Test Team Reports
Winter 2000 - 2001

Readers of SnowTech Magazine are an elite group of snowmobilers; we call them the “SnowTech Test Team”. They log thousands of miles each year and candidly share their experiences. They report on the performance and reliability of their snowmobiles, along with the aftermarket products, modifications and accessories they’ve tried and tested.
While much of a sled set-up is individual preference, you should find their feedback and opinions valuable and find direction in what may work for you in similar circumstances.

Yamaha
SX 600 & 700

Team Member: D. Nelson, Illinois
Sled: 2000 Yamaha SX-R 700
Test Period: 1700 miles
Machine Performance: Handling was great, better than other brands. No mechanical problems. Had to add triple pipes to improve performance.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Added & Recommendations: Power Inc. triple pipes; very good performance, low operating RPM (8200) and service from them is excellent. Maxximum Performance Quick Rods; no other way to get out of the hole. Did my own clutching which made big difference. Maxximum Performance oversize wheel kit & marginal snow kit; better speed, less hyfax wear in marginal snow conditions. I would recommend all of these mods as a must.

Team Member: name withheld, Buffalo,
New York
Sled: 2000 SX-R 700
Test Period: 1500 miles
Machine Performance: This sled was better than I expected. I had a ’98 ZR 600 before, it rode terrible and was in the shop more compared to the SX.
Component Failures: None Accessories/Modifications Added & Recommendations: Installed Bender Silencer, Bender Clutch Kit, and a thinner head gasket. All worked great.

Team Member: B. Johnson, New Hampshire
Sled: 2000 SX-R 700
Test Period: 2300 miles
Machine Performance: The ergonomics, engine, traction and steering are all great. The gas mileage is excellent, and it’s fairly quiet. The sled darts badly and is too stiff though. Your write-ups suggested better handling than it delivered, but still better than Ski-Doo.
Component Failures: none
Accessories/Modifications Added & Recommendations: Installed Holtzman tempa-Flow, worked great. Maxximum Performance control rods also worked very good.

Team Member: P. Tondreau, Rhode Island
Sled: 1999 SX 700
Test Period: 1500 miles
Machine Performance: This is the best sled on the snow. The power is awesome, handling is top shelf. Ride, economy all excellent. The only negative that I could come up with is the stock windshield. I really don’t think any other sled can compare, there are too many negatives with the others.
Component Failures: None, 2700 trouble-free miles in total on this sled.
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: I’ve added Woody’s studs to a Yamaha 0.92” SRX track for better overall traction, and six inch carbides. The studs are great, but the plastic backers seem to back off the stud, loosing a few here and there. The Woody’s carbides and the SRX track are great. It should be noted that preload adjustments are needed on the front springs in order to dial in the sled. Once dialed-in, there is no better handling sled. No lift, flat cornering and very accurate.

Team Member: W. Luke, New York
Sled: 1999 SX 700
Test Period: 1200 miles
Machine Performance: It’s a great sled, best one I’ve ever owned. Handles good, great suspension, plenty of power.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: I dropped the main jets to 142.5 on all three cylinders, works great. Installed Hauck clutch kit, works good after fine tuning. Had to add heavier rivets than kit recommended to bring RPM down to 8300 RPM. Ran 120 Stud Boy 1.080” studs in center belt; really stabilized the sled on hard pack, great for braking safety. Stud Boy studs held up really good, definitely would use them again.
Team Member: T. Nevin, Wisconsin
Sled: 2000 SX-R 600
Test Period: 1000 miles
Machine Performance: The suspension worked awesome along with the flat cornering. My friend’s have other new brands that didn’t come close in this department. The sled obviously lacked power compared to the other brands though.
Component Failures: None, not even a fouled plug.
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: I installed a thinner head gasket, Carbon Tech reeds, silencer, clutch kit, and 144 saber studs. This set-up worked awesome, it would blow away my buddie’s stock SX-R 700. This is how the sled should work stock. All the performance parts came from Hauck Power Sports. I also went 1 tooth higher on the top sprocket for this power improvement. I would recommend this set-up for anyone.

Team Member: S. Gaubatz, Iowa
Sled: 2000 SX-R 700
Test Period: 2030 miles
Machine Performance: This sled rocks, everything works well. I’ve raced Mx Z 700s, 2000 SRX 700s,and ZRT 800s, not even close. I have my suspension set-up pretty stiff so going slow in one to two foot moguls is rougher compared to a MX Z 700.
Component Failures: The only thing was the w-arm in the rear suspension, same thing as my ’97 XTC 600 and 1999 SX 600. I’m a very aggressive rider.
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: Power Inc. triple pipes, center outlet; love them, work great. Maxximum Performance roller secondary; again, love it, wouldn’t be without one. Heel Clickers; excellent product. Stud Boy studs, airlite angled backers; thumbs up. Vari-Flow; second season, took it off. Westach exhaust gas temp gauge; would much rather have Avenger III, the Westach is so hard to read when riding. OEM Yamaha mountain skis; wanted a little more flotation. Sportech’s newest Cobra 11” low windshield; very pleased.

Team Member: G. Wentworth, Minnesota
Sled: 1999 SX 600
Test Period: 560 miles
Machine Performance: Very good sled overall, my second SX. Power was good. Had a slight over-rev up to about 50 mph. Tried different set-ups. Worked excellent out west with a 1” Camoplast track.
Component Failures: None. Only warranty work was for a hesitation when new; air screw adjustment solved.
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: Camoplast 1” track, every third window closed, worked excellent, strongly recommend. SLP Ultra-Lite skis are awesome, recommend. Bender air screw adjusters; over rated on 31mm carbs. Installed Yamaha red rear suspension wheels; look good & personal preference. Yamaha smoke windshield; looks good with checkers around bottom. Red Yamaha handlebar cover look good too, as does red skid plate and trim.

Team Member: E. Bennick, Michigan
Sled: 1999 SX 600
Test Period: 1050 miles
Machine Performance: It’s predictable, smooth, tight, steers flat and goes where I point it, and handles curves without sliding; excellent sled. From new I exchanged track for a 1” Camoplast Predator, every third window closed; this eliminated my Yamaha track problems. Also with this track I have 1800 miles on original hyfax. My friends with stock tracks are replacing hyfax every 500 miles; we all ride in same conditions mostly together.
Component Failures: No break downs, no failures. Had excessive plug fouling when new; re-jetted the carbs fixed this. Installed smaller pilots, mains and dropped needles.
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: I’ve installed a Camoplast 1” Predator track on both my SX 600 and XTC 700 Deluxe; works excellent with minimal hyfax wear. Will buy this track again, recommend to many. Yamaha plastic skis on XTC 700 work great, this track and ski combo make it handle very much like the SX. Woody’s studs and carbide runners; highly recommend. Yamaha tank bag w/map pocket; works great to carry extra hat, flashlight, etc. PowerMadd storage box on clutch cover; works great to carry water bottles, etc., would buy again. Installed mid-height Yamaha windshield for better wind protection, would buy again. Also installed Yamaha clutch weights and gearing to keep the SX 600 operating within the optimum RPM range.

Team Member: B. Miller, Minnesota
Sled: 1999 SX 600
Test Period: 1300 miles
Machine Performance: I haven’t had to wrench on this Yamaha for two years because of failure. Only worked on it because I wanted to, adding aftermarket parts.
Component Failures: None in two years
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: Installed Bender silencer only because I wanted a little more triple sound out of it. Not too sure about any power gains. Installed Bender Clutch kit; that helped some. Put in Friction Fighter bushings and Maxximum steering pivot, helped on steering a lot.

Arctic Cat
ZR/ZL

Team Member: J. Lamont, Minnesota
Sled: 2000 Arctic Cat ZR 600 EFI
Test Period: 2000 miles
Machine Performance: I love the EFI, but gas mileage could be better. I had heavier springs put on and shocks re-valved at 300 miles to better suit my size (260 lbs) and riding style.
Component Failures: No problems at all.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Installed Holeshot skid plate, Arctic Cat hood screens, Ripco Handleballs; I would never have a sled without these. Also installed an EFI pressure regulator (Pro version); it helped a little with gas mileage and performance.

Team Member: J. Schumacher, New York
Sled: 2000 Arctic Cat ZR 600 Blair Morgan Edition
Test Period: 1200 miles
Machine Performance: This sled was supplied with a 1.25” track that worked excellent in straight line but was so aggressive I couldn’t accelerate and turn at the same time. Took 1000 miles to break-in clicker shocks. Midrange was way too rich and mileage was only 7 mpg. Dropped needle one notch to get 11 mpg and more throttle response. The wider ski stance only made sled feel bigger and less responsive in corners. Liked my ’97 ZR 580 better. Still had more confidence than other sleds during aggressive trail rides. The other brands definitely don’t leave me behind.
Component Failures: None. Durability of all ZRs I’ve owned has been excellent. Gas gauge had annoying rattle.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Sportech Cobra windshield; wider windshield is a must for hand protection. 1.25” handlebar riser block; third Cat I’ve done this to. Woody’s 6” carbide runners; worked good. Bergstrom screw-in studs; lost about 20 of them over 1200 miles, with only one hole that wouldn’t hold a new one. Great stud for hard pack and all-around trail conditions, terrible on glare ice. Arctic Cat running board grip plates; work good.

Team Member: R. Krick, Pennsylvania
Sled: 2000 Arctic Cat ZL 600
Test Period: 800 miles
Machine Performance: A great ride, terrific power, it’s a beautiful machine. The gas mileage is not terrific, but it’ll easily make 100 miles on a tank. The skis lift too much under acceleration, installed an AD Boivin ETS kit and fixed this. Nobody who rode my sled had a problem with the 13 gallon gas tank. I would have gotten a ZR but I just can’t get used to that awful green color.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Installed 96 studs and AD Boivin ETS kit. Seemed to tamed the ski lift.

Team Member: J. Brown, Maine
Sled: 2000 Arctic Cat ZR 500 EFI
Test Period: 900 miles
Machine Performance: I liked the EFI, but disliked the shocks, they were too soft. I loved my ’98 ZR 500 but wanted EFI so I bought this sled. I have long legs and the Arctic Cat seat fits me best with their long seats.
Component Failures: None.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Had dealer re-valve shocks, made some difference. Also installed AD Boivin ETS kit into rear suspension; stiffened it up some and controlled ski lift, worked pretty much as advertised. Could still bottom rear suspension though. I’m 200 pounds and ride really hard. Never had problem bottoming my ’98 ZR in center cam spring position. The ’00 bottomed with the cam set all the way up to highest. ETS really helped.

Team Member: Name withheld, New York
Sled: 2000 Arctic Cat ZR 500 EFI
Test Period: 450 miles
Machine Performance: Handles very well. Compared well to other machines, except the Yamaha 700. Some parts on the sled are not of good enough quality.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Had a D&D trail performance kit put on my sled; worked very well. Increased performance very nicely, now I wish I had bought the D&D 700cc kit for my 500. I would recommend their work to anybody.

Team Member: C. Prindle, Wisconsin
Sled: 1999 Arctic Cat ZL 600 EFI
Test Period: 1800+ miles
Machine Performance: I really like this sled, happy with the brand and the performance. I’m disappointed in the high rpm clutch engagement and the seat “slap”.
Component Failures: None in 3200 total miles over two years.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Installed Arctic Cat electric fuel gauge; would not be without. AD Boivin ETS kit; absolutely great. Running board edge grips; work great. Woody’s studs and 6” carbide runners; would not be without. Hi-Performance Engineering clutch spring; lowered engagement RPM, softer take-off, very pleased. High windshield; too cold to be without.

Team Member: C. Clark, New York
Sled: 1999 Arctic Cat ZL 600 EFI
Test Period: 1600 miles
Machine Performance: One awesome ride, great right out of the dealer. Wide front end handled and tracked great. Stock 0.75” track sucks. Can’t compare this sled to others, EFI Cats are in a league of their own.
Component Failures: Wire in wiring harness broke, taking all light out. That’s it.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: 144 Saber Wart Hog studs with plastic backers; excellent stuff. AD Boivin ETS kit; worked real good. Dominator carbide runners; really last a long time. Handlebar gauntlets also work really good when it’s –20 outside.

Team Member: J. Maynard, Mass.
Sled: 1999 Arctic Cat ZL 600 EFI
Test Period: 850 miles
Machine Performance: This sled handles very well. It corners like it’s on rails and takes very little effort to steer. The EFI provides a very light throttle pull and the engine runs flawlessly in all conditions. The suspension works great, but is a little too soft for my riding style. Fuel and oil consumption is not as good as I would like.
Component Failures: No problems with 1700 miles on it.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: I installed Arctic Cat running board grips and hood vent screen kits. Running board grips work great when trail riding, but tend to fill with snow and ice over when riding in powder snow. Screen kit works well, but would like to see a better method of securing them. Also installed Excalibur studs, greatly improved traction in most conditions. Very few bent or broken studs in marginal snow conditions. Also have AD Boivin ETS kit; I didn’t notice much difference in how the suspension performed, but ski lift was totally eliminated and I would highly recommend anyone with a Cat to install this upgrade kit.

Team Member: M. Blais, New Hampshire
Sled: 1999 Arctic Cat ZR 600 LE
Test Period: 1200 miles
Machine Performance: Rear suspension worked much better than previous Cat I owned (ZR 580). Limiter strap adjuster was good. Front end ski lift is terrible. Lack of power compared to other brands.
Component Failures: Piston seizure.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Arctic Cat fuel gauge; not very accurate. Nice to have in dash but you could not count on its accuracy. Arctic Cat water temp gauge; worked very good. I could tell that my motor was NOT over heating when it seized. Woody’s carbides & studs; best upgrade possible. AD Boivin ETS kit; didn’t reduce inside ski lift on corners like I expected, but the suspension was much better on stutter bumps.

Team Member: D. Kemstra, Michigan
Sled: 1999 Arctic Cat ZR 600 EFI LE
Test Period: 1000 miles
Machine Performance: This is the limited edition 600 twin that included remote reservoir shocks, quick adjust front arm control, and choice of color. It’s sprung a bit stiffer than the regular ZR that is great for my type of riding, mogul bashing in Michigan. The clickers are awesome for quick set-up changes, and the quick adjust limiter worked great to compensate for wear bars getting dull. Cat’s handle rough terrain the best.
Component Failures: Piston ring locating pin came out, ring spun, tore out exhaust port side of cylinder and piston. Pin bounced around on top of piston and peened head. All covered under warranty.
Accessories/Modifications Tested & Recommendations: Woody’s Traction Master studs held up well, recommend. Sno-Stuff Ultra-Lite backers; studs pulled through backers, recommend steel or aluminum backers. Woody’s 10” carbide runners; help up well on ice, snow wears host bar, added hard weld. Holeshot skidplate; best preventative measure yet, highly recommend. Arctic Cat windshield bags held up much better than their saddlebags. Arctic Cat hood screen kit is a must for following others. Prevent ice chunks from entering engine bay, recommend. Aluminum cam blocks and drop link from Cutsforth Products won’t break like plastic OEM ones, also recommend. Arctic Cat running board and tunnel roll grippers, recommend to prevent feet from slipping.

Ski-Doo MXZ

Team Member: M. Meyers, New York
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo MX Z 700
Test Period: 683 miles
Machine Performance: Power to weight ratio is excellent. Everything met my expectations.
Component Failures: The factory carbides wore out after five rides, that’s the only thing I’ve replaced.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: A yellow Holeshot skid plate, 144 Stud Boy Power Point carbide studs, new carbides and a windshield bag. I would buy them all again.

Team Member: M. Hertzfeldt, Wisconsin
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo MX Z 700
Test Period: 2500 miles
Machine Performance: Everything worked well on this sled. Over 2000 miles on original belt. Gas and oil consumption was always way better than others I ride with. I’d highly recommend it. Top-end speed was less than what I thought, and the hand warmers need help. I didn’t race a lot of other brands, but when I did I usually won.
Component Failures: Stator went out at 1500 miles, dealer had it fixed in two days. Only problem I had.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Woody’s studs; worked great. SLP anti-wear pads for closed window tracks; hard to tell any seat-of-the-pants benefit, but I don’t see how they can’t help out with both hyfax wear and top speed. Dynoport canister silencer; no power increase, but took away four pounds and added a slight “bark” to the exhaust, acceptable level. Ski-Doo temp gauge; I like to see the gauge instead of relying on an “idiot light”. Installed HRP “Black Ice” helix, helped acceleration by 1-2 sled lengths.

Team Member: B. Lein, Minnesota
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo MX Z 700
Test Period: 900 miles
Machine Performance: The thing really rocked; with reverse all the other guys laughed and shook their heads. The rear-end was loose without studs, but now studded I’m glad it’s a lower-profile track. I like the DPM, ZX chassis, and 700 power with this kind of fuel economy.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: First was reverse; 42 and all, I deserved it. Second was 144 1” Top Gun stainless steel studs and Woody’s 10” 60-degree carbide runners. I put on a Ski-Doo windshield bag (that was nice) and shock socks. I’m going to change the hand grips to the 440Zx competition style next year, and add fuel and temp gauges. Basically I will have 700 ditch-banging ability with touring amenities. I ride so hard I bottom out anything but a ditch banger.

Team Member: S. Clemente, Ohio
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo MX Z 700
Test Period: 1560 miles
Machine Performance: This was the best Ski-Doo I ever owned. The biggest difference from my ’99 MX Z 600 was the SC-10 II rear suspension. There was hardly any ski lift, but I do lean a lot so this was never a problem for me. I like cross-country sleds because I race motocross and enjoy hard riding.
Component Failures: None, excellent reliability.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: I installed 144 Fastrac stainless steel studs; I’ve used these studs before, they hold up and perform well. I also installed Woody’s flat aluminum washers, they also performed well. I really like the idea of these not rusting. Up front I installed Woody’s Executive series carbide runners. These perform exceptionally well and you can sharpen them. I would recommend all of these.

Team Member: M. Mitchell, Vermont
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo MX Z 700
Test Period: 1480 miles
Machine Performance: Very light feel, awesome throttle response, pulls hard all the way to 8000 RPMs. Nothing much runs away from this sled on the trail. Smooth shifting clutches. Did not lift the skis in corners like my old sled (Formula III 700). The MX Z 700 runs and rides best between 40 and 70 mph. Long, stiff throttle pull; hand would go numb after 50 miles. Hand grips too smooth, new design like Zx needed. Windshield; what windshield, wind hit me right in the neck.
Component Failures: No break downs, still running original factory belt. I changed plugs once, but didn’t have to. Suspension springs seem to have gotten weaker and weaker; started at two clicks, went to four and still bottomed. I had springs replaced at my dealer’s suggestion, installed fat-boy springs at 550 miles and have had no problems (I only weigh 210 pounds).
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: I added USI 301 skis after 200 miles on the stock skis, along with Bottom Line Traction 75-degree flat-top carbide runners. These took away the push I had in the corners with the OEM skis. Also installed Saber Top Dog studs, all in center belt. Lost about half of the carbide tips in about 150 miles of hard pack. Also added Sportech Cobra mid-height windshield to replace stock one; better protection on cold days. Also added Ripco Handleballs; my hands don’t slip off the slippery grips anymore, they worked great. Everything else was stock.

Team Member: J. Burnham, New Hampshire
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo MX Z 700
Test Period: 1100 miles
Machine Performance: Great acceleration. Great traction. Pushed a bit in corners under hard acceleration. Hand warmers didn’t always work very well.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Delta V-Force reeds; better throttle response, would recommend. Expert suspension from AD Boivin; handles moguls better than stock suspension and has better transfer; would recommend. Crank Shop twin pipes; better top end, more power through the entire power band, would also recommend. Roller secondary clutch from Crank Shop; better shifting, more power to the track, would recommend. C&A Pro plastic skis and Woody’s 10” carbide runners; razor sharp cornering, better grip through corners, would recommend both.

Team Member: J. Stevens, Michigan
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo MX Z 600
Test Period: 900 (not enough) miles
Machine Performance: The SC-10 II coupled rear suspension is a big improvement in ride and ski-lift reduction. I was impressed with the power of the motor in trail conditions, felt clutching was good stock. Good fuel economy with DPM, easy starting, hard throttle pull with 40mm roundslide Mikunis. An XC 600 SP I rode was stronger, with a nicer riding rear suspension.
Component Failures: Experienced no failures, but did increase oil pump output because I felt it was set too low out of the box.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Other than 96 Woody’s studs in the center belt that worked well, I left the MX Z 600 stock. I have made many mods to my ’97 MX Z 670; Holeshot skid plate worked well, good fit, good looks. SLP Ultra-Lite skis were a very good purchase, very happy with their performance over the very poor stock skis. Also added 501 rotary valve and shorter carb boots. Seemed to take a little away from bottom end, but improved mid-range and top end. Also used 144 Stud Boy studs, 96 is middle and rest on outside belts.

Team Member: M. Lange, Wisconsin
Sled: 1999 Ski-Doo MX Z 600
Test Period: 1300 miles
Machine Performance: Didn’t corner as flat as I expected. Great gas mileage, low oil consumption. Average rear suspension, good front suspension, starts excellent, very reliable. Good out of the hole acceleration and very light sled.
Component Failures: Piston scuffing, fixed under warranty.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Installed AD Boivin ETS kit; helped with stutter bumps. TCD studs by Bottom Line; worked very well on softer trails and hard pack, lasted long compared to other studs I’ve used. C&A Pro skis’ finest, most impressive accessory I have ever tried. Reduced darting 50% over stock skis, allowed cornering speeds I thought I’d never see on this sled. Overcame factory understeer, even without studs. This sled cornered flatter than the 2000 Ski-Doos with coupled suspensions.

Team Member: A. Burgess, Michigan
Sled: 1999 Ski-Doo MX Z 670 H.O.
Test Period: 1200 miles
Machine Performance: great engine, spanks 800s. Suspension OK if ridden hard. Excellent gas mileage, excellent overall quality.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Installed Arctic Cat ZRT track, works better than Ski-Doo track. Carbon fiber rotary valve from Carbon tech, loosened RAVE springs, porting, jetted, cut head, thicker base gasket, and Woody’s studs & carbides; all worked well.

Team Member: M. Freitag, Wisconsin
Sled: 1999 Ski-Doo MX Z 670 H.O.
Test Period: 700 miles
Machine Performance: Excellent sled, even faster after the engine work. Sled was six lengths quicker. For people who thought you couldn’t make a 670 H.O. any faster, I am here to say they are wrong.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Had Don Emery at DNE performance port the crankcase and cylinders. Excellent results. Jetting was consistent, I continued to run stock jetting without any problems. DNE is very helpful. Also used 501 rotary valve, short boots and DynoPort silencer. Ceramic coated entire exhaust to prevent corrosion. Clutching and gearing per DNE was incredible. His mods are trail safe, and he gives you clutching and jetting to work with his modifications.

Polaris XC

Team Member: M. Athmaren, Minnesota
Sled: 2000 XC 700 SP
Test Period: 1100 miles
Machine Performance: Excellent sled. Great power and performance. Handles well with excellent ride.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: I installed a 50-36 helix from Erlandson Performance to replace the straight 36 helix. Performance was increased greatly, this thing flies! Used 144 Saber Top Dog studs and 6” Saber Magnum carbide runners; excellent wear with minimal snow coverage. Also changed jets to 180-185.

Team Member: S. Hutchinson, Maine
Sled: 2000 XC 700 SP
Test Period: 2500 miles
Machine Performance: It ran flawless, never changed one spark plug or even a belt. Performance was outstanding, and the Polaris Position Sensitive shock works great.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested & Recommendations: Installed PSI cheater billet heads; result was awesome, along with Delta V-Force reeds and boost bottle. Turned my XC’s throttle response from an 8 to a 10. Replaced the stock helix with a Polaris R-12 (50-36), pulled much harder. Changed flyweights from 60g to 62g, this helped keep the clutching RPM in the power band (I only weigh 160 pounds). Also tried Polaris windshield bag, worked very good. Used 144 Woody’s carbide picks. Durability was good, however they tend not to hook up as well on icy conditions.

Team Member: D. Albers, Iowa
Sled: 2000 XC 700 SP
Test Period: 2000 miles
Machine Performance: The sled performed very well, did everything I expected. Performed well compared to competitions similar sleds, except some Ski-Doo MX Z 700s.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Woody’s Traction Master studs; performance was excellent, have used Woody’s for eight years. Installed clutch kit from RB Specialties; very quick sled, no one thing has done more for my sled than this. Also installed a set of V-Force reeds, good throttle response.

Team Member: J. Greyor, Wisconsin
Sled: 2000 XC 600 SP
Test Period: 2300 miles
Machine Performance: The sled started very well in cold weather, but when up to operating temperature and left sitting for more than 15 minutes it would only start by giving it a touch of throttle. The seat was great, and the riding position was very good. The front end felt heavy, but the engine was great. Polaris Position Sensitive Fox shock is very good, provides excellent bump control. Very good weight transfer and acceleration. Some darting at cruising speeds. Really great brakes too.
Component Failures: No break downs, and I rode it hard.
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: The only things added were a set of Polaris 45 degree handlebar extensions, 144 Woody’s Gold Digger studs (held up very well) and Polaris 10” carbide runners.

Team Member: A. Rush, Michigan
Sled: 2000 XC 600 SP EDGE
Test Period: 1200 miles
Machine Performance: This is by far the best riding and handling and power of a sled I have ever owned. I had zero problems and it was just as fast or faster than most all 700cc or smaller sleds.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications
& Recommendations: USI AST-301 skis worked awesome, it was like riding on rails. 96 Stud Boy studs worked excellent, had no bent or excessively worn studs. Red Cobra windshield from Sportech works like a windshield should and looks good. I would recommend any of these products.

Team Member: R. Peterson, Minnesota
Sled: 2000 XC 600 SP EDGE
Test Period: 1100 miles
Machine Performance: Excellent ride, lots of power, very responsive. Bought because of the brand reputation, the suspension, and overall performance.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: Installed Polaris roller secondary clutch; excellent. V-Force reeds, excellent. 1.25” deep lug track with 1.36” Saber studs (144), highly recommended. Polaris mountain bar looks and works great.

Team Member: S. Senger, Michigan
Sled: 2000 XC 600 SP EDGE
Test Period: 1520 miles
Machine Performance: Rear suspension is great, except compression damping on both shocks is too light for me. Buyers should be given choice between PPS shock or adjustable damping. Front suspension is very good at all speeds. Corners very well if pre-load is left low; this doesn’t seem to cause bottoming. Handlebars are too far back though. Running board traction cones in floorboard are great. Engine is awesome, jumps great, most fun sled I’ve ever ridden.
Component Failures: None, my hyfax even survived over 1500 miles of Michigan sand.
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: C&A Pro skis, six-inch wide ones. Improved cornering grip and reduced darting. Had to initiate turn, but easy to turn once you break them out of the groove at all speeds. Ran C&A carbides, six inches of 60 degree, very durable. Also used 144 Woody’s push-through studs, worked fine.

Team Member: M. Dostal, Iowa
Sled: 2000 XC 600 SP
Test Period: 1000 miles
Machine Performance: Ride and power was excellent. It handled like a dream, I could put it anywhere I wanted to.
Component Failures: No break downs. I hit a rock and bent a trailing arm, also hit an old sign post hidden in the snow and did more damage.
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: Used Top Gun studs, V-Force reeds, Erlandson clutch kit, and Hot Seat heads. All worked great. Also used Hot Seat boost bottle. Wouldn’t be without Polaris heated face shield.

Team Member: D. Desenfants, Michigan
Sled: 2000 XC 600 SP
Test Period: 400 miles
Machine Performance:
This sled was great riding, fast and reliable. I would buy again in a minute. I’m a little disappointed the EDGE chassis was a late release since I had early ordered my sled. Great sled.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications & Recommendations: Ran a Hot Seat single pipe, boost bottle, clutch kit, V-Force Delta II reed cages, Woody’s studs and Starting Line Products Ultra-Lite skis. The pipe, clutch kit and carb jetting was all spec’d by Hot Seat, worked great. Pipe was a little cold blooded, but when warmed up it ran great. Very fast, especially on low end. Ran several radar runs equivalent to 700cc.

Team Member: J. Borkowski, Alaska
Sled: 2000 XC 500 SP
Test Period: 8,000 miles
Machine Performance: I had a 136” x 1” track installed. Sled worked great for breaking trail and long trips. Only problem I had was exhaust valves getting carboned up; cleaning every 1000 miles was too long to wait. I had to clean my valves every 500 miles minimum.
Component Failures: None what so ever.
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: Ordered 19.5” tall windshield from High Performance Engineering; better for –20° or –30° F riding and windy conditions. Ran snow screen bib from Edge Performance Products, great for powder snow. Holtzman Engineering Tempa Flow; more power in warm weather, good for a 2-3 mpg increase. Erlandson Performance trail performance clutch kit; I used the helix and secondary spring, better acceleration. Also used super slippery secondary buttons. Installed Kimpex Cargo Rack #50-1269, better than the Polaris rack, and Kimpex tow hitch #51-1155; pulled my sled to Bethel, came back with four caribou – 500 miles.

Arctic Cat
Powder Special

Team Member: R. Tomilin, British Columbia
Sled: 2001 Arctic Cat Powder Special 600 VEV
Test Period: 500 miles
Machine Performance: Worlds better engine than the 2000. The engine started easily, was quiet, has very good power, and finally gets excellent mileage. New hood design is also very good. Sled is still a bit heavy feeling. Old skis aren’t very good at cornering; new parabolic skis should be better.
Component Failures: Thumb warmer quit working; the airbox will still suck in light powder from the sides. The airbox intake should be up on top.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Added aluminum traction rails along side stock ones. They’re much needed in the mountains; the wide running boards are slippery. Also use Torco synthetic oil, very clean, low smoke, and smells nice.

Team Member: G. Barricklow, Kansas
Sled: 2000 Arctic Cat Powder Special 600
Test Period: 1500 miles
Machine Performance: Really like the handling and agility of the sled, along with its deep snow and climbing ability. Would like more bottom end power. I really like the lighter weight of the 600 class sleds, yet it works as well as most big sleds in powder.
Component Failures: Had trouble with altitude compensator, would freeze up in blowing snow when cold.
Accessories/Modifications Tested
Recommendations: PSI single pipe; performance a bit better, but not as much as I had hoped for. It is for sure lighter and sounds better. V-Force reeds; I really didn’t notice much difference on this sled.

Team Member: J. Gauna, Alaska
Sled: 2000 Arctic Cat Powder Special 600 EFI LE
Test Period: 2700 miles
Machine Performance: Well-balanced sled, smooth clutching, easy starting. ACT shocks valved almost perfect for me. Fuel rack stinks, as does fuel economy (8-8.5 mpg). EFI not as good at sensing altitude as my five previous EFI sleds.
Component Failures: Drive axle bearings @ 2600 miles, upper chain case oil seal. All fixed under warranty.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: I replaced the stock sway bar with a softer 3/8” one. Replaced flimsy stock grab bar with one from Fabcraft, now I love it. Also use Garmin GPS III Plus with Ram brand GPS mount kit, love them both. Revalved skid frame shocks, adding about 15% more rebound damping on rear and 10% in center. Ski shocks are perfect. Turned rear skid shock into clicker, now it is perfect. Removed wide cat skis and replaced with narrower Cat ski, much better for side hilling and handling.

Team Member: M. Dailey, South Dakota
Sled: 2000 Arctic Cat Powder Special 600 EFI
Test Period: 900 miles
Machine Performance: Very, very good sled. Exceeded my expectations. Very good deep snow performance, good ride on rough trails too. Cheesy mountain grab bar, and metal tunnel edges cut holes into my cover.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: I rode it stock this year.

Team Member: D. Golab, Colorado
Sled: 1999 Arctic Cat Powder Special 600
Test Period: 2000 miles
Machine Performance: This sled works very well. It sticks to the corners well, even on the trails. Speed is not a factor. I’m very pleased with this Arctic Cat. Performs very well, and looks good.
Component Failures: None.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: I did several changes to the clutching springs and weights. I purchased a Thunder Shift kit and found that this product is the way to go in finding weight specific clutching calibration. A Hi-Performance Engineering orange spring worked well in the primary, but it broke on the last ride of the year in some heavy, wet snow conditions. Changed to a purple Cutler spring, not much difference between the two. Also installed Black Magic twin pipes and chip combo. Works well, got a few more HP and about 3-4 mph quicker top end. Put on Hyperfax, no sign of wear on sliders yet.

Team Member: J. Klaker, California
Sled: 1999 Arctic Cat Powder Special 700 LE
Test Period: 1000 miles
Machine Performance: The construction, fit and looks are great. Needed some clutch work getting it dialed in which it shouldn’t have needed. The factory set-up should have been better. Once dialed in it pulls like a big block! Could be about 20 pounds lighter.
Component Failures: None. After break-in it fouled plugs about every 20 miles until I got the carbs jetted right and changed the plugs from BR10-ES to BR9-EYA.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Exhaust gas temp gauges work great. I won’t own another sled without them. Should be standard equipment. Holtzman Vari-Flow; if you don’t have HAC or EFI, this is the ticket, it works great. Had some questions on installation and they answered them. Goodwin Performance clutch kit; improved the performance, but not quite what I expected, wouldn’t pull enough peak RPM. I called them and they’ve been dynamite to work with. They sent me other components to dial it in and provided advice and support. They have me as a permanent customer.

Team Member: B. Stannard, Alaska
Sled: 1999 Arctic Cat Powder Special 500 EFI
Test Period: 1800 miles
Machine Performance: The engine was flawless with the EFI, but the fuel economy was less than expected, only 8 mpg. It could have used more track too, so I will move up to the 600 when I trade up.
Component Failures: None, but I bent it up some pulling too heavy of a load.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: I installed the Arctic Cat Bearcat secondary clutch, hoping to get the pulling power of the Bearcat with the lighter weight of the Powder Special. I also re-worked the tunnel to get more clearance and stiffened it for pulling loads. I also installed heavier springs. I like the whole package and it is very user friendly for utility or for playing in the backcountry. Also installed larger rear rack and taller windshield. If you don’t like the larger foot wells, try them with bunny boots.

Team Member: K. Enright, Utah
Sled: 1998 Arctic Cat Powder Special 600 EFI LE
Test Period: 850 miles
Machine Performance: Excellent deep powder characteristics, I like the 41” stance of the LE and the Fox shocks. EFI starts easy and every time with consistent performance.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Installed tapered tunnel, same as 2000s for more clearance. This really helped the deep snow riding. Camoplast 136” x 2.25” Challenger track; awesome in the deep, hooks up great on harder snow. Definitely recommend. Black Magic Super Single pipe, chip & clutch kit; awesome power, easy starting and great clutch set-up. Black Magic KTX front suspension; added 3” front travel for those un-groomed trails into the deep areas. Keeps front end lighter and higher for deep snow riding, no plowing through the fluff. Ripco Handleballs definitely helps keep your hands on the handlebars when side hilling and boon docking. Simmons Flexi-Skis; the absolute best for deep powder, side hilling & boon docking. Simmons running board grips; a must have for powder, keeps your feet on the sled.

Team Member: S. Frazee, Idaho
Sled: 1998 Arctic Cat Powder Special 600
Test Period: 1600 miles
Machine Performance: Loved the rear suspension, the EFI and the power. Front suspension could have had more travel. Motor durability sucked. The 2” paddle track was great.
Component Failures: Broke a crank and stator burned out.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Fabcraft mountain bar worked well. Also added windshield bag and mirror.

Team Member: L. Davidson, Montana
Sled: 1998 Arctic Cat Powder Special 600
Test Period: 800 miles
Machine Performance: Little disappointed in low-end EFI performance. Otherwise it rides and handles great, goes through deep snow well.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: I tried V-Force reeds, Black Magic single pipe and chip, Heel Clicker weights, SLP skis, Ripco Handleballs, Cobra windshield, milled the heads and had the cylinders ported and polished. I would buy them all again except the flyweights.

Polaris RMK

Team Member: W. Bowery, Montana
Sled: 2000 Polaris RMK 800
Test Period: 1600 miles
Machine Performance: Overall the sled worked really well. Good power, great torque. Stock it would out-do a piped and set-up 700. Clutching and jetting was not very good out of the box.
Component Failures: Polaris 144” track was a piece of junk, mine fell apart. They are going to warranty it and give me a new 2001 144” track.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
recommendations: Starting Line Products single pipe; worked very well. Did not shave enough weight. Good power increase, would buy again. Delta V-Force reeds; seems to be a good power increase, cleans up the throttle response. Tri-City Polaris clutch kit; the best in the business, period! Boss Seat; very good product. Way more comfortable than stock and saves 8-10 pounds. Holz Racing front end kit; Nice quality and durable. Long travel front Fox shox from Holz Racing; somewhat better than stock, would buy again.

Team Member: J.D. Knowles, Colorado
Sled: 2000 Polaris RMK 800
Test Period: 1950 miles
Machine Performance: Strong mid-range and top end, poor low-end in stock form, especially above 10,000 feet. My modified ’98 RMK 700 would out-climb and out-run it until I did some work to the 800.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: PSI Performance single pipe; excellent power gain, helped to clean up low end bog. All spring mounting tabs broke off in first two rides though. Added V-Force Delta II reed cages and SLP Boost Bottle, they also improved the low-end bog. Installed SLP air intakes for hood, improved air flow especially in powder snow. I will not ride without a Holeshot skidplate. Installed Polaris 144” track kit; major improvement, but I should have gone to 156” instead for our riding; my mistake. Also tried left-hand throttle, a must-have for sidehilling and mountain riding. SLP makes them for Keihin carbs, I made my own for the Mikunis. Also used Poly Pegs for sidehill traction, excellent.

Team Member: R. Sorg, Montana
Sled: 2000 Polaris RMK 800
Test Period: 400 miles
Machine Performance: I’m under-whelmed. My old RMK 700 pulled much harder than the new RMK 800 in stock form. My 700 could lift the skis off the ground and had much better acceleration. I think the stock 800 was over-rated.
Component Failures: Track melted to the hyfax three times.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Installed 144” track kit, Starting Line Products single pipe & jetting, clutch kit by Tri-City Polaris. Greatly improved.

Team Member: K. Richardson, Utah
Sled: 2000 Polaris RMK 800
Test Period: 500 miles
Machine Performance: I thought it was one of the best all-around mountain sleds I’ve ever ridden.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Erlandson Engineering Eliminator Roller Secondary Clutch; great performance so far, but I think with some more tuning there’s even more performance in it. Buy it. I also replaced the chaincase with a belt-drive. Self-engineered, improved fuel economy and power transfer with a significant weight loss. Either buy one or build one.

Team Member: R. Cooper, Nevada
Sled: 2000 Polaris RMK 800
Test Period: 600 miles
Machine Performance: This sled did everything the manufacturer and dealer said it would. Torque monster. It needed a drive spring change, but did very well otherwise.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: I didn’t change anything except for the clutching bulletin/drive spring. Polaris did a good job. Maybe will shave some weight next year.

Team Member: A. Bond, Utah
Sled: 2000 Polaris RMK 800
Test Period: 1500 miles
Machine Performance: I put a 144” Polaris kit on when I bought it. This worked great in deep snow. But the 800 wasn’t as powerful as I thought it would be. “Stock” clutching and carburetion set-ups were terrible.
Component Failures: Water temp sensor wires broke at top of sensor, won’t let sled run when this happens.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Starting Line Products single pipe and heads with 6000-9000’ domes; these two items really improved the sled. Before there wasn’t a big difference between the 700 & 800. These two upgrades really made it stand out with consistent and reliable power, keeping the same fuel mileage and noise levels with great appearance too. Installed SLP boost bottle; didn’t notice much, but gas mileage improved. Simmons Flexi-Skis; won’t use anything else.

Team Member: D. Chapin, Oregon
Sled: 2000 Polaris RMK 800
Test Period: 1600+ miles
Machine Performance: Ride and handling was great. Stock power was not up to expectations. Hyfax life was terrible, even in good snow.
Component Failures: Lost a nut on cross bolt in suspension.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Camoplast 141” x 2” track; worked very good, would buy again but will go longer. Starting Line Products single pipe; worked good, will buy again. V-Force reed cages; worked OK for power but keep breaking reeds. Tried a set of reeds on stock cages; no power gain. Hyperfax sliders did not seem to last any longer than stock hyfax. Holz racing front end widening kit; excellent product, would buy again. SLP Straight Line Tracking skis, excellent. Hot Seat helix; excellent. Porting by Jack Struthers; excellent. SLP cheater head set; did not seem to work as well as I expected.

Team Member: R. Stephon, Montana
Sled: 2000 Polaris RMK 800
Test Period: 500 miles
Machine Performance: It’s perfect, there is no comparison.
Component Failures: None
Accessories / Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: I ran SLP twin pipes, Delta V-Force reeds, Hyperfax slides and a Polaris windshield bag. All good stuff.

Team Member: K. Hightower, Washington
Sled: 2000 Polaris RMK 800
Test Period: 2000 miles
Machine Performance: Like the ride, had good power, but not enough difference between the 700 & 800 RMK. The pre-season prototype tests indicated the 800 would have more power than the production sleds actually did. It also had a dead spot on low-end.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: All Polaris factory parts; skid plate, windshield bag and rear rack. I’m very pleased with all of these. I also installed electric start on my RMK 700 (wife’s sled) and am very pleased.

Team Member: E. Grant, Alaska
Sled: 2000 Polaris RMK 800
Test Period: 1700+ miles
Machine Performance: Lots of power, good rear suspension, I like the hand/thumb warmer switch positioning and handlebars. Needs stiffer running boards or braces in the middle for more support during stand-up riding.
Component Failures: Clutch wore out at 1100 miles, crank separated at 1500 miles, track came apart at 1500 miles.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Installed Polaris 144” track kit and V-Force reeds. I really liked the longer track with the different and ever changing snow and conditions in Alaska. It had good hook-up and speed. I think they need more clearance in between the track and tunnel to allow more snow, water and air flow so you aren’t creating drag and slowing down.

Ski-Doo
Summit 700s

Team Member: L. Weisz, Alaska
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo Summit 700 Highmark
Test Period: 700 miles
Machine Performance: Very impressed. Every time I rode, I came home happy. The machine excels in deep, deep powder. Flotation in deep snow is second to no other 700. In spring-time snow it gets a little pushy when cornering, but other than that it is a great sled all around.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: No accessories yet, worked well stock. Plan to add roller secondary and maybe lightweight muffler.

Team Member: R. Mousley, Utah
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo Summit 700 Highmark
Test Period: 1000 miles
Machine Performance: Handles well in the trees, really floats in fresh powder. Will not highmark a Polaris 700 RMK or Summit 670 X in really steep terrain. Maybe doesn’t have enough power for the 151” track.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: I’ve added CPI twin pipes; they gave me more top end and track speed when climbing. I can recommend these pipes. Also added a lightweight hood and really like it.

Team Member: M. Chapman, Wyoming
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo Summit 700 Highmark
Test Period: 2600 miles
Machine Performance: Sled was great out of the box.
Component Failures: Choke lever broke off, had to replace.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Ran super after milling the head 0.20, installing Dyno Port single pipe, B&B Eliminator can and a Hi-Tech Performance ER roller secondary. The Hi-Tech roller clutch really made a difference once I got the spring tension figured out.

Team Member: G. Marshink, South Dakota
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo Summit 700 Highmark
Test Period: 800 miles
Machine Performance: I bought an RMK 800 due to pre-season hype and bought a Highmark to compare. I rode the Summit for 800 miles and rode the Polaris for 400 miles. The Ski-Doo was great, no problems, was worth every dollar. The 800 RMK was a big disappointment, never ran like it should, RMK 700s ran by my side.
Component Failures: Nothing broke on my Summit, wire broke on the temp sensor on my RMK.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Every machine I buy gets Simmons Flexi-Skis, highly recommend. Bought higher compression heads for the Summit from Peak Performance. Worked very well, would buy again.

Team Member: Name withheld, Montana
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo Summit 700 Highmark
Test Period: 1200 miles
Machine Performance: The 151” track worked very well for me. I had no warranty problems, very happy with everything. Very good fuel economy, ran with any other machine in its class.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: I didn’t need any. This sled came completely ready to ride.

Team Member: T. Higgs, California
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo Summit 700
Test Period: 1300 miles
Machine Performance: Best mountain sled out there, period! Best handling, best flotation, gets up on top fast. Plenty of power, best fuel mileage. It took hopped-up Polaris 800s to high mark us on a clear face, but head for the trees and there was nothing but yellow on top. This machine is so far superior to any stock machine every built it’s unbelievable.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: This is the first sled I’ve ever owned that I did not have to improve upon. It is so near perfect I am just thrilled that all I had to do was ride. No pipes, no rolling chaincases, no exchanging tracks. Nothing at all. I do feel the older 136” x 2” Ski-Doo track was better though.

Team Member: M. Christianson, Utah
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo Summit 700
Test Period: 800 miles
Machine Performance: Awesome, awesome, awesome! Could use a little more top end power, but everything about this sled is incredible.
Component Failures: Choke cable melted to exhaust pipe.
Accessories/Modifications Tested & Recommendations: Added titanium arms to clutch; didn’t work much better than stock. Added Hymark roller secondary; in combination with titanium arms this was an excellent combination. Tried a set of twin pipes, couldn’t get to work very well. Went back to stock pipe.

Team Member: B. Branton, Wisconsin
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo Summit 700
Test Period: 1100 miles
Machine Performance: Very high quality, durability and reliability. Awesome performance overall, biggest complaint is the skis; they’re not designed for powder. Never lost a race from 0-80. Great oil & gas mileage. Great boondocking off-trail. Needs enough snow to turn with stock skis. Throttle pull is ridiculous. My right thumb is still recovering, windshield is still a problem.
Component Failures: None. Perfect.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: OEM Ski-Doo skid plate; fit is questionable, good protection and helps deep snow flotation. Clear fuel tank; OEM Ski-Doo. Envy of everyone, always know exactly how much fuel is left. Added set of extra idler wheels at front of skid frame; original hyfax gone after 1100 miles. Sno-Slips running board traction; awesome, all sleds should have these instead of the metal junk. Ski-Doo MX Zx hand grips; stock are worst in market. Ripco Handleballs; better than hooks in the powder, no thigh dents. Adjustable toe-holds; improved toe-bite. I would buy all of these products again, but the skid plate should be standard issue.

Team Member: G. Hamilton, Montana
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo Summit 700
Test Period: 2500 miles
Machine Performance: It was hassle free, a great machine until I got to see an 800 twin run to the top of the hill.
Component Failures: The kill switch broke. Everything else was abused pretty good and held up well.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: Starting Line Products Tri-Keel skis; best mod to the sled. A bit heavier than others but the steering of the stock skis was poor. Simmons traction things for the running boards; I even added some sheet metal screws to these for even more traction. Solid mountain center grab bar and handlebar riser block also added, necessary for stand-up mountain riding.

Team Member: C. Hofmann, Oregon
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo Summit 700
Test Period: 500 miles
Machine Performance: Best sled I’ve ever ridden, bought based on SnowTech’s evaluation. Engine/drivetrain were bullet-proof. DPM is marvelous. Skis throw powder into your face. Windshield is worthless. Track ratchets more than any other sled I’ve owned.
Component Failures: Not one, not even a fouled plug.
Accessories/Modifications Tested &
Recommendations: I ran it stock.

Team Member: B. Johnson, Alaska
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo Summit 700
Test Period: 850 miles
Machine Performance: This is a great sled. It climbs and climbs and climbs, and gets good gas mileage. The Ski-Doo DPM should be standard on all snowmachines. I would much rather ride a new Summit than anything else. This machine is very fun to ride.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: I bought a Ski-Doo aluminum cargo rack; stock the sled has no rack. I would definitely recommend this product. I also installed Comet shocks into the rear suspension and it still rode pretty stiff. I’m going to install lighter oil in them and see if the ride can be made softer.

Team Member: J. Reed, Idaho
Sled: 2000 Ski-Doo Summit 700 Highmark
Test Period: 700 miles
Machine Performance: Everything about this sled worked well with no break-downs. To compare it to other sleds is not apples to apples. They didn’t have the 151” track, or else they had some engine mods or pipes. Mine worked great as it was.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: Now that Ski-Doo has changed to the Zx chassis they do not have a windshield bag that fits. I installed a ’97 Arctic Cat windshield bag. It fits good and can hold plenty of extra stuff.

Yamaha
Mountain Max

Team Member: D. Lookabaugh, Oregon
Sled: 2000 Mountain Max 700
Test Period: 500 miles
Machine Performance: The suspension works excellent on trails with lots of whoops. I tried a Ski-Doo Summit and Arctic Cat Powder Special and neither compared to the comfort of the Yamaha. Great midrange power and excellent deep snow driveability. Lacking low end power like what the Arctic Cat and Ski-Doo had, but worth the trade-off.
Component Failures: Only had jetting problems, just a matter of getting it set up right.
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: I only added a skid plate, handlebar ends and windshield bag last year. This year I will be adding triple pipes, reed spacers and reed cages along with 5mm larger idlers wheels.

Team Member: B. Ross, Washington
Sled: 2000 Mountain Max 700
Test Period: 500 miles
Machine Performance: This is the best handling sled I’ve ever ridden. The ride is the best. The throttle response and gas mileage is exceptionally good. Deep snow and climbing ability is unmatched.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: I installed Power, Inc. pipes, V-Force reeds, reed spacers, and multi-angle helix and clutching changes. They have all worked excellent, I would do it all again. Also installed Trixtuf carbon fiber trailing arms, maximum Performance transfer rods, and Ekholm skidplate. These were also a great addition to the sled.

Team Member: J. Hvdak, Ohio
Sled: 2000 Mountain Max 700
Test Period: 2000 miles
Machine Performance: My MM 700 performed awesome all season long with a triple pipe set and clutching matched to the pipes. The 141” track works awesome in deep powder, it’s a blast to boondock on.
Component Failures: No problems. A couple belts, gas, oil, and plenty of smiles.
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: I installed Starting Line Products triple pipes, Boost Bottle from Tom Hartman, and Hi-Tech Performance Enclosed Roller Secondary clutch. This all worked good together, better than I would have thought.

Team Member: R. Shawd, South Dakota
Sled: 2000 Mountain Max 700
Test Period: 500 miles
Machine Performance: The sled worked excellent. It could have used better skis and better control of the hand and thumb warmers.
Component Failures: None.
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: I installed a FAST M-10 suspension, a 141” version. I would do this again, it is the only way to ride a sled.

Team Member: J.T. Joyce, Montana
Sled: 2000 Mountain Max 700
Test Period: 700 miles
Machine Performance: The 141” x 2” track was great! I went places where I had no business going and I got out. Wouldn’t have been possible two years ago. Stock skis were not all that great so I replaced them. The sled got up on top of the really deep powder quickly and with ease. I went where everyone else did, and then some.
Component Failures: No problems.
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: Put a set of Simmons Flexi-Skis on, they worked great. Super on trail and off trail in the powder. Installed a Hi-Tech Performance roller secondary and Speed Ring on my ’97 MM. I thought the roller secondary was great, it took very little adjustment to get dialed in. I will be installing both of these into my 2000. I would recommend both.

Team Member: S. Studer, South Dakota
Sled: 2000 Mountain Max 600
Test Period: 1800 miles
Machine Performance: This sled met or exceeded all expectations.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: The Vari-Flow from Holtzman Engineering works great and is a must-have item. We tried silencers from Bender, Hauck, Sno-Stuff and PPP. None worked as good as stock; too loud and no power gain. Also installed Power, Inc. triple pipes; they worked well after some tuning, but cost too much. The Ekholm tunnel looks great, fits great, and works OK. Sno-Stuff TCS skis are awesome and great for all kinds of riding.

Team Member: C. Brown, Alaska
Sled: 2000 Mountain Max 700
Test Period: 1800 miles
Machine Performance: The 141” x 2” track is a definite improvement over the 136” x 2” track. Still too heavy compared to Ski-Doo and Polaris, but I like the three year warranty and Yamaha reliability.
Component Failures: No break downs, not even a blown belt.
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: Ripco Handleballs worked fine. Ohlins front shocks were absolutely excellent.

Team Member: E. Strand, Alaska
Sled: 1999 Mountain Max 700
Test Period: 1500 miles
Machine Performance: Excellent performance, price, color, and fuel mileage.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: Starting Line Products triple pipes; good power, sound and fit, but they did contact each other and I had to braze pads on the rub spots. Holtzman Tempa-Flow; awesome product, helped keep sled at a perfect burn. Recommend to anyone, easy to install. Reed cage spacers; helped low RPM flutter, worked great. Hyperfax; great add-on with 2” deep-lug track on low snow conditions. Adjustable control rods worked great for changing snow conditions, and I added a mountain grab-bar.

Team Member: B. Plew, Idaho
Sled: 1999 Mountain Max 700
Test Period: 1000 miles
Machine Performance: I believe the Mountain Max is the best overall sled. It is great ergonomically, very smooth, quiet, gets good mileage, agile and light feeling and super on trails. Good to very good in powder. Other machines may excel in one or two areas, but none is a more complete package.
Component Failures: Absolutely nothing!
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: Adjustable control rods from Maxximum Performance really aids weight transfer, especially important on pre-2000 models. Also installed Yamaha skid plate and tunnel roll grippers, a must.

Team Member: M. Harstad, Washington
Sled: 1999 Mountain Max 700
Test Period: 2250 miles
Machine Performance: It worked terrible until I made many modifications. Loved the reliable motor.
Component Failures: None
Accessories/Modifications Added &
Recommendations: Installed Ekholm tunnel, rolled chaincase, anti-ratchet 9 tooth drivers for great improvement. I’m real happy with Power, Inc. pipes. Added reed spacers and got some more punch, worth the money compared to new reed cages.