Thursday, January 21, 2010

My Honest Impressions of Arctic Cat's Bearcat


By Luke Lester - Host, SnowTrax Television

This season we decided to request a sled for our press fleet unlike one we'd normally ask for. Its a Bearcat utility sled from Arctic Cat.

Honestly, it's a beast and simply put, its HUGE. It boasts a 20-inch wide track, under seat storage, Z1 4-stroke engine and a gigantic bush bar up front just to let everyone know you mean business.

At first, I figured this sled would be reserved for hauling camera gear and possibly for pulling trucks out of the ditch (I'm kidding, though its not entirely impossible for this sled). After the keys had been handed out to the various team members and test riders I found myself in a pickle. I wanted to ride, but the only sled left was the Bearcat. As far as I'm concerned, any ride is better than no ride so off I went. Something happened on that trip that I never expected. I began to like the Bearcat... a lot.

Its a surprisingly awesome sled. For starters, its by far the warmest sled in our fleet as the windshield is as big as the hood of a 66 Coupe DeVille. I've always liked Arctic's Z1 engine and its right at home in this sled delivering smooth, even power. The seat, while super wide, is also very comfortable - sort of like cozying up on your living room couch and, believe it or not, it rides like a DREAM. I can honestly say its one of the best riding sleds I've ever logged miles on.

I'd love to tell you that it handles with cat like precision (pardon the pun), but it doesn't. The wide skis and track seem to work together to provide slightly numb but not unpleasant handling on average speed trails. Verdict; not altogether terrible.

At the end of the day I relayed my impressions to the rest of the SnowTrax and Supertrax crew and they collectively thought I was nuts. Over the course of the next few weeks though, each of them had a turn on the Bearcat like I did and and all walked away as pleasantly surprised as I was.

Even though this sled is purpose built to be a work horse and not a play toy, it does both extremely well. My question to anyone who doubts the Bearcat is simple. If it rides smoothly, its comfortable, quick and handles pretty good, why NOT ride one?

For more information on the Bearcat and other Arctic Cat sleds visit www.arcticcat.com.


5 comments:

  1. I just got a glimpse of the video and wow! I was moving in my seat. I love speed, this sled you describing my type. Am saving for one this winter, my vacation will be awesome with it. http://medicsalertbracelets.com

    Valerie Framo (valerie@medicsalertbracelets.com)

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  2. Not a fan of those sleds, but I am a fan of skiing. And this coming Winter, I intend to go to Ottawa or anywhere in Canada that has a really good, groomed spot.

    Cheers,
    Robert (http://www.yourweddingdays.com)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello Robert,

    I STRONGLY recommend Ottawa if you want to ski on groomed spots. However, do bring a little more money than you usually spend on vacations, as hotels are a little more expensive than others.

    Werz - Pool Covers

    ReplyDelete
  4. If it rides smoothly, its comfortable, quick and handles pretty good, why NOT ride one?

    Because it attracts so much attention? :?

    http://www.yourweddingdays.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hello Stephen,

    Well, most people prefer skiing than sledding. Or rather, more people wants their fill of "adrenaline rush", as skiing is more exciting and thrilling than sledding.

    I, too, prefer skiing than sleds. But if possible, I want to try those sleds too.

    Werz - Pool Covers

    ReplyDelete