sled or atv?

[JigginIsLife]

i would say mix the two get trax for the fourwheeler... is that an option

[knoppers]

you will need better tires on the wheeler, as stock tires are not so good in the snow.

[DAWBSKI]

Fully agree with you knoppers. I have 26'' huge mud paddles on my grizzly 660 and you do need to upgrade the tires if you want to stand a chance in deep snow and slush.

[coombia21]

i would also agree with the wheeler but i would also say when you get the wheeler get a set of deeper lug tires to give you some ground clearance and extra traction

[icefishing21]

i agree with everyone else, i like the atv better just need some big tires

[lilwalter]

Thanks for the input! I'm leaning sled. How about maintenance? Is one less than the other. I am not good with a wrench:).

[Eelpout08]

The sled will most likely need to have the carbs gone through every fall to avoid problems, not sure about fuel injected models, never owned one. seems like wheelers don't need as much because they get used year round but it would be a good idea to give er a tune up once a year also. if your not into doing that stuff yourself you can haul it into a trusted dealer/shop and have the once a year 'checkup'

[leech~~]

lilwalter, oh boy now your opening an all new can a worms with this one. Lets just call it even on the maintenance deal between wheeler and sled, or this post will go on for ever!

[hydro]

Personally, I like the sled idea (That's what I have now) but you have to be careful to concentrate on fishing. I like to ride the sled as much as I like to fish so I divide my time between the two.

[Eelpout08]

I'll second that!

[DrSwiftwater]

How about maintenance? Is one less than the other. I am not good with a wrench:).

hehe. Oh boy. I've owned both snowmobiles and ATV's, and the snowmobiles, by far, required more maintenance and wrenching. I don't think I've ever done anymore than regular maintnence on my ATVs (Hondas). If you're going with a new snowmobile, then you shouldn't have any problems. I've always bought my snowmobiles used, and it seems like I always spent more time working on them than riding them (Polaris. Grrr.). This could just be bad luck on my part though. Not to say that an ATV isn't going to break down, but in my experience, they have been more reliable. Good luck!

[Realtor Boy]

Without a doubt -- ATV -- all the way...

Plus you can use it all summer long...

[HaRdWaTeR jUnKy]

ATV, you would be suprised what they can get through and its handy all year long! When i had sleds i would get upset haveing them sit in the shed for 9 months out of the year and even that would be a good year! Get yourself some tire chains they make a big difference!

[Koldfront Kraig]

I have yet to see an ATV fish the areas we fish on Lake Of The Woods.

Especially when its -20 degrees.

No one has mentioned crossing pressure ridges and cracks.

With a sled you don't need to bring plywood or boards to cross.

What about a foot of slush under a foot or two of snow?

Good luck with your ATV trying to get to your favorite spot under those conditions.

With the mild, snow less winters we had for close to a decade up until a few years ago ATV's worked great. But the last couple of years - cold and very snowy, not so much.

[HaRdWaTeR jUnKy]

As stated above, if you could only have one and have little or no use for an atv besides icefishing i would go with a sled hands down!

[mozy]

I'd get an ATV. Where I fish, by the time there is enough snow to worry about, it's windblown and hard enough to drive on. I've also found ATV's to be much easier to maintain. Get a decent set of tires and your set.

[Tully]

I paid 500 bux each for my 2 sleds and we put 200 miles on up at the Angle last year. You could buy both if you find a good deal on each used. No way would you have followed us up there on a wheeler. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[pjhaef]

As a person can see here there are great reasons for owning either or both.

We have a BF750 and I picked up a set of used mud tires that I installed ice screws in them so when there is no or little snow I take the wheeler out and have had no problems pulling my portable around or wheel houses that my friends have.

However there is always a time that the snow is to deep and its just to slow on the wheeler so last year I went out and found a used sled for right around 300 bucks. That and a new belt and we were good to go.

As far as maintenance goes IMO no matter what you own you will be doing a little bit of work on them. With ATV or sleds preventative maintenance goes a long way.

Just sit back and figure out what you will get the most use out of and go for it. No matter what it will be a good time.

[varmithtr]

I've got both, and agree with most of the responses. If you are using it just to fish, and want to fish no matter what the snow conditions, then a snow cat is the only way to go. 4 wheelers are fun in the summer, fall, deer hunting, early ice, etc... and I love mine, however, in deep snow (I have chains for all 4 tires) they are worthless, and a bear to get unstuck. It's simply a ground clearance issue. Sleds are also better for your bigger lakes. 35 mph accross a lake on a sled seems smooth. The same on a 4 wheeler feels like your at a baja rally.

[deadeye]

Ya a sled is really ideal if you want it just for fishing.

I would be buying a ATV if I had the funds right now since most of the places I fish don't really get that much snow. I would consider doing trax on a atv if its something that gets use year round.

[DTro]

Nobody is mentioning the bonus trail riding you get to do with a sled in the winter. That is one of the things that sealed the deal with the Mrs and the 2up I purchased.

[pjhaef]

i think that no matter what you end up purchasing you will find more things to get outside and do with them. anything that you can do to get out of the house especially in the winter time is a bonus. so get an atv or get a sled and get out and enjoy.

[PierBridge]

I have yet to see an ATV fish the areas we fish on Lake Of The Woods.

Especially when its -20 degrees.

No one has mentioned crossing pressure ridges and cracks.

With a sled you don't need to bring plywood or boards to cross.

What about a foot of slush under a foot or two of snow?

Good luck with your ATV trying to get to your favorite spot under those conditions.

With the mild, snow less winters we had for close to a decade up until a few years ago ATV's worked great. But the last couple of years - cold and very snowy, not so much.

What he said... I compare the ATV to the mo-ped it works for the most part but if you want to do some serious Ice Fishing on Big Water with snow and advanced elements, travel, mobilty the ATV is just not going to cut it!

Look for a 2-up Snowmobile is my choice for your situation.