2015 Arctic Cat M8000 ES
The newest snowmobiles from
the Arctic Cat lineup include the new 2015 M8000 ES, the essential mountain
snowmobile. It offers new technological advances, sleek design, and the same
reliability that you expect from Arctic Cat.
Performance
The M8000 ES offers the
optimum engine power to weight ratio. It leads the 800cc class engines with 160
horsepower. It’s also equipped with a new feature called octane recognition
where it senses the octane of the fuel and uses appropriate engine settings. For
the chassis set up they used the ProClimb chassis. The design is focused on
strength while minimizing weight. The chassis specializes in absorbing impacts
and redirecting the energy to the strongest points of the chassis instead of the
rider. For the best suspension, they combined a Mountain style rear suspension
with a Race style front suspension. The Mountain rear suspension is designed to
be lightweight and still adjustable to the rider’s weight and riding
conditions. The Race front suspension specializes in handling in strength while
using Fox Float shocks to absorb rough terrain. The track is the PowerClaw
model which has staggered 2.6 inch paddles. The paddles are curved backward to
scoop the snow backwards and provide additional traction and flotation in the
deep powder. Arctic Cat has optimized the engine, chassis, suspension, and
track to offer excellent performance riding in the unpredictable backcountry
snow conditions.
Comfort
One of the best additions on the 2015
M8000 ES is the electric start. This allows you to turn a key rather than
pulling on a cord multiple times to start the engine. This is especially useful
on the cold mornings when the engine won’t pull over. Once you get this
feature, you definitely won’t want to go back. The sled also has push-button reverse
which makes for much easier maneuvering in the garage, on the trail, or if you
are stuck in a tree. Another comforting feature designed to help the rider is
the telescoping handlebars. They can be raised or lowered four inches for trail
or backcountry riding. Raised handlebars will make stand-up riding easier
providing more leverage, while lowed handlebars will easier to hold riding on
the trails. The new speedometer the M8000 has both a digital and analog reading
for the speed and RPM allowing you to switch which appears where. It also has an
altimeter built in to show your altitude, and odometers to measure trip and
total mileage. These new additions will help you stay comfortable out in the
boondocks and keep you from tiring out too fast.
Features
The 2015 M8000 ES is
equipped with some extra features to increase your riding experience. It has a
detachable rear storage bag which fits under the seat. You can store your
lunch, a spare pair of gloves, or any other essentials to keep you riding
strong. Right below the speedometer, there is a padded goggle storage area that
uses the engine heat to keep your goggles free of fog. It can also be used to
bring an extra pair of goggles along if you need different tints for different
types of sunlight. If you find your engine overheating on the trail, try out
the new ice scratchers on the M8000. They scratch up the ice on the trail into
the skid frame and keep the radiator and engine cool. They can be placed back into
the suspension when riding off trail to prevent snags. With these added
features, you and your sled will be able to spend more time out playing, and
less time in the cabin.
Comparison
I compared the 2015 M8000
ES from Arctic Cat to the 2015 Summit X T3 from Ski-Doo. They are both meant
for mountain riding and have very similar designs. One of the first aspects the
M8000 surpasses the Summit in is the engine. The M8000 has a 160 horsepower engine
while the Summit only provides 151 horsepower. This could be the difference
between making it to the top of the mountain or getting stuck halfway up and
watching your buddies make the climb. The Summit doesn’t offer the electric
start like the M8000 which saves some weight but might force costly muscle
wear. The Summit also doesn’t offer the telescoping handlebars which can
provide the leverage and control you need making advanced maneuvers through the
rough terrain. At $13,599 it is around $1,200 cheaper than the Ski-Doo. This could easily buy you a years worth of gas and oil! If the price seems somewhat severe, realize you are buying one of the highest quality mountain sleds out there. Paying a little extra now will prevent you from spending thousands later when your lower quality sled breaks down. If you are looking to buy a new 2015 snowmobile to ride in the
mountains, I strongly recommend the 2015 M8000 ES. It comes standard with
features and accessories you would normally have to pay thousands of dollars
for aftermarket products. Arctic Cat has really surpassed the competition with
their newly designed sleds. Take this M8000 out in the mountains and you will
feel the comfort and power the machine was designed to deliver.
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