Denis’s Arctic Cat 2020 Favorite
For 2020, Arctic Cat has decided to reduce from more than 80 models in 2019 to about 35 in 2020. This year at the Snow Shoot, I thought my favorite would be easier to choose, but I was wrong!
Indeed, even with a smaller choice of models, the manufacturer still has a wide variety of models to satisfy the needs and preferences of snowmobilers. Nothing to make my decision easier!
During the 2017 snowmobile season, I had the chance to ride the ZR 9000 Thundercat, and I was thrilled and satisfied by the model (Read my review…). In 2019, Arctic Cat upgraded the Thundercat to make it even faster and easier to drive. So, it is not surprising that this model was my favorite once again in March 2018 at the Snow Shoot.
Will my heart fail again for the Lord of the Path for 2020?
The answer was obvious until I sat behind the handlebar of a new model introduced in the Arctic Cat family. This “challenger” is called the Riot!
Riot 8000 ES 146 QS3
By introducing the Riot, Arctic Cat is getting serious about the world of 50/50 hybrids. This is a segment that is taking up more and more market share, and Arctic Cat could not give its two main competitors all the space.
Ideal Snow Conditions
Our presence at the Snow Shoot at the end of February coincided with a snowstorm that lasted 3 and a half days. There was a lot of fresh snow on the ground, which is the Riot’s perfect environment. With its 146 inches of the track and the 8000 C-TEC2 engine, it was all in place!
The Riot 8000 ES QS3 impressed me with its performance on the trail. The traction was excellent, and the performance of the 8000 C-TEC2 engine allowed me to take advantage of all the features of this snowmobile. The Cross-Action suspension did a remarkable job, particularly in bumpy conditions. The QS3 shock absorbers allowed to find the best adjustment quickly. The driving of this snowmobile was very precise.
On short off-trail rides, the snowmobile provided good flotation and was easy to handle.
Also, to complete the experience, the model had a beautiful combination of green and blue colors that made the snowmobile very eye-catching.
That’s why the Riot 8000 ES QS3 is my favorite Arctic Cat for 2020.
