Track Length Matters: Pick the Right Sled for Your Ride

With all the different options in track lengths these days, how does one decide what is best?

One things for sure. With the price of sleds, you want to get it right when ordering a new one from your dealer.

There are some factors to consider when deciding if you should get a long or short track. Terrain and riding style being 2 of those key factors I will explain.

If you are one that likes to stick to the harder packed trails and enjoy going fast, than a shorter 146” is going to be your best bet.

If getting from point A to point B in the deepest of pow is your thing, than a 165” is going to be the length you’re searching for.

Of course, just like Goldilocks and the 3 bears, you might want something that is more suited for all conditions. Something that is just right. If this is the case than a 155” will typically be your ticket for having fun in all conditions.

But this doesn’t solve all the problems when deciding whether to go long or short. There are other variables to consider that you shouldn’t ignore if you’re riding in mountainous terrain.

A lot of it will ultimately come down to skill level, strength and how much momentum you are confident in carrying when riding.

A shorter track is more maneuverable with a lighter feel. The longer the track, the harder it gets to manipulate when turning and executing maneuvers such as hop hovers and has a heavier feel.

Even though this seems pretty straightforward, if you don’t have the skill level to carry good momentum, then you might find yourself stuck all day on a 146/155.

Although it takes a little more strength to maneuver a longer 165, it does have better flotation. This tends to help if you’re a rider that isn’t used to riding with the momentum required on a shorter length track.

So the long and short of it is….if you get the length right, the fun never stops!