I have the 13hp snowdog bought December 2021, Been out on the lake 6 times already. Poor snowmobile is getting sold, this was so much better for my use case. I use ramps and put it right in the back of the truck. I have a camper top for it, all the ice gear goes to the other side of the bed. It sure is a head turner. Was pretty good to see a snowmobile stuck on the ramp and I went right up it. That felt good.
great vid! i just bought a new 13 hp sport model. love it. I bought a pair of folding aluminum ramps and use just one to load and unload into the back of my f150. works awesome and keeps it out of the salt spray pretty well. i had 4 fully grown adults and all their gear behind me in six sleds a few weeks ago. really turns some heads heading out when people see you unpack the back of the truck and then start it up and hop on and drive away.
Lovin my 13.5 standard out here in Utah. Such a cool awesome little machine! Pulls everything I’ve ever threw at it. 3 sled deep with me and my 2 kids for some over nighters.
These Snowdogs are over $5000 plus tax in Northern Ontario. Bought my 07 Tundra for $3000 with Estart and reverse a few years back. If these were $1500-$2000 I could see buying one but not at that price! @Aventure Fishing, we get it you really like the Snowdog.
Great review! I've often wondered about getting one of these. You made a lot of good points. I see one of these in my future. Thanks very much! Tight lines!
I also live in New Hampshire as well actually the Wilton area.Ive had sleds/ snowmobiles in.the past but these Snow dogs are actually extremely useful and I agree for all the reasons you stated.
I'm having a hard time finding one for 2k ish...... I saw your videos was current and I turned green....lol The hunt continues ;) Thx for the review!!!!!!!
Very cool. Here's a tip for ya, use non-ethanol fuel in it. In my area, Chicagoland the most common type is REC90. Also, drain the fuel out of the tank and carb at the end of the season. The YT channel Taryl fixes all, did a two year test of fuel additives on 12 new engines. At the end of the test the only engine that would still start and also had the cleanest carb bowl was the one using REC90 fuel.
I was debating on a 10 hp or 13 hp... But you having a 7 hp and towed all those gears with some buds also. I think 10 is all I need..... key is lightweight for me and being more mobile. Great content.
Paid $200. for my 70's ski doo snowmobile with reverse. The guy I bought it from said it hasn't ran for 2 years I sprayed starting fluid started right up. And I'm happy. The snow dog can't go through deep snow also is expensive for a pull behind lawn mower.
Try that on Lake Huron or Erie when your normal trip is 4-10 miles one way, over cracks, slush, chopped ice, etc. A suspension is absolutely necessary.
Good for flat land little hills. Never got me to any of my lakes in northern Ontario Canada. Hit a snowmobile track trench and your done tips you over. Very hard for anyone taller to keep balance ! Steep Hills forget it ! Deeper snow 2’ plus forget it. Sold mine that’s a true review !
Did you have track slides on yours? They are tippy but I have never tipped mine. One thing I've learned is to keep the handle bars high so you have more leverage
They should make one that has an interchangable mower deck that way you can use it on the lawn for summertime and it'll be easier for guys to sell their old ladies on the idea then too. They come out with a model like that I'll tell the other half the mowers shot out and I can go grab one with out any headaches!
You make a very good point! Red Green style engineering is sure ta get er done way under trailor park budget leavin $ for 🥃🍺 and bait. And if you're real crafty like McGuiver and the A-Team you'll really be loving it when the plan comes together and there's $ left to just go waste! 🤡
I made one from a dead '88 Polaris Indy 650. Couple of hundred bucks for a Harbor Freight 212cc engine and CVT, bar warmers, lights etc. I love it for all the reasons you mentioned and get the satisfaction of having built it too.
You can get a used Yamaha VK540 for less that a new Snowdog. They're readily available where I live, but I don't know if that's the case elsewhere. It is a much larger, heavier machine, but they can go pretty much anywhere, and are legendary in terms of reliability. The VK540 has a very simple air-cooled engine. And maintenance isn't an issue, because they literally last forever. And you could carry/tow about 15 times as much gear with a VK. They have a hi/low/reverse gearbox, 540cc engine, and 20”x156" track. It's a bigger machine to store and transport but also much more capable, comfortable, and faster. For longer expeditions, I think the VK is a much more practical choice, but it's all a matter of tradeoffs and priorities, I guess.
@@BendItFishing You don't need that big of a trailer for just one sled, but I see your point regarding the storage. If you don't have the space, it would definitely be a hassle.
I have a 2011 Polaris 600 IQ with a 20”x 156”. We use it mostly just to run in 6 miles from a trailhead to an off-road cabin. I can do it in about 30 minutes pulling close to a 1000 pounds up and down some pretty steep hills. Before that I had a 2000 Trail RMK. The longer Widetrack has less weight per square foot than the Trail RMK even though it is a lot heavier. The Trail RMK has over 9,000 miles on it. I gave to my neighbors years ago and I see it around all the time.
I got a 13.5 standard but I've had so many problems with mine. Possibly a lemon? I was a mechanic in my 20's and have always babied my toys, so it wasn't because of neglect. The 1st year, i road it about a dozen times ice fishing and the starter switch went, some of the hardware started to rust. 2nd year, i road only a few times because of the lack of ice that year and the chain snapped leaving me stranded km's away from any signal at night, the rust issue were growing as well. The 3rd year i only got out for a few trips because the aluminum CVT cone cracked from the spline. A month to get parts by that time the ice was gone. I Won't be using this year because its a rust bucket. I've completely disassembled it and need to have everything sandblasted and PROPERLY powder coated..
I'll be doing a video soon about my likes and dislikes soon. I had my frame crack after my studs had eaten the frame. So took it all apart and grind weld and repaint. I hope their new design is better for 2023 models
@matthatter69420 ya there are lower lugs on the track which I might use next time to help prevent that. I also added plastic strips like snowmobile do to prevent damage. And unfortunately chains do break. I have a spare chain and belt at all times just incase
@@BendItFishing it runs about 15-18 mph just pulling the driver sled and about 10-12 pulling 2 jet sleds 2 adults and a 2 man Eskimo Sierra flip over and gear
Brett, I’m gonna do that I think. Does the sled have much power? How about knee deep snow? I don’t need speed. I have new 9 hp Vanguard that needs something to do. Thanks!
@@jackpinesavage9806 it has plenty of power it depends on your track lugs and gearing I don’t have any problems going through 6-8” of heavy wet snow…I’m running a 10 tooth on my torque converter and 21 tooth on my Jack shaft and also have a spare 40 for the Jack shaft
I saw my first one ever last weekend, such a cool machine! I would like it even better if it was electric, even fewer moving parts so more reliable especially with modern batteries. Awesome!
The only issue with batteries is regardless of the type of battery, the cold is hard on them and would reduce range. Likely increase the weight too. You can carry an extra gallon of gas and nearly double the range on these. You'd need a generator, even a small $99 one from harbor freight... And gas, to increase your range. And it's gonna take time.
@@bryantitus6634 I wouldnt say that. Tesla cars have been proven worthy in -40 temps. My ice auger is much lighter than the gas powered auger it replaced, it handles cold well. It might reduce the range (maybe) but an electric motor equal in horsepower would weigh less than this B&S gas powered motor. Lithium Ion batteries are extremely light. I dont think it would be nearly as bad as you think.
@@differentfins we just towed ±900 lb with my uncle's snowdog yesterday about 3 miles total just in and out of our spot we were fishing and with a couple decent hills and about 7" of snow on the lake, that's a lot of load. Electric motors last a long time with low load. The same lake we set up on we fished the end we access at. Our other spot is 2 miles down the lake. Just to and from the lake is 2 miles from the vehicle round trip. And 4 miles round trip across the lake that has a good 6-8" of snow on top will be a very big draw. To have enough on board battery to provide 6+ miles of range JUST TO AND FROM and not around our spot and to move occasionally, or go to our farthest tip ups that can be pretty easily 200-300 yards from the tent is asking a lot on electric range. When one 1.6 gal tank of gas and a spare 1 gallon jug will provide adequate range AND backup reserve. I'm an advocate of electric. I run a clam drill plate adapter and everyone I fish with that doesn't run drill adapters runs 24v and 40v strikemasters. Very different applications. Really the part that makes me uneasy about electric conversions with them is just range under load, specifically when breaking trail going in with everything. We put about 10 miles on on bare ice and mostly back and forth to flags up to 300 yards from the tent. In those same conditions electric would excel. I agree. Getting enough range to do so with a comfort level with electric would increase weight dramatically. Yes Tesla's do well in cold weather, but electric cars are typically up to 1,000 lb heavier than similar size gas counterparts. One of the best things about a snow dog is when you are safe walking on the ice, the snow dog had been safe already due to footprint. But for more remote scenarios, gas still has its place.
Neat machine but id personally rather have a rokon 2x2 bike for summer/winter. Most places here we cant even take anything driven onto the ice but you can use gas augers etc makes no sense.
Being from nh, how does it do in the slushy later season or deeper snow? I’m curious how it works compared to a 4 wheeler where it struggles in those conditions.
Outstanding review and explanation. Knowing what you experienced so far in NH with the compact model, if you were going to buy a new one and needed to pull yourself and a friend with your gear would you get another compact or move up to mid level and why? Looking at getting one but not sure if I need more than the compact.
I would buy the Utility B13 MER or the Sport MER, the little compact is nice for just me but my buddies Always want a ride! Also the compact is a little to small for overnight trips
@@BendItFishing Thanks for the response. That helps. Not a lot of comparisons out there between the compact and other models for traction and pulling power.
Hey, just wondering if you could tell me how the 7hp performs in consistently deep snow (not just drifts) pulling ice fishing gear and tent. By deep i mean maybe 12". Reason I ask is that I'm looking at another brand that only has a 6.5hp. Concerned it maybe under powered. Thanks for all the vids
I love these things and need to buy 2. But based on the Russian connection I may have to go husky. :( also, I'm guessing you don't need to plate and license these things?
@@J_D_B4379 each time I buy something,I’ll do the same thing.Lots of research.Snowmobile is one crazy world to get in depending on what you want to do.some good some exceptional and some really,I mean really bad to get.Once again depend on your need,for I can do all ice fishing season back of a snowdog I’m gonna be broke at the end.
2001 Yamaha venture with a 600 triple for $2000 . Or a 13.5 hp snow dog for $4000 ! lol No dog will pull a spearing shanty . Cool toy for a very specific type of ice fishing . A good used snowmobile is 100% more useful and practical .
Snow dogs are one trick pony’s! I’ll bet their really fun crossing pressure cracks! If you can’t do at least 60kph it’s only a matter of time before you approach a pressure crack that’s open a bit. Then what? No suspension, no power/speed, overpriced, snow challenged, if the price was decent you’d sell more but for 4-5 gs I’ll buy a sled.
Yeah well some of us need to go great distances to access lakes as well as 30+ miles on the ice. C'mon man, a snow dog? You'll spend eternity defending that buy. Nah I think I'll zip across lake of the woods pulling everything I need. If price is what ur hung up on then figure out how to make more $.
I don't believe this machine was $1900 CAD, the 13 hp machines are over $6000 in Timmins . I find the machine tippy on uneven ground and wish I had the twin track which is wider. I found that Snowdog isn't much good in very deep snow!
A few people counter balance them with batteries or weights. The compact I had was very well balanced. I haven't taken the sport out yet since we don't have snow to really test it out. One thing I have heard to handle in deep snow is lift the handle bars up so you have more control on tipping
New small engines are designed to burn recreation fuel yeah it's pricey and that is the reason a lot of folks don't burn it but the shelf life is much higher and it doesn't have the ethinal. So you will end up with a long better operating equipment.
That Harbor Freight carrier is a piece of junk unless you mod the crap out of it.Really should be rated for half of what they claim.A friend I work with has one for a 24" snowthrower,and I can see it flexing big time.He put a 1/2" piece of plywood on the bottom to help,but it needs better cross bracing. I have the sport model and currently using a 4x6 trailer,but will be looking into a carrier sold through Northern Tool which has the best reviews of most of them.They rate those carriers for 500lb static load,but what about dynamic loads,like having it on the back while traveling on rough roads?I have heard of some of those cheaper ones having the tongue piece bending down(thin Chinesium metal).
Lol early 80s fanners only weigh 400 lbs. go 4x the speed and can haul 10x the weight can get an old sled for 500 bucks that tops one of these besides the fact not every vehicle can haul a sled but could probably haul a snow dog
that cargo carrier isn't good for mid size SUVs! I didn't read properly the details how much I can load on the my CRV... used a cargo carrier, put there the snowdog.. and drove about 10 km.. I noticed that the body of my Honda CRV was deformed because of the weight of the dog... Hope nobody else would repeat my mistake.
These are expensive, good on flat ground but terrible in thick powder. They trip and are harder to straighten. Not a fan of riding in a cheap plastic sled. Snowmobiles are better overall. They have more power, more accessories like heated grips! They ride better in deep snow and slushy lakes.
I use mine for ice fishing and never had an issue with deep snow. Snowmobiles do have an advantage of having a wider stance that's for sure. Also the Snowdog has heated grip
To go from your truck to your ice hut in a straight line on a flat lake: they probably work Ok. For every other reason not even close. Standing in a plastic sled is not comfortable or even safe. These things are a strange gimmick, Buy a used sled
@@spiceolife idk man i own 2 sleds for ice fishing and i think Mike is right LOL sleds kinda suck. but feel free to explain the reasons to my ignorance.
I have the 13hp snowdog bought December 2021, Been out on the lake 6 times already. Poor snowmobile is getting sold, this was so much better for my use case. I use ramps and put it right in the back of the truck. I have a camper top for it, all the ice gear goes to the other side of the bed. It sure is a head turner. Was pretty good to see a snowmobile stuck on the ramp and I went right up it. That felt good.
Sounds like you love it!!
For how much you pay for them. I’ll just continue to walk my stuff lol. Good workout
Just say you cant afford it.. @discgolfer1roc141
great vid! i just bought a new 13 hp sport model. love it. I bought a pair of folding aluminum ramps and use just one to load and unload into the back of my f150. works awesome and keeps it out of the salt spray pretty well. i had 4 fully grown adults and all their gear behind me in six sleds a few weeks ago. really turns some heads heading out when people see you unpack the back of the truck and then start it up and hop on and drive away.
It's a head turner for sure!
chef got hybred eltrc f15⁰
Lovin my 13.5 standard out here in Utah. Such a cool awesome little machine! Pulls everything I’ve ever threw at it. 3 sled deep with me and my 2 kids for some over nighters.
awesome!!!
These Snowdogs are over $5000 plus tax in Northern Ontario. Bought my 07 Tundra for $3000 with Estart and reverse a few years back. If these were $1500-$2000 I could see buying one but not at that price! @Aventure Fishing, we get it you really like the Snowdog.
eltrç snowmobileß ²500⁰
And all the 2020 and before are wood engine mount lol
Great review! I've often wondered about getting one of these. You made a lot of good points. I see one of these in my future. Thanks very much! Tight lines!
I also live in New Hampshire as well actually the Wilton area.Ive had sleds/ snowmobiles in.the past but these Snow dogs are actually extremely useful and I agree for all the reasons you stated.
Ty
@BendItFishing It looks like the closest dealer is in Maine?
@davidg4081 awl and all in Sutton NH sells them
@BendItFishing Thanks fiorthe information .
@BendItFishing Thanks for the information. I'll have to see what their prices are like.Shoild I tell them you referred me?
Great video, I linked your video with my Tinger Dog Pro Kit build.
Awesome! Thank you!
I'm having a hard time finding one for 2k ish...... I saw your videos was current and I turned green....lol
The hunt continues ;)
Thx for the review!!!!!!!
They don't make the 2k version anymore
Very cool. Here's a tip for ya, use non-ethanol fuel in it. In my area, Chicagoland the most common type is REC90. Also, drain the fuel out of the tank and carb at the end of the season. The YT channel Taryl fixes all, did a two year test of fuel additives on 12 new engines. At the end of the test the only engine that would still start and also had the cleanest carb bowl was the one using REC90 fuel.
We only have 2 gas stations in our whole state that sell non ethanol otherwise I would
I was debating on a 10 hp or 13 hp... But you having a 7 hp and towed all those gears with some buds also. I think 10 is all I need..... key is lightweight for me and being more mobile. Great content.
7 hplees gad
Paid $200. for my 70's ski doo snowmobile with reverse. The guy I bought it from said it hasn't ran for 2 years I sprayed starting fluid started right up. And I'm happy. The snow dog can't go through deep snow also is expensive for a pull behind lawn mower.
I've gone through 8 inches of powder no problem. It does not like slush however
@@BendItFishing slush is bad for everything. I'm up in Minnesota they don't sell them under $3,000
They probably don't have the 10hp model then
Looks perfect for your application!
It is!
Plus it’s a smokey 2-stroke. Ice alone is one thing, having your kids towed behind it during summer is another.
Try that on Lake Huron or Erie when your normal trip is 4-10 miles one way, over cracks, slush, chopped ice, etc. A suspension is absolutely necessary.
Suspension would be nice and a wind shield
Good for flat land little hills. Never got me to any of my lakes in northern Ontario Canada. Hit a snowmobile track trench and your done tips you over. Very hard for anyone taller to keep balance ! Steep Hills forget it ! Deeper snow 2’ plus forget it. Sold mine that’s a true review !
Did you have track slides on yours? They are tippy but I have never tipped mine. One thing I've learned is to keep the handle bars high so you have more leverage
Well for your situation up in Canada, u need snowmobile instead of a snowdog 😂😂
Had once with a friend on a snowdog, I noticed his snowdog very easily get stucked by ice slushes. When riding on pure snow or ice there's no issues.
Ya like most things they have issues with slush. I have noticed it's easier to get unstuck then a 500 atv
Awesome machine impressive for what they are
Cut a couple short pieces of 2x4 to brace the side you a loading onto the wheelchair rack. It keeps it from flexing like it did on you.
Thank you for this!!! I'm considering one of these. I'm just in Limerick, ME.
get it!!
SnowDog are awesome we will be a seeing a lot more this Season great information
Looks like an awesome set-up!
Thank you
They should make one that has an interchangable mower deck that way you can use it on the lawn for summertime and it'll be easier for guys to sell their old ladies on the idea then too. They come out with a model like that I'll tell the other half the mowers shot out and I can go grab one with out any headaches!
Fabricate one. I mean..free time is your time
My plan was to make one but I didn't have the time to make one at the time with a newborn
You make a very good point! Red Green style engineering is sure ta get er done way under trailor park budget leavin $ for 🥃🍺 and bait. And if you're real crafty like McGuiver and the A-Team you'll really be loving it when the plan comes together and there's $ left to just go waste! 🤡
@@BendItFishing congradulations! Is it ur 1rst?
Yes and he's a handful now at 2.5 years old
I made one from a dead '88 Polaris Indy 650. Couple of hundred bucks for a Harbor Freight 212cc engine and CVT, bar warmers, lights etc. I love it for all the reasons you mentioned and get the satisfaction of having built it too.
That's awesome!!
You can get a used Yamaha VK540 for less that a new Snowdog. They're readily available where I live, but I don't know if that's the case elsewhere.
It is a much larger, heavier machine, but they can go pretty much anywhere, and are legendary in terms of reliability. The VK540 has a very simple air-cooled engine. And maintenance isn't an issue, because they literally last forever.
And you could carry/tow about 15 times as much gear with a VK. They have a hi/low/reverse gearbox, 540cc engine, and 20”x156" track.
It's a bigger machine to store and transport but also much more capable, comfortable, and faster. For longer expeditions, I think the VK is a much more practical choice, but it's all a matter of tradeoffs and priorities, I guess.
I wouldn't doubt that the Yamaha is a great machine. My storage is limited and I really don't want to tow a trainer around.
@@BendItFishing You don't need that big of a trailer for just one sled, but I see your point regarding the storage. If you don't have the space, it would definitely be a hassle.
My space is limited, I was just looking at an enclosed trailer and trying to justify it but can't because the lack of parking
I have a 2011 Polaris 600 IQ with a 20”x 156”. We use it mostly just to run in 6 miles from a trailhead to an off-road cabin. I can do it in about 30 minutes pulling close to a 1000 pounds up and down some pretty steep hills. Before that I had a 2000 Trail RMK. The longer Widetrack has less weight per square foot than the Trail RMK even though it is a lot heavier. The Trail RMK has over 9,000 miles on it. I gave to my neighbors years ago and I see it around all the time.
I got a 13.5 standard but I've had so many problems with mine. Possibly a lemon? I was a mechanic in my 20's and have always babied my toys, so it wasn't because of neglect. The 1st year, i road it about a dozen times ice fishing and the starter switch went, some of the hardware started to rust. 2nd year, i road only a few times because of the lack of ice that year and the chain snapped leaving me stranded km's away from any signal at night, the rust issue were growing as well. The 3rd year i only got out for a few trips because the aluminum CVT cone cracked from the spline. A month to get parts by that time the ice was gone. I Won't be using this year because its a rust bucket. I've completely disassembled it and need to have everything sandblasted and PROPERLY powder coated..
I'll be doing a video soon about my likes and dislikes soon. I had my frame crack after my studs had eaten the frame. So took it all apart and grind weld and repaint. I hope their new design is better for 2023 models
@BendItFishing Same a I forgot to mention my ice studs carved into my frame as well..
@matthatter69420 ya there are lower lugs on the track which I might use next time to help prevent that. I also added plastic strips like snowmobile do to prevent damage. And unfortunately chains do break. I have a spare chain and belt at all times just incase
Did you have to do anything special to your trailer hitch or just normal install for the handicap ramp?
Normal install
What about snow dog vs diy snow dog? Is the manufactured one better than a snowmobile track?
I almost went the home built style but I was living in an apartment at the time and didn't have the tools. The home builts are way cheaper
I still gave you a thumbs up. I like atv's tho, don't run any chains, studs or tracks, Orillia, Ontario, CA
I built my own out of an old polaris Indy 400 tunnel and a predator motor I love it
Which predator motor?
@@BendItFishing 212
@@BendItFishing it runs about 15-18 mph just pulling the driver sled and about 10-12 pulling 2 jet sleds 2 adults and a 2 man Eskimo Sierra flip over and gear
Brett, I’m gonna do that I think. Does the sled have much power? How about knee deep snow? I don’t need speed. I have new 9 hp Vanguard that needs something to do. Thanks!
@@jackpinesavage9806 it has plenty of power it depends on your track lugs and gearing I don’t have any problems going through 6-8” of heavy wet snow…I’m running a 10 tooth on my torque converter and 21 tooth on my Jack shaft and also have a spare 40 for the Jack shaft
dang I need one of these! Maybe next year, I have already bought too much new gear this year lol.
Never too much gear! Unless you are pulling it by hand
Also curious how it works on bare ice?
best to have the track studded.
With studs and scags on the sled Great
Looking at the design it appears to me that deep snow would be an issue . Does it have enough power to pull you and gear through snow covered slush?
It does not do well in slush
Thanks for the vid! Very cool!
I saw my first one ever last weekend, such a cool machine! I would like it even better if it was electric, even fewer moving parts so more reliable especially with modern batteries. Awesome!
They are very cool! I did see an electric concept, it would be nice to have the torque
@@BendItFishing for sure!
The only issue with batteries is regardless of the type of battery, the cold is hard on them and would reduce range. Likely increase the weight too. You can carry an extra gallon of gas and nearly double the range on these. You'd need a generator, even a small $99 one from harbor freight... And gas, to increase your range. And it's gonna take time.
@@bryantitus6634 I wouldnt say that. Tesla cars have been proven worthy in -40 temps. My ice auger is much lighter than the gas powered auger it replaced, it handles cold well. It might reduce the range (maybe) but an electric motor equal in horsepower would weigh less than this B&S gas powered motor. Lithium Ion batteries are extremely light. I dont think it would be nearly as bad as you think.
@@differentfins we just towed ±900 lb with my uncle's snowdog yesterday about 3 miles total just in and out of our spot we were fishing and with a couple decent hills and about 7" of snow on the lake, that's a lot of load. Electric motors last a long time with low load. The same lake we set up on we fished the end we access at. Our other spot is 2 miles down the lake. Just to and from the lake is 2 miles from the vehicle round trip. And 4 miles round trip across the lake that has a good 6-8" of snow on top will be a very big draw. To have enough on board battery to provide 6+ miles of range JUST TO AND FROM and not around our spot and to move occasionally, or go to our farthest tip ups that can be pretty easily 200-300 yards from the tent is asking a lot on electric range. When one 1.6 gal tank of gas and a spare 1 gallon jug will provide adequate range AND backup reserve.
I'm an advocate of electric. I run a clam drill plate adapter and everyone I fish with that doesn't run drill adapters runs 24v and 40v strikemasters. Very different applications. Really the part that makes me uneasy about electric conversions with them is just range under load, specifically when breaking trail going in with everything. We put about 10 miles on on bare ice and mostly back and forth to flags up to 300 yards from the tent. In those same conditions electric would excel. I agree. Getting enough range to do so with a comfort level with electric would increase weight dramatically. Yes Tesla's do well in cold weather, but electric cars are typically up to 1,000 lb heavier than similar size gas counterparts. One of the best things about a snow dog is when you are safe walking on the ice, the snow dog had been safe already due to footprint.
But for more remote scenarios, gas still has its place.
What is the stability like riding in the back? It seems like you would crush your spine on rough wind blown drifts
I was just on a lake that was wind blown slush and my back did hurt at the end of the day but most of the time our lakes are flat
Thanks for the good video. I want one of those beauties
Neat machine but id personally rather have a rokon 2x2 bike for summer/winter. Most places here we cant even take anything driven onto the ice but you can use gas augers etc makes no sense.
I've always wanted to try one of those made right here in NH
Being from nh, how does it do in the slushy later season or deeper snow? I’m curious how it works compared to a 4 wheeler where it struggles in those conditions.
I guess what I’m trying to ask is are there any conditions where it doesn’t perform pulling all your ice gear?
It does not like deep slush
Outstanding review and explanation. Knowing what you experienced so far in NH with the compact model, if you were going to buy a new one and needed to pull yourself and a friend with your gear would you get another compact or move up to mid level and why? Looking at getting one but not sure if I need more than the compact.
I would buy the Utility B13 MER or the Sport MER, the little compact is nice for just me but my buddies Always want a ride! Also the compact is a little to small for overnight trips
@@BendItFishing Thanks for the response. That helps. Not a lot of comparisons out there between the compact and other models for traction and pulling power.
They are phasing out the compact 10hp just because it's not enough power with deep snow
Interesting. Where is it made?
Was made in Russia but they just moved to the good ole USA!
Hey, just wondering if you could tell me how the 7hp performs in consistently deep snow (not just drifts) pulling ice fishing gear and tent. By deep i mean maybe 12". Reason I ask is that I'm looking at another brand that only has a 6.5hp. Concerned it maybe under powered. Thanks for all the vids
It will be underpowered for sure
You made the right choice. You'd spend more time and money trying to keep a $1900 snowmobile running and wouldn't have time to fish
Thank you!!!
any lights on it ?that could be an issue if you fish later in the day
Yes small one
How is that hitch carrier working ?
Working great for 3 years
Sport B13R is almost 7G wo Tax... what model and what are you talking about... Im from Canada, is it USA exclusive?
This was there 7hp compact model. The new ones at 5k USD
does the motor also have a generator?
Yes it does. It can support charging, USB ports, handle bar warmers and larger lights
The sled thing is cool, the hitch carrier you use is a different story, I would not put groceries in that flimsy thing.
It's been holding up! It has a steel main frame and I strap it to the truck so it doesn't wobble as much
Are there 2 brakes ? What are both handle controls for ?
Throttle on the right and brake is on the left
@@BendItFishing oh duh - makes sense , thank you !
Can you put a seat on it and ride it ..steer it ,top speed ?
Yes to the seat and top speed is 20 mph
I'm building one with a 650cc predator engine. Took the rear off a 99 Yamaha
4 to 5 inches..my ole lady said that's not enough....🤫
License? Government overstep once again
You sir are crazy haha
@@BendItFishing the predator engines aren't about speed. It's torque. Even at 650cc I'll probably only get 38 mph but will be able to pull anything
20mph on glare ice is scary 650 will pull anything traction is the next issue and tipping
I love these things and need to buy 2. But based on the Russian connection I may have to go husky. :( also, I'm guessing you don't need to plate and license these things?
Parts are going to be tricky
It’s cool!! But there are sleds out there way less than 7000 lol
Brand new? Cheapest i just found new is the Polaris 550 Indy
@@BendItFishing why’s it need to be brand new? Old school is good too!!
I mean it’s all good just wondering
I'm just comparing new to new to make it easy
Where did you find this for 1900
This was a discountinued model that's why it was so cheap
@@BendItFishing oh I see. I have about no practical use for one but for 1900 I would go buy one just cause lol
You can use it in the summer they are pretty sweet
I wonder on reliability of that thing,com back in couple years and see if it still running,for me thé best still snowmobile.
Briggs & Stratton motors are very reliable they've been around for over 100 years I think
I would think basic maintenance would be easier than on a snowmobile
It is
@@J_D_B4379 each time I buy something,I’ll do the same thing.Lots of research.Snowmobile is one crazy world to get in depending on what you want to do.some good some exceptional and some really,I mean really bad to get.Once again depend on your need,for I can do all ice fishing season back of a snowdog I’m gonna be broke at the end.
@Adventure Fishing i still rode my formula dlx 670 1998 one of thé greatest snowmobile ever.Let me know in 23 years…….
Did you buy this in New Hampshire?
No but there is a dealer in NH Awl and All in Sutton NH is a dealer
What are your track dimensions?
24 wide by 36 I think
How fast are these? 13.5 miles on the lake at 15km/h would make for a long fishing day lol
20 mph max, our lakes are pretty small haha
Saginaw bay?
Not where I am
2001 Yamaha venture with a 600 triple for $2000 . Or a 13.5 hp snow dog for $4000 ! lol
No dog will pull a spearing shanty . Cool toy for a very specific type of ice fishing . A good used snowmobile is 100% more useful and practical .
Correct, it's a good tool for what I use it for.
Snow dogs are one trick pony’s! I’ll bet their really fun crossing pressure cracks! If you can’t do at least 60kph it’s only a matter of time before you approach a pressure crack that’s open a bit. Then what? No suspension, no power/speed, overpriced, snow challenged, if the price was decent you’d sell more but for 4-5 gs I’ll buy a sled.
I am curious, how much does that "free fish" cost you?
Huh?
How does this deal with slush?
Not good!
Ski doo expedition 900 ace for the win.
Ya let me just spend triple what a brand new Snowdog costs!
Yeah well some of us need to go great distances to access lakes as well as 30+ miles on the ice. C'mon man, a snow dog? You'll spend eternity defending that buy. Nah I think I'll zip across lake of the woods pulling everything I need. If price is what ur hung up on then figure out how to make more $.
My biggest lake is not even 20 mi long so I just choose a different boat launch
I don't believe this machine was $1900 CAD, the 13 hp machines are over $6000 in Timmins . I find the machine tippy on uneven ground and wish I had the twin track which is wider. I found that Snowdog isn't much good in very deep snow!
A few people counter balance them with batteries or weights. The compact I had was very well balanced. I haven't taken the sport out yet since we don't have snow to really test it out. One thing I have heard to handle in deep snow is lift the handle bars up so you have more control on tipping
It is a little bit hard to start the engine during the very cold days. 🥶
If you have one the choke doesn't shut all the way sometimes. I pull started mine at -19 F yesterday no problem
synthetic oil....👍
New small engines are designed to burn recreation fuel yeah it's pricey and that is the reason a lot of folks don't burn it but the shelf life is much higher and it doesn't have the ethinal. So you will end up with a long better operating equipment.
It's hard to find non ethanol around here
You can buy ethanol remover additive, if you cant find non-ethanol premium. Ethanol destroys small engines.
That Harbor Freight carrier is a piece of junk unless you mod the crap out of it.Really should be rated for half of what they claim.A friend I work with has one for a 24" snowthrower,and I can see it flexing big time.He put a 1/2" piece of plywood on the bottom to help,but it needs better cross bracing. I have the sport model and currently using a 4x6 trailer,but will be looking into a carrier sold through Northern Tool which has the best reviews of most of them.They rate those carriers for 500lb static load,but what about dynamic loads,like having it on the back while traveling on rough roads?I have heard of some of those cheaper ones having the tongue piece bending down(thin Chinesium metal).
I agree, I have broken a lot on mine already. I haven't seen the steel frame bend yet but I'll check it with a straight edge soon.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Wouldn't work for me. Slush is a constant where I fish. I'd have that thing buried in no time lol
Same situation for me. Also at times we run 20 + miles into back lakes.
$5000 - $6000 for a used one in Canada
Now the prices are through the roof.
Well this one was 7hp the new ones are 13.5 with reverse
Lol early 80s fanners only weigh 400 lbs. go 4x the speed and can haul 10x the weight can get an old sled for 500 bucks that tops one of these besides the fact not every vehicle can haul a sled but could probably haul a snow dog
Pretty cool machine tho
why am I seeing 5200 dollar prices ??
Are you in Canada?
that cargo carrier isn't good for mid size SUVs! I didn't read properly the details how much I can load on the my CRV... used a cargo carrier, put there the snowdog.. and drove about 10 km.. I noticed that the body of my Honda CRV was deformed because of the weight of the dog... Hope nobody else would repeat my mistake.
Oh no! Yes always make sure you read your hitch weight capacity. I think mine is a class 3
Should have put that thing right n da trunk.
Too much ice fishing stuff in the back
Cargo carrier are really different from one to another
True have to find one rated for the weight
Flat ground it's not bad going up hills in snow it's worthless it's too light and loses traction.. flat ground is the only thing it's good for
Compared to a snowmobile yes, they do groom with the larger models
These are expensive, good on flat ground but terrible in thick powder. They trip and are harder to straighten. Not a fan of riding in a cheap plastic sled. Snowmobiles are better overall. They have more power, more accessories like heated grips! They ride better in deep snow and slushy lakes.
I use mine for ice fishing and never had an issue with deep snow. Snowmobiles do have an advantage of having a wider stance that's for sure. Also the Snowdog has heated grip
Can't beat a Bravo a skndic alpine too lol
Well ya!
SKI - DOO 🙃
Articat!
😁
I see why you bought this instead of a snowmobile. Your an arctic cat guy. I would quit snowmobiling too if I only bought cats.
Haha
Snowmobiles imo are ment for fun not as a work horse
1900!? Show me where guy. Those shits are 3-5k or I’d have one already lol
This is the discontinued model they had on sale for 1900$ USD it's 7HP COMPACT.
I saw you at McDonald's
Haha I'm still in line!!
Price has gone up too much. Get more out of an ATV at the same price point.
This was the 7hp model and now they sell a 13.5 and a 16 HP which is the biggest cost driver.
Cheapest new models are $5000 now.
Yes but they are USA made now
If I get one it will be named Bytor…..
Haha
✨🧸✨ 🙂👍
To go from your truck to your ice hut in a straight line on a flat lake: they probably work Ok. For every other reason not even close. Standing in a plastic sled is not comfortable or even safe. These things are a strange gimmick, Buy a used sled
That's exactly what I use it for. They do make seats that are way more comfortable just didn't have one at the time
It's decent for mobility but not deep snow or slush,
Stay off of thin ice. Don’t be a fool.
Because you like to get hit in the face with slush when there is slush on the lake....
Love it!!
Stop buying artic cats and thay will probably run better
You have to be a skidoo guy haha
They’re now 5k….. Bidenomics
Well my model was only 7hp and now they only sell 13.5 HP which adds a lot of cost.
I’d rather walk
Excellent
You made the wrong decision, that is all.
Go get a damn used snowmobile.
Nice I like the reasons
I could care less to explain reality to ignorant's
@@spiceolife idk man i own 2 sleds for ice fishing and i think Mike is right LOL sleds kinda suck. but feel free to explain the reasons to my ignorance.
@@WheresTheSauce , yea, they suck so bad, you're trying to stand on a snow sled while being pulled by a mini one. Good point on them sucking.
@@spiceolife no no no i meant snowmobiles suck. Jeeze LOL what kind of snowmobiler are you you dont know when "sled" is referring to a snowmobile.
No it's not you buy used arctic cat 3000