2009 Arctic Cat F6 Sno Pro Review

Let’s not pretend that we expected to enjoy the 2009 Arctic Cat F6 Sno Pro as much as we did. After all, while the 2008 version rode well and offered consistent performance, we thought the handling was a bit off. That was last season.

For 2009 Arctic Cat engineers made some changes. When they explained them to us at the Arctic Cat sneak peek last January in Thief River Falls, Minn. and again out west in Grand Lake, Colo., we weren’t really sold. During the sneak peek at Cat’s Minnesota home base, we only compared Cats to Cats. But in Grand Lake we could compare the new Arctic Cat F6 to the Ski-Doo Rev, Polaris Dragon and Yamaha Nytro. And as for those seemingly small changes? Whoa! They were b-i-g!

Big Bite

When you take a 2009 F-series Arctic Cat into a corner, it bites down hard. The seventh generation of Arctic Wishbone front suspension comes with deluxe Fox Float air-charged shocks, which are up to six pounds lighter than conventional high-pressure gas shocks. Designed to control the F6 Sno Pro’s 9.5-inches of travel, this suspension is specifically tuned to work in concert with Arctic Cat’s slide-action rear suspension.

Granted you don’t get the same feel for ski lift from the F6’s 599cc Suzuki-built twin that you get with the 177 horsepower of the all-new Turbo Z1, but the suspensions work together in the same manner. The slide action rear unit keeps the skis flat under hard acceleration. Better yet, when you squeeze the brake and decelerate into a turn, the skis plant and bite. Once you hammer a couple of corners with the F6 Sno Pro, you’ll discover this sled makes you a better — and faster — rider. You’ll learn that the F6 Sno Pro expects you to carry more speed into and out of the turns.

Snocross Knowledge

The seemingly simple changes that Arctic Cat engineers used came from experience with the company’s snocross race sled. Controlling front ski movement by reworking the rear suspension may sound odd, but this controlling of rear suspension torque arms is fairly standard practice. Where Arctic Cat differs is with the utilization of a U-shaped front arm to effectively work in a half-inch of slide movement. Just this little bit of slide action prevents the front suspension arm from locking up.

As we mentioned, you can really feel the suspension working when you whip the turbo Cat’s 177 horses into action. The action is more subtle with the approximate125 horsepower of the F6. You’ll also notice that this Cat doesn’t nose dive when you slam on the brakes if you go too hot into a turn. That’s another positive aspect of this combination of AWS front and slide-action rear.

The rear suspension comes with a deluxe Fox Zero Pro gas-charged rear shock. The Slide-Action Rear Suspension not only aids handling but controls 13.5-inches of travel for ride comfort.

Get Onboard

If you’ve been reluctant to try the new Twin Spar Arctic Cat chassis, it’s time to get on board. The design has evolved into one of the best performance designs in the business. Arctic Cat’s version of rider-forward is a sturdy and rigid platform upon which class-leading components have been installed. Few performance sleds come standard with the almost one-sled fits all approach built into the F6 Sno Pro.

Arctic Cat’s infinite rider positioning design incorporates a level of personalization unmatched in other sleds, of any price. The seat can be adjusted to fit virtually any inseam. Like to sit up with knees flexed for quick action on a torn up trail? How about sitting back with legs stretched out for long trips on a corridor run?

The handlebars are amazingly adjustable for height, rake and whatever. If you can’t get comfy on an F6 Sno Pro, you’ll never be comfortable. Heck, even the footrests are adjustable.

Let’s not forget, those handlebars come with hooked ends that suit speedy riders, but prove irresistible for touring riders, too. Cat engineering has this concept down pat.

Amenities

When it comes to trail performance, the F6 Sno Pro proves that you don’t have to do without amenities. The deluxe gauge switches between digital and analog screenings. The electronic reverse gear is simple as pushing a button. Question not why Cat didn’t have this before, it’s available now.

Things that separate Arctic Cat performance sleds from the competition can be seen under the tilted-down snout. The engine lays tilted forward for a low profile and centralized mass. It also benefits the sled’s center of gravity, keeping it low to let the sled work better in the corners.

The Suzuki-built 2-stroke twin features Arctic Cat’s famed battery-less electronic fuel injection that gives you quick, sure starts. The exhaust houses an exhaust pipe temperature sensor and there’s the performance enhancing electronically controlled Arctic exhaust valves to reduce emissions and maintain maximum performance.

The liquid-cooled twin delivers its power from the crankshaft to Cat’s patented planetary gear Diamond Direct Drive.

On Trail

On the trail we’ve been impressed with Arctic Cat’s wind blocking windscreen and cowl design. In an age where many sled makers seem to think wind protection isn’t terribly important, Arctic Cat engineers prove that you can have a sleekly styled snowmobile that helps keep -30 degree cold off your hands and chest. Arctic Cat windshields, even the low profile one, actually deflect cold. Notice how the windscreen stretches from side to side to offer coverage for the rider’s hands. There’s a lip in the center of the F6 Sno Pro windshield to move wind up and around the rider. If you want more protection, there’s a taller version, too. But Cat’s standard windshields offer more protection than some other sled manufacturers’ mid-height designs.

As for overall performance, the F6 Sno Pro is right in the mix for speed and acceleration in its class. It excels in cornering. And it excels in what we’ll call on-trail livability.

This is a very nice ride for a vast assortment of snowmobilers. If you ride in the rough and like to power through the twisties, you’ll like the F6 Sno Pro. If you like to ride hard sometimes, but more often like quick-paced long distance tours, the F6 Sno Pro will suit you. And, if you want a fun ride with lots of features and performance to keep up with a quick crowd of riders, you’ll find the F6 Sno Pro suits you as well. The F6 Sno Pro is much more than just another trail performer. It is a well-rounded, everyday sled with a serious bite that far exceeded our expectations.

2009 Arctic Cat Sno Pro Specs
Engine	Arctic/Suzuki 599cc, two-stroke, liquid-cooled, twin; 46mm throttle body, batteryless electronic fuel injection
Horsepower	125 (Estimated)
Drive	Arctic Diamond Drive
Front Suspension	Arctic AWS VII A-arm suspension; Fox Float shocks; 9.r-inches of travel
Rear Suspension	Arctic Slide-Action parallel rail slide with Fox IFP shocks; up to 13.5-inches of travel
Length	118.0 in
Width	47.25 in
Ski Stance	43.0 in
Track	15 x 128 x 1.25
Weight	N/A
Fuel Capacity	12.6 US Gal
MSRP	$9,699

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