The 2023 Arctic Cat Blast Lineup

The Arctic Cat Blast is a versatile series sporting a single-cylinder 400cc liquid cooled 2-stroke engine. Aimed at the youth-teen market it offers an unintimidating entry into the snowmobile world. Ideal for introducing youngsters to more advanced riding techniques, allowing them to gain the proficiency needed to later graduate to full-sized sleds. The throttle response is forgiving, creating a safer ride for new riders. All Blast models feature turn-key electric start with simplistic controls that won’t distract from the riding.

Arctic Cat advertises their 400cc Blast engine used across the entire Blast line as producing 65hp. However, I felt across all models we tested, that the engine power was lacking. West Yellowstone sits at an elevation of 6,667. At this elevation you can expect a horsepower loss of around 20%, so expectations should remain reasonable. But even considering the youth focus and the elevation power loss, I would have liked a bit more pep. Knowing that Arctic Cat calibrates their clutches for 0 to 5000ft elevation, I was left wondering if any clutch adjustments were made for this event. As well as whether or not a clutch adjustment would have created the power I was looking for.

Lowest cost model of the Blast, with the least amount of suspension travel front and rear, 7.2 in. front, 10.7 in rear. The only Blast with a shorter track, equipped with Arctic Cat’s “Standard” track at 121 in., 14 in. wide, with a 1 in. lug depth making it the most trail focused of the lineup. It features a 4 in. tall windshield, however, you can order the ZR equipped with a more trail-appropriate windshield height if you opt for the $360 TrailBlazer Kit that also includes a front bumper upgrade and tunnel bag. This was the only Blast model that we didn’t have the opportunity to test out this year.

The XR model starts to open up the door to a little more off-trail riding and improves mannerisms on those rougher sections. Track width is increased by an inch using their Cobra track; length is now up to 146 in. with a lug depth of 1.6 in. Rear suspension travel gets bumped up to 12.5 in., and the windshield keeps the same height as the ZR. Note that the XR in the photos is equipped with the TrailBlazer Kit mentioned above. The changes on this model are subtle but noticeable, becoming more apparent as you venture off the groomed.

The touring version of the XR has most of the changes you would expect from a 2-up variant. A front sway bar is standard as well as overload springs to stiffen up the ride to handle the extra weight of another person. Track lug depth drops down to 1.25 in. on their Ripsaw track for better trail manners but maintains that 15 in. width. A bigger 15.5 in. windshield is used, again a bit more trail oriented. And a wider ski stance up to 40.5 in. for greater stability.

Blast LT

The LT is the most utility focused of the lineup. You’ll find the addition of a rear rack for carrying gear. The LT also gets the same larger windshield found on the XR Touring, and the suspension gets beefed up to their Xtra-Action design featuring an articulating or lockable design for improved backing. In testing, we found that while the articulating function appeared to be working, the Cobra track (same track used on the XR) simply didn’t offer the floatation needed to reverse in deeper snow situations. The LT is the only Blast variant outside of the XR Touring to offer a passenger seat option. This would give you a 2-up option that is slightly more biased toward utility and deeper snow conditions.

This iteration of the Blast, the Blast M 4000 or Mountain 4000 features a 15 in. wide and 2 in. deep lug pattern on their 146 in. The Challenger track is designed to handle the softer snow conditions found in backcountry riding. It also has a ski-stance adjustable down to 37 in., the narrowest of the Blast lineup. The windshield is the same 4 in. design that is found on the XR and ZR variants. The Blast M is also equipped with the Alpha-One rear suspension and the travel is increased to 14.75 in. Front suspension travel for this model is upped to 8.3 in. Adult riders of any of the Arctic Cat Alpha-One rail mountain sleds will find the scaled down version’s handling characteristics familiar and comfortable. Always a convenience when you might need to help a younger or newer rider out of a difficult riding situation. The power of the Blast M was sufficient, but at our test altitude of 6500ft. the use of a quick throttle burst to initiate a carve or side-hill felt like it could use more potency. The Blast M relied heavily on full body weight transition along with ample throttle to coax a ski off the ground. Riders will quickly find the limitations of this 400cc single when it comes to just about any sort of incline in deep snow.

 

Overall, for those fans of the Blast, Arctic Cat has you covered. They offer an introductory snowmobile allowing you to bring along beginners regardless of your preferred riding style. The large number of Blast variants allows you to dial into exactly the type of riding or focus you’re after. I’d love to see further refinement of the Blast in the future as I believe it’s an important series for bringing new people into the sport.

To see all the Blast models, visit Arctic Cat website.