The 2020-2021 season heralds a wind of change within 509. Eager to please motorsport enthusiasts, the company is showing its true colors with the introduction of delightful new features adapted to the snowmobile backcountry/trail sphere.
As a matter of fact, 509, which is owned by Polaris Industries, has been involved in the off-trail field for many years, giving it a reputation as a leader. The hybrid segment is also taking a significant part of the market. 509 is expanding the range of its products to meet both sides of the demand.
First and foremost, boots, helmets and gloves are often the key elements of comfort for any snowmobiler. They focus on the importance of choosing each of these items carefully.
Often dear to purchase, the customer quickly realizes that the expense becomes an investment. It is never pleasant to spend a small fortune to practice a sport and not be able to take full advantage of it due to inadequate gear. 509 probably offers one of the best boots on the market. You only have to browse the forums to validate my statements.
Made from Thinsulate fiber, the RAID boot guarantees waterproofness while allowing the foot to breathe. Very few companies offer this quality. Rigid and light, the Raid with laces or with the Boa system is a testament to the guarantee that freeriders will have dry and warm feet for many seasons to come.
It should be noted that Thinsulate microfiber is similar to Gore-Tex, hence offering performance equivalent to that of its closest competitor, both of which are at the cutting edge of synthetic products.
The diversity of helmets offered by 509 allows the most fashionable freerider to match the protective item to his sled. As a pioneer in this field, the 509 helmets are renowned for offering the “perfect fit” with the company’s eyewear, no matter your budget or the shape of your face! The Altitude 2.0 model, made available to me, is also surprisingly light enough that I wondered if it was not made of carbon fiber.
Off-trail enthusiasts know the importance of breathable and waterproof clothing. Clothing has to meet needs other than those dedicated to the trails. However, the temperatures encountered during a season, and even a day, can vary by as much as 25°C. This is why 509 designs its garments capable of aspiring to total customer satisfaction. In the most extreme case, it is always possible to add the 509 liner to face the most extreme cold, as it can be equipped with heating elements.
The outfit being tested for 2021 is the Evolve 509 jacket and bib set, designed for off-trail use, as well as the R-200 SERIES insulated jacket better suited for trail use. 5TECH and CORDURA membranes and multiple adjustments ensure freedom of movement.
The 3-year warranty on the sets is a guarantee of the solidity of the product and the various elements attached to it. I appreciated seeing the black doubled membrane at the knees and buttocks; it is a sign of quality at spots that get a lot of impacts and wear and tear. Also, there is an internal protective pad at the knees. The assortments (choice of color) are beautiful and accommodating. The R-200 SERIES insulated jacket amazed me with its innovative zip feature, with three zippers creating a shield against the icy wind.
With this in mind, I’m really looking forward to trying out the outfits available to me for 2020-2021. Having personally experienced rides tarnished by entry-level or poorly designed clothing, I was more eager to get back to the cabin to dry off than just enjoy the day. I believe from the outset that the 509 products made available to me will positively impact the quality of my long winter outings. In short, it is with a feeling of confidence that the freeriders of Quebec will be able to benefit from it.
Follow me on SledMagazine.com to find out more about the trial of each of these items!
