6 ENGAGEMENT SKI-DOO ’ S NEW SUMMIT Plus powersports layoffs and fleeting memories
8 FLASHBACK ARBE MANTA RACERS When cockpit sleds challenged the racing world
10 SNOWMOBILE CLUB SPOTLIGHT QUAD COUNTY SNOWMOBILE CLUB Connecting folks to Maine ’ s wonderful backcountry for 24 years
40 SNOWMOBILE SCIENCE DEMYSTIFYING THE IMU How modern inertia sensors impact the capabilities of phones , bikes , sleds and more
42 SERVICE & REPAIR ACCESSORIZE YOUR RIDE Easy add-ons that can improve your snowmobiling experiences
46 COLD TESTED TEMPEST OPTICS HEATED GOGGLES Plus , full-season feedback on a FXR Clutch X Pro Carbon Helmet and a PowerMadd Cobra Windshield
CONTENTS
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 5 / V O L U M E 3 5 / N O . 0 4
22
REGULARS
FEATURES
12
22 34 38 45
2025 BIG BORE TRAIL SHOOTOUT
New chassis platforms , new engine options and new suspension designs have disrupted the naturally aspirated big bore class , giving potential buyers much more to consider . Ridden and rated were the Arctic Cat ZR 858 Sno Pro 129 , Polaris Patriot 9R Indy XCR 136 and Ski-Doo MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package 850 E-TEC 137 .
GETTING LOOPY NEAR MILLE LACS
This easy to reach Central Minnesota destination provides riders with an interesting mix of great trails that weave through state forests , big swamps , road ditches , farm fields , converted rail lines and much more . Plus , dedicated local snowmobile clubs , dozens of cool pitstops and other supportive businesses help create a very welcoming atmosphere .
RELIVING MEMORIES AT THE BIG EAST CLASSIC
Like a lot of longtime snowmobilers , Rich Sgroi may not remember what he had for lunch yesterday , but he vividly recalls the snowmobiles of his childhood and the famous races he attended in his youth . His passion for that era led to a scene-stealing restoration project unveiled at the Big East Classic .
THE UNENDING NEED FOR SPEED
Pro Mod drag sleds are supposed to be easier for regular snowmobilers to comprehend , but the record-setting acceleration rate of this Baynes Motorsports sled piloted by Dana Bungert is truly mind bending .
FULL-SEASON TEST : 2024 POLARIS PRO RMK
A turbocharged engine , 165-inch track and well-balanced chassis combined to create some great riding experiences , but a few service issues also generated some heartache .
6 ENGAGEMENT SKI-DOO ’ S NEW SUMMIT Plus powersports layoffs and fleeting memories
8 FLASHBACK ARBE MANTA RACERS When cockpit sleds challenged the racing world
10 SNOWMOBILE CLUB SPOTLIGHT QUAD COUNTY SNOWMOBILE CLUB Connecting folks to Maine ’ s wonderful backcountry for 24 years
40 SNOWMOBILE SCIENCE DEMYSTIFYING THE IMU How modern inertia sensors impact the capabilities of phones , bikes , sleds and more
42 SERVICE & REPAIR ACCESSORIZE YOUR RIDE Easy add-ons that can improve your snowmobiling experiences
46 COLD TESTED TEMPEST OPTICS HEATED GOGGLES Plus , full-season feedback on a FXR Clutch X Pro Carbon Helmet and a PowerMadd Cobra Windshield
DEPARTMENTS
04 ........................ BREAKING TRAIL 50 ................................. WHAT ’ S HOT
/ WHAT ’ S NOT
call 763-383-4492