Sled Talk

In this episode of Sled Talk, the guys take the conversation global as they discover that Latvia is a true snowmobiling powerhouse. Who knew? We absolutely love seeing Sled Talk reaching riders in every corner of the world.

We also give Sun & Snow a well-deserved shoutout after Rob has a little fun teasing them.

Back home, the Amphibex ice crushers are back on the Red River, breaking up ice to help prevent dangerous ice jams and spring flooding. It sparks some memories of past snowstorms, including one unforgettable storm where we helped shuttle people by sled and ride in places we normally never could.

Then the rants begin.

Steve goes off on the new sleds being released by manufacturers, calling out how boring and repetitive the designs have become. He also doesn’t hold back on the growing list of expensive electronic features that add cost without adding real value or performance.

Not to be outdone, Rob jumps into the new Polaris lineup, sharing his thoughts on the heavy mountain sled focus, the new Polaris Patriot, and whether that name will really connect with riders in Canada.

The guys also dive into vintage sled trail pass pricing, discussing how several regions are finding success by lowering costs for vintage sleds. More affordable passes could mean more classic iron back on the snow, which is something every sled fan can appreciate.

To wrap things up, Steve’s Tech Tip focuses on snowmobile accessories, breaking down which ones actually add function and value — and which ones might just be wasting your money.

If you’re into snowmobile news, manufacturer debates, vintage sleds, trail systems, and real rider opinions, this is another fun one you won’t want to miss.

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We kick off teasing an old friend of ours about the issues he was having with his sled prior to going for a ride. 

The Quebec Provincial Police with the QFSC’s did a crackdown on sledders handing out 260 tickets including a bunch for intoxication from drugs or alcohol. There are more snowmobilers than bikers in Quebec. Who knew? 

Ontario is also cracking down on exhaust cans. Are the fines high enough? We debate the value of these cans, and fine amounts. 

The South Interlake Sno Riders have extended the groomed trail system into W. St. Paul. MB. Rob loves it! We also shared some of the activities the club does. 

Jeff Vinik owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning broke his leg while out riding. Goes to show that money doesn’t buy safety. We’d love to know more about this situation. Send us any verified info and we’ll share it. 

Steve has a fantastic Tech Tip about pulling your clutch. There are many ways to try to pull it, or you can do it the right way. 

Have you ever used a communicator while riding? We had them as younger guys, then share a few stories from our misspent youth. Is there anything out there worth wearing these days? 

Enjoy the episode! 

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We dive right into the increased enforcement we are seeing right across the country. The tickets are flying and fines are no fun. 

Arctic Cat has made a purchase. Widescape in now a part of the family. They look cool, but will they draw a following? It is nice to see them investing in the industry. 

Journey For Sight has done their 40th ride. The start in Flin Flon and end up in down in the South West corner of the province near the Turtle Mountains. The ride is over 600KM. The money raised goes to local eye services in the north west of the province. 

There’s a snowmobile movie being shot in Beasuejour MB. If you have any racing experience, you should track them down, they are looking for riders and sleds. 

Wasaga Beach is doing a snowmobile parade in an effort to break the current Guinness Book record of 1047 sleds. You need a running sled with a valid trail pass to enter.  

Send us your warm up shack pictures, pictures, it would be nice to share pictures of your favorite place to warm up while out on the trail. Even the fugly shacks would be cool to see. Memories are created in many places. 

Lanigan SK has had a troubling incident. Four coyotes were run down by snowmobilers. Two were killed the other two left to die. If you have any info call the TIPP line and let these guys pay for their actions.  

Steve has a great tech tip. He also asks what was the best sled motor ever built. Chime in on this one. 

Thanks for joining us!

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Rob goes off on how many people have been killed or seriously injured this season. The stats he collected were from early January 2026 and far from complete yet very concerning. Then he and Steve get into an interesting community event in Elliot Lake ON. The town hall held a safety training course run by the OPP and made it an event with food, fun, and prizes.

They both get into suspension service and how critical keeping an eye on your skid before, during, and after the season can change the quality of your riding all winter.

Do you ride with people that put rules or restrictions on who can ride with them? Often, they make sense for the type of riding that group is doing. Share the rules and why they are in place. 

Wolf guy is in the news again and he continues to disgust us. https://wyofile.com/wolf-torment-defendant-cody-roberts-wants-animal-cruelty-case-tossed/

Do you need parts drop shipped to your Sled Cave? When you do, get in touch with Steve. He’ll expedite those parts and get you back on the snow ASAP.

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We try to be accurate when sharing news or telling a story, but sometimes we slip up. We’re fine with being corrected and will adjust as necessary. Free February from Season 1 Episode 2 is an example of an oops. Trail passes are always required in Manitoba.

Everyone has a Sled Cave that they are proud to work in. Cool caves usually attract a few more buddies to help work on your project or at least make sure the beer doesn’t get stale. We’d love to see pictures of yours.

BRP (Skidoo)makes a large donation to Ride Out Intimidation. It’s their way to shine a light on being bullied. They call it Yellow Day. It’s a good cause.

Safety has been a theme this season. We continue to talk about safety because people keep getting hurt, and worse, dying. Try to think before you go out.

The Yahoo’s are prominent in What Was He Thinking. The OPP caught some dumb asses shooting up the area around Muskoka. These guys were so stupid they actually posted video’s.

Steve has a great Tech Tip on JIS screw drivers.

We dive into exhaust systems and focus on can’s. Many people make changes to their exhaust systems, but are they doing enough to ensure their engine won’t flame out. Are rice cakes a better performance enhancer than a cheap exhaust can? Steve asks what’s more important performance, volume, or sore ears?

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Sled people are usually some type of motorhead. Very seldom do you know a guy that only has a sled with no other toys. We’re both guilty of having all kinds of toys. We kick off the show talking about the roadster Rob recently bought and drove halfway across Canada desperately trying to beat the snow.

We jump over to Taiga’s announcement of international distribution of their Nomad electric sled. Is electric the way of the future? We break down the value of having an electric sled.

Have you ever ridden across a floating sled bridge? They have one on Muskoka Ontario. It sounds like a great idea, is it feasible in more areas?

In Estevan Saskatchewan they are organizing their second monster ride. Their first was over 2000 Km’s, this year they plan on going much further.

Do you have a favorite restaurant to stop in while out on a ride? Nobody wants a crappy hamburger when they’re out for a full day of riding. Tell us about the best spots to go and why they make your mouth water.

Steve continues his threat to organize a vintage derby, or just a vintage ride. Give us your thoughts for this type of ride. We would also like to hear about any vintage rides that are going on.

Steve has a great tech tip on steering systems, specifically carbide wear bars, sizes, and how they can have a positive effect on the control you have on your sled. They can even play a part in how you set up your rear suspension.

Sled Talk on YouTube:

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Welcome to our Christmas episode.

The Ontario government makes a huge contribution to snowmobiling. We break this story down getting into how important this move is. We are hoping more provinces follow this lead.

Should vintage sleds see a trail pass discount? Vintage snowmobiling is a fast-growing part of the riding season. We chat about why it’s growing in popularity. There are several compelling reasons why this should be examined by the powers in control of this. Let’s hear from you on this one.

Check out the new Tech Tips and Relaxation playlist we’ve added to the Sled Talk YouTube page. We’ll keep adding tips that Steve has developed to make servicing easier.

Do you use ice scrapers? We’d love your feedback on this. Are they helpful or just a P.I.T.A?

Rob gives Steve a hard time about the gift he’s giving himself for Christmas. We share a couple stories of Christmas & New Years rides and how much fun they were.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!

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Can you imagine, an argument about who’s more reliable Skidoo or Polaris? That’s how it began.

Are barn finds a myth? Steve’s a believer. Rob’s not so sure, he thinks there are ulterior reasons. There might be some junk in barns, but a true barn find must have some value.

Jimmy makes a couple of appearances. He found out the hard way that slush is a tough slog, and the rules we had to create for rides with him.

What was he thinking, is James Bond a sled thief? We also have an update on the wolf guy.

Polaris make some serious donations for trail support in both Canada and the USA.

Should you buy used sled that advertises fresh top end? In Tech Tips we go deep into this hot topic.

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We get right into a couple stories from our misspent youth. We learned at the school of hard knocks.

We discuss Polaris moving away from motorcycles to focus on off road vehicles.

We review our off-camera conversation with Terris Baran of Safety Services Manitoba. We missed a lot when the camera was off.

Jimmy is never far from our thoughts, and he once again provides some entertainment.

Steve is exploring the idea of hosting a vintage Poker Derby. Give us your feedback on this. It might be the push Steve needs to make it happen.

Front suspension boots are the Tech Tip. Steve explains why keeping them in good condition is important for a great day in the snow.

Sled Talk on YouTube:

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We sat down with the show’s first guest Terris Baran of Safety Services Manitoba. He was fantastic!!!

Terris has a large amount of experience with sleds as a 40+ year rider, and years on the drag racing track.

Are you dressed for success on the snow? How about your helmet? We take a dive into the different brain buckets out there.

There is never a downside to additional training. No matter your age or skill level you will always learn something new.

When riding as a group with different experience levels do you assign a leader and a tail? It’s the best way to ensure the group stays together.

Terris has some great drag racing stories. He’s a Yamaha guy and has done some very cool mod’s to his sleds.

Steve and Terris go on a rant about their sled collections they both have some incredible collectibles.

Sled Talk on YouTube:

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