Installed the new skis/spindles tonight. Took all of an hour. Very easy to install. I got 6" Shaper bars with the skis direct from Split Rail Skis. Took out my E-Tec 800 for a quick burn. Temps were 35 degrees and the snow was loose and wet. The sled is noticably more stable. I think this is due to the slightly wider stance. Steering effort is slightly more at low speeds, less much at high speeds. The skis get up on plane quicker than the pilots in deep snow. Surprisingly the snow doesn't shoot thru the skis into the air. Rode on some ice for a bit. Scary!! The dual runners bite like I'm on a Formula Oval race sled! Mental note: don't over steer on ice. I must say, these skis are amazing in the snow. I noticed right away that they don't pull you off the trail in soft snow like the pilots. I made some high speeds runs (100 mph+) at my test track and found them to be VERY stable. Amazing. ABSOLUTLETY no darting. Nothing. They track dead on. Cornering is much better in warm conditions. They seem to bite much better. I am heading out Thursday for a long weekend. Temps should be back to normal by then. I'll give a detailed report once I get back on monday, next week. By the way, I'm 47 and have been riding since '69 at age 6. I've had too many sleds over the years to keep track of. I ride aggressive! So don't let my age fool you. I'm impressed so far. Stay tuned for pics. The skis cost more because you need a new spindle to adapt them to your sled. I'm sure the spindle alone is a big part of the expense but well worth it. I know that the ski's are the future of snowmobiling...they just work too dam well. People need to try them to realize the difference. If your sick of the unpredictable handling of your factory skis, try these...you won't be dissapointed. I would bet money that you will see one manufacturer step up and license the rights to put them on production sleds.

Lenn J.

Update: I've got about 1000 miles on my Split Rail skis. Amazing skis, just amazing. Everyone who tries my sled is impressed. They make comments like: wow...what a difference or : it makes the sled drive and handle so much different. I find that I'm less fatigued at the end of a day of riding.(for me a day is about 200-300 miles) You just don't have to work as hard at steering the sled. It's like having power steering. And they somehow make the front end feel more plush. If your looking for your next ski, these are them!

Having to ride behind Lenn with his fancy split rail skis is a horrible experience. The skis throw snow and ice chunks like a pitching machine! Another issue is that I think they make you ride on the wrong side of the trail especially when video taping at high speed....well maybe that is just the rider of the sled. LOL

Just finished my season up here in NH with over 2000 miles on my new Split Rail skis. I've tried them in every situation possible...including open water. They are always predictable with great feedback thru the bars. My sled is just easier to drive. Looking forward to next season!