How to choose the best snowmobile for hunting?

10. "Pegasus"

“Pegasus” differs from the usual models in that it has low power (6 horsepower). At the same time, there are many advantages that for many buyers can cover the disadvantages. The following are some of them:

• light weight (65 kg);
• ease of disassembly for easy storage and transportation;
• full-fledged steering system;
• comfortable double seat.

“Pegasus” is perfect for driving through snowy taiga forests. It moves easily on snowy and icy surfaces. Can be used as a tug (for this purpose a hitch is provided for drag sleds). The maximum load weight that the model can withstand when driving over rough terrain is 500 kg. The budget snowmobile can accelerate to 25 km per hour.

Criteria for choosing a utilitarian snowmobile

To choose a utilitarian type snowmobile, you must first study the offers on the market, read reviews, and consult with more experienced comrades. The main criteria should be:

• engine power, it should be more;
• Pay attention to the location of the skis, the track should be 900-1000 mm, and the calculation is carried out between the inner edges of the skis.

The remaining indicators can be completely different; they will not particularly affect the characteristics.

We compared the Taiga and Lynx snowmobiles. There is no point in recommending the purchase of one of them; everyone must decide for themselves which is more suitable.

S.MOTO Snowmax 200

The features of the snowmobile include:

• 4-stroke engine (12 horsepower);
• pull and electric starters for starting at sub-zero temperatures;
• high stability due to rubber-fabric reinforced tracks.

For safe driving, disc brakes and an emergency engine stop system are provided. Automatic transmission makes driving easier. The vehicle will be clearly visible in the dark, in fog and during snowfall: a special backlight is installed for this purpose.

But many users have complaints about the quality of plastic parts and the case. Damage to the surface can appear even with minor external influences, so some elements need to be replaced from time to time.

Where to go

Paved roads

(for example, where timber trucks, summer residents or agricultural machinery drive). You can take snowmobiles with a narrow track and a small lug.

Deep untouched snow

. In this case, the priority will be wide and long tracks, large wide skis, large lugs and not very heavy weight.

Snowmobile Taiga Patrol 551

Forest

. In the forest, the width of the snowmobile and its equipment will matter. For protection from branches, it is very desirable to have hand protection and a high windshield, for better visibility in the dark - additional light, and for better maneuverability - a lever suspension. Also, compact and narrow models are more convenient in the forest - they are easier to drive between trees and bushes.

Rusich "200C"

Which snowmobile is best to buy for traveling on forest roads? Rusich "200C" is easy to drive. The machine can be disassembled, and this can be done without the use of additional tools. Thus, the structure can be disassembled in about 15 minutes. and place it in the trunk. There is one seat, but there is enough space for two people (if the total weight does not exceed 170 kg).

There is a small trunk under the seat. The volume of the single-cylinder engine is 150 cm³. The maximum speed is 35 km/h. The model is equipped with an electric starter, heated handles and carburetor, an emergency stop function, and a fastening system for towing loads.

7. Shikhan “D-2”

As a rule, a snowmobile for recreation and fishing is equipped with two support skis for stability and safe riding. This model has one ski, but has more durable tracks. Due to such changes, it was possible to significantly increase maneuverability.

The car can easily make a sharp turn without slowing down. Other advantages include a powerful motor (34 horsepower), high speed (up to 55 km/h). The load capacity of the model is 250 kg. Shikhan "D-2" has good cross-country ability on groomed trails and snowy forest roads. The tracked base can easily self-clean itself from adhered snow. The disadvantages include the cost (about 270,000 rubles).

Pros and cons of a snowmobile

No one can say for sure which snowmobile is better, Lynx or Taiga; everything is known by comparison. The best option would be to test both machines under the same conditions.

An important role will be played by the criteria put forward when purchasing, for each it is a set of its own positive and negative qualities. Let's take a closer look at each of the snowmobiles and look at their pros and cons.

Taiga

These snowmobiles began to be produced back in 1997 and for many years they were not allowed for retail sale to the public. For the last few years, anyone can purchase and test it on their own. You can test both single and double models.

Most of these testers note the following advantages:

• availability of lines of both single and double options;
• all models reach speeds from 60 to 100 km/h;
• overcome deep snow perfectly, without affecting speed performance;
• excellent cornering stability;
• Great for climbing uphill with a trailer.

The unit also has visible disadvantages, among which I would like to note:

• noticeable smell of fuel when the load increases;
• lack of power in deep snow;
• high cost, but this concept is relative.

The pricing policy is varied, it all depends on the individual model and its characteristics. In general, you can buy a new Taiga snowmobile for 300,000 rubles, the maximum cost stops at half a million rubles.

Lynx

Buyers saw Lynx snowmobiles back in 1991; the winter SUV was immediately able to win the hearts of those who like to ride with the breeze in the winter. At that time, the vehicle was praised as a first-class snowmobile of our design, which could easily overcome various difficulties.

Among the advantages we note:

• affordability;
• availability of a repair base and relatively inexpensive spare parts;
• Excellent performance of the snowmobile in shallow snow.

This is where the positive aspects of the snowflake end, but there are more disadvantages:

• You won’t be able to ride on loose snow without a shovel;
• The ignition and transmission often malfunction;
• not suitable for long journeys;
• high fuel consumption;
• In severe frosts, starting the unit is problematic.

But nevertheless, many choose this particular snowmobile for their leisure time.

Taiga "Varyag 500"

The model is equipped with a 2-stroke gasoline engine RMZ-550, the volume of which is 553 cm³ and the power is 50 horsepower. The mechanisms are provided with an air cooling method. The engine is started by electric starter or manually. Various modifications are available for sale: with a 2-speed gearbox or CVT. The snowmobile has hydraulic disc brakes.

The fuel tank capacity is 40 liters. “Varyag 500” consumes up to 10 liters of fuel for every 100 km of driving. Among the advantages, buyers note ease of operation, excellent cross-country ability, and reliability. But some users point to poor-quality fastening of the windshield and hood.

Senya Beloozersky 12/28/2011 09:26

quote: Originally posted by Alexey (CDMA): Senya Vsetaki Taigu or Yamaha Viking VK540

Taiga-Viking, it seems like a new model, I’ll even find a photo and description
. There is a lot in common between the words, or rather the names “Varyag” and Viking in the modern snowmobile world. These are images of the classics - utilitarian, durable, reliable and simple. But, if Viking from Yamaha has long been frozen in its development, the company recently introduced the Taiga-Varyag snowmobile - a fairly seriously modified version of the Taiga, which is in stable demand. The company considers Viking to be Varyag's main competitor. And not only for him, but also for other models from the “Taiga” line. Therefore, even at the beginning of work on “Varyag”, an ambitious goal was outlined - maximum technical characteristics at a price of no more than 200,000 rubles. Making a good budget snowmobile is much more difficult than making a snow cruiser stuffed to the brim. But the team from Rybinsk pulled it off, and it turns out that the “Varyag” defeated the “Viking” by the very fact of its birth. The time-tested Japanese costs 100,000 rubles more: The recommended retail price of the Taiga-Varyag snowmobile is 199,000 rubles. How did you manage to reach such a price? Let's start with the engine. The “Varyag” is equipped with a two-stroke air-cooled engine RMZ-550, which has proven itself on such models as the TAYGA Patrul 550 SWT and TAYGA 550 SE. But on the latest, more expensive model, the engine is equipped with two carburetors, and on the “Varyag” a simpler circuit with one carburetor is implemented. Plus, the cylinder diameter has been increased to 76 mm and reed valves have been installed. The result is that the power of the RMZ-550 engine on the Varyag is 50 hp. With. Only five “horses” less than the SE. Let us note the peculiarities of the engine's character - reed valves made it possible to increase the engine's output at low and medium speeds. "Varyag" eats very affordable food - 92-octane gasoline. The snowmobile draws its “power” from a 38-liter gas tank, which allows you to count on a very decent power reserve. The designers paid special attention to the engine equipment and body kit of the snowmobile. Thus, air ducts are used to directly supply cold air to the cooling system. Accordingly, the plastic body kit has appropriate ventilation holes. Tests will show whether they become clogged with snow during active use. The snowmobile hood and other plastic elements are made of frost-resistant ABS plastic. Among the advantages of this material, well known for its use in the global automotive industry, are impact resistance and a modern, attractive appearance. New materials)) were also used for seat cushions. Now they retain their elasticity better at low temperatures, plus the profile of the seats has changed a little - they have become more ergonomic. The passenger seating position has become a little higher and more comfortable, plus footrests have been added to the base. The battery was moved from the engine compartment to the luggage compartment. The optics have also changed. The “Varyag” uses a powerful headlight with an FF reflector. It allows you to increase illumination by 35%, while more accurately directing the light beam. In order to minimize the possibility of breakdowns of the rear suspension during operation, the factory workers strengthened the springs. The front suspension is without significant changes, classic telescopic design. The track size is also standard for utilitarian snowmobiles - length 393.7 cm, width - 50 cm. The dry weight of the Taiga-Varyag is about 290 kilograms. The windshield is, of course, high. There is an electric starter and heated steering wheel grips and gas trigger. Handlebar with mountain strap. In the nose of the snowmobile there is an integrated power bumper with a convenient handle. When turning, the skis go under the bumper. The luggage compartment located under the seat is still shallow and elongated. You can put candles, spare variator belts and other small items. The main space for storing cargo remains the luggage area behind the back of the passenger seat. It is logical to purchase and install a hard, roomy case there, for example, with a hinged lid-table. Of course, the snowmobile is equipped with a tow bar. The warranty period with routine maintenance is 2 years or 3000 km. Spare parts and service can be obtained at more than 140 dealer centers of the OJSC company)))) Now “Varyag” occupies a good position. The main competitor, the Yamaha Viking, now costs 299,000 rubles, and in this price segment it is being squeezed out by the lightweight utility vehicle from Ski-Doo, the Tundra LT 550, also priced at 299,000 rubles. <Varyag> is 100,000 rubles cheaper. The delta between prices can be invested in equipment, equipment, and accessories for a snowmobile. The price of 199,000 rubles is 100% within the target audience of the Russian Mechanics company, which includes hunters, fishermen, and residents of the Far North who do not have sufficient funds to purchase, maintain and repair imported snowmobiles. The main thing is that during operation the Varyag demonstrates the reliability of the Yamaha Viking and the convenience of the Ski-Doo Tundra.

in short, I got confused again... that's what they call her)))) Russian Viking and the text turned out to be some kind of advertising

Burlak "Jager Forwarder"

This snowmobile is liked by many outdoor enthusiasts due to its laconic design. It is light, maneuverable, passable. Fuel is consumed economically. There is a trunk under the comfortable double seat and a small trunk under the hood.

The basic configuration includes brake and reverse. It is possible to additionally install a removable luggage compartment, electric start function and heated steering wheel grips. Please note that the kit does not include a battery.

IRBIS Tungus 600L

In this snowmobile, the manufacturer used a Zongshen 620 cm³ engine with a power of 21 horsepower. The use of a tracked roller-slide block with 4 shock absorbers makes the ride soft and smooth. Due to its good cross-country ability and other characteristics, the model is recognized as one of the best for driving in the taiga.

The track adheres reliably to the surface, so the Tungus 600L can move through deep snow.

The device is stable and easy to maneuver on uneven roads. The housing has a 12V socket, an electronic instrument panel, an emergency braking system and a manual engine start. However, some buyers claim that the snowmobile is too heavy for one driver (weight is 200 kg).

Leader "Alpha 2 150 ss"

In this version, the manufacturer added an extended caterpillar track, which made the vehicle more passable. The durable, non-removable body is made of durable materials. It is possible to transport drag sleighs with loads weighing up to 300 kg. The design is based on a classic design - 2 skis in front and a wide track in the back.

Thus, due to the three-point support, the equipment stands well on surfaces. The delivery set includes an automatic transmission with a shift lever (reverse, forward and neutral). The powerful engine allows you to reach high speeds.

The presence of a reverse gear makes the model maneuverable and comfortable to operate in different weather conditions.

Selection by characteristics

Several characteristics are especially important for hunting trips. They determine how long the trip to the hunting grounds will take, how much cargo you can take and how convenient it is to distribute it, whether you will have to refuel, and how difficult the routes can be overcome.

Engine

Let's start with the obvious: it is important to pay attention to engine power. The more powerful the engine, the faster the snowmobile will go with or without a load, and the more confidently it will overcome a difficult route. But there is also a downside: a powerful engine will consume more fuel, which means trips will be more expensive, and you may have to take a spare canister with you.

In addition to power, you need to pay attention to the number of strokes: engines are two- and four-stroke.

Two-stroke engines are simpler, more powerful, and weigh less. They are usually installed on lighter sports and mountain snowmobiles, which prioritize speed and dynamic handling.

Four-stroke engines are easier to maintain, consume less fuel, operate more reliably and are quieter. They are installed on touring and utility snowmobiles that do not need to break speed records. Therefore, snowmobiles with a four-stroke engine are in most cases better suited for hunting.

Patency

If you plan to go hunting through deep, untouched snowdrifts half a meter deep or more, cross-country ability is a very important characteristic.

Snowmobile Taiga Varyag 550

Let's briefly tell you what affects it:

• Snowmobile weight. The more weight, the more the snowmobile presses on the snow, and the higher the chance of loading. And even more difficult it will be to dig out and get it out if it gets stuck.
• Track width. The wider it is, the larger the area the weight of the snowmobile is distributed, and the better it stays afloat. Therefore, the ideal choice for hunting trips is snowmobiles with a track width of 500 or 600 mm, or two-track Burans with a total track width of 720 mm.
• Height of lugs. The larger they are, the deeper they will sink into the snow, and the more they will throw away. Utility snowmobiles are usually equipped with medium-height lugs, since they have to ride both in deep, untouched snow and on hard-packed roads, where too large lugs can get in the way.
• Ski length and width. As with the track, the larger the area of ​​the ski, the less pressure there will be on the snow. If small skis come as standard, you can and should install extenders. And it is also advisable to put them on large skis. Although controllability deteriorates with the expander, cross-country ability greatly increases.

Tank capacity

It determines how far you can travel without refueling. Therefore, you definitely need to pay attention to the volume of the tank. Moreover, when traveling on hunting trips, fuel consumption will most likely be higher than calculated - since you will have to carry additional cargo. Typically, utilitarian snowmobiles have gas tanks of 40 liters or more.

Load capacity

This parameter is worth paying attention to if you plan to go hunting with a passenger or carry a lot of cargo with you (weapons, supplies, fuel, and hunted game on the way back). Many utilitarian snowmobiles have a load capacity of about 200-300 kg (for example, up to 250 kg can be loaded on a Buran). Therefore, if you are going to hunt 400-kilogram moose, look for more powerful equipment (relatively speaking, with engines of 50-60 hp).

Additional accessories and tuning

Accessories can improve your snowmobile's maneuverability, make your ride more comfortable, and help distribute your load. Therefore, when choosing a model, it is advisable to make a list of equipment requirements in order to understand what you will often carry with you. And depending on this, see whether the snowmobile is suitable for these tasks (whether it will be possible to install all the necessary options on it, and whether there are factory accessories).

A good example in terms of quantity and variety of body kit is Polaris snowmobiles. They have a proprietary Lock&Ride fastening system, for which a large number of accessories are produced - from gun cases to hand protection and cases of various sizes and shapes.

Russian mechanics “RM Vector 551i”

“RM Vector 551i” is one of the highest quality domestically produced snowmobiles according to most buyers. Main features of the model:

1. The development of the aluminum platform was carried out by employees of MSTU. Bauman. It is created in such a way that it combines high strength and low weight (frame weight - 55 kg).
2. The manufacturer modernized the RMZ-551 2-stroke engine and equipped it with an injector made in Russia. The engine has become more powerful (by 7 horsepower) and more economical.
3. For the energy-intensive suspension, adjustable shock absorbers are provided. This snowmobile is the most passable due to such additions.
4. The height of the steering wheel can be adjusted. It can be installed so that the machine can be conveniently operated by a person of any height (up to 190+ cm).

The disadvantages include the inconvenient location of the kick starter handle (it can rest against your leg).

The best Russian snowmobile – Taiga, Buran or Stealth?

It doesn’t matter what your hobby is: hunting, fishing or just going out into nature. If it is associated with winter and snow, then you cannot do without appropriate transport. The best option is a snowmobile. Yes, it’s an expensive pleasure, but not a single budget motorized towing vehicle can give you what a full-fledged snowmobile is capable of.

There are several types of these vehicles. There are walking, sports, mountain and even children's models. But our comparison included so-called utilitarian snowmobiles. They have a purely practical purpose. They will not develop great speed in the snow. You won't be able to make jumps and somersaults on them. But they can easily transport you, your passenger, as well as cargo weighing over half a ton. Such snowmobiles are equipped with a special gearbox, which has low and high speeds. That is, even driving uphill is not a problem for him.

Another distinctive feature of utilitarian snowmobiles is the presence of a luggage compartment in the rear and a towbar for attaching a sled. This is the kind of snow truck with which you can safely go fishing or hunting. He will drag you and all your belongings away. There are several other common parameters among the models included in our comparison:

• speed no higher than 100 kilometers per hour;
• engine capacity up to 800 cubic meters;
• power no more than 60 horsepower.

And the most important thing is the price. It’s no secret that a snowmobile is an expensive pleasure, but we will look at models produced by Russian manufacturers. In terms of quality, they are not only not inferior to their foreign analogues, but sometimes even surpass them. The price tag of the options under consideration varies, but does not exceed 500 thousand rubles. All of the listed characteristics correspond to many Russian-made models, but if you study the reviews of the owners, you can identify the three most interesting options:

BURAN 4T

– a two-seater utilitarian snowmobile with a high windshield and one front ski track. A powerful unit capable of hauling weights up to 800 kilograms. True, there is no own trunk, but the seating for the driver and passenger is as comfortable as possible. You can safely go on long, multi-hour trips.

TAIGA VARYAG 550 V

– a utilitarian snowmobile with two front skis and a small trunk. There is a towbar for attaching the sled and another one at the front for transporting the device itself. An interesting model with a carburetor injection system from the famous Japanese brand Mikuni.

Stels S600 Viking ST 2.0 With VTech

– if you look online for owner reviews of various snowmobiles, then based on their number, this model will be the winner. Not surprising, since the Stealth company has long been on everyone’s lips and is in demand. This model is for utilitarian purposes with its own trunk and two towbars. Well, the manufacturer did not forget about the appearance. It looks brutal, but not a single extra line.

Our comparison will affect all modules of the snowmobile, since each of them is important and matters when choosing. We'll look at the suspension, frame and engine and try to determine which of these models is the best in its segment.