The snowmobile is a vehicle that can be used for recreation, transportation, and work. It is made of a metal frame with a plastic or metal body.
Snowmobiles are a great way to enjoy the outdoors. The polaris snowmobile models explained is an article that compares 8 major types of snowmobiles.
What are the many kinds of snowmobiles available? – This is the most often asked question. Without further ado, here are the eight main snowmobile categories:
- Youth
- Mid-Sized
- Trail
- Performance
- Mountain
- Crossover
- Touring
- Utility
Follow the links above to learn more about each of these categories!
Continue reading if you want a quick overview of each and wish to compare them side by side in a single graph.
These main snowmobile categories have been compared numerically by PowerSportsGuide!
What Are the Different Types of Snowmobiles?
Snowmobiles are often thought of as recreational powersport vehicles, although they were originally meant to be utilitarian vehicles.
The primary goal in developing snowmobiles was to create a vehicle that could access icy regions that no other vehicle could.
Manufacturers began developing numerous kinds of sleds for varied reasons, and snowmobiles have evolved significantly over time.
As a result, a slew of new snowmobile categories arose, ranging from the well-known mountain to the lesser-known mid-sized sleds.
Do you know how many different kinds of snowmobiles there are?
Despite the fact that there are eight main kinds of snowmobiles, some of them may be further subdivided. As you would expect, this causes a great deal of consternation in the marketplace! Furthermore, several of these major categories are often grouped together, which is why manufacturers group all of their goods into just a few categories.
Yamaha, for example, groups their utility and touring models together, and their mid-sized sleds are also classified as trail. Ski-Doo, on the other hand, groups its trail, performance, and touring sleds together.
We’ve collected the various categories of each manufacturer for a better understanding:
Categories for Ski-Doo Snowmobiles
- a path (MXZ-X, Grand Touring)
- Adaptation (Renegade, Backcountry)
- Deep snowfall (Summit, Freeride)
- Utility Sport (Expedition, Skandic, Tundra)
Categories for Polaris Snowmobiles
- Mountainous terrain (RMK)
- Adaptation (Switchback)
- a path (INDY)
- Crossover Utility (Titan)
- Recreation/utility (Voyageur)
- Young people (EVO, Polaris Indy 120)
Categories for Yamaha Snowmobiles
- Youth
- Trail
- Crossover
- Mountain
- 2-UP Utility & Touring
Categories for Arctic Cat Snowmobiles
- Youth
- Mid-Sized
- Trail
- Crossover
- Mountain
- Utility
Before you buy a snowmobile, it’s a good idea to understand the differences between the various types. Let’s get down to business and look at each of these areas in detail one by one!
What Are the Different Snowmobile Types?
The eight distinct kinds of snowmobiles, excluding subclasses, are as follows:
- Youth
- Mid-Sized
- Trail
- Performance
- Mountain
- Crossover
- Touring
- Utility
Youth
Youth snowmobiles, often known as kid-sized snowmobiles, are for children ages 6 to 12.
The 120 sleds, which are approximately 73”-75” long and 30”-36” broad, are the smallest child snowmobiles. They are the lightest snowmobiles on the market, weighing just 150-170 pounds, in addition to their tiny size.
These sleds are powered by 120cc 4-stroke engines with a speed governor that limits their capability. They have a maximum speed restriction of 8 mph due to this safety feature.
The following are the most popular 120 snowmobiles:
Follow the links above to learn all there is to know about these models!
The famous vintage Arctic Cat Kitty Cat, which has been in production for over three decades, must also be mentioned!
Larger 8-12 year old youngsters may benefit from the 200-class snowmobiles’ larger chassis and more powerful engine.
The 200cc 4-stroke engines that power these sleds produce approximately 9 horsepower. These sleds, like their smaller siblings, have limited performance, with a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour.
The Yamaha SnoScoot and its twin brother, the Arctic Cat ZR 200, are the most well-known 200 snowmobiles.
Drawbacks?
Despite the fact that these sleds are extremely popular among children, they may soon outgrow them.
Mid-Sized
Mid-sized snowmobiles serve as a bridge between 200cc kid sleds and full-size sleds. They’re usually constructed on the chassis of full-size trail snowmobiles, but they have a unique handlebar, seat, and shocks that allow them to sit lower.
Mid-sized sleds are usually powered by 400-550cc 2-stroke engines with 55-65 horsepower.
The performance of these devices, like that of any kid-sized sled, is usually restricted to speeds of 50-65 mph.
Mid-sized snowmobiles are often referred to as juvenile snowmobiles since they are mainly designed for adolescent riders, but other manufactures classify them as trail sleds.
They may, nevertheless, be a great option for smaller and female riders due to their tiny size and simple handling.
The Arctic Cat Blast, Yamaha SXVenom, and Polaris Indy EVO are the most popular mid-sized sleds. In the mid-2000s, Bombardier also produced a fantastic mid-sized Ski-Doo, the 300cc Freestyle. Since then, the Canadian company has only produced full-size models.
Drawbacks?
One of the most significant disadvantages of mid-sized sleds is their scarcity. They’re also renowned for having low-powered engines and a lack of useful features.
Trail
Trail snowmobiles are, without a doubt, the most basic sleds available. They’re made for novice riders and those who don’t want to be the quickest on the trails.
Even inexperienced riders will find trail snowmobiles to be lightweight and simple to operate. They have 550-850cc 2-stroke or 600-1050cc 4-stroke engines, which are powerful enough for the typical rider.
Trail sleds are surprisingly cheap when compared to other sectors, despite their excellent performance.
Drawbacks?
The main disadvantage is that these sleds can only be used on groomed tracks due to their small track, which does not offer sufficient flotation in thick snow.
Performance
Performance snowmobiles, as the name implies, are designed to offer the greatest trail performance.
They are powered by large-displacement, 2-stroke or 4-stroke engines with displacements of 600-850cc or 900-1000cc, and some are turbocharged. These power mills produce 90-200 HP and drive the sleds at speeds of 100-120 mph!
These sleds’ tracks, gears, chassis, and suspensions are all adjusted for optimum acceleration and peak speed, in addition to their engines. They are the quickest in the bends due to their precise handling, while their broader ski stance ensures balance.
It’s important to understand that riding a performance sled requires a high level of expertise and considerable muscular power, so it’s not advised for novices.
Instead, they’re designed for experienced riders and elite racers who will get the most enjoyment out of these incredible sleds.
Drawbacks?
Performance snowmobiles are not only the most costly versions, but they are also notorious for requiring a lot of care and having a short lifespan.
They’re also intended to be used solely on groomed trails, just like any other trail-oriented snowmobile.
Mountain
Snowmobiles have been popular in the mountains since the early 1990s. They’re specially constructed sleds for hilly terrain and thick snow.
They are designed on a lightweight frame and use high-performance (120-170 HP) 2-stroke engines for the greatest power-to-weight ratio. These power mills are built to withstand the thin air and significant elevation fluctuations.
Mountain sleds’ lengthy tracks provide enough flotation and traction in snow, but their smaller ski stance improves agility.
Off-trail snowmobiles are now often referred to as “mountain sleds,” although this isn’t completely accurate. This is because, in addition to the mountain class, several manufacturers produce flatland-specific off-trail sleds.
As a result, all mountain sleds are also off-trail sleds, but not all off-trail sleds are mountain sleds.
Mountain-specific versions, on the whole, have the longest tracks and the most powerful engines in the off-trail class, with features tailored to hard hill climbing and powder play.
Drawbacks?
Mountain snowmobiles are not designed to go at high speeds, therefore they are much slower than the sleds in other parts.
They’re also unsuitable for trail riding since their footprints may quickly tear up well-kept trails. Furthermore, harsh terrain may harm the track’s lengthy lugs.
It’s also worth noting that mountain snowmobiles are among the priciest versions available.
Crossover
Crossover snowmobiles are multi-purpose machines. These flexible sleds are designed to work in both deep snow and on the trails.
They are powered by 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines with a maximum output of 200 horsepower.
Crossover sleds are distinguished by their medium-sized track, which is usually 128”-132” long. Mountain snowmobile tracks, on the other hand, may be up to 175” long.
These hybrid tracks provide sufficient flotation in snow while still providing great trail handling.
Drawbacks?
Crossovers aren’t as excellent in the snow as mountain sleds, and they’re also not as good on trails as their trail-specific siblings.
Touring
Even with a passenger, touring snowmobiles are designed to go greater distances. They’re also known as “2-UP snowmobiles” since they come equipped with a passenger seat.
Touring sleds have tough chassis and high-performance springs that can take the weight of two riders and a lot of gear.
Heated comfort seats with a passenger backrest, electric start, reverse, heated grips, big windshield, GPS, audio and communication system, and a rear rack are all standard equipment.
Touring versions are probably the most comfortable snowmobiles on the market, thanks to their many comfort amenities.
You can’t go wrong with a touring sled if you want to go long distances, even with a passenger, or just want a luxurious snowmobile.
Drawbacks?
Touring versions are considerably heavier and have lesser performance than other kinds of snowmobiles. Not to mention their exorbitant prices!
Utility
Snowmobiles are used for more than simply fun. There are specially designed “working snowmobiles,” sometimes known as utility sleds.
To manage the enormous workload, they need heavy-duty chassis and springs. Another benefit of these sleds is their extra-wide 20″ track, which is necessary for proper towing grip.
Utility sleds, despite their high weight, may be utilized in thick snow because to their unique tracks, which provide excellent flotation.
Utility and touring snowmobiles typically have the same chassis and many of the same features, which is why they’re often lumped together.
The engine choices for utility snowmobiles range from the famous fan-cooled Yamaha VK 540 to contemporary 4-stroke Ski-Doos, although the majority of them feature a 540-850cc 2-stroke or a 600-1050cc 4-stroke power supply.
Towing, transporting large goods, grooming narrower tracks, and reaching distant locations are all typical uses for utility snowmobiles. They may also be used for excursions, search and rescue missions, and ice fishing.
A winch, hitch, reverse gear, and a rear rack are all common features. A sleigh is also a fantastic addition to these vehicles.
Drawbacks?
Utility snowmobiles are the heaviest, with a larger chassis and track that makes them less agile. Furthermore, they only have a modest maximum speed of 50-70 mph.
Comparison Chart for Snowmobiles
We’ve collected the specs of the many kinds of snowmobiles into one chart for easier comparison:
| Category | Young people (120) | Young people (200) | Mid-Sized | Trail | Performance | Crossover | Mountain | Touring | Utility |
| Type of engine | Single-cylinder, 120cc, four-stroke engine | 4-stroke single, 200cc | 2-stroke engine, 300-550cc | 600-1050cc 4-stroke or 550–850cc 2-stroke | 2-stroke 600–850cc or 4-stroke 900–1000cc | 2-stroke 600–850cc or 4-stroke 900–1000cc | 2 stroke 650–850cc | 400-600cc two-stroke engine or 600-1050cc four-stroke engine | 2-stroke 540–850cc or 4-stroke 600–1050cc |
| HP is a trademark of Hewlet (approx.) | na | 9 | 55-70 | 60-170 | 90-200+ | 90-200+ | 120-170 | 60-200+ | 60-170 |
| Maximum speed (mph) | (8) (limited) | 30. (limited) | 50-65 | 65-110 | 100-120 | 90-110 | 80-90 | 60-110 | 50-70 |
| Dimensions (in.) | 73-75 | 84 | 110-130 | 115-125 | 114-125 | 128-132 | 125-170 | 120-132 | 130-140 |
| Length (in.) | 31-36 | 36 | 40-47 | 47-48 | 47-50 | 46-48 | 42-45 | 48 | 43-46 |
| a certain height (in.) | 30-34 | 36 | 46-51 | 46-49 | 46-52 | 48-49 | 50-55 | 54-56 | 52-60 |
| Position on the skis (in.) | 27-31 | 31 | 32-39 | 38-43 | 42-44 | 40-44 | 36-38 | 39-43 | 35-38 |
| Length of the track (in.) | 67-69 | 93 | 121-146 | 121-137 | 129-137 | 141-153 | 153-175 | 137-155 | 135-154 |
| breadth of the track (in.) | 10 | 10 | 14-15 | 14-15 | 15 | 15 | 15-16 | 15 | 20 |
| Height of lugs (in.) | 0.60-0.80 | 1.0 | 1.0-2.0 | 1-1.25 | 1.25-1.75 | 1.25-2.6 | 2.5-3 | 1.25-1.75 | 1.25-2.25 |
| Travel of the front suspension (in.) | 3-5 | 4-5 | 6-8 | 4-10 | 9-10 | 9-10 | 7-9 | 6-9 | 6-7 |
| Travel of the rear suspension (in.) | 5-7 | 8-9 | 11-15 | 9-16 | 13-16 | 13-14 | 9-15 | 10-15 | 9-11 |
| Cap for the fuel (gal) | 0.45-0.5 | 2 | 9-12 | 10-12 | 9-12 | 9-16 | 9-12 | 9-13 | 11-15 |
| Weight (dry) (lbs.) | 150-170 | 200 | 370-430 | 450-550 | 450-650 | 450-600 | 450-500 | 470-650 | 500-700 |
| Capacity of passengers | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1-2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Off-trail travel | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Conclusion
There are at least eight distinct kinds of snowmobiles on the market now. The following is a short summary of each:
- Children aged 6 to 12 years old.
- Teenagers and smaller/female riders should choose the mid-sized option.
- Trail: Snowmobiles that are suitable for trail riding. Beginners may find them to be a great option.
- Performance: High-performance versions for racers and riders with a lot of expertise.
- Mountain: Sleds designed specifically for hilly terrain and thick snow.
- Crossover sleds are a combination of trail and mountain sleds. They’re suitable for both on and off-trail riding.
- Touring snowmobiles are the most comfortable for long distance travel, even with a passenger.
- Utility: Heavy-duty snowmobiles designed for work.
This is a quick rundown of the many kinds of snowmobiles. We hope it is of use to you!
References:
Snowmobiles.org
Mywestshore.com
Snowmobiles are a type of snow vehicle that can be used for recreational purposes. There are 8 major types of snowmobiles, and this article provides a comparison chart. Reference: used snowmobile prices.
