Just curious if anyone uses retrax on their front skis? Saw them at the Novi Show and thought they were pretty cool but kind of expensive at $200 US. Although I would probably use fewer carbides and save in the long run if they are any good.

I have a pair. They make moving the sled in garage, driveway or parking lot really easy. They are easy to engage and disengage. But one problem is in powder conditions, even just a few inches of powder and they throw snow right at my head. Therefore additional drag in powder as well.

I have them as well. I really like them. They are on my 800 mxz with no reverse. So I have them down when I load and unload. I have driven across a parking lot that was 75 yards with two 90 degree turns and it was easy to navigate. I never have to get off the sled to lift the front around a turn. Takes 10 sec to engage both and disengage. I have in 14" of new snow but I did not notice any additional snow in my face.

These things are fantastic. I just got back from a 1700 kilometre (1000 miles) and had to use them several times. They allow you to easily turn on concrete and save your carbides. We had to go through some streets in one town and one of our group who did not have the Retrax wheels had one hell of a time. First he couldn't turn at this one corner (no problem for the Retrax) and finally when he manhandled his sled around he couldn't get enough traction to go up the hill as the carbides were causing too much friction (again no problem for the Retrax).

They may be expensive, but they are well worth the investment.

How durable do they seem to be? We cross an old metal grate bridge which is about 75' long with about a 1.5" gap between grates. Do you guys think they would hold up?

I've seen pictures, but how do they install, is there any downside to having them? Thanks

Does anyone have any pics? I've never even heard of them.

I found them at retrax.net.

Originally posted by EDGEXFAN@Feb 9 2004, 02:35 PM
I've seen pictures, but how do they install, is there any downside to having them? Thanks
As they have set ups for each major brand of sled, I can only tell you how easy they install on the Ski-Doo precision ski. To install on this ski you remove one of the nuts for the carbide and the nut from the bolt attaching the ski to the leg. Place the Retrax in place and replace the nuts. It takes about 5 minutes per ski and couldn't be easier.

The only downside, I've found is if you are traveling over thick powder rather than a packed trail, the wheels will kick up some snow. If you are leaning out on a REV this will tend to get blown up at you.

thanks for the info!

Wow they look really good escpecially for someonewho has a bad back.