Snowmobiling is about having fun and enjoying the ride. There are things that can be done to almost every snowmobile without spending any money to make that ride better. Every snowmobile has shock spring adjustments that I call pre load settings. These settings allow the rider to soften or stiffen the springs. So if you are new to riding or making adjustments this is how I do it. I find a section of trail that has a little of everything, small stutter bumps, and medium size rollers and some large square holes. Once you find this section stop get off your sled and take note of where all these settings are. Up front you will probably have some sort of Cam or collar system that allows you to adjust how much tension is on the spring, if it’s an air shock you will need a pump to add or take air out. Tools for the mechanical type collars will be in the tool kit or some threaded type systems don't require any. In the rear the Center track shock will be like a front but the rear may be different. A lot of the new sleds now have coil-over rear shocks so all four will be the same. If it’s not a coil over it will have a block system that you can cam or twist in a direction that will move more or less pressure on the short side of the torsion spring. Once you get your head under the sled and look at it you will see what I mean. Now after looking at where things are currently set get back on and make a couple runs down this trail paying attention to what the sled is doing well and not so well. If the front feels really harsh then chances are you are too stiff up there, if you feel solid hits in your feet it means your front rear suspension shock needs to be adjusted. If you feel the rear end bottoming and you feel it in your back or butt it’s the rear shock spring being too soft. Now go back somewhere off the trail so you don't get plowed into by another rider and start making changes. I always suggest making one change at a time so you don't get confused, maybe focus on the front and then the rear or whichever seems to be the worst. Also if you make a change and it seems worse you simply went the wrong way so go back to where you started and go the other direction. Suspension is made to take the bump so you don't have to; it will also make the rough days that much better and keep your body in better shape for many years of enjoying the winter backcountry and trails. Tuning suspension is a learning process that everyone has to experience to know so do not be afraid to try these simple adjustments. If you take notes on your original settings you can always go back to the starting point without problem.

Nate Zolinger
ZBroz Racing

Keeping the inside of your goggles dry is the most important aspect of preventing fogging. Most of the moisture inside comes from perspiration and you perspire more when you stop moving which stops the airflow to you face. Consider using a Quickstrap or Speedstrap on you goggles so you can flick them off when you stop moving. Removing your goggles when you stop prevents more sweat from getting into your goggle foam and allows your face to cool off.
No fog sprays and pastes will also help prevent fogging. Putting more than one coat on will work better longer.
For extreme fogging issues, we market a bolt on fan which will automatically turn on when the humidity inside your goggles gets too high. Contact us for Details.
Drew Justice
RX Goggles Drew

If your fairly new to snowmobiling then you will probably not no how to adjust your snowmobile to fit your riding. One of the most irritating first impressions of a first time rider is if the ski pressure is too much, it can make your arms feel like noodles in a matter of a few hours if there is too much. If your sled feels like it is way too hard to steer then have a look at the front limiter straps on the rear suspension, either have someone, or you can do it yourself. Place a block of wood under the front of the rails to collapse the front shock of the rear skid a little. Then loosen the limiter strap bolts and take the strap loose, put it in one more hole out to make the strap or straps longer. Just one hole will make a huge difference in ski pressure and the snowmobile will be a pleasure to drive and control instead of a work out. The opposite is true then the snowmobile will not turn very good on the trails with the skis acting like they won’t bite in the snow, then you don't have enough ski pressure so you would take the straps up a hole to make the straps shorter and put more ski pressure on the snow so the snowmobile will turn better. This adjustment is common on all 4 brands of snowmobiles and has been for a long time.
Thanks, Kevin
K MOD

“Never ride naked in a snow storm without a HOT GRAPHICS PACKAGE!”
Jordan Yankee
Arctic FX Graphics

When Boondock riding look where you WANT to go, NOT where you don't want to go. Those Darn Trees and Rocks HURT!!!
It may seem strange, but sometimes you have to point your skis downhill to go uphill. Get this simple concept down and you'll progress much faster.
Jason Meyer
 Lefty’s

Make sure you properly tune up your machine before you go ride. A basic preseason tune up would include lubing the entire front and rear suspension, replace hyfax/slides if needed, adjust track tension if needed, carburetors cleaned, chain case oil replaced and clean chain case, clean clutches, rebuild if needed, and new drive belt, save the old one for a spare. Nobody wants to be stranded out on the trail with a broken machine, a properly tuned machine will keep you riding and enjoying the outdoors until you’re out of gas!
 Rich Krumm
 Western Power Sports ~ Fly Racing

“You never get in trouble from to much power.”
Shain Stanger
Twisted Turbos

When using aftermarket exhaust and or bolt on engine upgrades do not mix match manufactures. Running brand X pipe, brand Y, muffler, and brand Z y-pipe will create issues for you.
 Jeremy Houle
 Speedwerx Inc.

If you’ve just learned a new riding technique, don’t immediately put it to use in a situation that demands an experienced rider. This concept becomes even more important when riding with a group of experienced riders who want to go places that you don’t feel comfortable with. When snowmobiling with a group, don’t push your riding ability just because of who you’re riding with. A good group of riders will understand that and won’t push anybody past their riding ability.
Jeff Hawksworth
SKINZ Protective Gear

For some reason a lot of people think that powder coating is real expensive to have done. The reality of it is that it isn't. In most cases powder coating your parts is the same or even less expensive than having them painted at a paint shop.
    Another advantage that powder coating provides is that snow doesn't seem to stick to it as much, which equates to extra weight that sometimes can be critical when climbing those hair raising chutes, and easier to keep clean.
     One last note , and maybe the most important, is that is far more durable than most paint and tends to not fade from harmful UV rays from the sun. This means that your equipment will stay nice for many years to come. And after all, the better your sled looks the better it will perform for you.
Kevin Mills
Spectrum Powder Coating

 By implementing progressive technological advancements in today’s materials and boot design there is a functional and comfortable boot available to meet the needs of all styles of riders. HMK works hard to make the boot fit each individual rider needs. With the many choices in the market today, our experts recommend finding the best set up for “your” feet, based on “your” riding style.
There are many things to look for in a Snowmobiling boot that will insure you’re not only protected from the elements Mother Nature throws at you, but that you’re also protected from the machine you ride and the environment you expose yourself to.
Having a supportive reinforced upper boot that resists medial and lateral movement in the critical wear areas is essential in protecting the ankle region and helps to prevent the rider’s legs from fatiguing before the fun is done. Temperatures can fluctuate from 30 degrees or -30 below; a rider needs to protect those toes from the cold. Intuition liners offer an outstanding heat to weight ratio with superb heat retention for increased comfort. Whether you prefer an integrated (built in) liner, or a removable liner that can be custom molded to your foot, our company relies on Intuition Liners in all of HMK boots for comfort and warmth.
Another area of consideration for choosing the right boot, is waterproofing. With the use of the Sympatex membrane waterproofing is achieved in a HMK boot. As we all know our sleds produce an absurd amount of heat that turns white fluffy stuff, into water in no time, typically right on top of your foot. This membrane will keep all moisture that sneaks into the seams and stitching from reaching your foot.
In combination with advances in keeping feet dry, the soles of the boot are just as important for traction and good rider stability and comfort. Boots can vary from maximum durability and traction on a supportive footprint; to using materials such as the Vibram outsole which incorporates an EVA mid-sole and an air bag in the heel for additional dampening and cushioning, as well as excellent traction, and feel for the sled.
While most boots are offered with traditional lacing, another great option and very advanced is the Boa lacing system. The stainless steel cable closure system gives you a mechanical advantage when lacing up with the twist of a dial. Using the single BOA system or the Focus Boa system that incorporates dual dials for an even more customized fit, everyone seems to agree, “Once you go BOA, you won’t go back”.
In addition to finding the best boot for your riding preference, make sure you don’t forget to wear a moisture wicking sock that will keep the perspiration moving away from your skin, this will provide a much more comfortable riding experience as the day goes on.
 
HMK

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Basics

Backcountry

It is very important that we have a fun and safe sledding experience. A key factor to an enjoyable day of riding starts with the emphasis on avoiding incidents or accidents while in route to a riding area. A rider can help enable a safe trip while transporting a sled if the sled has been properly secured. Properly securing a sled is also the Law. Superclamps make the task of securing a sled’s front and rear fast, simple, and theft resistant. The use of a multiuse ski glides like Superglides while loading and unloading a sled not only helps protect the decking or flooring from damage and rash from the skis carbides but provide safety through traction that avoids injury as a result of slipping and falling.
Randel Bowman
Supeclamp/Superglide

If your not having fun. Your not doing it right.
Budd Holt
Top Cat Modz