Specialty Springs for Arctic Cat M-Series

Story by Matt Allred Photos by Jake Allred Aug. 06, 2009

Brett Rasmussen develops three spring packages for the popular M-series

Snowmobile Research Services (SRS), and company owner, Bret Rasmussen, have formed a collaborative business relationship with Renton Coil Springs (RCS) to optimize: “the ride characteristics of Arctic Cat’s M-series of mountain sleds.”

SRS with master developer, Bret Rasmussen, developed three differing spring packages for the popular Arctic Cat M-series. These packages adapt to Cat’s existing front and rear suspensions, as well as the ultra trick aftermarket rear suspension, EZ Ryde, from Great Lakes Sound and Vibration.

Three Packages

The first package softens up the M’s rear suspension by swapping out the rear and center shock spring with progressive rate springs. This first package requires a Fox Zero Pro shock to replace the Fox Floats the OEM bolted to the M; these premium shocks can be supplied with this first spring package.

The EZ Ryde mountain skid receives the titanium springs making a superb rear suspension beyond A+. The EZ Ryde springs are progressive rate springs.

The second package offers the same rear setup as package I, but also includes dual rate springs for the front suspension. Just as with package I, the Sno Pro Ms with Fox Floats will need the change out to Zero Pros.

Package III offers the front springs only from package II, but adds springs for the EZ Ryde, if the M6, M8 or M1000 is equipped with such. The EZ Ryde springs are progressive rate springs. If you don’t have the EZ Ryde, one of Rasmussen’s suppliers can deliver one, or have it installed on your sled.

The stock spring for the Ms are replaced with high-end and ultra positive dual rate springs. The Sno Pro Ms with Fox Floats are exchanged for Zero Pros.

The RCS springs adapt to the M’s, but they are standard on Arctic Cat’s Sno Pro or HCR.

Two Years Development

Rasmussen finalized the spring packages during the fall and winter of 2008 and 2009, and into this past spring; but he had been working out his research and development for the previous two years.

Rasmussen claims the spring packages improve the M’s trail mannerisms without sacrificing deep powder function, for which the Ms are famous.

When you live in deep snow country you can get out for product testing of the RCS Spring packages in late May — or even later some years.

In preview riding with the progressive rate springs, you’ll find that the rear suspension moves freely, without hindrance. The rear suspension springs move through a softer more controlled collapse and rebound, which changes the track’s approach angle to a more gentle angle to help keep the M Cat flat as it pulls up on top of the snow. Trying to hit all compromises for the broadest range of riders, Arctic Cat uses straight rate shock springs on all corners. But for those knowing riders, these SRS and RCS developed springs carve out the M’s tree running and boondocking niche with a finer scalpel.

More Info

If you’d like to get more information about these products, product distribution is via Boondockers for all three shock packages. Check them out online at Boondockers.com or call 877-522-7805 (U.S), or 877-449-2699 (Canada). EZ Ryde, as well as RCS also have full details. In addition, for a list of distributors, and technical information, contact Rasmussen at SRS at 208-221-4294.