduces this model that left its mark on the snowmobile history. In 2016, the MXZ Blizzard is fully equipped with the latest Ski-Doo technologies such as the rMotion 129 rear suspension, issued from the racing world where it equips the MXZx, an Ice Ripper track and the new Pilot TS adjustable skis. I think that these skis are the most important innovation of the 2016 season. They really allow the pilot to choose his type of riding in accordance with trail conditions that often may vary during the same day of snowmobiling.
The test model was equipped with the 800R E-TEC engine, a nervous one that delivers what you ask for. You can also choose another BRP engine. The agility of the snowmobile, combined with the comfort and control of the riding, made me fall in love with it. If I could have brought a snowmobile in the airplane baggage compartment from West Yellowstone, this is the one I would have picked. To enhance its charm, this model is offered in Ski-Doo fetish colors, black and yellow. Try it out, you will see that your youth will quickly get back on top.
For one ride, I went back to my youth memories with this MXZ Blizzard model that did not loose any of its spirit and charm.
FAITHFUL YAMAHA
I had my second quick crush on the Yamaha Venture, as reliable as always and overall, very comfortable.
Some of my friends snowmobilers swear only by Yamaha since many years. If this snowmobile has not been quite modified during the last seasons, we must say however that the new technologies, even if not always apparent, have brought the 2016 RS Venture TF to a new level of comfort and performance that puts it in a class of its own in its category.
This snowmobile is really amazing with its 3-cylinger Genesis engine of 1049cc and the new YCC-T system that allows you to calibrate air and fuel flow of the engine. There is no spark failure when you ride either at low or at high speed. You always remain in total control. Also, you can take advantage of the new range of riding types offered by the D-MODE. You can choose among the Sport, Touring or Entry mode, for the on-trail beginners. To change the riding mode, you have to stop first because the system is connected to the track that must be stationary to activate the system. The comfort of this model is provided mostly by the rear suspension of 151 in/383,5 cm with articulated arm. It makes all the difference, mostly in bumpy trails.
One thing is sure, I recognized in this 2016 model the security, the reliability and the comfort offered by Yamaha to snowmobilers since many years.
The Venture is elegant and comfortable; this is what seduced me among the Yamaha snowmobile lineup.
RETURNING TO THE PAST
At Arctic Cat’s, as I knew it even before I attended the Snow Shoot, I had my crush as soon as I grabbed the handlebar of the Pantera 7000 XT Limited. I rediscovered an old friend that I liked pretty much in the 70s when the Pantera was introduced in the Québec market.
This snowmobile is the perfect example of what the Arctic Cat snowmobile lineup has become, mature, reliable and able to meet all fans’ needs. When I piloted this machine, I found back the comfort and silence I remembered and overall, the legendary reliability of this mythical model that made heads turn on trails. At that time, you were important if you had a Pantera. In some way, the 2016 edition also means pure fun.
This Touring model is perfect for long rides on one part, but also for those who want to ride off-trail, thanks to many advanced technologies. Our trial model was equipped with the ProTour Wide-Track (WT) chassis with a track of 20 in./50,8 cm width. The rear suspension XTRA-ACTION will bring you further with its superior travel. The other important element is its 4-stroke C-TEC4 (Clean Technology 4-stroke) engine of 1049cc that offers power and softness. We must not forget the Wide Range 3 (WR3) transmission that offers flexibility at high speed as well as at low speed. Frankly, when I got on trail with this « utility » snowmobile, I really felt special. This is the number 1 ambassador of its category on the market.
Not only does the Pantera XT Limited offer comfort and performances, but it also offers nice compartment, storage cases and tunnel bag at rear, heated driver and passenger seats, an auxiliary fuel tank for increased fuel mileage, the deluxe digital gauge, as many features that will make you love it even more.
LEARNING TO PLAY IN SNOW AGAIN
From the very beginning of my snowmobiling adventures, I have always loved to play in snow because it is the first purpose of this great invention. I do not want to diminish the value of trail riding but running in powder snow that rises to your face, boondocking through the trees, jumping hillocks, becoming a real child again, this is what I rediscovered with my Polaris best pick, the new 800 PRO-RMK.
Since many years, this manufacturer has dominated this market by deciding to become the benchmark of the industry. Year after year, we keep wondering what Polaris is going to produce in order to push back the limits. This new edition of the RMK will make you dream. On its introduction in 2011, its weight was 431 lbs/195,5 kg. The 2016 edition weighs 408 lbs/185 kg. This is mostly due to the new AXYS chassis and the 800 Cleanfire HO engine. It is really easier to handle than any other snowmobile of its category. You really feel that you are more agile because the snowmobile delivers instant responses to your commands. Add to this the new design of the rear suspension and you will have all the ingredients needed to have fun to play in snow again. It is up to you to discover it!
More rigid and lighter, the 800 PRO-RMK will react quickly to your moves, which will offer you a constant control of the machine.
