Let me know if you are looking for more guys to help in testing. I’ve got a Vector set up of deep snow and a Nytro set up for trail and cross country racing. I’m well versed and familiar with product testing and would appreciate the opportunity to test a factory ski that is as wide as the VK ski but made for performance. The VK’s leave a lot to be desired.
Cheers,
Scott

In simple terms the warranty policy is quite clear… modify the sled in any way and your warranty is void. In practice the dealer will generally look at the big picture and decide if the failure is related to the modification, for example you rewire the electrical system adding some kind of device in the process and the ignition module burns out… probably not warranty… same scenario and the rear shock absorber seal fails… warranty! In the case of a Yamcharger, you install one and experience an engine failure, the question will be asked — was it caused by the modification? If the answer is yes… no warranty. If it is something else unrelated most dealers will put through the claim and it won’t be questioned. Really we can’t ask factory to cover failures resulting from the modification of their tested designs. The policy is written to empower our service people to make the final call, no back door. You would be amazed at what some people try to push through under warranty… too bad because it can make things difficult for the honest ones. Like everything else in our society the rules are written to cover the lowest common denominator!… cheers cr

Interesting question LS, I started to reply but I think it would be better addressed in a full post, having given it some thought, there is a lot of background to the simple answer… which is yes. cheers cr

That’s a tough question and I can’t tell you which sled is better for you. The mono shock on the Vec will exhibit less kick than the twin shock and superior small bump compliance, the sled is really good at ‘making the bumps disappear’ the transition to standing is not as natural as the RTX, on the front end of things I find the steering more precise and predictable, all it needs is a good set of carbides. On the other hand the RTX allows you to hit the bigger stuff harder and feels bottomless when pushed, the transition and layout for stand-up riding is excellent and the sled loves to be throttled through the bumps, pre-load the suspension and blip the throttle to time the hits… lots of fun. The FX front end is definitely ‘busier’ than the RX chassis but can be dialed a lot of ways as you mentioned. I do believe for a high miler on mostly groomed (Quebec) the Vector is the better choice, it will survive rough trails quite well at surprisingly high speeds and is definitely the best handling trail sled we make, but I’m an old guy, if I was 34 I’d probably say screw it and by the Nytro for the fun factor. Equal riders on fast trails I’ll give the nod to the Vec to get you home first especially on a long haul. Sunday afternoon trails for a hundred miles of suffering… Nytro all the way… cheers cr

Well now I figure if we were going to replace the Apex the best thing to call it would be a new Apex. If we were going to build something all new perhaps Vmax would be a nice retro handle. It’s awfully difficult to find a new name these days but you never know… cheers cr

If you really want to give the BBS some punishment send it down here for a week from mid February through to the end of March. I have a lot of holidays to use and I’m sure I could find someone to ride my FX Nytro in the mean time.

okay Mr. donitz… now you’re scarin me
cr

Sorry one more question. Will carbides from a stock Yamaha ski fit? I have a set of Bergstrom skegs that have a lot of life left in them yet that would be nice to reuse?

Thanks for the additional info.

Very doubtful that the Berg’s would fit, might be possible if you were willing to drill holes but I would not recommend that. You’ll have to wait and check out the new skags against the Bergstroms, maybe your dealer will give you a trade towards the new ones? BTW, I love Newfoundland, awesome country and the nicest people going… cheers cr

I’m converting my 08 FX Nytro RTX to a cross over this year and the only thing left to do is change out the stock skis. I’m precariously close to ordering some Slydog Powder Hounds but I really liked the look of the M9 from the little I’ve seen.

Any details you can shed to help me wait a little longer?

The ski is basically 9.5 inches wide with an hour glass shape which translates to 7.5 inches at the spindle. the weight per ski is around 1.5 lbs (w/o runner). The runners will be sold separately in 3 in or 6 in carbide versions. Price for skis will be in the 150 range and runners in the 60-90 range CDN$. Note these prices are ball park only but the specs should be fairly close. Personally I think they will be an excellent cross-over ski as they should have great flotation at that width and are reported to have very good on-trail handling characteristics. They are also quite light aiding in the ‘unsprung’ weight and steering effort benefits… hope this helps, don’t think you’ll be able to get your hands on any until early January but I’ll update on Sled Talk as soon as I hear anything… cheers cr

FYI tunnel boats are for pansies .

Good idea!
Agreed, mod V’s rule for fun… but there is something about the stability in the rough at 100 plus that I find appealing. Not everyone is capable of standing on a 2×4 perched on a bowling ball in the back of a pickup going up the 400 cr