At Snow Shoot, I chose the M 858 Alpha One Sno Pro with the 154″/2.6″ track as my favourite model for Arctic Cat. I’d like to start out this review by whole-heartedly stating that I absolutely did not like the Ascender chassis from this manufacturer. It always felt as if it wanted to resist any input I gave it and liked to trench rather than getting up on top of the snow. Now, with that out of the way, I did not ride the Catalyst chassis at all last year, so I still had that predetermined bias that the new chassis just couldn’t be that good. The Catalyst chassis left me shocked at how well it felt. It was predictable, precise, and above all else and absolute hoot to ride. It is very apparent from the first time I leaned it over and counter-steered to initiate a carve that it requires minimal input. This chassis is extremely predictable when getting it on edge and holding it there. This ease of control was complimented exceptionally well by the new AC5S shocks. Having five positions allowed for very broad and easy adjustments to the suspension. This allowed me to continuously tune it into the specific riding conditions as needed. The new 858 stroker tied everything together on this machine. It provided plenty of power on tap to accomplish whatever input I gave it.
858 Stroker: Power and Precision Redefined
As its name says, the M 858 Alpha One Sno Pro comes with the new Arctic Cat 858 engine. From the moment I first grasped the throttle to drive away, I noticed immediately the improvements over the old 800. The new 858 is very responsive and quick to rev up. Power to me was mainly noticed in the mid-range and especially the higher end of the power band. While on the top end, it just pulls and continues to pull. Wide open, this motor really shines.
AC5S Shocks: Adjustable Comfort for Every Terrain
In terms of comfort management, the new M 858 Alpha One Sno Pro counts on the performance of the AC5S shocks. At first, I was pretty skeptical of the five-position feature of these shocks. I’ve never been a big suspension-fiddling guy; I usually just hop on and go. As I started to play with the shocks, however, the advantages of having more adjustability became clear to me.
While I rode through the day, I came across a myriad of different types of terrain. While riding on trails, I set the shocks to 5, the firmest setting. It allows more control and soaks up any sections of bumps. After transitioning off trail to an area that had been pretty beaten up, I switched to the fourth (4) setting. This softened it slightly, but it still provided that impact absorption. Next, I went to an area with trees that still held well and soft, untouched snow. For this, I chose the first (1) setting. I would just shift my weight over and the sled would come up on edge. Then, I ended up playing in an area with a few setup tracks and trenches. In this scenario, I preferred the third (3) setting the others.
With all this being said, I found myself actually adjusting the machine’s shock settings for the terrain and conditions I was in rather than just dealing with it. Another design piece that I really liked and appreciated was the firm and tactile feedback from the detents when adjusting the lever. Even with big gloves on and covered in snow, it was obvious when the lever had found its next position.
Catalyst Chassis: A Game Changer for Arctic Cat
As I said earlier, the M 858 Alpha One Sno Pro was my first-ever experience with Arctic Cat’s Catalyst chassis. Even as I sit here and share my thoughts on this machine, I am still very impressed with how well this chassis rides and performs. The first thing I noticed is just how pleasant and playful this sled is. Do you want to make some wheelies in the flats? Just put it to the bar and lean back. Did you get yourself into a hole, which requires holding a very precise line to squeeze through some trees to get out? Not a problem; it is predictable and can hold that line with ease.
Why the Arctic Cat M 858 Is My Top Pick
I enjoyed riding all the Arctic Cat Mountain offerings this year. The 146-inch model was astonishing with its manoeuvrability and fun factor. I even did my first re-entry on one, albeit accidentally. In the deeper snow, however, it was a lot more challenging not to trench out. The 165-inch model was also great but lacked the “giggle factor” on the setup snow. I could definitely tell it yearned for the steep and deep. Indeed, I found the 154-inch snowmobile to be that perfect compromise. I had fun in the low snow or setup conditions, but I still had the confidence to go for a deep and tight line, and still, it provided traction and flotation to go without too much work.
Next up let’s talk about the M 858 Alpha One Sno Pro’s suspension package. Arctic Cat did a great job with the IFP shocks; they handled really well off trail across multiple different terrains. However, once I got used to the easily adjustable multiple positions, I quickly came to prefer the AC5S shocks. The ATAC suspension system of the Mountain Cats was better at rapid setting changes. I literally just pushed a button, and it was done! That being said, the five positions of the AC5S offered more range, and I believe the ATAC could have been softer on the bottom and firmer on the top.
Other Thoughts
Our entire mountain test group all agreed with me that this setup was great! The track with the 2.6-inch studs seemed to be the jack of all trades. I noticed that it hooked up well on a lot of different snow setups where the 3.0-inch version did better in the untouched and soft.
We also had the opportunity to check out the new G8 display by Garmin. Let me tell you, the engineers did an excellent job with it! Before talking to any of the representatives, and having seen little information on its operation, I wanted to see if it was user-friendly. Well, it turns out that it is quite easy to use and intuitive. That being said, I liked the sports gauge too; I like things that are simple and informative, and it does just that.
Finally, I did notice areas that, in my opinion, would need some improvement. First, I have to mention the engine vibration. Second, I was also not a fan of the composite running boards. These did not seem as if they offered enough traction, and I wish they had a little bit higher lip on the outer edge. This wasn’t the case with another machine we tested that had the hardcore mountain running boards installed. I feel these should come from the factory and not as a $700 option.
Final thoughts: Arctic Cat M 858 Alpha One Review
Our direction for Snow Shoot was to pick our favourite machine from each manufacturer and share our thoughts. The M 858 Alpha One Sno Pro (154″/2.6″) easily and quickly rose to be my selection offering in the Arctic Cat mountain line up. It provides great power, and the combination of the Catalyst chassis with AC5S shocks and Alpha rail is very predictable and fun. With this setup, Arctic Cat has totally redeemed itself, in my opinion, by offering a very competitive and playful machine.
