Great to see Artic Cat putting serious effort into a new platform. It's obvious they put a lot of work into this sled. Decades ago, when I was a kid, AC was known for innovating. It's good for the industry that they're back in the game.
I have loved arctic cat since my dad got me into sledding at a young age. Go green or go home i always said. I switched to polaris in the pro ride days, went to axys and now matryx. I love my polaris but it would be such a cool experience to try this out and bring it back home to cat in a couple years. Really happy to see that AC didnt just roll over and die. I really hope this sled is it.
This chassis WILL pull me away from Polaris. My only concern is gonna be the reliability of the new motor that's coming. I *really* hope Cat has wild success with this!
This is going to make my other boss happy, as he is an Arctic Cat driver. So I will get to test drive this (hopefully). For me, Lynx, anyday, but this looks really promising.
@@Just3adventures If you haven't listened or watched the snowest podcast about the catalyst, definitely check that out, it pretty much sold it to me, exactly what I wanted to hear
Suzuki days have been done for a few years now. Cat has been making their own engine but I’m guessing you knew that? I’m pretty impressed with my turbo’d ctec though. Hopefully cat is working hard on making that a factory option.
Cat is owed by textron which has owned Polaris since 1982 so cat and Polaris are owed by the same company and they share technology so you’re cat is no longer built by articat
@@wingmaster2109 Yea, I just feel the Suzuki is the better motor as far as longivity. and it would need to be a big bore (900) and turboed to keep up with the competition these days.
Wow I first saw a cat with a belt drive on a scrapped 1980 Arctic Lynx/ Puma? Proto leafer chassis. I got a friend who’s been trying for over a decade to restore that.
Sounds like Arctic Cat really pulled out all the stops when they redesigned this machine and put the new catalyst frame underneath it. Sounds like this is going to be a hit. Still not vibing with the front-end. It looks too upright too bulbous. But who knows, maybe I'll grow to like it.
But at the end of the day, it's still just a 600 and parts availability is nowhere near the competition. Cat is going to have to make some big changes to survive against Doo and Polaris unfortunately. I miss my old cat.
Thank god they changed the intake, hopefully no more snow injestion. I see they changed the power valves back or atleast changed them from the ctec2 setup that you had to pull the cylinder to clean them. Be intresting to seee the 860 and turbo setup if thats what they are releasing. Why they still have the headlight and heater switch on the handlebar of a mtn sled is beyond me. There have been cleanup kits forever and now you can't even modify it, your stuck with it. the 860 is only 5 years too late, at least cat seems to try to be staying relevant. They were heading for bankruptcy in my opinion.
Is the new platform with the 858 going to be competitive, weight-wise, with Polaris? Ever since AC moved on from the original M-series, their sled weights have gotten really really high, like 50+ lbs heavier than a Polaris.
Arctic Cat had indicated in the development process that their intention was to be lightest in the industry. I guess we'll find out soon if they achieved that goal or not, but regardless we expect Catalyst to be considerably lighter than the Ascender models.
If cat gets there shit together with parts availability and gives me an 800+ engine and a twin rail option in the platform. Then and only then I’ll consider going back to cat.
Looks like they took care of the steering stem issues. Now how about the tether. Cats are dumb to try to put one on. It's there a factory one now? Flipped my sled doing a climb last year, by the time i could get to the kill switch it had been running straight upside down for a good 30 seconds.
Zero innovation ... this would have been a great sled back in 2012 ! Sad to see Cat so slow to change and innovate. Looks nice on the showroom floor but for all of us whom have owned cats know that in a year or two it will be plastered with problems and worn out parts. E for effort !
@@reggiewhite4111all these people saying catch up. You do realize with innovation you can go from last to first right? Besides what’s with the parts wearing out? Like Polaris and doo don’t?😂
when this is released with the new 858, Cat will crush and all the ski-doo polaris fan boys will have to sell their sleds for 1/2 price.....hahahaahhahah
next time un plug the camera mans mic .... hard to pay attention to the info with all the heavy breathing and ruffeling of the second jacket for absolutly no reason. or at least delete that channel in post🤫
As mentioned in the description, sorry about that but we had to use the backup audio source from camera because there was an issue with the recording from the mic on the presenter.
Well it'll be a good final hoorah for arctic cat before they go bankrupt. I don't see anything here that makes me confident that it's not just a fat pig of a sled like the previous gen.
Sooo, has some of the same features of a Polaris, some of the same features as a skidoo. Nothing original from Arctic cat, just copying the competition. Pretty standard anymore.
Great to see Artic Cat putting serious effort into a new platform. It's obvious they put a lot of work into this sled. Decades ago, when I was a kid, AC was known for innovating. It's good for the industry that they're back in the game.
Looks great but how DARE they remove slop from the steering.
Right! I demand more parts! I will at least attempt a telescoping bar retrofit
@@gregmulfort9577 the circular steering wheel with video game controllers is definately technological innovation lol
agreed it just won't ride like a cat!
Steering slop was such a staple in arctic snowmobiles! Can't say Il be the one that misses it!
A cat that steers. Unheard of.
I have loved arctic cat since my dad got me into sledding at a young age. Go green or go home i always said. I switched to polaris in the pro ride days, went to axys and now matryx. I love my polaris but it would be such a cool experience to try this out and bring it back home to cat in a couple years. Really happy to see that AC didnt just roll over and die. I really hope this sled is it.
Impressive sled, can’t wait to order a 800+cc version.
Just a beautiful looking sled. Need to try one. Waiting for the 858 to come out before I buy another one. This was an awesome review
This chassis WILL pull me away from Polaris. My only concern is gonna be the reliability of the new motor that's coming. I *really* hope Cat has wild success with this!
What dont you like about the polaris matryx?
You're going to regret switching.
@@barriefarmsjryes regret leaving the consistent stop ride bulletins ….
@@Spooky4815 Nothing. It’s just to try something different is all. I grew up on Polaris - it’s in my blood - but I’ve always had a soft spot for Cat.
@@fasterdura1772 Do you know what “CYA” means? BRP also released a fuel hazard recall yesterday - just an FYI.
Great Review!! Now I wanna add one to my Cat Collection!!
The 2021- up Arctic Cat Blast 4000 and the Yamaha SX Venom 400 is the same chassis. Awesome sleds!!!
I'll be looking. Cat needs to be a player again. Good for industry.
This is going to make my other boss happy, as he is an Arctic Cat driver. So I will get to test drive this (hopefully). For me, Lynx, anyday, but this looks really promising.
Excellent beginner sled.
Great video! Can’t wait to try our 146 alpha
I got the 146 also. It is replacing my 19 high country, I am pumped!!
@@gregmulfort9577 nice! We are stoked to try it this winter
@@Just3adventures
If you haven't listened or watched the snowest podcast about the catalyst, definitely check that out, it pretty much sold it to me, exactly what I wanted to hear
Cant wait to see one
Andys enthusiasm is infectious!. So how about that 900 suzuki turbo?
Suzuki days have been done for a few years now. Cat has been making their own engine but I’m guessing you knew that? I’m pretty impressed with my turbo’d ctec though. Hopefully cat is working hard on making that a factory option.
Cat is owed by textron which has owned Polaris since 1982 so cat and Polaris are owed by the same company and they share technology so you’re cat is no longer built by articat
@@TheBreedxxxThat’s incorrect. Polaris was bought FROM Textron in 1981….
@@wingmaster2109 Yea, I just feel the Suzuki is the better motor as far as longivity. and it would need to be a big bore (900) and turboed to keep up with the competition these days.
@@TheBreedxxx Do your home work bud. Completely incorrect. Good grief.
Wow I first saw a cat with a belt drive on a scrapped 1980 Arctic Lynx/ Puma? Proto leafer chassis. I got a friend who’s been trying for over a decade to restore that.
Obviously the lack of information on that project has been a big hurt.
Nice thompson manitoba in the house!
I might need to go back to cat! My sks 145 850 is awesome but I've always been a cat guy.
I see you are skilled in the art of
Flippy floppy’s. 🤣
funny, Really clean wiring.......
Those frogzskin vents on the front are going to get punctured real quick
For sureeeeee
Not necessarily, mine have survived many years with no issues, and if they do get ripped, new ones are very cheap
We put over 1000 miles on one with no problems
Trail rider short tracks 137s check 2 600s need twin pipes ill buy 1 ASAP
They really need to get those hand warmer contols off of the handle bar.
Agreed! This is an easy future improvement
Is there a matching accentric on the clutch side?
New 800 2 stroke will be the best yet next year, how long has cat been making 2 strokes motors for?😂
Sounds like Arctic Cat really pulled out all the stops when they redesigned this machine and put the new catalyst frame underneath it. Sounds like this is going to be a hit. Still not vibing with the front-end. It looks too upright too bulbous. But who knows, maybe I'll grow to like it.
Still no twin rail in the lineup😢
We are also confused by this-the customers and market have clearly voiced their desire for a twin rail option for those who want it...🤷♂
Haydays children. September 10th will be the reveal of the monster…..
But at the end of the day, it's still just a 600 and parts availability is nowhere near the competition. Cat is going to have to make some big changes to survive against Doo and Polaris unfortunately. I miss my old cat.
Thank god they changed the intake, hopefully no more snow injestion. I see they changed the power valves back or atleast changed them from the ctec2 setup that you had to pull the cylinder to clean them. Be intresting to seee the 860 and turbo setup if thats what they are releasing. Why they still have the headlight and heater switch on the handlebar of a mtn sled is beyond me. There have been cleanup kits forever and now you can't even modify it, your stuck with it. the 860 is only 5 years too late, at least cat seems to try to be staying relevant. They were heading for bankruptcy in my opinion.
Is the new platform with the 858 going to be competitive, weight-wise, with Polaris? Ever since AC moved on from the original M-series, their sled weights have gotten really really high, like 50+ lbs heavier than a Polaris.
Arctic Cat had indicated in the development process that their intention was to be lightest in the industry. I guess we'll find out soon if they achieved that goal or not, but regardless we expect Catalyst to be considerably lighter than the Ascender models.
Arctic cat needs twin pipes they'll get lots of buyers for trail riders
👍👍👍
Anyone that bought a new sled in Manitoba Canada hasn't been able to ride very much hardly any snow
Cat needed that guy at haydays to explain things. The ones they had did a horrible job.
If cat gets there shit together with parts availability and gives me an 800+ engine and a twin rail option in the platform. Then and only then I’ll consider going back to cat.
They’ve already said a big bore is coming I’m not how people haven’t heard this!
The alpha is pretty fun.
If you have not rode one for a season you won't have a good opinion.
Definitely a mediocre learning time.
They won’t get rid of the alpha sadly. I had one for two years and hated it. Complete garbage.
@@gentilejoshsaved1646 I rode one for 3 seasons or around 4000kms. I know exactly how they handle, not my cup of tea.
Camera man sounds like he ran a marathon after taking on step to the left
Looks like they took care of the steering stem issues. Now how about the tether. Cats are dumb to try to put one on. It's there a factory one now? Flipped my sled doing a climb last year, by the time i could get to the kill switch it had been running straight upside down for a good 30 seconds.
Arctic Cat has provided a tether on all mountain sleds since MY2019.
Well.. Not for me, the BRP 850E-tec is just so much better than this old 'SDI' system that BRP had as early that 2004..
I get it for travelling but all these amp modellers sound sterile to me.
Mountain riders aren't going to buy the 600 Mountain sled. It's a status issue.
Zero innovation ... this would have been a great sled back in 2012 ! Sad to see Cat so slow to change and innovate. Looks nice on the showroom floor but for all of us whom have owned cats know that in a year or two it will be plastered with problems and worn out parts. E for effort !
Exactly. All this sled and new motor did was catch them up. They'll be obsolete again next year.
@@reggiewhite4111all these people saying catch up. You do realize with innovation you can go from last to first right? Besides what’s with the parts wearing out? Like Polaris and doo don’t?😂
I get I’m a trail rider. But 10,000 miles on 3 sleds. I think cats hold together just fine. Motors weren’t touched either… just sayin
looking more and more like a Doo?
The alpha rail is garbage. They need to offer a twin rail or they are toast even with a big bore or turbo.
when this is released with the new 858, Cat will crush and all the ski-doo polaris fan boys will have to sell their sleds for 1/2 price.....hahahaahhahah
When they release it😂 they been falling behind lol! They Don’t even have a turbo mountain sled brah.
@@xzFLYBOYzx meh. I've been riding a turbo'd alpha since 2019....but you're correct, AC behind the curve for sure
I don’t think I like the pipe on it
next time un plug the camera mans mic .... hard to pay attention to the info with all the heavy breathing and ruffeling of the second jacket for absolutly no reason. or at least delete that channel in post🤫
As mentioned in the description, sorry about that but we had to use the backup audio source from camera because there was an issue with the recording from the mic on the presenter.
@@sleddermag oh bummer ! Guess I should read the discription next time
Well it'll be a good final hoorah for arctic cat before they go bankrupt. I don't see anything here that makes me confident that it's not just a fat pig of a sled like the previous gen.
Textron owens cat and Polaris they will not go bankrupt they will just dump cat all together
@@TheBreedxxxTextron does NOT own Polaris. Quit saying that.
google it@@GreatLakesLogger
Sooo, has some of the same features of a Polaris, some of the same features as a skidoo. Nothing original from Arctic cat, just copying the competition. Pretty standard anymore.
That’s every brand. The cost is already too high so they can’t go out and make new things constantly
@@CCH-R I definitely agree. Cost is way out of hand anymore. Manufacturers are taking away a family activity just due to cost. I think it's sad.
@@daveharty-wb2mr 100 percent agree