The heated and oversized double lens includes a built-in strain relief and a power indicator visible at all time and features an integrated amber-tinted sun visor that helps reduce glare on sunny days so you can see clearly.

In addition to its broad field of vision, the shield opens easily to allow for conversation or to grab a quick sip of water after a vigorous ride down your favourite trail system.

FEATURES:

• Shock resistant, injection moulded plastic shell
• Weight: 1510g ± 50g
• 4 shell sizes (XS-L/XL-3XL)
• 4 EPS sizes
• Interchange liners to reach sizes 4XL and 5XL
• Suitable for eyeglasses
• Electric double lens with panoramic vision
• Power indicator visible at all times
• Built-in strain relief
• Oversized opening freeing the face and the mouth
• Amber retractable sun visor
• No face contact breath guard installed on the shield
• Removable long chin curtain
• Shield can be removed without tools
• ProClip quick release mechanism chin strap
• Inner lining and removable, washable cheek pads
• Protective case and user’s guide included
• Ready to receive communication system headset
• Canadian design
• 5-year warranty
• Meets or exceeds DOT FMVSS218

For more information and to order, visit kimpex.com

Our last update on this issue contained pretty broad strokes of information designed to notify Polaris owners of the affected models Polaris has imposed a stop ride/stop sale order on and that the company was working at full speed to announce a fix, a time table and how to find out if your Polaris was part of the Stop Ride/Stop Sale communication.

As of October 20th a validated repair is available initially on an allocation basis. Owners of affected Polaris snowmobiles have been notified repair kits are available including repair instructions, and training materials.

Dealers have the ability to order repair kits now. Initially kits will be shipped to dealers on an allocation basis. If you are not sure if your snowmobile is included in this recall because you’re a second or third owner you should contact your local authorized Polaris Snowmobile dealer and have your snowmobile’s VIN (Serial Number) in hand.

If you received notice from Polaris your snowmobile is included in the repair you should immediately contact your authorized Polaris Dealer and arrange a time for this free service to be done to your snowmobile.

Under no circumstances should any owner attempt to perform this work. It must be done by an authorized Polaris dealer.

Equally important is not attempting to run your snowmobile – even to load it to take to your dealer for the recall work. If you absolutely must run the engine fill the snowmobile with fresh gas before attempting to start the engine.

As well as implementing the fix on the past model snowmobiles identified here, Polaris has addressed this issue on MY 23 Snow Check snowmobile models currently in production. Shipping of these new sleds resumed in October.

The message hasn’t changed much since our last update on this issue. However, with the repair kits being assembled and shipped regularly, as parts come available, the goal line is now clearly in sight.

Québec in the winter is unlike any other place in North America! Incredible, scenic vistas and meticulously groomed trails are all part of the landscape. You can expect trees covered with mounds of the white stuff, fences covered to the top of the posts and snowmobile trails measuring in meter-depths.

There are more than 20,500 miles (33,000 km) of groomed trails in the province – incredibly, all are safely routed and well-marked with clear trail signage. There are hundreds of quaint, cozy places to stay and even more great places to dine, all accessible by snowmobile.

Take a good look at this list of must-see regions and winter tourist sites in the province. These places need to be top-of-mind with every snowmobiler.

Visit Mastigouche and Rouge Matawin Provincial Wildlife Reserves

Both the Mauricie and Lanaudière regions – Authentic Québec – are easily accessible from the major population centers of Montréal and Québec City and offer fantastic amenities for snowmobilers. This includes rides through two beautiful provincial wildlife reserves (Mastigouche and Rouge-Matawin). Great eating, great overnight stays and scenic lookouts along the way to snowmobile-friendly places like Saint-Donat (Trail 33) and a long list of other cozy, comfortable destinations catering specifically to winter visitors.

Visit: snowmobilecountry.ca

Easily Accessible from Ontario by Snowmobile

Cross by snowmobile from Ontario to Abitibi-Témiscamingue via the Outaouais region using either of two bridges in the Pontiac region.

You can self-guide your ride on groomed trails through the Laurentians for hundreds of miles or book a guided tour to discover some of the many unique, hidden sights of the region. You’ll climb to the top of the famous Devil’s Mountain or “Montagne du Diable” (Trail 13). It is one of Québec snowmobiling’s most visited landmarks and a well-known meeting place for snowmobilers passing through the Upper Laurentians. After a thrilling ride to the top, the view from the summit is breathtaking.

One of Outaouais region’s best snowmobile dream experiences is riding the Pontiac Pacific Railroad along FCMQ Trail 43. This abandoned railway, groomed laser-smooth for 92 km (57 miles), takes you onto the new bridge crossing from Ontario to the western part of the region. You’ll also see the longest covered bridge in Québec (The Marchand Covered bridge ), one of the largest deer yards in the province (Pourvoirie Club des Douze) and the beautiful Chutes Coulonge when you ride Trail 43.

There’s a huge variety of wide, frequently-groomed trails in this part of the province: Valleys, hills, woodlands, wildlife reserves – plus welcoming accommodation for snowmobilers.

Visit: tourismeoutaouais.com, laurentides.com

Consistent Snow Means Incredible Trails!

Both these districts are easily accessed from Ontario. The trail grooming is always flawless in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James region but there are other great reasons to visit here: Awe-inspiring scenery, a magnificent network of groomed trails and a long menu of inns, motels and dining stops to make your tour memorable. The Festival Folifrets Baie-James is a unique snowmobile competition held for over 50 years in Chibougamau, in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James region.

There’s a long list of friendly inns, open all winter in Abitibi-Témiscamingue region offering great cuisine guaranteed to give you relaxing comfort after a day of riding the region’s impeccable trail system and taking in its majestic boreal landscapes! Snowmobiling is a cultural experience in Abitibi-Témiscamingue and this is where you’ll find handcrafted accessories designed specifically for riders. Also, the Rouyn- Noranda’s winter festival takes place every January (Trail 93). You’ll always feel welcome in this region and easy snowmobile accessibility to many amenities makes this a super-convenient place to tour.

Visit: abitibi-temiscamingue-tourism.org, escapelikeneverbefore.com

Experience the View from Mont Saint-Magloire

In Centre-du-Québec and Chaudière-Appalaches you can easily ride loop trails without leaving the area or, if you want a longer trip, you can venture across Chaudière-Appalaches to connect with other Québec regions. Located just across the border, you’ll find affordable accommodations adapted specifically to snowmobilers.

There’s a diversity of trails here and the trails offer spacious, open views without a lot of traffic. Drink in the forest, mountain and river scenery.

The view from Mont Saint-Magloire (Trail 549) at the top of the observation tower at 3,000 foot in Massif du Sud regional park is nothing short of spectacular! On a clear day, you can even see the mountains all the way to Maine, including Mount Katahdin. Trails are meticulously maintained and all routes and signage are clearly designated everywhere in these regions.

Visit: tourismecentreduquebec.com, chaudiereappalaches.com

Ride Along the St. Lawrence River

You’ll experience some of the most beautiful winter landscapes in North America when you visit Charlevoix! You can start your adventure at the famous, 5-star Le Fairmont Manoir Richelieu hotel or any of the many great bed & breakfasts, inns and hotels in Charlevoix region. There are some really good snowmobile touring companies located here, too, and you can contact them before your trip and make arrangements. There are exceptional panoramas to be experienced along the St. Lawrence River.

Québec City offers lush accommodation, renowned gastronomy and vibrant big-city life – still close to snowmobile trails!

Discover the Summits of Monts-Valin circuit trails running through the Monts-Valin mountains (Trails 93 & 328). You’ll be riding among four different peaks at an altitude of more than 770m (2,526 feet), offering an incredible view of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, and the breathtaking Saguenay fjord in particular.

Snowmobilers flock here with the first snow, often in November, and don’t leave until late spring. The trail network is exceptional, maintenance is constant, services and accommodations are plentiful!

Visit: quebec-cite.com

Unforgettable Vistas Unlike Any Other in North America!

If you’re looking for dramatic sea views, quaint, comfortable inns and fine dining, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie and Côte-Nord – Québec by the Sea – are places you’ll want to go this winter! The region is famous for rugged elevations, perfectly groomed trails and the scenery bordering the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Start in Rivière-du-Loup and follow Trans-Québec trail #5 (TQ5). It will take you through the mountains where you’ll experience magnificent views along the St. Lawrence River all the way to the Gaspé Peninsula. Enroute, you’ll see the legendary Percé Rock (Trail 5) and the dynamic Chic-Choc Mountains. With its snowy forest trails and frequent sighting of wildlife, this tour is what snowmobilers dream about!

Visit: quebecmaritime.ca

Yes, there’s no shortage of great snowmobiling places to discover in Québec. Make this winter your year to visit!

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Step #1:

Chart your route when you’re planning at home, using bonjourquebec.com. Here, you’ll find information about each of the regions in Québec, the top trails to visit, all information you need to know before going and way more!

Step #2:

Download the iMotoneige App onto your smartphone and then go to the interactive map available online on the fcmq.qc.ca website. This detailed map includes snowmobile routes and hundreds of on-trail services like lodging, restaurants, parking, repair services and attractions you can take advantage of.

Step #3:

Before you leave home, don’t forget to buy your Québec Trail Permit! Every permit is sold online, so you can already have it displayed on your snowmobile before you leave home. Buy your permit at: fcmq.qc.ca. You can also check the above FCMQ website to learn about any COVID restrictions that may apply this winter.

Step #4:

Québec’s provincial snowmobile federation, the FCMQ, has an official Certificate of Secure Hotels (look for the “Secured Hotel” icon on the iMotoneige App and the online interactive map).  Those qualifying hotels must have security features for snowmobiles such as: A locked garage, locked enclosures, free snowmobile security chains, video surveillance systems or security guard service.

I picked up an Thermic Lite Synthetic Down jacket from FXR earlier this winter for my everyday jacket and have so far been pleased with my purchase. This puffer style is really trendy at the moment and in classic black with subtle FXR graphics, it’s a head-turner at the grocery store, dealership or just standing around in the garage bragging about how fast your sled is.

The jacket features two deep zippered pockets, elasticized cuffs, deep-well inner pockets and is comprised of 20D ripstop nylon with windproof AC coating, 100% nylon lining and 100% polyester down-like fill boasting an FXR warmth rating of 3.

Look cool and stay warm.

Visit FXRracing.com to order yours.

When you buy a replacement battery for your machine at your local parts shop you’ll likely be impressed that it comes with the battery acid already installed and is all charged up and ready to go. Just hook up the positive-negative contacts and you’ve got juice to start your vehicle and run all your electrics.

Here’s the problem… in nearly all cases the parts store battery was subjected to a quick, high amperage charge to get it up to a minimum voltage level. Unfortunately this system is not the best way to maximize and maintain an optimum charge.

BRS batteries ARE different. Each BRS battery is built with the finest elements and every BRS battery is custom prepped before you take delivery.

The BRS system of slow charging every one of its batteries the first time is key to getting the longest possible life out of the batteries. It takes longer but the results are worth it!

This is why BRS is proud and confident in offering its 10-year replacement guarantee. This is a no-nonsense replacement guarantee and is honoured immediately, no questions asked. Now you know.

Buy your 10-year guaranteed powersports batteries from BRS … they’re off-road enthusiasts just like you.

Visit BRSbattery.com

New for 2022 is the Maverick Runner which has really impressed us so far and according to Woody’s is going to take the “Shaper Bar” market by storm.

If you’re a fan of the ACE runner with its square shaped bar, you are going to love the Maverick.

Featuring the tallest built bar on the market with concave sides which help hold snow and improve turning along with 60-degree Carbide inserts the new Maverick runner provides a very positive feel on the front of your sled.

This not only translates into a very planted feel of the snowmobile and improved control at higher speeds but also improves the turning radius of the sled as it’s able to grab harder and therefore reduce ski slippage on the snow thereby increasing steering precision and rider confidence.

Maverick Runner Details and Fitment:

• Classic Woody’s hard weld to help reduce wear on the bar

• Woody’s precision 60-degree Carbide inserts

• Lighter – weight savings over traditionally shaped bars

• Concave sides to help hold snow and improve turning

• NOW the tallest wear bar on the market!

• This bar is CNC wire formed to insure a perfect fit

• Will offer better control at increased speeds

• Available in Series: 9600/1300/9975/5000

* 9600 – Ski Doo – 2006-2022
* 1300 – Polaris – 2014-2022
* 9975 – Arctic Cat – 2002-2022 and select Yamaha Models
* 5000 – C&A and select aftermarkets

• Available in – 4″-6″-8″ Carbide lengths | 10″ available for C&A

For more information visit Woody’s at woodystraction.com

ADVANTAGES:

* Protects your garage floor and your driveway’s pavement
* Makes it easier to get to the restaurant or the gas station
* Makes easier to load the snowmobile onto your trailer
* Enables you to cross roads and bridges safely
* Makes driving easier, especially in curves and hard surfaces
* Reduces the wear and tear on your runners and skis
* Works just as well when driving forwards or backwards
* Maintenance free
* No change to the snowmobile’s original parts
* Rust free
* Airtight grease container
* Can be installed without removing the ski bolt

Rouski’s Retractable Snowmobile Wheels retract automatically as soon as you ride onto powdery snow. You can also disengage the mechanism by shifting your weight and lifting one of the skis or you can stop your machine for a few seconds and reset the Rouski before you continue riding.

For more information about this product visit KIMPEX.COM

Woody’s twist screws are easy to install and are available in a variety of depths from 13-33mm with a round or sharpened carbide tip depending on your preference.

Each Twist Screw kit also includes the Woody’s Twist Screw Installation Tool to make installing your twist screws a breeze.

FEATURES & BENEFITS

* High-grade carbon steel with carbide insert
* Self-tapping technology
* Anti-corrosive plating
* Installation tool included in each package
* Snowmobile tracks remains unharmed when screw is removed
* For use in any rubber tread/sole/lug that is 12mm+

Icy riding conditions can be dangerous and additional traction from studding will not only keep you safe, it will maximize the performance of your sled, so get a grip!

For more information about this and other traction products from Woody’s visit woodystraction.com

We’ve been giving this a lot of thought – and so have you, apparently. There’s been a ton of commentary on our social media sites on this subject from readers and viewers – so much so that we’ve barely been able to publish any article about Arctic Cat without you raising the question.

FIRST OFF

In our opinion there is very little wrong with Cat’s current ProCross platform. Could it be lighter? Probably, but it isn’t really much heavier than its competition. In some applications it’s actually lighter.

Could it handle better? Maybe, but it’s still one of the best handling platforms in the biz. Is it comfortable? Yes and no. However, its basic ergonomic layout is extremely good and any improvements in comfort could be accomplished with mere cosmetic changes – nothing radical – certainly nothing requiring a complete chassis dump.

So, why should AC consider a new chassis? There are a number of issues surrounding this question and none of them are even remotely involved with the proficiency or lack of it with the current ProCross platform.

IT’S TIME

Arctic Cat has been building this platform for over a decade and customers – particularly snowmobile consumers – really like new, shiny stuff. We’ve always said, you need to give customers a reason to buy a new sled. The best way for an OEM to do this is to obsolete the old one by bringing out something completely new and perceptibly better. “Better” may mean lighter – or more convenient, or more stylish, or more comfortable, or with a better ride – whatever. The point is, it’s new. And that’s what sells snowmobiles!

PATENTS

It’s no secret Cat and Ski-Doo have been in an extended battle over whether or not the ProCross chassis infringes on Ski-Doo’s triangulated, pyramidal chassis design. At this point, details of the lawsuits and their settlement have been so complicated and secretive, we don’t know for sure what’s going on. For a while Ski-Doo had an injunction preventing Cat from selling any ProCross sleds in Canada. That has since been lifted.

Our estimate however, is that any new Arctic Cat platform would not use the current triangulated backbone of the past. This would likely mean something similar, either to the current one or more like Polaris’ chassis – but in no way completely the same as either so as not to get into legal trouble.

This is a problem in several ways: Would a new design be as rigid? Would it be lighter or even the same weight? Would handling and ride be compromised? Would it be economical enough to build so it doesn’t drive prices up?

Certainly, design targets, since they’re throwing out all the bathwater, would be focused on radical lightness, different and perceptibly better ergonomics and improvements in ride and handling – if possible. There could also be exclusive adaptability for Cat’s current range of snowmobile engines and how to improve accessibility and routing of turbo plumbing, as well as exhaust and intake.

ADAPTABILITY

We briefly touched on this, but since the ProCross platform was introduced before Cat’s current use of a Yamaha 4-stroke triple, there may be an opportunity to improve that engine’s fitment in a new chassis. This also brings up the point we discussed in our former diatribe about the possibility of Cat coming with something narrower (we had asserted in our earlier story the narrower clutches introduced for 2022 maybe hint at this).

Although we doubt a new chassis would stray from the existing wide-spaced A-arm setup up front, there may be a new long-front-arm-skid on the agenda.

Also, depending on how Arctic Cat’s marketing department views the off-trail market, a new chassis may provide the opportunity for Cat to bring a new mountain sled that exceeds the competitions’ offerings in the weight and traction departments. No small task there.

FINALLY

There are many directions Arctic Cat can go here. It’s our firm opinion, the worst place it could go would be to remain static and do nothing. At this point, the Arctic Cat name and reputation are still strong – wait a half a decade and who knows if that same brand identity will still be at play.

Arctic Cat is a savvy company with good people on board. It would be foolish to try to convince ourselves these conversations haven’t been ongoing in the boardrooms and engineering labs of the company for quite some time. We’re waiting with anticipation to see what happens!

For sure, the chances of getting a current model year sled from a dealer right now is pretty slim; so, if you’ve decided it’s time to get rid of the old steed and replace it with a new one, you might be snookered!

Frankly, even the people who early-ordered are expecting challenges just taking delivery of the new model they slapped a deposit on six months ago because of parts shortages.

Dealers have almost no new in-stock sleds because they simply couldn’t put in orders for any. If it wasn’t pre-sold, the OEM wasn’t shipping it.

So, what are the possibilities? Believe it or not, there are still some brand new 2022 and non-current 2021 – even 2020 sleds sitting in crates at dealers. Not many… but some.

These 90-percent new but not current models (2021 & 2020) may not look like a bargain – because you can’t expect big discounts when demand is so high, but you might be surprised how happy you’d be with one of them, providing they aren’t too far off the mark from what you expected.

Shopping for a new non-current sled this season may involve some compromises. For instance, you may have to buy a sled with bigger or smaller displacement than you wanted. You might have to look at a new-in-the crate sled that’s one or two years older than you originally wanted. You may have to change brands or even settle for a used sled. Most likely you’ll have to search outside your immediate area and even drive a few hundred miles to find something. You might have to look across the border – or in another state or province.

If you’re really intensely serious about getting a new sled and are willing to check out a non-current one, you might want to do an internet search of dealers within a 200-mile radius of where you live. Better yet, if you have a good dealer or know one, they may be willing to check out regional inventories to see if there’ s an unsold sled for you somewhere in the dealer pipeline. You may even have to pay the dealer a fee for his extra digging to find you one, but it’s still pretty cheap for his time and influence – and after all, he is doing work on your behalf.

If you’re looking for a late model used sled you may have more luck. Some sled owners who early ordered a 2022 model may have held onto their old sled as a parachute in case they couldn’t get clear delivery of their new one. As the 2022s slowly keep trickling into dealers, some of those good used sleds may not be sold or spoken for yet. If they were trades, the dealer will want to roll them over pronto. If they weren’t trades, and the owner is going to advertise the old one for sale, you need to check the online ads – daily!

Frankly, we’ve found there are a fair number of late model used sleds for sale on various websites. Prices are higher than last year but still, you can negotiate with the private seller and maybe cut a deal.

Also, there are always buyers who ordered a 2022 sled and for some reason (lost job, financial reversal, illness) can’t take delivery. This actually happens more often than you think and it’s worth keeping in touch with local dealers to see if anything comes up. Get your name on a waiting list at a number of dealers at least.

Our research has discovered there’s more of a supply problem in Canada than in the USA. Canadians will have to ante up the exchange on their money and likely still pay close to list price for the sled they want if they buy it in the US.

We’ve found some branded dealers will sell to a cross-border buyer and others, because of their dealer agreement with the manufacturer, will not. Before you commit to a trip, give a call to a cross border dealer and find out if he’s able to sell to you.

When it’s crunch time like it is now, you need to show some innovation and be diligent in your search. You also need to be realistic about the price you’ll be paying. Prices are going to be higher than you expected – and bargains will be tough to come by.

The good news is you’ll be riding this winter and when you order your next sled in a year or two, the one you bought this year will likely bring a higher than expected price.