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Advice on buying a sled

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smeegs6
Posts: 82 - Karma: 358
Looking to buy a used sled this fall to get out in the BC this season but I don't know much about which kind of sled works best for skiing. Just wondering if there's any certain things that I should be looking for (i.e. Track width, engine size, etc...) that make a sled better or worse for going out to build jumps and access lines in the Utah backcountry. Thanks in advance for any helpful advice.
Jul 8 2015 3:15PM
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NewEscuelers
Posts: 1210 - Karma: 10,960
A naked Hilary Clinton works well
Jul 8 2015 3:54PM
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simmers
Posts: 1004 - Karma: 397
Don't buy a sled.
Jul 8 2015 4:06PM
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Caucasian_Asian
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 1,665
Take an avy course.

Then take another.

Then learn how to become a sled mechanic.

Then buy used sled.
Jul 8 2015 4:10PM
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Mike.Records
Posts: 1311 - Karma: 756
Caucasian_AsianTake an avy course.

Then take another.

Then learn how to become a sled mechanic.

Then buy used sled.


The only way to learn how to become a sled mechanic is by buying a used sled.
Jul 8 2015 5:41PM
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Mike.Records
Posts: 1311 - Karma: 756
You are asking the right questions, but you may have to answer a few of them yourself before you can move forward. First and foremost is how much can/do you want to spend on a sled. If its $1,500 you can get a trail sled that will be useful. If its $3,500+ you can get a good mountain sled. Both have their advantages:

When you catch your trail sled on fire, its not that much money wasted.
Trailsleds don't overheat on trails and are better for towing your buddies.
A cheap trail sled leaves you more money for gas, a trailer, maintenance, and a ski rack.
A mountain sled opens up the options of where you can go, and where you can get really stuck!

For a mountain sled you will want a track length of at least 155, and an engine size of at least 700cc.

Sounds like you need to nail down what you want a bit more before people can help you more. Talk to friends who have sleds, see what's available on craigslist, and think about that budget. If you have any more questions please let me know!
Jul 8 2015 5:48PM
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smeegs6
Posts: 82 - Karma: 358
Mike.RecordsYou are asking the right questions, but you may have to answer a few of them yourself before you can move forward. First and foremost is how much can/do you want to spend on a sled. If its $1,500 you can get a trail sled that will be useful. If its $3,500+ you can get a good mountain sled. Both have their advantages:

When you catch your trail sled on fire, its not that much money wasted.
Trailsleds don't overheat on trails and are better for towing your buddies.
A cheap trail sled leaves you more money for gas, a trailer, maintenance, and a ski rack.
A mountain sled opens up the options of where you can go, and where you can get really stuck!

For a mountain sled you will want a track length of at least 155, and an engine size of at least 700cc.

Sounds like you need to nail down what you want a bit more before people can help you more. Talk to friends who have sleds, see what's available on craigslist, and think about that budget. If you have any more questions please let me know!


Thanks for being the only person so far to give me actual feedback instead of being a turd. I'll take what you said into consideration and find out my needs/budget and I may PM you with a few questions. Thanks again!
Jul 8 2015 10:55PM
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Mike.Records
Posts: 1311 - Karma: 756
simmersDon't buy a sled.


Exceedingly helpful post. Do you even ski anymore?
Jul 9 2015 2:35PM
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simmers
Posts: 1004 - Karma: 397
Most helpful advice I see in this thread.
Jul 13 2015 2:45PM
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mehregan15
Posts: 780 - Karma: 753
If you are truly going to use it for skiing, get the longest track and biggest engine that your budget can handle.
Jul 14 2015 1:25AM
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veng_m
Posts: 1267 - Karma: 2,720
gear talk next time please man. a freeride sled would be able to handle what you would like to do with it
Jul 14 2015 1:34AM
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youRsmellA
Posts: 349 - Karma: 236
get a turbo, you know you want to
Jul 14 2015 4:24AM
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youRsmellA
Posts: 349 - Karma: 236
get a turbo, you know you want to
Jul 14 2015 4:26AM
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ALaw
Posts: 2616 - Karma: 1,556
simmersMost helpful advice I see in this thread.


I agree with Simms. I was looking into buying a skidoo, but it's just another money pit in my opinion.
Jul 14 2015 11:43AM
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Mrworm10
Posts: 2707 - Karma: 4,229
In my many years of experience, I can say that these plastic ones work pretty well but they can sometimes break
Jul 14 2015 5:50PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37817 - Karma: 125,772
probably something within the 155-163 range that's a 6 or 700. You can always toy with the engines, throw some aftermarket shit in there for more power, but that's good enough for just bopping around and looking for stuff to ski.


just make sure you have enough for repairs/offseason storage/maintenance, just leaving your shit out on the lawn all summer long spells broken parts during the winter, if that makes sense.
Jul 15 2015 2:34PM
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matlk14
Posts: 43 - Karma: 180
honestlty go look for like a early 2000s to about 2007 skidoo summits or rmks. they can get you back into the backcoutry with some practice youll nearly be able to go anywhere. they run any where from 1000 to 3500. 600 would be alright if you keep it on the trail and out deep powder but 700 and 800 would be the best tool. if your in the market for more expensive sleds dont buy any 900s or 1000s there p.o.s. usually. and i agree take an avy class and make sure u have more than one kid!
Jul 15 2015 6:18PM
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forrest-cole
Posts: 1145 - Karma: 495
2008-10 ski doo xp 800 is all you need, few g's will get you anywhere you need to go and you'll have the time of your life getting there.
Jul 15 2015 10:12PM
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
matlk14honestlty go look for like a early 2000s to about 2007 skidoo summits or rmks. they can get you back into the backcoutry with some practice youll nearly be able to go anywhere. they run any where from 1000 to 3500. 600 would be alright if you keep it on the trail and out deep powder but 700 and 800 would be the best tool. if your in the market for more expensive sleds dont buy any 900s or 1000s there p.o.s. usually. and i agree take an avy class and make sure u have more than one kid!


I second this. The Polaris RMK is a solid machine. The only thing I have to say about engine size is it really matters how old the sled is. An early 2000's sled that is a 600 would only really be good on trails and some flat powder. However these new machines (especially the RMK) are so light that small cc would do just fine on most any terrain. Now don't get me wrong! there is definitely a noticeable difference between a 600, 700, and 800. I however have easily been able to hold my own on a 600. As for track length, I would say look for a 155 or 160.

If I was to give you one piece of advice, it would be to buy a newer machine. Sleds can be a bitch to work on and you can count on things breaking. Most used mountain sleds have been ridden hard and may have problems that can go unseen to the naked eye. If you do buy used pay close attention to the frame to make sure it is not warped, the engine has good compression, sounds good, and that the clutch is responsive.

Also buy LOTS of belts and always bring one with you, because you will go through them quick.

What's your budget?
Jul 15 2015 10:26PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
simmersMost helpful advice I see in this thread.


Do you have any experience with sleds?...


does anyone you know have any experience with sleds?
Jul 16 2015 12:02AM
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perryhunter
Posts: 721 - Karma: -185
I suggest to buy a second hand sled. They're much more affordable. However, buying brand is still the best option. Yet still depends on your budget. You can ask many questions from the dealer too. They know better.
Jul 16 2015 12:12AM
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Karma_Police
Posts: 2655 - Karma: 1,628
Mike.RecordsThe only way to learn how to become a sled mechanic is by buying a used sled.


Let's be real. Even a new one you'll have to be a mechanic if you're actually using it.
Jul 16 2015 12:17AM
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Karma_Police
Posts: 2655 - Karma: 1,628
OP go over to TGR if you want real sled advice.

Make sure you have all your BC shit in order before as someone else stated.
Jul 16 2015 12:18AM
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Mike.Records
Posts: 1311 - Karma: 756
Karma_PoliceLet's be real. Even a new one you'll have to be a mechanic if you're actually using it.


False. I bought a used sled with no sled maintenance experience. Its been a learning process: things break and go wrong. But, you get help and figure it out.
Jul 16 2015 4:06PM
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Karma_Police
Posts: 2655 - Karma: 1,628
Mike.RecordsFalse. I bought a used sled with no sled maintenance experience. Its been a learning process: things break and go wrong. But, you get help and figure it out.


Learn how to read.
Jul 16 2015 4:29PM
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Karma_Police
Posts: 2655 - Karma: 1,628
Mike.RecordsIts been a learning process:


How do people become mechanicas? Oh, that's right they learn. Nobody says you have to have fucking certifications to deal with sleds but you have to be mechanically inclined and know what you're getting yourself into. If you think you're just gonna go out and score dope bc lines without maintenance of a sled or a place to do it you're kidding yourself.
Jul 16 2015 4:31PM
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simmers
Posts: 1004 - Karma: 397
californiagrownDo you have any experience with sleds?...


does anyone you know have any experience with sleds?


yes
Jul 16 2015 5:04PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
simmersyes


None of them pros?
Jul 16 2015 5:51PM
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Mike.Records
Posts: 1311 - Karma: 756
I'm sorry that your sled has been hijacked by idiots and washed up pros. Just contact me directly when you have any questions about make/model/year, maintenance, zones, ski racks, trails, etc.
Jul 16 2015 7:09PM
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loganimlach
Posts: 5132 - Karma: 14,054
californiagrownDo you have any experience with sleds?...


does anyone you know have any experience with sleds?


simmersyes


Are you kidding, his best movie shot was of him on a sled. Also probably the reason he recommends not getting one.
Jul 16 2015 10:56PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
loganimlachAre you kidding, his best movie shot was of him on a sled. Also probably the reason he recommends not getting one.


youre trying to tell me he has a friend or two that's a pro?
Jul 16 2015 10:59PM
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loganimlach
Posts: 5132 - Karma: 14,054
californiagrownyoure trying to tell me he has a friend or two that's a pro?


no. see 1:16 for a guy who knows his sleds.

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/776131/Shanghai-Six--2005-
Jul 17 2015 10:17AM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
loganimlachno. see 1:16 for a guy who knows his sleds.

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/776131/Shanghai-Six--2005-


All I wanted for Xmas was to set him up so he could say "my friends a pro". That's it.


Why is this so damn hard?!?
Jul 17 2015 10:27AM
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