189, Chemin des Poirier, Montmagny (Québec)
G5V 4L2
https://www.pro-arctic.ca/.
On January 13, 2015, we had the pleasure to meet Mr Gilles Hudon and Mr Guillaume Hudon, owners of Pro-Arctic, for our test of two snowmobiles. Gilles proudly presented to us Mr Réjean Boucher and Mrs Mélanie Boucher, two people with experience working respectively at service and parts. Their team also includes two high-qualified mechanics specialized in recreational vehicles. In fact, there was a customer, Mr Guillaume Duval, who confirmed it; he had his vehicle repaired here after other mechanical workshops had failed. Many snowmobilers from any brand have used Pro-Arctic services when they were visiting the region as the workshop is open on Saturdays. Along with the Arctic Cat dealership (snowmobiles / ATV’s), they also sell Polaris recreational vehicles. Snowmobile rental is very popular at Pro-Arctic’s since the trail runs on their premises surrounded by lodging accomodations and restaurants. This is very useful for those who rent a snowmobile for a week-end long tour.
Test
Two brand new 2015 Arctic Cats were available for our test on trail during this day of -25 ºC. We planned our tour starting from Montmagny to finish in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, « Hearth of Côte-du-Sud », in MRC of L’Islet. Here are our three test pilots’ opinions after 130 kilometers on federated trails, in respect of snowmobile riding regulations, including speed limits.
The following elements have been evaluated :
-Riding, ergonomics, track noise
-Equipment
-Aesthetics, finish quality
-Engine, noise.
2015 Arctic Cat Pantera 7000 Limited
An easy riding beast (2-up)!
The 2015 Arctic Cat Pantera 7000 Limited had just got out of its crate when we arrived. No modification has been brought to it for our test.
Right away, we notice that the riding position of the Pantera is excellent for our legs and considering that you can adjust the handles to your size, it means that the position is also excellent for your back.
The standard equipment of this snowmobile is quite complete, including the auxiliary gas tank of 16,3 l we had on our test model. Along with the large rear storage compartment, there are two standard detachable locking side cases. We appreciated the heated seat during our short-term trial.
The extra-high windshield protects us against wind and the two mirrors are well located. Here, we can say that Arctic Cat engineers have delivered. The design of the cab allows the engine heat to be evacuated towards the pilot, which increases the pilot’s head protection and comfort under extreme cold weather. Not all controls are located on the left handle (brake). The controls of hand and thumb warmers offer two settings that are efficient and well-balanced. On the right handle, the reverse large push-button is easily accessible.
The deluxe multifunction digital gauge is quite modern. It displays speed, RPM, clock, odometer. It also includes coolant overheat light, coolant temp, intake air temp, battery voltage and finally, low fuel light. Add to all the above the blacklit ARCTIC CAT nameplate at the bottom of the gauge and you get another deluxe feature.
The 2015 Pantera Limited is delivered with the new Arctic Cat ProTour chassis. According to the manufacturer, this chassis is lighter and more robust. Personally, as I was riding on the edge of a ditch, I did notice that the center of gravity of this snowmobile was low because it never felt like the machine was about to fall. This is a strong feature of the new ProTour chassis that adds a smooth riding. We pilot a large format snowmobile but with an amazing ease. Weight is absolutely not an issue.
The track of 370,8 cm / 146 in. with 3,2 cm / 1.25 in. lug is not too noisy. The Slide-Action suspension does a great job. This snowmobile offers to its pilot a memorable experience for those who like to ride 2-up on federated trails. Again, Arctic Cat engineers really succeeded here.
Aesthetics
The new design of the Pantera 7000 Limited is a success. White graphics nicely match the black color. Arctic Cat offers a wide range of accessories you can add, but for the Pantera, the list of standard equipment is so long that there is not much you can add, except for a storage bag for goggles or gloves in the dash. The heated seat provides great comfort to the passenger as well as to the pilot and it is made of quality materials.
Engine
As you know, this proven engine has been used in the Yamaha snowmobiles. This is why Arctic Cat chose it for the new model following an agreement between both manufacturers. The Yamaha 3-cylinder, 4-stroke engine of 1049 cc develops 135 hp. Its electronic fuel injection system provides quick response from the accelerator control. However, we noticed that the engine produces some high level of decibels but it is not annoying.
Conclusion
The 2015 Arctic Cat Pantera 7000 Limited has impressed us with its balance and particularly its stability on trail. It is one of the best touring snowmobiles on the market for 2015. So, you must consider it in your choices of snowmobile if you enjoy touring with a passenger. We call this Arctic Cat « An easy riding beast (2-up) ».
Motoneiges.ca / SledMagazine.com are sincerely thankful to
Pro-Arctic
189, chemin des Poirier
Montmagny (Québec) G5V 4L2
Toll Free: 1-877-948-1919
Your test pilots:
Jacques Bélanger
Alain Labadie
Jacques Turgeon
