Top 4 Matryx RMK Features - Sled Tech Ep. 1 | Polaris Snowmobiles

Summary

Welcome to 'Sled Tech,' a new series that delves into the technical aspects of Polaris snowmobiles. Hosted by Nels, a lifelong snowmobile enthusiast and Polaris team member, the series kicks off with a discussion on Factory mod Mountain sleds, focusing on the Matrix slash platform. Key features highlighted include the raised platform for better snow clearance and reduced drag, the short tapered tunnel for improved maneuverability, ergonomic design for dynamic deep snow mobility, and vertical steering for consistent leverage and control. Guest Chris shares his experience, emphasizing the efficiency and ease of use these features provide to riders in the backcountry. Stay tuned for more in-depth explorations of snowmobile technology.

Takeaways

• 🚜 The 'Sled Tech' series will delve into the technical aspects of Polaris snowmobiles, focusing on what makes them excel in their performance.
• 🏂 Nels, the host, has a lifelong background in snowmobiling and is now part of the team developing next-generation Polaris snowmobiles.
• 🏔️ The first episode features a discussion on the Factory mod Mountain sleds, specifically the Matrix slash platform, and its technical details for backcountry performance.
• ❄️ A raised platform (RMK) on a snowmobile improves snow clearance, reducing drag and enhancing maneuverability in the snow.
• 🔧 The raised platform also provides mechanical advantage for the rider, requiring less effort to control the snowmobile.
• 🛷 The Matrix features a short tapered tunnel design, which reduces the effort needed to maneuver the sled and improves control on steep slopes.
• 🎿 The ergonomics of the RMK are designed to allow for dynamic deep snow mobility, with a focus on keeping the vehicle narrow and compact for ease of movement.
• 🛤️ The 'neutral position' concept ensures the snowmobile is perfectly weighted when a rider is on board, allowing for predictable and efficient movement.
• 👐 The vertical steering design on the Matrix provides consistent leverage, enabling the rider to use their body's core strength for better control and maneuverability.
• 🔄 The vertical steering configuration facilitates thousands of on-edge transitions in the mountains, making the riding experience more fluid and less energy-intensive.
• 🔍 The series promises to explore more in-depth topics such as engines, different snowmobile models, and comparisons in future episodes.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the 'Sled Tech' series?

The 'Sled Tech' series aims to go beyond marketing language and catalogs to discuss the technical details of Polaris snowmobiles and what makes them perform well.

Who is the host of the 'Sled Tech' series?

Nels is the host of the 'Sled Tech' series. He has a background in racing and now works on the team developing the next generation of Polaris snowmobiles.

What is the significance of the raised platform (RMK) on a Polaris snowmobile?

The raised platform on a Polaris snowmobile, specifically an RMK, elevates the bulkhead and tunnel about an inch and a half higher than a comparable Trail sled. This design reduces drag in the snow, allowing for better performance and less effort from the rider.

How does the raised platform benefit the rider in terms of control and effort?

The raised platform provides the rider with more mechanical advantage, requiring less effort to control the sled. It also allows for more efficient movement in challenging snow conditions.

What is the purpose of the short tapered tunnel design on the Matrix snowmobile?

The short tapered tunnel design on the Matrix snowmobile is intended to reduce the effort needed to maneuver the vehicle in the snow. It is seven inches shorter overall, which helps to prevent the rear corner of the vehicle from sticking into the snow, especially on steep side hills.

How does the short tunnel design affect the rider's experience on a steep slope?

The short tunnel design eliminates the pivot point where the rear of the snowmobile contacts the snow and lifts the track out, causing it to wash out. This allows the rider to maintain control on steep slopes with the contact points moving forward instead of washing out.

What are the key considerations in the ergonomic design of an RMK snowmobile?

The ergonomic design of an RMK snowmobile focuses on keeping the vehicle as narrow and compact as possible to avoid obstructions and on achieving a neutral position where the vehicle is perfectly weighted front to back with the rider on board.

How does the neutral position in the RMK snowmobile benefit the rider?

The neutral position in the RMK snowmobile allows for small movements forward, back, or side to side that predictably impact the vehicle. This makes it easier for the rider to manipulate the sled without having to find a specific position to execute a move.

What is the role of vertical steering in the Matrix snowmobile?

Vertical steering in the Matrix snowmobile provides consistent leverage for the rider, regardless of their position on the sled. This design allows the rider to use the core strength of their body to manipulate the vehicle's direction, making it more predictable and efficient.

How does the vertical steering differ from traditional steering in terms of rider input and control?

Vertical steering allows for the use of core body strength rather than just arm strength, making it easier to change the direction of the snowmobile. This results in a more efficient and less tiring riding experience, especially in mountainous terrain.

What can viewers expect from future episodes of the 'Sled Tech' series?

Viewers can expect more in-depth discussions on snowmobile technology, including engines, different snowmobiles, comparisons, and other technical details in future episodes of the 'Sled Tech' series.