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FIFTH MANUFACTURER A POSSIBILITY

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FIFTH MANUFACTURER A POSSIBILITY

We know, we know. This kind of speculation has been running around for the last ten years. However, there’s finally some evidence it may actually take place.

What makes this load of recent data particularly believable is that the fifth company already exists and has been doing business in Europe for decades. We’re talking about Lynx, a subsidiary of BRP, manufacturers of Ski-Doo snowmobiles.

The company has recently expanded and modernized its factory capabilities and is ravenous to get into new markets.

What makes the rumor so plausible is the fact that all of Ski-Doo’s E-TEC, 4-TEC and ACE super-clean engine technology is already in assembly in the company’s Rovaniemi, Finland manufacturing facility and being dropped into a full selection of 2011 Lynx snowmobiles that look a lot like the lightest-in-the-biz XP, XR and XU versions of the Ski-Doo.

The sleds look very similar to Ski-Doo models but have suspension differences and some subtle features and model segments not offered this side of the ocean.

You’ll get more gritty details in the upcoming issue of Supertrax but we think this could actually happen within the next two years.

2011 SLEDS NOW ONLINE!

Staff Report
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The Supertrax No Bull Buyers Guide has now been updated on this website with all the 2011 sleds!

Click “BUYERS GUIDE” from the main navigation at the top or bottom of the site and select the Manufacturer, Class and Year you’re looking for to find detailed information including opinions on hundreds of snowmobiles.

The archives date all the way back to the 2007 model year so before you buy used or new this year, visit the site and find out what our staff thought first!

Classifications are the same as found in the pages of SUPERTRAX INTERNATIONAL and include:

– Hyper Power
– Trail Power
– Value Rides
– Crossover
– 2-Up Touring
– Steep & Deep
– Big Milers

Click here to start your search today and get informed!!

IS THE 600 THE NEW 800?

Staff Report
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IS THE 600 THE NEW 800?

There’s tremendous hype this year about Ski-Doo’s new 800 E-TEC and the redone 800 SDI from Polaris. We;ve sampled both and all we can say is these are two very fast, very competitive hyper engines. Fact is, Cat;s current 800 is pretty darn good, too.

It would appear everything is rosy on the big-inch front right now. However, is there something on the horizon no one anticipated? With the current flat economy and the cost of fuel being high, many former hyper owners we’ve talked to are telling us they’re so happy with their 600 class snowmobiles, they don’t see the necessity to move up to a bigger displacement mill.

It’s true, too. The current performance levels of 600 engines like Ski-doo’s E-TEC and the Cleanfire Polaris 600 are so strong that, when combined with the lightness of their new chassis platforms, the power-to-weight ratios of these models is incredibly good and perhaps is at the acme of what the class has ever delivered.

All of those old Formula and Indy 600 sleds of a bygone era made about 100 ponies and were considered the muscle sleds of their day. 120-horsepower is the standard of today’s sleds in this displacement range and there’s plenty of power and torque to keep even the most aggressive rider entertained.

Despite the fact the early season sales of 800 sleds has been extremely robust this year, there seems to be an equal amount of interest in the 600-class and it’s taken the industry by surprise.

Is The 121-Inch Track Gone for 2012?

Staff Report
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Seems the definition of a snowmobile is moving toward more track at almost all the OEMs.

Initially, the move to longer track lengths on trail sleds created the crossover segment; a segment that now has as many or more models than either the Mountain or the Trail segment.

136-inches was originally the maximum for a crossover track, but is growing into the 141-144 range with demand for even more width and resulting increased flotation.

Trail riders are enjoying the deep snow capabilities of X-over rides and Mountain market buyers are appreciating the better trail-ability of a shorter length, high flotation sled like an X-over.

So, if crossovers become the new baseline for snowmobiles, what will happen to the 121-inchers?

2012 Arctic Cat Predictions

Staff Report
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2012 Arctic Cat Predictions

Clearly its Arctic Cat’s turn to step up with something new for MY 2012.

Not only does 2012 mark the company’s 50th anniversary as snowmobile OEM but industry standard product cycles all point to Arctic Cat’s F chassis and the Crossfire platform as due and overdue for updating.

Here’s the thinking in most corners of the biz. When the F chassis was born Arctic went down a road which saw them increase creature comforts and address ergo issues with their IRP system.

While these features have been well received, the F chassis came out of the gate heavier than any new platform released since its intro.

This means the weight game is clearly what buyers are into and we suspect any chassis AC intros will have not just light but super-lightweight as its calling card.

We feel the company will introduce a new platform capable of using both 2 and 4 stroke power and able to cover both 121 inch trail spec track lengths and 136-141 inch X-over lengths – all in one light platform.

Before you go too far with all this and assume the very trick, light and innovative Sno-Pro will be the basis for the new 50th Anniversary ride we’re betting it won’t.

We do think bits of Sno-Pro will show up in anything the company builds but the Sno-Pro’s single minded racing demeanor precludes it from full-on consumer use – in our humble opinions.

WHERE’S CAT GOING IN 2012?

Staff Report
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WHERE’S CAT GOING IN 2012?

There’s been a lot of speculation about the new “top secret” chassis from Arctic Cat currently under development.

The fact is, the company made almost no changes to its product line last year and Cat fans are absolutely rabid to find out what’s up.

The Cat brass make no bones about the fact 2012 will be a big year for Arctic Cat with some significant changes to its model line-up. Here’s what we think:

There’s been some disappointment in the ranks that a new, extremely lightweight chassis based on the Sno-Pro 500 and 600 race platform has not materialized.

Truthfully, with some minor re-fabricating (ie: lengthening the engine cradle area of the sled) this would be a stellar foundation to build a slew of high performance 2-strokes and even 4-strokes around.

The current Twin Spar chassis is in its fifth iteration and the Crossfire is also long in the tooth. With different track lengths, the modified race chassis could serve the mountain, crossover and trail marketplace adequately.

We think Cat is looking at rationalizing its model lineup like Ski-Doo has with its XP chassis and, to a lesser extent, Polaris with its new Pro-R platform.

It’s way cheaper to build all your products on the same chassis with different engines than to build several completely different platforms and, when you’ve already beaten the weight formula, why start over?

SUPERTRAX Joins Canadian Media Circulation Audit

Supertrax Online
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Supertrax Publishing Inc. publishers of Supertrax International (Canada) Magazine, snowmobiling’s largest circulation enthusiast title, announced the title has joined the Canadian Media Circulation Audit (CMCA) effective immediately.

The Supertrax Go Snowmobiling Magazine published by Supertrax Publishing Inc. joined the CMCA almost a year ago.

Supertrax Publishing Circulation Manager Matt Lester had this to say: “We have been both impressed and pleased with the high level of professionalism and thoroughness the CMCA has provided in their circulation audit of the Supertrax Go Snowmobiling Magazine this past year. Supertrax International Magazine Canada and Go Snowmobiling Magazine share many assets so moving our circulation auditing requirements to CMCA for both titles makes sense from a business and logistical perspective.”

Canadian Media Circulation Audit meets the stringent requirements of the Canadian Federal Government Canada Periodical Fund a program under the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages providing support for Canadian publishers.

Supertrax International Magazine (US) will continue to maintain its membership in BPA Worldwide for the purposes of circulation auditing of this title.

Supertrax Publishing and Supertrax Media are snowmobiling’s largest media outlets publishing SUPERTRAX Magazine in the US and Canada four times annually to over 190,000 snowmobiling households per issue, the Go Snowmobiling Magazine in Ontario to 63,000 snowmobiling households per issue, and the sport’s longest running, largest viewership television series, Snowtrax Television, broadcast on the Outdoor Channel in the US and TSN and TSN 2 in Canada to over 4.1 million viewers.

For More Information Contact (705) 286-2135

2011 Arctic Cat Sno Pro 600

Press Release
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If there was any doubt about which racing snowmobile was the world’s best, Team Arctic racers piloting the 600 Sno Pro answered by winning the major snocross and cross country events and championships in 2010.

The Sno Pro 600 dominated Snocross as evidenced by Tucker Hibbert’s fourth-straight Gold Medal at Winter Xgames. Wanna talk World Domination? How about a clean Arctic Cat Sno Pro 600 sweep at the FIM Snocross World Championship in Sweden led by Hibbert, Lidman and Davis? And what about the Soo I-500? Cadarette Racing piloted their Sno Pro 600 to the checkered flag winning the most prestigious snowmobile enduro in the world – Arctic Cats first-ever win in 42 years!

The Sno Pro 600XC did plenty of house cleaning in the Cross Country arena as well. Dan Ebert’s overall victory capped an emotional and wildly successful USCC I-500 for Team Arctic that included 11 of 13 class wins.

Brian Dick’s remarkable success in USCC highlighted a season in which Team Arctic racers won 14 of 18 class championships and numerous race victories. In addition to his Pro Championship title, Dick was named USCC Racer of the Year.

Team Arctic Race Manager, Mike Kloety states, “Our wide spread success with the Sno Pro has been phenomenal based on our Team Arctic race results. But for 2011, that’s not good enough for Team Arctic Race engineers who work day and night to develop these high-performance race sleds. They’ve painstakingly improved performance throughout the entire snowmobile by increasing durability, on-track performance and ride calibration; key factors that allow Team Arctic racers to further dominate the race track.”

For 2011 Team Arctic racers are poised to extend the winning supremacy aboard Arctic Cats latest race tuned Sno Pro 600s with the following improvements:

600 SNO PRO CHASSIS

• Black painted aluminum tunnel with new tunnel support braces as well as upper spar assembly gussets improve durability. 5052-H32 aluminum braces increases thickness from .080″ thickness to .100″.
• Both Snocross and Cross Country fuel tanks will be clear material with black vinyl cover – Previously black on 2010 models.
• Bodywork side panels receive textured surface and slightly relocated hood pins to improve scratch-resistance and easier attach/detach.

ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL

• SnoCross CDI has a new program for improved holeshots based on ignition timing and exhaust valve opening per exhaust pipe temperature
• The VIP system allows fine tuning of race set-ups from day-to-day and race-to-race via more accurate data retrieval including the new for 2011 water temperature and throttle position sensor – additionally exhaust pipe temperature, track speed, driven shaft speed and tachometer are measured. (VIP system sold separately PART # 0620-371)
• Exhaust Manifold has a new inlet tube and the exhaust pipe temperature probe fitting is revised for increased performance and durability.
• Engine mount material improved to provide more resistance to degradation from gas and oil.

DRIVE SYSTEM

• Brand new Snocross track accommodates a new drive sprocket change to for the 2.86″ pitch Camoplast which is 2-lbs. lighter than the 2010 track. The new lug pattern was developed for improved holeshots and is based off past Attack 20 race tracks.
• Cross Country track will use the 1.25″ 2-ply Ripsaw with 2.52″ pitch.

SUSPENSION

• Rear suspension rails have been revised. The transfer control assembly (coupling blocks) has been moved forward in the rails for aggressive transfer adjustments. Racer will feel a noticeable difference in transfer control throughout the settings.
• Larger diameter rear idler arm wheels coincide with the coupling block relocation in order to maintain proper track tension on the higher settings to ensure quicker coupling.
• Rear arm Fox shock compression valving was improved to provide more control in slower g-out bumps (big whoops) or long duration bumps. The rebound valving change was improved overall, but specifically shines in high speed chatter.
• Cross Country front arm Fox shock has been recalibrated for improved ride control through high-speed sharp bumps.

SKI-DOO BOOTS REDESIGNED FROM GROUND UP

Press Release
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SKI-DOO BOOTS REDESIGNED FROM GROUND UP

This fall, BRP is launching an entirely new line of Ski-Doo snowmobiling boots, keeping in mind what made the original “Ski-Doo boots” great.

Each of the five models is 100% new, designed by BRP not just to set the standard for waterproofness, breathability and warmth, but for being perfectly suited to snowmobiling.

Input from snowmobilers was critical to the design process, and dozens of enthusiasts tested the boots last winter, offering feedback that has been incorporated into the products.

The new line includes:

– Absolute 0 boots
– Helium boots
– Holeshot boots
– Trail boots
– Kids & Teen Holeshot boots

Two boots in particular showcase BRP’s unique insight into snowmobilers’ needs and use of the best technologies:

In keeping with the Absolute 0 line of riding gear, the Absolute 0 boot is the warmest boot BRP has ever offered – it’s comfort rated to an incredible -105 ºF (-76 ºC).

Much of that warmth comes from a cuttingedge insulation, Spacetex. It combines a metalized fabric to reflect heat back to the foot with a microperforated felt to allow perspiration to escape.

The entire boot is made of materials that remain flexible even in extreme cold. The overall design and styling is intended for relaxed riding. The Absolute 0 boots come in Charcoal Grey and retail at US$219.99 / Can$259.99.

For more active, energy-intensive riding, there’s the Helium boot. It features a Sympatex membrane that is totally windproof, waterproof and 120% more breathable than the best-known membrane. Thinsulate insulation earns the Helium boots a comfort rating to -75 ºF (-59 º C).

BRP designed the boot to flex for mountain and racing-type riders and incorporated features they need like a tough rubber toe cap, moulded rubber ankle protection, and a twin-lock EZ-lace system.

There are two models available: a grey version with black and light grey accents; and a charcoal grey version with bold yellow highlights and Ski-Doo logos. Both retail for US$179.99 / Can$214.99.

The entire Ski-Doo 2011 boot collection can be purchased at authorised Ski-Doo dealers as well as online at store.ski-doo.com.

WIN WITH SUPERCLAMP

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To show its appreciation to its loyal customers, Superclamp is giving away Superclamp products to random winners in a monthly draw.

Widely used and trusted by snowmobilers of every kind and a staple purchase for anyone with a truck deck, Superclamps are engineered from fiber filled composite and weigh less than 5 pounds!

Out of the box this system is ready to go. Simply lock it into place across your sled’s skis by pulling the pistol grip handle and your sled will stay put so safely and securely.

Superclamp also manufactures a multi-purpose wall hanging system called the SUPER HANG ALL for organizing your garage or trailer and the ultimate no-slip traction product for your ramps and trailer beds called SUPER-GLIDES.

Visit www.superclamp.net and click on the “WIN WITH SUPERCLAMP” icon to enter!

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    SNOWTRAX has established itself as the most watched snowmobile TV series in North America.
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