Alpha Ride Report?

[Lund]

We were in some really good powder the last two days. This sled continues to impress me more and more. The way it gets up on plane in the deep stuff and really digs when you do get slowed down is awesome. I traded back and forth with some Doo buddies and they were in 'like' lol. One guy had a 19 G4 and the Alpha was clearly faster in the waist deep pow. To be fair, he did have some breakin mode left.

Not to take away from the Alpha new skid but the Powderclaw used by Cat's is a superior track in the deep stuff compared to the Doo's track.
The combination of a better chassis, track and driver lay out makes the Cat better in the deep stuff in general. The Alpha skid possibly add's to Cat already great design but i have a hard time believing its the secret single magical improvement making the Cat better when it comes to deep pow.
I really like the 18 model and i'm looking forward to riding an Alpha later in the spring time where i think it will shine over the traditional rail design. But i also hope Cat keeps the traditional rail design in their line up for a few years yet. JMO

 

[JMCX]

The Alpha tunnel is thin. I wouldn't be putting much weight back there and not far from the seat.

I forgot to mention the ice buildup. It was deep and cold. I had no snow on top of or under the tunnel. The other sleds had huge icebergs, especially underneath. Huge hunks of ice. I did have a mini berg hanging below my chaincase at the end of day.

 

[JMCX]

I haven't been on a Cat since my 2010 M8 so can't really say what about the evolution of this design makes it work so good. Probably just a lot of little things together. You often read good things about the track design. Yesterday l noticed the lugs were covered over in ice on the faces (so were everyone's) so this would negate anything special in the tip design. At least at that time.

 

[snochuk]

The Alpha tunnel is thin. I wouldn't be putting much weight back there and not far from the seat.

I forgot to mention the ice buildup. It was deep and cold. I had no snow on top of or under the tunnel. The other sleds had huge icebergs, especially underneath. Huge hunks of ice. I did have a mini berg hanging below my chaincase at the end of day.

Yes the cat tunnel is thin and no heat exchanger for extra support.
That is why I put my home made gas bracket full tunnel width and above the running board to tunnel brace.
Will have two cans stacked next weekend on Renshaws long ride in. 26 liters in the two cans.
If tunnel survives that ride it should be OK anywhere.
And yes the Alpha packs almost zero snow in skid or tunnel.

 

[pfi572]

Can someone say Alpha 174 ?
The track IMO on the AC is a huge benefit and wish it was built in a 174 X 15 .

 

[snochuk]

Not to take away from the Alpha new skid but the Powderclaw used by Cat's is a superior track in the deep stuff compared to the Doo's track.
The combination of a better chassis, track and driver lay out makes the Cat better in the deep stuff in general. The Alpha skid possibly add's to Cat already great design but i have a hard time believing its the secret single magical improvement making the Cat better when it comes to deep pow.
I really like the 18 model and i'm looking forward to riding an Alpha later in the spring time where i think it will shine over the traditional rail design. But i also hope Cat keeps the traditional rail design in their line up for a few years yet. JMO

The big 3.5 pitch 7 tooth drivers, 10" rear wheels and extra off camber traction are the big adders of the Alphas manouverability add to the chassis, drop and roll low attack angle with the track that was already there.
The whole package rolls well together.

 

[skegpro]

Gawd damm these sleds are fun to ride.

I wonder whats in store for this year?

 

[Lund]

The big 3.5 pitch 7 tooth drivers, 10" rear wheels and extra off camber traction are the big adders of the Alphas manouverability add to the chassis, drop and roll low attack angle with the track that was already there.
The whole package rolls well together.

Exactly, its the entire package. Not loaded with gimmicks in the hope to improve sell's.
Not to beat on other's of a certain brand that like using this word "GAME CHANGER".....but check it out, this is what changing the game truly looks like, its a package not a gimmick.

Well heading out to Victoria, talk to you peeps later, maybe from my daughters PC......Merry Christmas

 

[skegpro]

I don’t think that break in completion is going to give you any real noticeable improvements on the G4. So the lift that the alpha gives is noticeable then? Has anyone switched out rear suspension parts yet or is there anything aftermarket that anyone is running?

Im curious how this Alpha does with a big backcountry tunnel bag strapped to it and a big old red five gallon gas jug on the tunnel, so if anyone has some actual miles out there with that then please share.

I pack 13 liter with me and probably one of the heaviest tunnel bags known to man.

I don't ride.groomed trails.

No issues here.

I think it's the low snow wheelie crew that gets into trouble.