Can Arctic Cat Build Enough?

First of all, Arctic Cat is building 2026 snowmobile models and has already completed an early-order program. The goal is to fulfill all the early orders, then the stocking orders, and finally build enough units to satisfy a substantial number of returning and new dealers.

Will Arctic Cat be able to produce this many sleds and get them into showrooms this fall? The answer is yes…with a caveat. This plan’s success will be determined by Arctic Cat’s suppliers and vendors. Vendors are very happy that Cat is back, but because of supply chain logistics, the goal for 2026 might be a bit lofty.

For instance, traditionally snowmobile OEMs nail down the number of engines needed for the next model year to give engine suppliers almost a year to produce the ordered engines. This year the timeline is tight. However, the domestic engines Arctic Cat builds may not be as much of a challenge.

Here’s what we believe is happening and will continue over the next year. Obviously Arctic Cat will be building Arctic Cat snowmobile still powered by Yamaha engines and Cat’s proprietary domestic engines. We think it’s safe to say that alongside its 2-stroke-powered models, Arctic Cat will continue to offer Thundercats powered by Yamaha’s 998 Genesis turbocharged triple. Also look for at least one model – but maybe more – powered by Yamaha’s 1049cc naturally aspirated 4-stroke triple. To be clear – Cat is not building sleds for Yamaha.

Strong Leadership

One thing that cannot be underestimated is the skill, talent and raw determination of Brad Darling – now CEO and President of both Arctic Cat and Argo. By the sheer power of will and intensely focused direction, Darling has done what many said was impossible and if Darling says there will be enough 2026 sleds to cover orders, we would be hard pressed to question his word.

There are others at the Thief River Falls production facility who are not only incredibly talented but are just as deeply dedicated to seeing Arctic Cat’s successful return. These players bleed green.

Rationalizing Products and Brands

In offroad, look for Argo to do what it has been doing for 50 years – continuing to be the world leader in amphibious Xtreme Terrain Vehicles (XTVs), which include Argo’s 6- and 8-wheel XTVs and the amazing Sasquatch amphibious vehicle. A growing line-up of Arctic Cat ATVs and side-x-side vehicles will be offered immediately.

A looming question revolves around the relationship with Bass Pro Shops and what that will look like moving forward. Bass Pro Shops carries Tracker offroad vehicles in many of its consumer stores across North America and Tracker ATVs and side-x-sides are manufactured by Arctic Cat.

The actual number of Tracker units sold by Bass Pro Shops is not public knowledge at this time. Suffice it to say Arctic Cat will be or may already be in deep discussions with Bass Pro Shops.

Furthermore, with an increasing number of Argo dealers also becoming Arctic Cat dealers and an increasing number of Arctic Cat dealers also becoming Argo dealers, we think it is unlikely there will continue to be Argo-branded ATVs and side-x-sides in the future as it would needlessly create brand confusion.

Cat Is Back

As you can imagine, things are moving fast at Arctic Cat these days and credit goes to the top-level leadership and acquisition team led by Brad Darling that has revived one of the powersports industry’s most iconic brands. We look forward to reporting on new products, a growing dealer network, Arctic Cat’s future racing plans, and more.

Stay tuned!

I have known José for more than 20 years and have had the privilege of getting to know this genuinely amazing leader. A little more than a year ago I discussed with José what so many successful CEO’s often do: They cash in and move to Florida. Fortunately, this was not José’s plan. Even though he doesn’t look like it, he is on the north side of traditional retirement age. He is intent for BRP to have new, strong leadership and I’m pretty sure he’ll keep his eye on whoever that may be for as long as needed.

Every snowmobiler owes Boisjoli a debt of gratitude. It was his willingness to risk it all back in 2002 when the first rider-forward Ski-Doo REV was born. As history now records, the REV changed how the modern snowmobile would be built and how it would be ridden. The REV’s amazing rider forward ergonomics propelled Ski-Doo to the top of the market – a position the brand has held since the REV’s intro. Today, Ski-Doo has more than a 50-percent share of the snowmobile industry.

Boisjoli has also left his mark on the Personal Watercraft business taking Sea Doo well beyond  50-percent market share under his leadership. Sea Doo is now the largest selling boat brand in the world. Ten years ago Boisjoli’s gutsy introduction of the Sea Doo Spark, boasting a US MSRP under $5000, sent the entire industry reeling, and reinvigorated the PWC market.

During José’s tenure the Can-Am ATV and SxS brand became an everyday part of BRP’s off-road business. Can-Am is now a leading ATV and SxS OEM with a penchant for one-up-man-ship in innovation, outperforming power and quality manufacturing. 

Boisjoli has spearheaded so many amazing accomplishments it’s not hard to believe he will be indelibly etched in the history of the powersports industry. One thing I will truly miss when José walks away from what has been an incredible career, is his quiet and humble demeanor. I have had the privilege of getting to know José during my 37-year-long career. It’s been my experience José Boisjoli has never let his ego get out of control. Suffice it to say he commands the respect of everyone who works for him and, moreover, everyonewho knows him. 

In the meantime, the search for José Boisjolis’ replacement has gone out. Whoever is in charge of that project we sincerely wish them the best of luck. Brilliance is never easy to replace!

Snowmobiling relies on a self-funded, interconnected network of trails crisscrossing the North American snowbelt, which costs millions and millions of dollars to open and maintain every winter and provide billions of dollars of economic impact in thousands of places across North America. The contributions made to the industry branded snowmobile dealers and their OEMs cannot be understated. Simply put – we need Arctic Cat and its dealer network to be fully involved.

The good news is this; Arctic Cat was purchased by an investment group led by CEO and President of ODG Argo, Brad Darling. The writing was on the wall last fall when Textron, owner of Arctic Cat up until this past Tuesday, announced a pause in production of Arctic Cat products. There’s no way that was going to work. This time in history was absolutely pivotal for Arctic Cat. Thankfully, the team of visionaries Brad Darling put together had both the savvy and the finances to make this deal happen and bring the iconic Arctic Cat brand back to life.

I want to make something crystal clear here. Brad Darling is a man of integrity whose word is his bond. He bleeds green and has done so since his early teenage years. I can tell you with 100% boiler plate assurance Darling’s leadership of this week’s acquisition was driven by his passion for Arctic Cat.

Unfortunately, a somewhat unexplainable deal made about four years ago saw Textron cancel an enormous number of lifelong, exceptional Arctic Cat snowmobile, ATV and side-x-side dealers. We expect some of them to come back on board and that Arctic Cat will mobilize its sales force and likely leverage Argo’s sales team to get its dealer network shored up and ready for the next sales season.

Consider what this means for a jillion Arctic Cat owners who have tens of thousands invested in their Arctic Cats. Owners need not fear they will be able to get parts and service for their beloved sleds. Snowmobile clubs will welcome back Arctic Cat dealers with open arms as these volunteers depend on dealers to help with fundraisers and equipment to support local trail systems.

No doubt a legion of greenies wants to hear what the future of the CATALYST platform will look like in the short and long term. We got an overview of the 2026 snowmobile model line-up this week complete with some innovative updates to current models alongside a few new models that will get Cat enthusiasts fired up and excited for the snow to start flying.

We also expect to see the development of a domestic-built 650-class 2-stroke and an updated rear suspension alongside continued refinements to the CATALYST platform using the new 858 2-stroke.

We also anticipate hearing from Roger Skime, the man behind Arctic Cat snowmobiles going back to the late 50’s and 60’s and who was, for years, its Vice President of Engineering. Roger is a genuine icon and an unwavering proponent of Arctic Cat. He’s a straight shooter and one of the most important people in the snowmobile business because he’s done it all, seen it all and knows the sport of snowmobiling and specifically Arctic Cat snowmobiles better than anyone I know.

Over the next days and weeks, we anticipate much more information becoming available and we’ll continue to get you the straight goods on everything going forward. Stay tuned!

Are Snowmobiles Going To Get More Expensive if Tariffs are Imposed? 

This is the question of the hour and frankly it cannot be answered at this time. However, here is what seems to be the situation. Big dollar, resource-based items like steel and aluminum produced in Canada are likely to be the first targets for tariffs. 

Items of a more household nature may be slower to be affected and who knows, may not be affected at all. It would make sense cars built in Canada may be pretty high on the list to have tariffs imposed. As a result, I would suggest keeping an eye on automobiles as they could ultimately be a clue to answering the first question regarding snowmobiles.

Will US Tariffs on Snowmobiles Result in a Retaliatory Response From Canada?

I would be shocked if any tariffs imposed on Canada do not result in a retaliatory tariff response. This has been reported in the main stream media since the first discussion of tariffs emerged earlier this year. 

This seems likely and could mean the price of Canadian and Mexican made snowmobiles headed for the US will go up as will American made snowmobiles destined for Canada. I am drawing from what is being said in the general media. None of this may come to pass. At least let’s hope it doesn’t.

Will the Price of Used Sleds Go Up?

This is one of the most interesting issues in this situation. It makes sense used sleds should be in higher demand if tariffs affect new sled pricing. In the mid 00’s there was a huge cross-border, used sled business going on between Canada and the US. The situation was somewhat different though as it related to the value of the US dollar compared to the Canadian dollar. Nonetheless any increase in the flow of used sleds crossing the border (either direction) would appear capable of putting upward pressure on the used market.

What Impact Could Tariffs on Snowmobiles Have on Dealers?

Clearly, if imposed, tariffs and retaliatory tariffs will hurt the retail sales of new sleds. However, there is a caveat. Canadian buyers buying Canadian made snowmobiles may not be hit with price increases and it would seem logical US buyers of US built sleds should experience the same situation – no price increases from tariffs.

How Much of The Tariff will be Passed on to the Retail Customer?

This may be the biggest question in this whole deal. Unfortunately, the answer will be determined by each OEM. You’ll know when we in the enthusiast press know. 

This is just a very narrow snap shot of what might be going on in the sno-mo-biz as it relates to tariffs. I have posited no answers here – just hypothetical descriptions of what could happen. 

We want to give our readers and viewers a clearer view of what tariffs ultimately mean and what may be happening in the immediate future. 

Stay tuned and we’ll bring you all the latest info as it rolls out and what to expect as we head into the 2026 Model Year.

On paper its specs look appealing and in pictures it looks even better, but the performance this combo delivers makes it one of the most impressive sleds of the season.

The Patriot 9R’s crank is substantially lighter than the Patriot 850’s, generating less vibration and of equal importance is the lighter crank’s ability to instantaneously “spool” RPM. Let me tell you this – I cannot remember a twin cylinder 2-stroke of any displacement with throttle response as sharp as the 9R.

This combination of quick revving throttle response and a wide spread of ski-lifting torque creates positively heroic launches. Our XCR is a 136 and this track length is perfect for a sled capable of delivering trench digging track speed in the blink of an eye. So far in the sno-mo biz there hasn’t been an engine this strong without a turbo strapped to it.

The new MATRYX-based Indy XCR chassis is perfectly suited for the 9R powerplant. This sled handles incredibly well and although Ski-Doo has stepped up with all new front IFS geometry closely mirroring the Polaris IFS, the XCR with its ditch banging credentials firmly intact can hone the roughest trails and approaches with finesse.

While the XCR’s legacy is rough terrain prowess, the addition of the Patriot 9R engine takes the platform to new heights of performance and capability. This sled can carve the tightest, twistiest trails effortlessly. Its turning posture is delightfully flat relying on its legendary Polaris IFS to maintain forward bite. Throttle-off, on corner entry while you drag the brake mid-turn to complete corner exit using near telepathic 9R throttle response.

Clearly, the 2025 Patriot 9R Indy XCR 136 raises the bar in the high-performance trail category providing more of everything this segment is about. If you’re an 850-class aficionado looking for what’s next, this sled will exceed your expectations by a wide margin.

First, Why Have We Been Quiet?

The past two months we’ve been clearing rumors and speculative op-eds from our hard drives while waiting to bring you real info and not just opinion. Our viewers and readers have come to trust us for the straight goods on important topics.

This particular situation revolving around the future of Arctic Cat has been the most talked about issue in the sno-mo-media in the last ten years. I will attempt to bring some clarity by identifying what is likely happening and what is actually happening. We’ve waited until now to name names due to the sensitive nature of this important issue.

What’s With Textron?

Textron is a multi-billion dollar US Corporation with huge ties to the US military and – believe it or not – a formidable foot print in both the private aviation and golf cart/electric vehicle market. What Textron does not do is market or sell its products to the retail marketplace. It is a self-admitted Business to Business (B2B) focused entity.

This means Textron knows little about selling snowmobiles and offroad motorized recreational products. If there ever is a reconciliation of how this situation ended up as it is today, this one reality – Textron’s lack of experience with retail marketing – will be the best answer.

You don’t need to be Kreskin to realize Textron isn’t committed to the recreational powersports manufacturing business. Its communication with dealers and the enthusiast marketplace the past two months has been nothing short of dismal and all of it underlines the problem I just spoke of.

The powersports industry requires deep understanding of the target consumer and his/her expectations. We’re a complicated demographic but are loyal, dedicated and committed to our brands. When I say committed I mean way beyond common sense or practicality. Simply put, many snowmobilers are rabidly brand loyal.

So here’s what we think might be going on as the industry reels from the news Arctic Cat will be shut down for at least three months with no indication or most certainly no promise it will be back. For sure we shouldn’t assume the faithful devoted employees of Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls are not battle hardened. They are and this situation right now is impacting a lot of good people who know how to build great snowmobiles.

The Straight Goods

There are numerous rumors floating around the Powersports Industry right now. For sure there is no lack of speculation about what will happen to Arctic Cat moving out three months, six months and one year from now. John Deere – the agriculture giant that’s been in and out of the sno-mo biz more than once was spotted in TRF last summer. Immediately they were thought to be looking at Arctic Cat.

In the ensuing time Bobcat was painted with the same rumor. When CFMOTO signed on as an ISOC Sno-X masthead sponsor the grass caught on fire under the telephone lines. In some ways this move seemed the most believable amongst some pretty wild speculation. We’re prepared to say none of the aforementioned candidates hold much water.

Except…

Argo, the maker of Argo XTVs, ATVs and SXS vehicles has been making moves which go back more than 2 years. It is no secret things at Arctic Cat have been in turmoil for at least that long. For the past three years Textron has been showing the door to some immensely talented, even iconic, dedicated staff.

In almost lock step with these moves by Textron, Argo opened a full-on, fully staffed engineering and design facility in TRF. Guess who works for Argo now? You got it – fifty of the best minds in the recreational powersport industry.

There’s More

One of the most aggressive and talented CEOs in this business – Brad Darling – has led Argo to huge success – increasing sales of the company 4 fold in less than seven years. Who is Brad Darling? He is the former Vice President of Arctic Cat and served as such until the end of the Chris Metz era. Over the years I’ve interviewed Brad Darling. He is savvy and possesses infinite knowledge of what it takes to be successful in the powersports biz. Oh yeah. He bleeds green.

Draw A Line Through This

While we don’t have boilerplate confirmation Argo is positioning itself to take over Arctic Cat, it is undeniable something’s going on – with Brad Darling at the controls. For sure he knows the time line necessary to make this a reality is pretty short. If our thoughts here are correct, things may happen quickly.

There’s no doubt Arctic Cat is a 100% viable business proposition – when run by the right people. Clearly, the company needs to implement a substantial reversal of policy and procedures, moving forward. What does “moving forward mean”?

Is there, or was there ever a line up of companies ready to buy Arctic Cat? From what we’ve picked up using our top secret, Artificial Intelligence, there is and/or was interest – and we’ve verified it is serious. Know this – Arctic Cat remains much loved by a legion of green under-wearing enthusiasts. In my opinion? Arctic Cat is not done.

Here’s a twist perfectly suited for Read/Valve. The SnowTrax crew is planning to capture some Arctic Cat content with a best-before date of Spring 2025. Ask yourself why Arctic Cat would do this if it wasn’t going to sell new snowmobiles?

Here’s more. Arctic Cat’s brand-new engine – the 858 in the CATALYST platform is ready for prime time offering truly competitive performance in a very competitive market. Something this desirable is too good to waste.

Finally, one more thing. Have you heard the fat lady sing?

We haven’t.

We’ve had a couple Titan press units over the past few years starting with an 800 Liberty powered, AXYS based unit. That very first Titan we were exposed to set the bar pretty high. However, this latest MATRYX Titan Adventure leaves all former iterations in the weeds.

Frankly I wondered how the 2025 Titan powered by the potent Patriot 650 2-stroke would measure up when ridden 2-up in untrampled snow on the myriad of lakes we have here in Ontario. Last season we were issued a Titan S4 with Polaris’ brand new 4-stroke, 90-plus horsepower ProStar S4 mill, which pulled the big Titan around capably with buttery smoothness. Although it was capable in deep snow, the Titan S4 was no trail rocket. 

Our exposure to Polaris’ Patriot 650 2-stroke has repeatedly left us shaking our heads with its 800-caliber thrust and smooth demeanor. No doubt this motor is an overachiever in every metric of comparison and competitive 600cc engines can’t keep the Patriot 650 in sight. Understand this – I’m speaking about conventional 15 wide trail sleds with 129 and 137-inch tracks. The Titan adds an appreciable amount of weight to the equation and alongside an enormous amount of standard features. 

So, does the Patriot 650 impress when slid under the hood of the Titan? I’m here to tell you the 650 is all the power you’ll need for adventure riding and touring. The sled spools up to a mellow 4500 RPM (give or take) engagement and pulls strong to an 8 grand shift RPM. I’ve yet to sense the 650 is overloaded in the Titan platform. 

Worth noting is the ability of the sled to get on top of and through deep snow. You can literally drive windshield-deep in powder then gently throttle on-top of the fluff. The ProStar S4 powered Titan had strong low-end torque but simply can’t match the 650 2-stroke’s jam.

Interesting features defining what the Titan is about include an ultra-slick-shifting chain case transmission providing high/low/neutral/reverse. There’s a lot of ATVs and SXS vehicles that can’t match the “snick-snick” actuation of this setup. 

Need to reverse when you’re wedged in a tight spot? The Titan’s all-new BackTrak20 rear suspension has a flipped rear track segment that delivers a genuine “angle of attack” in reverse that climbs on top of the snow going forward or in reverse. The next-in-line rear tires act as if they are the rear axle tires. The result? This sled is unstoppable going backwards.

Most potential buyers of a Titan Adventure wonder what riding a 20-wide snowmobile might be like. Good question! The Titan requires you to open your legs wider in the saddle. There’s no side stepping this reality. When mounting you have to avoid the rear passenger hand holds while swinging a leg over the seat and get lined up for landing on the rider’s perch, but once you become accustomed to its 5-inch wider tunnel and seat, you’ll forget about the additional width.

Because the 2025 Titan Adventure is a MATRYX, the inclusion of Polaris’ incomparable 7S interactive display is a premium feature and is easy to operate – even for tech dummies. The rider’s perch is comfy and super warm behind the standard tall windshield and Polaris proprietary Smart Grips are easy to set up and operate underway. 

The removable Lock & Ride 2-up passenger seat features 2-speed heated grips and is super cushy and comfortable and the rear rack can hold copious amounts of whatever you want. Oh, and yes, a super tough rear hitch is standard.

So how does it ride and handle? The Titan takes trail rollers and square edge sucker bumps with nary a shudder. This long and wide track provide enormous mogul bridging ability rider and passenger will immediately appreciate. Handling is more mainstream than you might expect and initial turn-in transitioned easily and predictably into solid mid-turn bite causing little-to-no inside ski lift thanks to the Titan’s all-new TrailBreaker skis.  With a track this long and wide I was expecting a measure of understeer with the skis plowing to initiate corners. Not so. A 150-mile day on trails would be comfortable, predictable and pleasant. 

There’s little doubt snowmobiles – like everything else in the power sports world – are becoming increasingly specialized and the 2025 Polaris 650 Titan Adventure 155 is proof positive of this trend. If deep snow navigation, utility chores and touring prowess are on your specialized list then the Titan deserves a look.    

After my first 100 klicks I came away flat-out impressed with its handling prowess from the new Pilot RX skis and RAS RX front end. The 2025 MXZ X-RS can go toe-to-toe with a Polaris in the twisties. Frankly, the response to steering inputs in tight trails when you’re sawing on the bars and aggressively squeezing the loud handle are way, way familiar. 

What we mean is the MXZ in its many variants, going back more than 10 years, can’t hold a candle to the new G5 with RAS RX and Pilot RX skis. This move – above all other tweaks Ski-Doo has brought to the table year after year – is pure steak. No sizzle here; just genuine, game changing filet mignon.

You also can’t help but be impressed by Smart-Shox when you run into choppy trail surfaces. You’ll get to the point where you won’t even back off the throttle in the presence of sucker bumps or square edgers. The front shocks read the terrain and then warn the rear arm shock what’s coming, and it works as fast as greased lightning. 

KYB Pro Series dampers, ECU and associated chassis sensors have been available for two model years. However, due to a supply chain glitch with the original Smart-Shox in previous model years, followed by a disastrous winter last year, I hadn’t had a genuinely good opportunity to rip on them. I can now say with conviction that I am totally impressed with how this setup rides.

Usually, I’ll brace myself or pull myself up off the seat when encountering trail craters, but not here; just stay on the throttle and steer. You so rarely ever feel any harshness that you quickly become comfortable enough to dial up the wick in gnar. 

Here’s the verdict: Semi-active suspension is the future of snowmobiling. Keep in mind our 2025 Polaris Indy VR1 features the all-new DYNAMIX semi-active suspension and our initial exposure to it in West Yellowstone earlier this year produced overwhelming approval. For sure we’ll have these two state-of-the-art trail sleds running head-to-head in the next few days so stay tuned for more insightful impressions.