Earlier this week, my area was the recipient of 6-inches (slight exaggeration) of rain, while one hour North of me received 6-inches of fresh snow (no exaggeration). That lucky area just happened to be in Milaca, Minnesota, home of Thomas Sno Sports. One call to owner, Tom Rowland, another call to friend, Pat Bourgeois, and a plan was made for a quick ride to take advantage of the fresh snow and nice temps.
At the same time I was writing my thoughts on the RXC, Luke Lester from SnowTrax TV shared his thoughts in video form on their social media channels. This is a great video, watch it first as Ill make some references to it below. We were nearly the first ones out on the trails, and if you are looking to ride in the Milaca, MN area, the trails are in fantastic shape. The clubs in this area do an incredible job maintaining them.Typically I get to be the guy behind the camera, but Pat captured me (L) talking to Tom (R). After riding the 2024 ZR 600 RXC in CATALYST form somewhat recently, I quickly rekindled the feelings I had about the 600 CTEC2 engine and Luke refers to it in his video – Im not sure of the magic, but there is a definite sweet spot from 60-80mph on both the 2023 and 2024 RXC versions that just makes you smile. And that feeling, was what Tom and I were talking about here. After the fact, I realized I never grabbed a photo of Pat, except for this one, as I had him rally a couple corners for the camera. (Some would argue he looks better with a helmet on anyways). Luke points out in his video, the 2023 RXC has a 43.25-inch ski stance, which is a bit wider than the 42-inch ZR norm, but serves a better purpose for the stability of cross-country racing. Ill agree with Luke that cornering is predictably flat and inspires rider confidence, but Ill disagree when he says the RXC has heavy steering. When I think of heavy steering, thoughts of the Polaris Fusion come to mind, so maybe Luke used the term loosely, but also, we could have experienced two different snow conditions…the snow we were riding on was fresh and tends to ease steering. Ill bring this photo back into the mix – The FOX QS3 shocks worked great for our ride, and personally, I love the quick adjustability. When thinking about riding a “race sled” as a trail machine, I still get flashbacks of early RR or Sno Pro models that were so stiff (and not quickly adjustable), they were punishing. This isn’t the case any more when you have the quick shock adjustability of Soft/Med/Firm on a QS3. Lets touch on that seat a second – visually, most people who have never experienced it, give it a WTF look and pass it off as being weird – You shouldn’t. IMO, its the most comfortable seat Arctic Cat has on a ProCross platform. You sit in the sweet spot and use the cutdown portion to transition your leg over for cornering.(It works brilliantly) The only nitpick I have on the RXC is a personal one, and saying this goes completely against my admiration of the 20-inch bar riser and Im going to get thrown out of the Ditchbanger Club – I think Id prefer a slightly lower 4.5-inch riser versus the standard 5.5. Just sayin, Id like to try it…Cooking trailside is one of my favorites, especially when its warm, and even better when you can roast up a great smoked venison brat. Typically my freezer is packed with venison selections from Louies Finer Meats in Cumberland, WI, but on this ride, we were treated to some cheddar versions from Grand Champion Meats in Foley, MN. Good stuff! (Thanks Pat)With venison brats on my mind, I had to stop and take a photo of the deer on our return trip to the dealership, which this also serves as a safety reminder. A logging operation was harvesting in a few areas along our route and the deer were taking full advantage of the easy-to-navigate terrain and plentiful tree tips for food within easy reach. Im not kidding when I say it, there were hundreds of deer throughout these areas. If you run across these types of logging areas when riding, SLOW DOWN!! It can save you from a collision if/when deer run across the trail.
I thought were were talking about the 600rxc? But i will respond.
Snocross drivers left for money, easy to see that.
Ski doo is number one for sales we can agree on that. Take a look at the cross country results, they are by far the number three of three racing. Cross country is the closest we have to trail sleds, and they are in last place. Thats even with Wes Selby driving for them.
Buddy just told his dealer. To put his 023 down payment on a 024 ! Seeing the snow will be gone by the time his 023 will show up ?‼️ Hopefully A/C’s vendors will have there crap together next year.
A couple weeks ago I swapped the Fox Float 3 Evol’s on my ’15 RR 6000 with QS3’s (From my sister’s sled..don’t tell her!) Wow, they totally transformed the machine. The improvement in ride was incredible. Needless to say, I will be keeping my eyes peeled for a set of my own!
Brandon, right after I bought my daughters RR4000 new. I called Mike at Carver Performance. He told me to lower the air in the Evol. (Think like taking out 1/2 of the pressure) And Where to set the main chamber. All clickers on one. It helped but still stiff.
I don’t have an update. There were two batches built. This one was borrowed from Thomas Sno Sports. For anyone who ordered this sled and hasn’t gotten it yet, I def wouldn’t cancel the order. This one is a keeper.
The 2024 ZR 600 RXC (CATALYST) will only be available in a 137. But, in addition to the 137, there is an all-new 129 SLIDE-ACTION skid frame for ZRs. Its quite fun, and playful. You’ll find out more here, on February 28th. 🙂
Like I said on Snow Trax, the Lester’s have a somewhat “Unique perspective on what a snowmobile should be or how it performs. The results are in and in their opinion are good enough that they are biased. I’m not foe any particular brand as I have had them all. They all have good and bad points according to ” your” personal riding style. But to them there are only 2. Dog and the doo.
I love the RXC! Ordered mine back in April of 2022 and here we are 10 months later and I have NO sled. NO communication either. If Cat is trying to push us loyalists away they are doing a great job. Please call, email, or something! Anything, please?!?
I feel bad for anyone who ordered a snowmobile and still hasn’t received it yet. And I say that as a blanket statement for ALL OEMs. This isn’t just an Arctic Cat problem…Ive talked to my fair share of Polaris and SD dealers who still have customers waiting. Because of the current market, we all have to shift our thinking as snowmobile buyers. You have to assume, Spring ordering right now guarantees us a snowmobile…but it doesn’t guarantee when. For that reason, don’t sell your current snowmobile until you have a new one. The good news is, the used market is finally strong, so we’ll all be able to sell used equipment fairly easily. Your dealer is your point of communication.
Seeing how far behind Cat is, it’s too bad the catalyst won’t be ready until 2025 and a bigger engine won’t be delivered until’26. None of us is getting any younger. If I was still waiting on my ’23, I’d be quite upset.
I’d snowcheck one but not waiting a season to arrive.
As I understand it, all 2023 sleds have been delivered, aside from a batch of RXC’s. The first batch of RXC’s was delivered, and all other models were delivered.
You don’t think the 2024 Catalysts will be delivered until 2025? I’m hearing two stories. The body shop that had my truck and waited for parts for 3 months said the supply chain issues won’t get better for at least a year. Some people only are speculating that the parts shortage is already easing. Not sure who to believe…
A/C will have a bunch of theses available next year. Another dealer in the area. Said he had a couple guys back out. Of this sled also. Seeing the season is pretty much done.
Sure wish my 2023 RXC would show up. Looks like it would be fun to ride……
Everyone says this chassis is old, I don’t think the competition believes that!
you must not follow Snocross… or sales numbers
I thought were were talking about the 600rxc? But i will respond.
Snocross drivers left for money, easy to see that.
Ski doo is number one for sales we can agree on that. Take a look at the cross country results, they are by far the number three of three racing. Cross country is the closest we have to trail sleds, and they are in last place. Thats even with Wes Selby driving for them.
So yes, I do follow what’s going on.
Buddy just told his dealer. To put his 023 down payment on a 024 ! Seeing the snow will be gone by the time his 023 will show up ?‼️ Hopefully A/C’s vendors will have there crap together next year.
Highly doubtful its on the vendors 2 years in a row… Fox had shocks on the shelf to sell retail customers.
A couple weeks ago I swapped the Fox Float 3 Evol’s on my ’15 RR 6000 with QS3’s (From my sister’s sled..don’t tell her!) Wow, they totally transformed the machine. The improvement in ride was incredible. Needless to say, I will be keeping my eyes peeled for a set of my own!
Brandon, right after I bought my daughters RR4000 new. I called Mike at Carver Performance. He told me to lower the air in the Evol. (Think like taking out 1/2 of the pressure) And Where to set the main chamber. All clickers on one. It helped but still stiff.
Start with 65 in the main chamber and 120 in the evol.
lots more tips and info on arcticchat:https://www.arcticchat.com/threads/rr-owners-how-is-your-suspension-setup-in-2014-15.359062/
Thank you! I will check it out.
Kale, any update from the factory on these 2023 RXC’s? Looks like you were able to get your hands on one to ride. Thanks.
I don’t have an update. There were two batches built. This one was borrowed from Thomas Sno Sports. For anyone who ordered this sled and hasn’t gotten it yet, I def wouldn’t cancel the order. This one is a keeper.
They sure look sweet, the graphics guys at cat hit a home run on this one.
Is that seat taller than the regular zr seat?
nope, exactly the same height, with a cutout
Brother just picked up a mint 21 RXC and it’s a sweet sled, and probably the only Procross aside from the 6000 RS I’d pay for.
Let’s hear more about the ‘new’ RXC coming in a 129 without electric start. ?
And… the Sno Pro’s are more fun in the tight woods and easier to ride standing up with from 0-50mph.
?
The 2024 ZR 600 RXC (CATALYST) will only be available in a 137. But, in addition to the 137, there is an all-new 129 SLIDE-ACTION skid frame for ZRs. Its quite fun, and playful. You’ll find out more here, on February 28th. 🙂
will you also let us know about the 7000?
🙂
Quit playin around and get to real snow .
Black Hills SD
Put on 1000 miles n 5 days
Cats rare there
Congratulations to Zach Herfindahl for winning his 5th (4th in a row) I-500 on this sled!
Not likin the motorcycle seat. Looks like everyone is riding on the back part when they go by in the video.
it looks silly, until you ride it, if you ride aggressively. this sled isn’t for everyone.
Like I said on Snow Trax, the Lester’s have a somewhat “Unique perspective on what a snowmobile should be or how it performs. The results are in and in their opinion are good enough that they are biased. I’m not foe any particular brand as I have had them all. They all have good and bad points according to ” your” personal riding style. But to them there are only 2. Dog and the doo.
I love the RXC! Ordered mine back in April of 2022 and here we are 10 months later and I have NO sled. NO communication either. If Cat is trying to push us loyalists away they are doing a great job. Please call, email, or something! Anything, please?!?
I feel bad for anyone who ordered a snowmobile and still hasn’t received it yet. And I say that as a blanket statement for ALL OEMs. This isn’t just an Arctic Cat problem…Ive talked to my fair share of Polaris and SD dealers who still have customers waiting. Because of the current market, we all have to shift our thinking as snowmobile buyers. You have to assume, Spring ordering right now guarantees us a snowmobile…but it doesn’t guarantee when. For that reason, don’t sell your current snowmobile until you have a new one. The good news is, the used market is finally strong, so we’ll all be able to sell used equipment fairly easily. Your dealer is your point of communication.
Seeing how far behind Cat is, it’s too bad the catalyst won’t be ready until 2025 and a bigger engine won’t be delivered until’26. None of us is getting any younger. If I was still waiting on my ’23, I’d be quite upset.
I’d snowcheck one but not waiting a season to arrive.
As I understand it, all 2023 sleds have been delivered, aside from a batch of RXC’s. The first batch of RXC’s was delivered, and all other models were delivered.
You don’t think the 2024 Catalysts will be delivered until 2025? I’m hearing two stories. The body shop that had my truck and waited for parts for 3 months said the supply chain issues won’t get better for at least a year. Some people only are speculating that the parts shortage is already easing. Not sure who to believe…
A/C will have a bunch of theses available next year. Another dealer in the area. Said he had a couple guys back out. Of this sled also. Seeing the season is pretty much done.