The new Arctic Cat G8 digital display was the result of a partnership with Garmin , and Garmin uses much of the same tech in its aftermarket display .
For instance , the Garmin Tread 2 is popular for many offroaders . It features a six-inch display that integrates nicely within a snowmobile ’ s dash if done properly . Similarly , the aftermarket Trail Tech Voyager Pro Snow offers full GPS connectivity and is compatible with the Polaris Ride Command app and system . For knowledgeable snowmobilers , that ’ s not a surprise considering that Polaris originally worked with Trail Tech to develop its system before buying the brand in 2017 . But the Voyager Pro Snow will work with any brand of sled . Each display , fully loaded with maps , retails for $ 700- $ 800 .
There are other options as well . Beyond the Ride Command and BRP
Go ! apps , for instance , the onX Offroad app is very well regarded by some riders we know . Also , some state ( like New York ) and provincial snowmobile organizations have developed their own , very informative trail apps . Each can be downloaded to a phone , which can then be attached to a sled via Ram , Otterbox or similar mounts . We ’ ve also seen people load one of those apps to a tablet ( iPad , Samsung Galaxy , etc .) and mount the tablet to a sled with great success .
PRO TIP : Resist the temptation to “ cheap-out ” on the tablet , screen or phone you plan to use . Make sure it is durable and made to work in the conditions in which we ride ( cold / wet / moist weather , sometimes rough trails , etc .).
Light The Way
The proliferation of liquid-emitting diodes ( LEDs ) and related technologies has changed people ’ s expectations in many ways – from the size / weight / shape of our televisions to how we illuminate garages or trailers to the Christmas lights decorating houses .
LEDs have also made adding lighting to a snowmobile for a variety of purposes a heck of a lot easier . LED lights come in many shapes and sizes ,
The accessory lightbar we tested made night riding much easier .
and they are typically light , small and have a very low electrical draw .
Over the last five years or so , we ’ ve tested a lot of them – including but not limited to factory auxiliary lights and aftermarket LED lightbars that tie into the sled ’ s stock headlight ; lowmounted accent lighting ; windshield- , body panel- or handguard-mounted safety lights that cue oncoming riders ; and more .
PRO TIP : If adding auxiliary lighting to assist your headlight , absolutely wire it into your sled ’ s dimmer switch . Few things are more maddening – whether snowmobiling or driving your truck – than meeting some jackwagon who ’ s throwing more light than the sun off the front of his sled or vehicle .
Other Options
Other ideas floated by our trail-riding test team included adding an adjustable handlebar riser , aftermarket grips , handlebar- or dash-mounted mirrors , footwell enclosures , a passenger seat and more .
Clearly there are many ways to accessorize a snowmobile . Whether you choose one , none and all of the above , we ’ re wishing you many happy miles this winter !
44 / JANUARY 2025 / SNOWGOER . COM