New to Sledding

[Barnes]

Hey guys, Looking at getting into sledding this year and was wondering if anyone had any tips or any helpful information into sleds and/or gear?

I'm starting out with nothing, but so far, i'm looking at picking up an S2000 Summit or ZX if i can find one for the right price.

I'm also going to need a proper helmet as my MX helmet won't cut it in the mountains, perhaps a proper jacket, gloves, avalanche gear and a back pack to put everything in.

Any helpful information in what to look into, any current items for sale, anything you would suggest i might try and look for at the Edmonton snowmobile show or anything to stay away from would be awesome.

Price range for a sled is about 1500-3000.. i'm at the minimum right now but this does not include gear. Not in a big hurry to buy anything either as it seems very early in the season.. for me anyhow. haha

well thanks, Mike.

 

[overkill131313]

I wear a MX helmet! only way to go!

 

[steven2120]

I wear a MX helmet! only way to go!

x2 on the MX helmet, thats all i wear...

 

[Barnes]

x2 on the MX helmet, thats all i wear...

May i suggest a jacket or boots at least?

 

[fat tire]

x2 on the MX helmet, thats all i wear...

ode to the NAKED sledder......ha ha ha !

 

[hurtinalbertin]

for clothing i would just go with a shell, that way you can layer(temps change alot up there) just make sure its all water repelant(i found klim and HMK have been the best for myself). safety: avalanche becon(and coarse), shovel, and a prob(these are a must, look on ZacTracs web site for coarse dates and i think Lori has a list of what you should have). backpack to put firstaid kit, extra gloves, survival kit, energy bars, ect... As for your helmet MX is the best, 90% of mountain riders wear them, just put a thin belaclava under it, unless you want a new helmet. lol Hope this helps and welcome to the sport. Ride safe

 

[ferniesnow]

May i suggest a jacket or boots at least?

if you are on a budget I would suggest some Swan River slippers for boots! Mark's or Crappy Tire for about $40. Kamiks with the felt liner. They will do for most weather and keep your feet dry until you can sort out all the other brands. I have worn them for the past 9 years (after about 100 days of riding, a new pair every year as they end up leaking during spring riding) and have finally bought a pair of Klims. They tend to get the best reviews.

I won't list all the equipment that I carry in my pack, but you should have enough in there so that you can stay the night in relative comfort.

Enjoy the winter and keep smiling:d:d:d:d

 

[MOMMA]

As well as the proper gear, which is sooooooo important, make sure that you ride with people you trust. Your riding buds will have knowledge about conditions ,machines and be able to impart sled skills and wisdom to you. Take it one step at a time. If you're riding with smart riders, they will know your level of skill, and encourage you to push your limits, but not so far where you get hurt or worse. A Tek vest is also a good investment, rib injuries are a bugger.
Never go out alone, even if you're just whooping it up on some trails around home. Chit happens, and it happens fast. Winter is much less forgiving than summer months, and can kill you faster than you think. Avy's aren't the only danger out there.
Have a good emergency kit packed.. DO NOT put your shovel under your hood like some peeps do, like your emergency kit, beacon and probe, keep it ON your body incase your machine and you are separated.

Have fun stay warm and dry... I like MotorFist clothing, very high quality. There are a few really good brand names out there who are on the cutting edge of technology.
Read alot, learn from other's mistakes so as not to have to learn those same one's on your own...

Have fun
Mom

 

[posnick]

Thanks Mom!

 

[pistonbroke800]

Hey guys, Looking at getting into sledding this year and was wondering if anyone had any tips or any helpful information into sleds and/or gear?

I'm starting out with nothing, but so far, i'm looking at picking up an S2000 Summit or ZX if i can find one for the right price.

I'm also going to need a proper helmet as my MX helmet won't cut it in the mountains, perhaps a proper jacket, gloves, avalanche gear and a back pack to put everything in.

Any helpful information in what to look into, any current items for sale, anything you would suggest i might try and look for at the Edmonton snowmobile show or anything to stay away from would be awesome.

Price range for a sled is about 1500-3000.. i'm at the minimum right now but this does not include gear. Not in a big hurry to buy anything either as it seems very early in the season.. for me anyhow. haha

well thanks, Mike.

For gear anything from Klim you cant go wrong with. It is pricey but worth the cash IMO. I found some previous year stuff at the sled show last year for a little cheaper. If you go that route make sure you get there early it gets picked through pretty quick

 

[BC Sno-Ghost]

When ever this post arrives on here, which it seems to a lot...people are always so helpful which I think says a lot about our sport. Good people!
Anyway, my 2 cents. You're obviously on a budget. Don't overlook good base layer underwear. If you have a Costco near you get their wicking base layer pants and bottoms. For the $15 to $20 per piece you can't go wrong. While you're there pick up a pair of their $20 gloves. I still use those. Guys are mentioning Klim gear...no doubt awesome stuff but on a budget, it likely ain't going to happen. However don't buy the cheapest Crap out there either. Try to find something water resistant/proof and breathable. You don't have to spend $400 for a jacket and that much for pants too. Sales on last year's stock are probably out there right now. I rode on Kamik boots from Walmart for years. No problem. I got some Klim boots at last year's sled show for $100 so keep your eyes open for the deals. Get some good socks at Costco too. ( I spend a lot at Costco..as you can probably tell) MX helmet...as you can see this is the way to go. I use one, the wife uses one, most guys I ride with use one. Get one of those insertable breath deflectors($20) and when you go to buy goggles take your helmet with you to make sure the goggles fit inside the helmet properly.
Everything else...listen to Mom (SledderMom) all excellent advice. Good emergency preparedness. Don't over ride your abilities!!! On a budget and wrecking your sled don't mix!!!! Don't drink and ride!!!! Join a Club and have a great time.
Welcome to the world of Sledding!

 

[Modman]

welcome aboard!

Pack out what you pack in and stay out of restricted areas unless you want to lose riding areas to closure.

All the rest can be read here and the links attached in this thread: https://www.snowandmud.com/forum/f14/what-do-i-need-35828.html

 

[mxz sledhead]

Check out the a.s.a show you will find deal on everything you need plus meet all the sled heads and you will wonder why you wait so long to get into sport

 

[rwjk0]

I bought my 1st avy gear from the edmonton show, the most expensive part is going to be your beacon(don't leave the truck without it and fresh batteries) you will be able to buy a fully outfitted pack at the show. Pack,shovel(with saw in handle, very handy),probe. Spend time with other people who have beacons, take turns hiding it and finding it. Your equipment is only as good as the person running it. I know people who have been burried, trust me, when you think you have had enough practise do it 100 more times. The thing that catches most people when they are highmarking is not looking behind them when they are coming down the hill. You should be spending more time looking behind you then infront when coming down. NEVER EVER FORGET THIS. As far as your sled, don't buy something you will grow out of in one season. Try and stick to a 700 plus. In the zx years, the 700's seemed to get way more mileage out of them compaired to the 800s

 

[steven2120]

May i suggest a jacket or boots at least?

hahaha...you know what i mean...

 

[mountainbigbull]

Welcome to the addiction!

 

[MOMMA]

I bought my 1st avy gear from the edmonton show, the most expensive part is going to be your beacon(don't leave the truck without it and fresh batteries) you will be able to buy a fully outfitted pack at the show. Pack,shovel(with saw in handle, very handy),probe. Spend time with other people who have beacons, take turns hiding it and finding it. Your equipment is only as good as the person running it. I know people who have been burried, trust me, when you think you have had enough practise do it 100 more times. The thing that catches most people when they are highmarking is not looking behind them when they are coming down the hill. You should be spending more time looking behind you then infront when coming down. NEVER EVER FORGET THIS. As far as your sled, don't buy something you will grow out of in one season. Try and stick to a 700 plus. In the zx years, the 700's seemed to get way more mileage out of them compaired to the 800s

Yup very important to know how to use your avy equipment. We do beacon practices as a family. Our club, Kokanee Country Snowmobile Club, has practice nights complete with a fire, hot chocolate and in depth beacon instruction from an expert who actually designed the Sos beacons. Doug is an amazing teacher who makes sure even the youngest member out there understands the how tos of the beacons. They learned single burial searches, as well as multiple burials.
Something to remember, if you are practicing with your beacon, each time you search it eats batteries. If my batteries dip below 90% I change them out.