MAXKEEL SKI INFO
The last two seasons of customers feedback, combined with 5 different prototype skis, six evolutions of the ski mount and 6 generations of ski skaggs have enabled us to deliver a product that will have you carving lines at a speed you never thought possible.
The MAXKEEL SKI climbs on top of the powder fast and stays there, keeping it’s wide front nose clean and the snow out of your radiators and face. Throttle down a steep mountain face in the powder, then carve right back uphill with confidence and control, or race up the icy, rutted trail as fast as you would like without breaking a sweat, the MAXKEEL delivers performance.
MAXKEEL was designed with the same radius underneath to match the track radius profile, enhancing the trail handling characteristics of the YETI SNOWMX to be comfortable and predicable at any speed.
Each MAXKEEL SKI is equipped with a centre skag and two outer ski blades that are made from a mining industry wear plate material called HARDOX. This material has a Rockwell rating of 35, which is very long lasting for the bottom of your ski. It will last approximately 8km (5m) of gravel riding before it needs replacing.
MAXKEEL SKIS are manufactured by industry expert PPD in Quebec, Canada, a manufacturer of many snowmobile related products.
Ride the trail relaxed, and enjoy the experience.
MAXKEEL TECH TIPS
The MAXKEEL centre skag lasts around 8km of gravel riding, it is a wearable item. Visually check your centre skag and outer blades each ride for wear.
If your handling all of a sudden becomes very poor, check your centre skag, we have seen rocks get stuck between the two centre rails, and even a beer can on one ride.
The ski rubber is also a wearable item that collapses over time, check to see that it is in good condition. It’s purpose is to keep the nose of the ski tilted up when jumping, and dampening the constant movement of the ski. The ski rubber is also labeled underneath to help installation as to the proper placement into the ski bucket.
MAXKEEL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why does the ski “dart” or “grab” in harder crusted snow conditions, or on certain trail conditions and how do I fix that?
A: We have learned that setting up the strut rod is the most important step to proper YETI handling. Adjusting the strut rod will drastically effect how your MAXKEEL SKI handles in different snow conditions, learn how to easily adjust to suit your riding style. Each full rotation of the strut rod is equal to .125” of rear suspension rail lift or drop measured at the rear shock shaft. These instructions will walk you through how to set up your strut rod, or watch the video below.
Each full rotation of the strut rod clockwise will raise the rear suspension rails measured at the rear lower shock shaft .100”
Each full rotation of the strut rod counterclockwise will raise the front of the suspension rails measured at the front lower shock shaft .100”
We have found the best initial YETI set up, is starting with the rear shock shaft .250”- .400” higher than the front shock shaft. This is good for all conditions and rider styles.
The front ski will “dart” or “grab” when there is too much ski pressure, or when there is too little ski pressure, the effect will feel almost the same.
Most of the time we have found that a quick adjustment on the trail of two turns in either direction makes a huge difference.
NOTE: The YETI SNOWMX instructions for 2016 recommended the initial setup of the rear strut rod was with the centre track paddle aligned with the front lower shock cross shaft, and having a gap of .020” ( enough to slide a piece of paper through the gap). Though customer feedback and testing last winter, we have changed that spec to this improved initial set up.
The new spec is to measure the height from the floor to the centre of the two lower shock cross shafts. The rear shock cross shaft should measure .400” higher than the front shock cross shaft.
When the bike is on the flat ground sitting on the centre skag ( no wheel kit installed).
Q: How long should my centre skag last?
A: Your centre skag should last approximately 8km(5m) of gravel riding. The ski skags and blades are wearable items, and it is the owners responsibility to check them and replace them as needed.