Happy 50th anniversary to Arctic Cat and snowmobilers everywhere. For 2012 it is very easy to find interesting sleds from Arctic Cat because they are everywhere. This is also what makes it most difficult to pick just 2 to be the most interesting. To be very politically correct, I pick a 4 stroke and a 2 stroke.
In my opinion Arctic Cats total makeover for 2012 is most impressive and pronounced in the performance and handling abilities of their trail sleds. The narrowing chassis profile, wide A arm design, tall spindles and fastrack rear suspension of Arctic’s new Pro Cross sleds are complimented by the noticeably light but positive feel of a totally new RMC brake system. The impressive precision and feather light feeling of the Pro Cross sleds are a result of significant weight reduction, force redistribution and redesigned steering/ski system. Add the powerful new shapes and contours of very “CAT” distinctive styling and these sleds will be turning heads and grabbing attention on trails across Quebec.
Impressive AC sled pick #1: The XF 1100 turbo SNO PRO. It is nearly impossible not to fall in love with this combination of the industry’s most powerful stock engine, an innovative light weight chassis and the performance/traction calibration of the SNO PRO package. The 1100 Turbo pumps out 175+ HP using 13 psi of noticeable, smile inducing boost. While these powerful numbers are impressive to talk about they are even more impressive to feel. In the XF 1100 turbo, I preferred the firmer feel of the more performance calibrated SNO PRO model with its Fox 2 shock package. As far as what chassis to put the 1100 Turbo in, I select the XF for the added length of the 141” track. The additional length effectively balances the additional weight of the Turbo motor and the XF SNO PRO’s Cobra track with 1.5”paddle puts explosively smooth turbo power to the snow with confidence. I pick a green one! What color for you?
Sled #2 from Arctic Cat. I openly admit that I am a short track guy. I am willing to trade the ride quality and traction benefits of the longer track crossover sleds for the undeniably more responsive, quicker more aggressive turning capabilities of the shorts. It is with that personal reality that I pick the F800 LXR as a very impressive model from Arctic Cat for 2012. The F series LXR retains all the stability, capability and light feeling characteristics of the Pro Cross chassis, but uses a 128” track with 1” paddle. I found that the smaller paddle makes the turning capabilities of this sled extraordinary. The 800cc 2 stroke twin sings a beautiful exhilarating song of instant response and performance. I picked the LXR model over the SNO PRO package due to my personal preference for the higher function windshield, 1” track lug and included rear storage bag of the LXR over the slightly firmer shock package and 1.25” track found in the SNO PRO version. From the eye shaped headlights and silhouette ear shapes found in the windshield, ski tips and skid rails, to the tail and leg appearance of the rear seat, tunnel and snow flap angles, this sled is all Cat. I’ll take a black one!
