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.

Outlines

00:00

🏍️ Snowmobile Design and Performance

The video script introduces a new series called 'Sled Tech' focused on the technical aspects of Polaris snowmobiles. The host, Nels, discusses the features of the Factory mod Mountain sleds, specifically the Matrix slash platform. Key points include the raised platform for better snow clearance and reduced drag, the short tapered tunnel for easier movement in the snow, and the ergonomic design for improved control and maneuverability. Guest Chris Parent, an experienced rider, shares insights on how these features translate to a better riding experience, such as requiring less effort due to the mechanical advantage provided by the raised platform and the benefits of the short tunnel in steep terrain. The conversation highlights the importance of these technical details in enhancing the performance and efficiency of the snowmobiles in backcountry conditions.

05:01

🛠️ Ergonomics and Steering Innovations

This paragraph delves deeper into the ergonomic aspects and steering innovations of the Matrix snowmobile. The design philosophy is centered around dynamic deep snow mobility, aiming to make the vehicle easy to control and less tiring to maneuver. The RMK team emphasizes the importance of a neutral position, where the weight is evenly distributed when a rider is on the vehicle, allowing for predictable and efficient movements. The vertical steering system is highlighted as a key feature, providing consistent leverage for the rider's hands, regardless of their position on the snowmobile. This design allows riders to use their core strength for steering, rather than just their arms, making it easier to navigate the snowmobile through challenging mountain terrain. The discussion concludes with a preview of upcoming topics in the 'Sled Tech' series, which will explore engines, different snowmobiles, and comparisons.

Keywords

💡Sled Tech

Sled Tech refers to the new series that the video introduces, which aims to delve into the technical aspects of Polaris snowmobiles. It is the overarching theme of the video series, focusing on the engineering and design elements that contribute to the performance and functionality of the snowmobiles. The term is used to set the expectation that the series will go beyond marketing and explore the technical details that make these snowmobiles effective.

💡Polaris snowmobiles

Polaris snowmobiles are the specific brand of snowmobiles being discussed in the video. They are the subject of the technical analysis and are known for their performance and features that cater to various terrains, especially mountainous and backcountry conditions. The term is central to the video's content as it refers to the vehicles that the series will be examining in detail.

💡Factory mod Mountain sleds

Factory mod Mountain sleds refer to the modified snowmobiles designed for mountainous terrains. These sleds are factory-modified versions of standard snowmobiles, optimized for better performance in challenging backcountry conditions. The term is used in the script to introduce the specific type of snowmobiles that the first episode will be focusing on, emphasizing their specialized features for mountain use.

💡Matrix slash platform

The Matrix slash platform is a specific model or design of Polaris snowmobiles that is highlighted in the video. It represents a particular platform that has been engineered to excel in mountainous and backcountry environments. The term is used to denote the particular snowmobile model that the technical discussion revolves around, indicating its significance in the context of the video.

💡Raised platform

A raised platform in the context of snowmobiles refers to the design feature where the bulkhead and tunnel of the vehicle are elevated above the snow. This design reduces drag and allows for better performance in snow, as explained by the host. The term is used to describe a key technical aspect of the RMK snowmobiles that enhances their mobility and efficiency in snow.

💡Short tapered tunnel

The short tapered tunnel is another technical feature of the Matrix slash platform snowmobiles. It refers to a shortened and tapered design at the rear of the snowmobile, which helps in reducing the effort needed to maneuver and improves control in snowy conditions. The term is used in the script to illustrate how the design contributes to the snowmobile's performance in the backcountry.

💡Ergonomics

Ergonomics in the video pertains to the design considerations that make the snowmobiles more comfortable and efficient to operate. It involves the placement and design of elements such as the seat, tank, console, running boards, footwells, handlebars, and steering to ensure they are user-friendly and contribute to the rider's ability to control the vehicle. The term is used to discuss how the design of the RMK snowmobiles enhances the rider's experience and performance.

💡Dynamic deep snow mobility

Dynamic deep snow mobility is a concept that highlights the snowmobile's ability to move and be maneuvered effectively in deep snow conditions. It is a key performance attribute that the RMK team focuses on, aiming to make the snowmobiles easy to control and less tiring to operate in challenging terrains. The term is used to emphasize the snowmobile's capabilities in deep snow environments.

💡Neutral position

The neutral position refers to the ideal balance point of the snowmobile when a rider is standing on it. It is designed to ensure that the weight is evenly distributed between the front and back of the vehicle, allowing for predictable and efficient movement. The term is used in the script to explain how the design of the snowmobile helps the rider to naturally and effortlessly control the vehicle.

💡Vertical steering

Vertical steering is a technical feature of the snowmobiles that allows for consistent leverage and control. It involves a steering arc that is relatively flat, which keeps the handlebars in a position that is easy to manipulate with the rider's body strength. The term is used to describe how the steering system contributes to the ease of maneuvering the snowmobile, especially in mountainous terrains.

Highlights

Introduction of the 'Sled Tech' series focusing on the technical details of Polaris snowmobiles.

Nels, the host, has a lifetime of experience riding and working on Polaris snowmobiles.

Discussion on Factory mod Mountain sleds, specifically the Matrix slash platform.

Importance of the raised platform (RMK) for better snow clearance and reduced drag.

Mechanical advantage provided by the raised platform, requiring less rider effort.

Introduction of Chris Parent, a guest with extensive experience on the platform.

Technical details on the short tapered tunnel for improved backcountry performance.

How the short tunnel reduces snow interference and improves control on steep hills.

Ergonomics of the RMK designed for dynamic deep snow mobility and rider comfort.

Design focus on keeping the RMK compact and narrow for easier rider movement.

Explanation of the 'neutral position' for optimal weight distribution and control.

Rider's perspective on the Matrix's neutral position and its impact on snowmobiling efficiency.

Vertical steering design for consistent leverage and body strength utilization.

How vertical steering improves predictability and efficiency in mountain terrain.

Upcoming content in the 'Sled Tech' series including engines and snowmobile comparisons.

Chris Parent's appreciation for the factory mod sled's short tunnel and its practical benefits.

Transcripts

hey guys Welcome to our new series

called sled Tech in this series we're

going to go beyond the marketing

language and the the catalog and we're

going to talk about all the technical

details on these Polaris snowmobiles and

what makes them work so well

[Music]

my name is Nels I'm going to be your

host for this series I've grown up race

Center riding snowmobiles my whole life

and now I get the opportunity to work on

the super talented team working on the

next generation of Polaris snowmobiles

and for our first episode of the series

we're talking about our Factory mod

Mountain sleds that's the Matrix slash

platform we're on some of the technical

details about what makes a snowmobile

work so well in the backcountry and how

we got there and to do that we thought

we'd bring a special guest for today's

first episode it was a little bit about

ride Mountain so let's Chris parent

welcome Chris thanks for coming Nelson

thanks for having me you've uh you've

been riding these since the Dragon Days

got a few years of experience on yes I

have had a lot of experience on the

players platform and thankfully we're

not riding dragons anymore we're uh

we're going to go over some of the

technical details and uh talk a little

bit about how we got there awesome let's

go let's dive in the first one that

we're going to talk about is the raise

platform so when we say raise platform

of an RMK what we mean is that the the

bulkhead and the tunnel the actual

platform of the vehicle is raised up off

the snow it's about an inch and a half

higher better than a comparable Trail

sled and we do that for clearance we've

learned through the last 25 years to

build Mountain sleds that when you get

the vehicle up out of the snow you

reduce the drag that the snowmobile

creates in the snow and it lets it work

way better when you want to move it

around and from a Rider's standpoint

Nails is really good on the technical

side of things and I'm going to

hopefully dive in and explain to you

from a rider standpoint what all of

those things actually do and so for me

the raised platform yes it does go

through the snow better but one thing

that I noticed instantly was it took

less effort because I was higher up

giving me more mechanical advantage on

the sled and so anytime you can make

this sled do what you want with more

efficiency that makes 430 when you're

down in the hole that you don't want to

be in a lot better the second thing that

we're going to talk about on our Matrix

last year is the short tapered tunnel in

the back just like Chris was talking

about getting the vehicle up out of the

snow less effort less movement to make

the vehicle do what you'd like that's

really where the tapered tunnel came

from so we talk about short tapered

tunnel what we mean here is is this

taper actually back here so compared to

an axis a regular Matrix tunnel is three

inches shorter a matrix slash tunnel is

actually seven inches shorter overall so

the tunnel has been brought in Board of

the vehicle quite a bit and then it

tapers back here what that does is it

gets the this rear corner of the vehicle

which sticks into the snow when you're

on a steep side Hill or trying to move

up the hill and it just gets it out of

the snow lets the vehicle do its thing

doesn't interfere with the snow makes it

way easier to control and again from a

rider standpoint what you're going to

feel here and the short tunnel thing

this was something that um me personally

I had been cutting and chopping and

re-welding stuff for a few years and so

it was so awesome to see it again a

factory mod sled to see the short tunnel

come out and not only the shortness does

help the sled in the snow but to nels's

point what the taper does is when you're

on edge and you're on that side Hill

there's no longer that pivot point of

the rear of the snowmobile contacting

the snow lifting the track out and

washing out you can literally be on as

steep of slope as you want and the

contact points on the snow stay moving

forward instead of washing out the third

thing we're going to talk about is

ergonomics so like Chris was talking

about being able to control the vehicle

when you're on it and really crawling

around a mountain so it isn't like any

other Powersports out there with rmks on

the RMK team we talk a lot about Dynamic

deep snow Mobility you have to move

around the vehicle in an incredible way

to get it to do what you like we want to

make that as easy as possible make it

less tiring and easy to move around

because of that everything that the

rider touches on an RMK is all specific

to RMK the seat tank console running

boards footwells handlebars steering

everything that the rider interacts with

is purpose built around really two big

things the first is keeping it as narrow

and compact as possible

it's more or less trying to keep it out

of the way we want to be able to move

around the vehicle without getting

anything in the way so it's a narrow

seat and tank right here up at the front

three inches narrower with an axis

carrying that back the the slope tapered

design down to the running board it's

really making it easy to move around the

second is what we call the neutral

position and so when a snowmobile

doesn't have anybody on it the the

weight is more biased towards the front

the neutral position is when somebody

stands on the vehicle now the vehicle is

perfectly weighted front to back with

the rider on the vehicle what that does

is it allows a small movement forward

back or side to side predictably impact

the vehicle every single time you don't

have to crawl around and try and get

yourself in this one certain spot to

make a move where you naturally want to

stand is the easiest place to move the

vehicle yeah and again from the rider's

input what I feel when I ride a sled The

Matrix specifically is that I can be in

this neutral position in the center of

the sled using my toes and pushing down

with my palms and having the sled be

essentially one with the my body and

what is different between a matrix and

our competition is you in on this side

we are literally like you're saying

standing in the middle of the snowmobile

versus being all the way in the front

and how that affects you on the snow is

it takes less input for the sled to do

what you want to do and also the

transitions from neutral to the wrong

foot forward those motions are a lot

easy and more fluid again using less

energy

the fourth and last piece that we're

going to talk about today it really goes

hand in hand with the ergonomics and

that's our vertical steering so like

Chris talked a lot about just there

being able to manipulate the vehicle

part of being able to manipulate the

vehicle and move it through the hill is

being able to move the vehicle with your

hands that's the part that's connected

all the time and that's the part you're

making the inputs on what our vertical

steering is technically is this a

steering Arc that's relatively flat it's

not perfectly flat as you can see but

the vertical post that goes down and

links underneath the hood here keeps the

vehicle or the bars relatively flat to

the vehicle what that does is no matter

the position you're in you have what we

call consistent leverage it's not like

your left hand has all the strength in

your right hands down in a spot where

you don't have any leverage it keeps

both of your hands in this High leverage

position whether you're all the way off

the side of the sled riding in the

neutral position or coming back

the key

to being successful in the mountains is

this steering post configuration the

reason this works is because you're you

always want to be able to use the core

strength of your body and not just use

your arms like this being able to affect

the change of Direction with the

snowmobile this way versus this way is

what again makes this sled more

predictable and also what when how many

times do you get on edge in the

mountains it's literally thousands in a

day and so anytime we can do a process

that makes getting on edge easier which

is again using the core of your body

instead of your arms being able to make

that more efficient make the sled work

for you instead of against you that's

the key exactly right and that's just a

few of the details on what makes this

Matrix work so well out in the back

country and some of the taste of what

we're going to have coming in our new

series sled Tech all the Deep dyes we

got engines and different snowmobiles

and comparisons and all sorts of stuff

coming up so Chris thanks for swimming

by for our first episode make sure you

stay tuned to our Channel and see what

we've got coming next

[Music]