If you are looking for a replacement ski at a good price, Kimpex offers for 2017 the brand new Rush ski.
As I pilot a 2015 BRP X-RS 600 E-TEC snowmobile, I like precise steering in turns and this, in all the conditions we can meet over a ride of 400 to 500 kilometers. Over the years, I found during my numerous rides a good and unexpensive way to improve the performance of the original Pilot 5.7 skis of my machine.
One of the best solutions is to install an outer original runner to maximize support in turns along with a rectangular central runner of at least 1,6 cm / 5/8 in. with progressive carbide.
Pilot 5.7
The disadvantage of this solution is the replacement price of this package of skis and runners that could reach over 500 $.
In matter of performance, I look for a ski that grips in short and long turns, also reduces darting on straight line. As I live in Centre-du-Québec region, the trail conditions I see the most are hardened groomed trails and sometimes, icy surfaces. So, in such conditions, it is better to choose a formula that provides precise steering requiring a ski with rather deep keel able to support bending all over the turn.
Kimpex Company in Drummondville offers for 2017 an inexpensive spare solution, the Rush ski offered at a retail price of 289,99 $ including handles and runners.
The Rush ski is 14 cm / 5.5 in. wide with a keel of the same depth than other skis on the market. It is designed firstly to please trail snowmobiler. The entry opening of the keel, made wider like the cobra-head runners, eliminates darting and steering effort. And of course, this has been very effective. Personally, I would also have liked on the Rush ski the possibility to insert an outer standard runner as we can see on BRP Pilot 5.7 ski. In this matter, Kimpex rather chose to create 2 molded lips of 1,3 cm / ½ in. on both sides of the ski.
Rush and Pilot 5.7
The package price includes J-Edge Single 60° runners of 1,6 cm / 5/8 in. high with linear carbide of 10 cm / 4 in. long. They are effective in long turns and I think their price is fair because they are more wear-resistant. However, for pilots who prefer a more aggressive runner, I think it could be a good idea to offer the same type of runner with progressive carbide of 20 cm / 8 in. long. Considering my experiences, I believe that such a runner could shorten the steering radius in sharp bends.
It is very simple to install. In some situations, we need to fill the gap between the male leg and the female interior of the ski with steel rings provided in the package. In such situation, I had the choice between setting the ski wider or narrower.
Rush ski mounted on RAS 2
During my tests, I saw that the ski had no problem penetrating groomed surfaces. The ski leaves the trace it is supposed to. This shows that the product meets the requirements.
Trace
To conclude, the Rush ski from Kimpex is a nice innovation for 2017. Its fair price will please many snowmobilers. Most of users looking for a stable ski that will be effective in all trail conditions will get their money’s worth. Just like for any mechanical component, those who would like more performance could add more aggressive runners or else, buy the Stealth ski also produced by Kimpex.
