Ping Pong
14/12/2004, 07h08
http://www.maximumsled.com/maximumsled/snowmobile/articles_layout.asp?articleid=550&zoneid=3
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"Maximum Sled Review: BLADE HPO Type ST
A sled like no other!
11/30/2004
SLED REVIEWS
Larry A. Kaduce
LADE snowmobiles have been rather quiet lately, but that doesn't mean they are down for the count. It seems that FAST, Inc. is coming back to the basics and is dedicated to churn out as many new machines as the orders will handle.
The BLADE HPO Type ST should be one of the biggest order-takers as it's claimed to be the fastest Blade snowmobile ever built.
Power to Satisfy
These are no ordinary Polaris VES 800cc engines. The HPO is fitted with US-built Polaris engines to BLADE specifications that is rotated 180 degrees and positioned as low as possible in the chassis. The engine is mated to a set of FAST, Inc. 8100 RPM twin performance pipes and silencer, which is tuned for low to medium elevations. Dual 40mm Mikuni TM carbs and a calibrated intake plenum provide the optimal air-fuel mixture for the HPO powerplant. The engine package is wrapped with a billet aluminum water jacket and premium fuel switch to calibrate to high-quality and low-quality fuels.
The power is transfered through the proven Polaris P-85 clutch and the new Rapid Reaction™ driven clutch from TEAM Industries™. The Rapid Reaction secondary with a roller cam and a special cut Twin Trax™ helix designed specifically for the HPO sled and power package. This clutching combination provides a very aggressive up-shift with smooth and reactive back-shift action. The enclosed track cam improves efficiency and power delivery while providing longer belt life.
136" M-16™ W/ TAG
If you think the M-10 is advanced, the M-16 promised to take rear suspension technology to a whole new level. The new rear suspension employs a lighter weight, very visible version of TAG through its "LIVE REAR AXLE" technology. The M-16™ also boasts large 7.5" diameter rear PPD idler wheels for free-wheeling the track. The larger diameter idlers and the ten-tooth drivers wheels take up some of the added length of the 136" track while still putting approximately 13% more track on the snow to increase the floatation, stability and traction of the machine. Dampening is handled through lightweight aluminum bodied Ryde FX shocks with an exclusive hi-speed compression adjuster on the rear shock reservoir. The M-16 still has a similar biased coupling system of the M-10 but the sliding blocks are now located on the upper cross shaft.
Putting as much power as possible to the snow is a new Camoplast 14 x 136 x 1.125 track. This hybrid track is hand-cut by Camoplast and FAST, Inc. technicians to achieve maximum traction control for both on and off throttle. Its special lightweight slippery rubber construction and clips every three windows allows for easy no-stick performance at any speed. The lug pattern is a combination of bars and knobs to provide all around traction for a wide variety of snow conditions.
Power transfer and ratio changes are handled through matched sets of Tru-Pitch™ gears to meet the performance needs for a wide variety of riders. Compared to a chaincase, the Tru-Pitch™ system is more efficient and reliable.
The Braking System is also built to BLADE's specifications. The large Wilwood™ brake caliper is uniquely mounted to a heat-sink on the chassis with exposure to the snow for extra cooling. The large, vented rotor mounts directly on the drive shaft, eliminating gear reduction for a smooth and controlled braking system.
RAD™ Front Suspension
The BLADE's RAD™ front suspension stands for "Rocker Arm Displacement" but to us it also means "Radical". It not only is the trickest looking front suspension in the industry, but it works and works very well. The first 80% of travel is linear, and the last is a rising rate hydraulic bump-stop for a total of 9.8" of true vertical travel. This SLA (Short-Long A-Arm) type suspension is an automotive derivative that has been successully used in racing for over 50 years. Its precision geometry provides for near zero bump steer and scrub for easy and responsive handling. BLADE's exclusive CompLink™ stabilizer provides adjustability to the chassis roll stiffness. It assures a firm roll rate in smooth corners and automatically reduces the rate for bump absorption, whatever the trail conditions.
The Delta Perimeter Frame
The BLADE Delta frame is the only chassis in the industry to be constructed from 100% aluminum alloy multi-cell extrusions, welded and triangulated to provide the stiffest chassis in the business. This lightweight yet sturdy foundation allows for finely tuned suspension calibrations, greater steering accuracy, precise drivetrain alignments and greater durability.
The Instrument Panel
Both the speedometer and tachometer are backlit digital LCD readouts for increased precision and ease of reading. The speedometer has a resetable trip meter, odometer and a hi-temp light. The tachometer features a Max Recall which records top RPM and also a hi-beam indicator and low oil light.
Final Remarks and Rider Impressions
The BLADE HPO is an experience to ride like no other. From the moment of first climbing onto the saddle, it is obvious that the HPO is no ordinary snowmobile. Test rider Wade West explained, "The HPO was scary fast and still provides the handling and comfort for a confident ride." Test rider Steve Franta agrees, "There is so much cool technology in the BLADE, which is apparent under all types of riding. This is a machine that is as happy ditch-banging as it is flying across the lake--a true engineering marvel!"
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http://www.maximumsled.com/maximumsled/articlefiles/550-hpo03action.jpg
"Maximum Sled Review: BLADE HPO Type ST
A sled like no other!
11/30/2004
SLED REVIEWS
Larry A. Kaduce
LADE snowmobiles have been rather quiet lately, but that doesn't mean they are down for the count. It seems that FAST, Inc. is coming back to the basics and is dedicated to churn out as many new machines as the orders will handle.
The BLADE HPO Type ST should be one of the biggest order-takers as it's claimed to be the fastest Blade snowmobile ever built.
Power to Satisfy
These are no ordinary Polaris VES 800cc engines. The HPO is fitted with US-built Polaris engines to BLADE specifications that is rotated 180 degrees and positioned as low as possible in the chassis. The engine is mated to a set of FAST, Inc. 8100 RPM twin performance pipes and silencer, which is tuned for low to medium elevations. Dual 40mm Mikuni TM carbs and a calibrated intake plenum provide the optimal air-fuel mixture for the HPO powerplant. The engine package is wrapped with a billet aluminum water jacket and premium fuel switch to calibrate to high-quality and low-quality fuels.
The power is transfered through the proven Polaris P-85 clutch and the new Rapid Reaction™ driven clutch from TEAM Industries™. The Rapid Reaction secondary with a roller cam and a special cut Twin Trax™ helix designed specifically for the HPO sled and power package. This clutching combination provides a very aggressive up-shift with smooth and reactive back-shift action. The enclosed track cam improves efficiency and power delivery while providing longer belt life.
136" M-16™ W/ TAG
If you think the M-10 is advanced, the M-16 promised to take rear suspension technology to a whole new level. The new rear suspension employs a lighter weight, very visible version of TAG through its "LIVE REAR AXLE" technology. The M-16™ also boasts large 7.5" diameter rear PPD idler wheels for free-wheeling the track. The larger diameter idlers and the ten-tooth drivers wheels take up some of the added length of the 136" track while still putting approximately 13% more track on the snow to increase the floatation, stability and traction of the machine. Dampening is handled through lightweight aluminum bodied Ryde FX shocks with an exclusive hi-speed compression adjuster on the rear shock reservoir. The M-16 still has a similar biased coupling system of the M-10 but the sliding blocks are now located on the upper cross shaft.
Putting as much power as possible to the snow is a new Camoplast 14 x 136 x 1.125 track. This hybrid track is hand-cut by Camoplast and FAST, Inc. technicians to achieve maximum traction control for both on and off throttle. Its special lightweight slippery rubber construction and clips every three windows allows for easy no-stick performance at any speed. The lug pattern is a combination of bars and knobs to provide all around traction for a wide variety of snow conditions.
Power transfer and ratio changes are handled through matched sets of Tru-Pitch™ gears to meet the performance needs for a wide variety of riders. Compared to a chaincase, the Tru-Pitch™ system is more efficient and reliable.
The Braking System is also built to BLADE's specifications. The large Wilwood™ brake caliper is uniquely mounted to a heat-sink on the chassis with exposure to the snow for extra cooling. The large, vented rotor mounts directly on the drive shaft, eliminating gear reduction for a smooth and controlled braking system.
RAD™ Front Suspension
The BLADE's RAD™ front suspension stands for "Rocker Arm Displacement" but to us it also means "Radical". It not only is the trickest looking front suspension in the industry, but it works and works very well. The first 80% of travel is linear, and the last is a rising rate hydraulic bump-stop for a total of 9.8" of true vertical travel. This SLA (Short-Long A-Arm) type suspension is an automotive derivative that has been successully used in racing for over 50 years. Its precision geometry provides for near zero bump steer and scrub for easy and responsive handling. BLADE's exclusive CompLink™ stabilizer provides adjustability to the chassis roll stiffness. It assures a firm roll rate in smooth corners and automatically reduces the rate for bump absorption, whatever the trail conditions.
The Delta Perimeter Frame
The BLADE Delta frame is the only chassis in the industry to be constructed from 100% aluminum alloy multi-cell extrusions, welded and triangulated to provide the stiffest chassis in the business. This lightweight yet sturdy foundation allows for finely tuned suspension calibrations, greater steering accuracy, precise drivetrain alignments and greater durability.
The Instrument Panel
Both the speedometer and tachometer are backlit digital LCD readouts for increased precision and ease of reading. The speedometer has a resetable trip meter, odometer and a hi-temp light. The tachometer features a Max Recall which records top RPM and also a hi-beam indicator and low oil light.
Final Remarks and Rider Impressions
The BLADE HPO is an experience to ride like no other. From the moment of first climbing onto the saddle, it is obvious that the HPO is no ordinary snowmobile. Test rider Wade West explained, "The HPO was scary fast and still provides the handling and comfort for a confident ride." Test rider Steve Franta agrees, "There is so much cool technology in the BLADE, which is apparent under all types of riding. This is a machine that is as happy ditch-banging as it is flying across the lake--a true engineering marvel!"
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