New to the Sportech/Team Arctic team this season, pro racer Paul Bauerly wrote his impressions of the new 2010 Sno Pro 600 following a week of testing out West.
Below is his report:
Here is a little update on my ride last week on the 2010 Sno Pro.
After getting the first week of riding under my belt I am very excited about the upcoming season and feeling very confident about my brand change. I have to admit, I have been a fairly die-hard Ski-Doo guy my whole life and have had plenty of success with their snowmobiles over the last 8 seasons. But knowing the dedication towards support and the great snowmobile Arctic Cat offers, I really do feel that as hard as the switch was it is definitely for the better.
Spending the week with Kirk and Tucker was an amazing opportunity to learn the sled and get some much needed seat time before Duluth. Right off the bat I felt fairly comfortable with the chassis and noticed many positive attributes. Some of the things I felt and liked right away included:
- Clean smooth power
- Well balanced chassis, holds flat in rough sections and thru rough corners
- Flies well
- Great braking power
- Suspension feels very close right out of the box.
The biggest difference I felt and have to admit I struggled with for the first few days is cornering and cornering positioning. The Sno Pro requires a much different balance point that is actually easier once I’m becoming adjusted.
I was also feeling an over-steer in the corners because I’m used to trying too hard in the corners. I am so used to having to pull and muscle thru the corner, which I’m learning isn’t needed with this chassis. I now just need to turn the bars and get my body into the right place to balance the sled and let it do its thing. Minimal effort actually does more, its great!
Overall after the first week of riding and learning, I am definitely happy with the switch and very excited about the upcoming season. The chassis feels great, although I definitely do still have a lot of learning and adjusting to go I feel that even if I get no more riding time in I will be ready for Duluth!
Thank you for the opportunity to work with Arctic Cat this season.
-Paul Bauerly #24